NIG GCI MOVES TO SUPPORT ADAMAWA MIN OF EDUCATION ON GENDER ISSUES

 

As part of deliberate effort towards supporting ministry of education to strengthen attention on gender issues, the Gender at the Center Initiative(GCI) in Nigeria has organised a high level meeting on Gender Responsive Education Sector Planning in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic in Adamawa state.

The meeting was organised primarily so as provide opportunity for deliberation on gender issues affecting both boys and girls in schools as well as to support ministry of education to strengthen attention in the development, implementation and monitoring of education plans.  

It also aimed at providing avenue for critical Stakeholders, Civil Society Organisations and Students to discuss on practical steps to be taken to support girls' re-enrolment and a more gender responsive education system now that schools are fully resumed. 

The one-day meeting held in Yola, the Adamawa state capital, attracted the Chairman Adamawa Assembly Standing Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno(Demsa), the Commissioner Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Hon. Wulbina Jackson, representative of the Commissioner Ministry of Finance, Chairman Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Salihi Ateequ, CSOs, and Students from various institutions of learning.

During the meeting, the participants identified early marriage, sexual harassment, poverty, finance, religion, lack of conducive environment, culture among others as factors mostly affecting the attainment of quality education by boys and girls in the society.  

Speaking at the event, the Chairman House of Assembly Standing Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development and Member representing Guyuk constituency, Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno applauded GCI for organising the meeting, saying that the state will benefit enormously from the meeting.

The female Legislator stressed the readiness of the House of Assembly to enact a law on girl child education in the society, saying that their efforts is to discourage early marriage as it affects girl child.

Also speaking, the Commissioner Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Hon.Wulbina Jackson, told the gathering that her ministry is very much concerned about gender issues, saying that the ministry will do everything possible towards encouraging girl child.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman Universal Basic Education Board, Salihi Ateequ, noted with concern how the society does not accord a deserved attention on issues of gender, and appealed for synergy towards addressing it.

Speaking earlier, Led Consortium of GCI, Jiddere Musa Kaibo, disclosed that GCI started in 2019 under the leadership of G7 including USA, UK, Japan, Canada, Germany, France and Italy, adding that ministers of education of the aforementioned countries have made gender a key priority during their meeting.

Jiddere Kaibo disclosed that GCI recognises the urgency of ensuring that all boys and girls around the world are able to access quality education as a fundamental right, advocating for availability of schools for children, and effort to ensure that children are safe in schools and observe Covid-19 protocols.

According to her, the sole aim is that gender should be at the center of all decisions, and that government should be able to factor gender whenever it is building schools, and pledged to strive assiduously towards strengthening attention on issues affecting boys and girls in schools. 

Jiddere Musa Kaibo who is also the National Chairperson of Forum of African Women Educationists (FAWE) stated that Plan International, FAWE and Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All (CSACEFA) are implementors of GCI, and appreciated the state government for its support.

FRAUD: 300 ADAMAWA FARMERS SUE NACOTAN, SEEKS #46 MILLION COMPENSATION

 About 300 Members of Alheri Farmers Association in Adamawa have dragged the state chapter of National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN) Clustering Farming Model 2020 Wet Season to Upper Area court II for allegedly defrauding them.

The affected farmers are demanding the whooping #46.650milion as compensation over alleged loss they incurred as a result of NACOTAN's refusal to give them inputs as agreed for wet season farming activities in the year 2020.  

The association in a criminal summons issued against the leadership of NACOTAN said that the complainants applied for Agric loan sometimes in the year 2020 from the Federal Government's Anchor Borrower Loan Scheme through NACOTAN but the inputs released to them through NACOTAN for onward distribution to the farmers were diverted, causing loss of not less than #150,000 by each farmer.

The leadership of the association alleged that the government had released 12 items to Alhaji Usman Abubakar led NACOTAN to be distributed to all the farmers, but the union ended up giving them 4 items including including Undelinted Planting Seeds, Fungicides-Mancozeb Carbandazin, Glyphosate and Pendelin and kept 8 items including fertilizer, cotton made harvest bags among others.

According to them, the union had collected particulars of their members which include names, phone numbers and Bank Verification Number (BVN) for the purpose of accessing the loan on their behalf for the purpose of wet season farming cotton, and that after collecting the inputs, the defendants refused to give them but misappropriated same. 

The complainants added that the defendants have kept on intimidating them that they must pay for all the items including what they did not collect, explaining that the conduct of the defendants  amounts to offences of criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, cheating, defamation of character, and intimidation contrary to sections 299, 302, 312, 377 and 382 of the penal code law of Adamawa. 

Alhaji Sale Shuaibu Zariya led association further disclosed that the defendants planted the seeds given to them, and that the defendants refused to give them the remaining inputs which led to the destruction of what they earlier planted causing a lot of hardship and huge loss.

According to them, the defendants also collected the sum of #5,500 from every farmer for the purpose of opening account and deposit, but that refused to deposit even a dime into their accounts, pointing out that the defendants further collected particulars of thousand of farmers including theirs, and that they were afraid that the particulars may be used in accessing loan for dry season farming.

The association has also sought for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from collecting loan from any financial institution on behalf of any person pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

When the matter came up for mention on Friday, counsel to the defendants, Barrister N. I. El-Yakub, urged the court to give him short date to file further better affidavit in respect of notice of preliminary objection.

The court presided over by Honourable Dan John adjourned the matter to 8,the February, 2021 so as to enable the defendants' counsel to file an affidavit.

19 YR OLD MAN LANDS IN YOLA PRISON FOR DEFILING 4 YR GIRL IN ADAMAWA

For allegedly defiling a minor, a 19 year old man, Sabitu Abdulkarim, of Ngulire ward in Maiha Local Government Area, Adamawa state has been remanded in Yola Prison in connection with the offence.

Sabitu was earlier arraigned before Honourable Aliyu Bawuro led Magistrate Court I Admin in Yola for allegedly defiling the little girl in Maiha LGA contrary to section 211of penal code law.

The accused was charged to court by way of First Information Report, alleging that the suspect defiled the little girl (names withheld) around 7:30 pm on the 8th January, 2021.

He was said to have defiled the girl as a result of which she sustained injuries.

But when the substance of the offence was read and interpreted to the young man, he pleaded not guilty to the said offence.

During cross examination, the accused informed the court that the girl saw him when he was coming out of bathroom and nothing else.

It was at this juncture that the Prosecutor, Sergeant Sawe Nicholas, prayed the court to adjourn the matter to enable the police seek legal advice from the Ministry of Justice.

The presiding Judge, Honourable Aliyu Bawuro adjourned the case to 18th February, 2021 for further mention, and ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison custody till then.

ADAMAWA CIVIL SERVANT KILLS 300 LEVEL ADSU STUDENT OVER IPHONE

 

A Staff of Adamawa state Ministry of Health and Human Development attached to Health Service Management Board Mubi, Festus Stephen, has stabbed a 300 level student of the State University (ADSU), Mubi, Abbas Mohammed Gudus with a knife to death.

Festus who is currently standing trial at a High Court  presided over by Justice Helen N. Hammajoda, over the alleged offence, was said to have stabbed his friend, Gudus with a knife on his neck to death over the phone he bought from the victim.

The accused was charged to court on 2 counts charges boredrering robbery while armed with offensive weapons contrary and punishable under section 1(2) (b) of the robbery and firearms (Special Provision) act cap R11 laws of the Federation, 2004.

According to the accused person, he first met with Gudus in 2011, and became friends since then, and that sometimes he used to eat and sleep in his Gudu's house in Mubi.

He said that on the 27th October, 2018, at about 7:30pm at Wuro Gude, himself and the deceased decided that he (the victim) should go and buy a fried yam and bean cake, while himself should go and buy codeine syrup for consumption.

On his part, he said he went and bought 2 bottles of codeine syrup for their consumption, while late Gudus bought the fried yam and bean cake, narrating that they ate the yam and subsequently consumed the syrup.

The 27 year old man further explained in his confessional statement that before the incident, he bought the victim's IPhone at the sum of #40,000, and paid the money, but the deceased could not give him the IPhone. 

He stated that he did whatever he could so that he will give him the phone since he had paid for it, but to no avail and decided to use the opportunity in order to collect the phone either by force.

According to him, some minutes after taking their codeine syrup, his friend removed the phone from his pocket and told him that he wanted to call his father, and that immediately, he removed a knife he armed himself with and stabbed him on his neck as a result of which fell down lifeless.

Festus narrated further that he picked the phone and dipped his hands in the pocket of the deceased and took a packet of cigarette and boarded a tricycle and fled from the scene of the incident. 

According to him, he switched off the phone until the following day where he on it and called the father of the deceased, but he could not utter a word, and that he was later traced and arrested by the police. 

The case which came up on Thursday for hearing was further adjourned to the 24th February, 2021 for continuation of hearing.

 

42 YR OLD MAN STRANGULATES OWN MOTHER WITH A ROPE TO DEATH IN ADAMAWA

A 42 year old farmer, Clement Tumba of Dilchim community in Michika Local Government Area, Adamawa state on Wednesday appeared in court in Yola for allegedly strangulating his own mother with a rope to death. 

Clement Tumba, a father of 5 terminated the life of  his aged mother, Regina Daniel for advising him not to fight with his sister, Rebecca Daniel again, but they should live in peace and harmony. 

The 42 year old Drunkard was arraigned before Honourable Justice Helen N. Hammanjoda, led High Court for alleged culpable homicide punishable with death contrary to section 221 (b) of the state penal code law.

He was alleged to have caused the death of his old mother by strangulating her with a rope on her neck with his knowledge that her death would be the probable consequence of his action.

The accused told the court in his confessional statement that he met his mother seated in their house around 12:00am midnight when he came back from a joint, and told her to enter her room and sleep.

According to him, when he told her to enter her room and sleep, his mother started advising him not to continue to fight with his sister, and that he instantly became angry with what she was telling him and went and picked a rope and strangulated her with it.

He added that when his neighbour by name Barnabas Tumba heard their noise, he came and pleaded with him to leave the old woman alone, but according to him, he pulled out his knife and threatened to stab his neighbour as a result of which he fled from the scene.

He disclosed that his neighbour later invited the vigilante group who came and apprehended him in connection with the incident.

He further narrated that his mother fell down and died on the spot as a result of the strangulation, saying he is responsible for her demise.

He explained that he was also provoked over their land which was sold by other family members when he was in Maiha LGA but could not be given his own share of the money which was given to the victim when was disposed.

The court however adjourned the case to the 24th February, 2021 for continuation of trial.

During the sitting, Barrister M. B. Rufai appeared for the prosecution, while Mohammed Abubakar from Legal Aid Council of Nigeria appeared in court for the defendant.

WE KILLED 7 PEOPLE IN 7 YRS OF MY WITCHCRAFT IN DUMNE- WOMAN TELLS YOLA COURT

 A 60 year old woman, Halima Jonta of Dumne town in Song Local Government Area, Adamawa state has confessed that herself and 2 other witches have killed 7 people in 7 years since she joined witchcraft in Dumne town.

Mama Halima informed Honourable Umar Gangs led Criminal Area Court I that she joined witchcraft about 7 years ago, and that herself and 2 other women in Dumne have succeeded in killing 7 people and terrorising the inhabitants of the town.

Meanwhile the criminal area court has given 24 hour ultimatum to 7 suspected witches arraigned before it  to restore the health of a 3 year old girl they bewitched, or else incur the wrath of the law.

The witches including the 60 year old woman and children between 4 to 6 age bracket were arrested and brought before the court by Sarkin Mayun Adamawa, Dr. Kabiru Garba following a report on the health condition of the little child by her parents. 

The witches including the little children who were apprehended in Dumne, confessed to have bewitched the little child and accused each other and other relations as being responsible for initiating each other into witchraft/secret cult.

 

They told the court that it was the old woman and one other called Dudu( now at large) that asked them to tie the child, put stone in her stomach and the image of a dead person in her, and added that they have since untied her, removed the image and the stone, and that remained only one thing that Dudu put in her.

They further narrated that by the time that they put dead person's image in their victims, such persons could not eat, drink or do anything but will remain like the dead person until the time of slaughtering.

 

According to them, they tried to remove that one thing that Dudu put in the baby, but they could not because it is beyond their power, and stated that it is the demonic spirit that is in them that pushes them to do such evil, and that it is not deliberate.

Some of the children disclosed that they normally metamophose or become white rats, cats, snakes or any other evil animal before attacking their victims, and pleaded to be set free from the bondage so that they can become normal human beings.

The innocent little girl who was also brought to  court by her parents, was said to have been battling between life and death for about 3 months now.

Presiding over the matter, Honourable Umar Gangs gave them 24 hour ultimatum to restore the health of the child, and ordered that Dudu who is now at large be arrested with immediate effect.

The Judge told them the court will hold them responsible if the health condition of the baby deteriorated, and advised them to remove everything that they put in her. 

He lamented that the affected children have not even reached the age that can be sent to remand home not to talk of correctional service facility, and further noted with concern a situation whereby little children who do not know anything would be initiated into witchcraft. 

FEMALE GRADUATE OF MASS COM, FRIEND BAG 7 YR JAIL TERM FOR FIGHTING AT BEER PARLOUR

 

A 2019 Graduate of Mass Communication Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, Philomina Napoleon and her friend, Godiya Emmanuel have been convicted and sentenced to 7 years and 2 months in prison for fighting at beer parlour in Yola.

Philomina Napoleon, 26 and her friend Godiya Emmanuel 22 were earlier dragged to the Criminal Area Court II Yola presided over by Honourable Nuhu Musa Garta over allegation of engaging Jacob Kwada, owner of Cool Spot, a beer parlour at Wauru Jabbe in Yola South LGA in a fight.

They were charged to the Honourable Court for criminal conspiracy, disturbance of public peace, criminal force and mischief contrary to sections 61, 79, 239 and 319 of the state penal code law, 2018 as amended.

Recall that upon their arraignment in court last week over the alleged offences, the suspects and now convicts, pleaded guilty to the offences as a result of which the ordered that they should be remanded in prison custody until Monday 25th January, 2021 for hearing and summary trial. 

When the matter came up today for hearing the prosecutor, Inspector Coleman Michael in his effort to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt, called one witness who corroborated the plea of the of defendants which led to their conviction.  

Earlier, the prosecution witness, Jacob Kwada narrated that the two young ladies came to his bear parlour along side one Uncle K and that when he saw them seated, he asked them to leave his beer parlour.

According to him, the convicts responded that they did not see anybody that will dare ask them to leave the parlour unless Uncle K, adding that Uncle K pleaded with him to leave them, but he stood his ground and insisted that they must leave his parlour.

He said that the 2nd defendant and now convict, Godiya Emmanuel carried one of his plastic chairs and hit him with it, and that both of them picked bottles and threatened to break it on his head.  

He told the court that he went and reported the matter to the vigilante who came and arrested them and handed them over to the police, hence their arraignment before the court.

Delivering its judgment on the matter, the court presided over by Honourable Garta, declared that the court has considered the plea of the defendants, and that the prosecution having proved its case, the court was left with no option than to convict them accordingly.

He therefore convicted and sentenced them to 3 years and 6 months each on the 4 count charges with #45,000 option of fine for each and further awarded the sum of #20,000 as compensation to the complainant.

According to him, the court has also considered the plea of the convicts to temper justice with mercy and that the sentence is to serve as deterrence to others, and lamented a situation whereby young girls at that age will be patronising such places.

ADAMAWA COURT CONVICTS MAN TO 3 YRS IN PRISON FOR STEALING PIPES

 Yola Chief Magistrate Court II in Adamawa state on Thursday convicted and sentenced a 28 year old labourer to 3 imprisonment for stealing 6 pieces of pipes belonging to his friend.

The convict, Alex Nnano of Bauchi street in Jimeta Yola was said to have entered the house of his friend and a plumber, Levi Obadiah along Army Barracks in the night and stole 6 pieces pipes.

He was later arrested with the pipes by the Nigeria Police Karewa Division and arraigned before the Magistrate Court in connection with the offence.

When the content of First Information Report was read and interpreted to the young man, he admitted committing the crime.

In its ruling on the matter, the court presided over by Magistrate Japhet Ibrahim Basani, convicted and sentenced him to 3 years imprisonment with option of #50,000 fine.

ADAMAWA POLICE ARREST 3 SHILA BOYS, RECOVER TRICYCLE, WEAPONS

 

Police in Adamawa state have apprehended 3 Shila Boys and recovered tricycle, sharp knives and cutlasses from the suspects.

 

The accused were alleged to have been terrorising the inhabitants of Doubeli, Chinco and Jambutu in Yola North Local Government Area.

According to the Command, the suspects including Nasiru Umaru,18, Adamu Muhd 32, and Babaji Audi 22 were arrested at Ngurore in Yola South Local Government and currently being investigated.

 

A statement by the Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, and made available to NEWS PLATFORM on Thursday, said that the police operatives arrested the boys whose criminal network spreads across Doubeli, Chinco and Jambutu in Yola North LGA.

 

DSP Nguroje added that the suspects are being interrogated in connection to alleged criminal conspiracy and armed robbery after which they will be charged to court as soon as investigations is concluded, and assured that the tricycle will be returned to the owner.

He added that the command on the  20th January, 2021 received information about the suspicious movement of the syndicate in a particular hideout situated at a remote area in Ngurore, and that the new Commissioner of Police, CP A. A. ALHAJI immidiately deployed operatives led by DPO Ngurore Division and succeeded in apprehending all the suspects.

 

The command however commended the Police operatives of Ngurore Division for their immediate response which resulted in the successes recorded.

It further appreciated the citizens for their cooperation and support and called for improved partnership and collaboration between the citizens and the Police particularly in the area of providing credible information as required in tackling crimes and apprehending unrepentant criminals.

 

            

SEND A BOY FRIEND OF MY DAUGHTER TO PRISON...WOMAN BEGS YOLA COURT

A 50 year old woman, Ladi Daniel has sued a boyfriend of her daughter, Kube Jibril Solomon to Criminal Area Court II Yola in Adamawa state over alleged impregnating her daughter.

Ladi Daniel informed the court on Wednesday that the defendant has put her daughter in a family way twice and later abandoned her and got married to another girl.

She pleaded with the court to send him to prison custody and be ordered to pay damages and take care of his child, lamenting that Kube impregnated her daughter when she was in GSS 3.

Details.,.

ADAMAWA FEMALE EVANGELIST DRAGS PASTOR TO COURT FOR FAILURE TO MARRY HER

 

Week after the police in Adamawa State detained two Pentecostal Pastors in connection with alleged infidelity leading to bearing of two children, another Female Evangelist, Kwanye Tumba has dragged the Pastor of House Chapel in Karewa, Yola North Local Government Area of the state to Criminal Area Court II for alleged refusal to marry her.

Evangelist Kwanye told Honourable Nuhu Musa Garta led Area Court that the 28 year Pastor, Marwa Tumba, had promised to marry her, but dumped her for another girl after squandering  her hard earned money and wasted her life.

She told the court that she first met the acclaimed man of God after a prayer meeting at Yolde Pate, a suburb of Yola South LGA in 2019, during which he told her that he saw a vision that she got a husband.

She said Pastor Marwa informed her that she is now his wife and immediately he asked her to start sowing a seed, explaining that she started sowing a seed as requested by the pastor by giving him the sum of #1000.

She said that the man sometimes later visited her in her apartment which she built when she was working with a nongovernmental organisation, adding that she welcomed him, cooked food for him and from there they started their relationship with a promise that he will marry her as seen in the vision.

Evangelist Kwanye narrated that her Pastor boyfriend later told her to resign from her job and sell her house before getting married, and that she agreed and tendered her resignation letter and sold the house at the sum of #500,000.00.

According to her, when the money of the house was paid to her, she immediately transferred the sum of #50,000 as tithe into the account of the pastor and used the remaining money in supporting the church from time to time until all the money got finished.

She told the court that it got to a time that he asked her to give him the list of all items as provided by tradition for their marriage which she did.

The complainant told the court that the last thing he did was he asked her to go to her parents in Michika and wait for him as he will follow her later for a proper introduction and arrangement for marriage.

She added that she spent many days in the village without him coming to do introduction as he promised to do, saying that when her parents discovered that it was a lie, they asked her to leave their house. 

According to her, since then, he was no longer picking her calls again, and that when she got tired and became disappointed, she left Michika to Yola and that to her utter dismay, she could not trace the whereabout of pastor Marwa again.

She lamented that he abandoned her after he chopped her money, made her quit her job, sold her only house, and became miserable, saying that she currently lives in one uncompleted building in Yolde Pate and sells vegetables to earn a living.

But when the statement of the complaint was read to the defendant upon his arraignment in court on Monday, the man of God denied the claims.

Thereafter, his Counsel, M. A. Mohammed pleaded with the court to grant bail to his client which the court did as prayed, and subsequently adjourned the matter to 4th February 2021 to enable the complainant assemble her witnesses to prove her case.

NEWS PLATFORM who was in court saw the bushy professed man of God with another lady who accompanied him to court, and she was said to be his new found girlfriend whom he is proposing to marry.

ADAMAWA: COURT REMANDS 2 FOR STEALING 2 BAGS OF CHARCOAL, BICYCLE

 

Chief Magistrate Court II sitting in Yola, Adamawa state on Monday remanded a 23 year old labourer, Yusuf Maikano after he pleaded guilty for stealing 2 bags of charcoal worth #3000.

The court has also remanded a 24 year old Aminu Ibrahim after he confessed to have stolen a bicycle belonging to one Fedius Zakius of Aso Rock in Jambutu, Yola North Local Government Area.

The accused were arraigned before Magistrate Ibrahim Ulenda led Honourable Court over allegations of theft contrary to section 276 of the state penal code law during which they pleaded to their offences.

Yusuf Maikano was alleged to have been found in possession of 2 bags of charcoal, and that when he was arrested, he confessed to have stolen it from one Aisha Usman, a business woman of behind Jambutu motor park on 17th January, 2021.

On his part, Aminu Ibrahim of Mai Rawani Jambutu was reported to have intentionally went into the house of Zakius and carted away with his bicycle, the offence which he admitted in court to have committed.

Thereafter, the Prosecutor, Inspector Abraham Zirmba, pleaded with the court to adjourn the cases to 2nd February, 2021 to enable him bring 1 for each to corroborate the plea of the accused.

Presiding over the cases separately, Magistrate Ibrahim Ulenda, adjourned it to 2nd February, 2021 for hearing and summary trial, and ordered that the suspects be remanded at Yola correctional service facility till then.

4 MEN REMANDED FOR ASSAULTING A WOMAN ACCUSED OF KILLING A CHILD IN DEMSA LGA

Yola Chief Magistrate Court I Admin in Adamawa state has remanded 4 men over alleged assaulting and burning the house of a 50 year old woman, Veronica Zamani of Gwamba village in Demsa Local Government Area.

The affected men were ordered to be remanded at Yola Correctional Service facility by Honourable Aliyu Bawuro led Magistrate court over alleged assaulting and burning the house of Veronica accused bewitching a grand child of one Elimina Sunday.

The suspects including Jilison Tangha, 45, Sambo Sunday, 40, Livinus Edward, 29 and Nicolas Sunday,24 were arraigned before the court on the allegations of criminal conspiracy, injurious falsehood, criminal trespass, criminal force, assault and mischief by fire contrary to sections 60, 379, 333, 240, 241 and 318 of the state penal code law.

According to prosecution, the accused persons along side others now at large conspired and criminally trespass into the house of the woman sometimes in October last year and assaulted her as well as setting her house ablaze. 

Veronica who was alleged to have caused the death of the child was later taken to Dumne Shrine in Song LGA by one Bigjima Sunday and his wife, Jime Bigjima to prove her innocence.

 But when the content of the First Information Report was read and interpreted to the accused persons upon their arraignment in court, all of the suspects pleaded not guilty to the offence as charged.

Thereafter, the Prosecutor, Sergeant Sawe Nicolas informed the court since all the defendants have pleaded not guilty to the offence, the matter be adjourned to the 27th January, 2021 to enable them assemble their witnesses to prove the their case them.

The court presided over Honourable Aliyu Bawuro ordered that the men be remanded at the Correction Service facility and adjourned the matter to 27th January, 2021 for hearing.

YOLA COURT SENDS 6 FARMERS TO 14 YRS IN PRISON, ORDERS THEM TO PRODUCE 1,088 BAGS OF RICE

 

Six (6) Adamawa State Rice Farmers have been convicted and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to the allegations of breach of trust and cheating.

The convicted farmers have also been ordered by Hon. Abdulrazak Adamu led Chief Magistrate Court Yola to produce 1,088 bags of rice as compensation to the complainant, Umar Ismaila.

The affected farmers were earlier arraigned before the Magistrate Court on 2 count charges bordering breach of trust and cheating contrary to sections 302 and 312 of the state penal code law.

They were said to have differently collected a loan from the complainant sometimes in the year 2020 with a promise to refund at the end rainy season but defaulted.

When they were arraigned in court on 6th January, 2021 in connection with the alleged offence, they all pleaded guilty, and asked the court to grant them bail which the court did as prayed.

In its separate ruling on the cases on Tuesday, the Court presided over by Hon. Abdulrazak Adamu, ruled that the court had listened to their plea of guilt that they had indeed committed the offence, and that the court is very much convinced that the plea was voluntarily.

According to him, the court is also convinced that the plea was voluntary, and that the accused were aware of their plea and consequences of their action to warrant conviction. 

He held that in view of the plea of leniency made and considering the antecedents of the accused persons of being first offenders, the court was left with no option than to convict them accordingly.

It was at this juncture that the Honourable Judge convicted and sentenced Hon. Chinda Elam, of Thingno in Lamurde Local Government Area to 3 years imprisonment with ##250,000 option of fine and further ordered him to produce 535 bags of rice as compensation to the complainant.

Other convictions are as follows: Lazarus Bari of Namtari village in Yola south LGA, 2 years imprisonment with #100,000 option of fine and 100 bags of rice, Levi Markus of Rugange village in Lamurde LGA, 2 years jail term, #100,000 option of fine and 16 bags of rice and Umar H. Tukur of Namtari village 2 years imprisonment and #100,000 option of fine and 140 bags of rice.

Others include; Ishiaku Heman of Rugange village in Lamurde LGA 2 years in prison, #100,000 option of fine and 72 bags of rice, and Hon. Sajo Hamman of Malabu, 3 years, #100,000 option of fine and 225 bags of rice also as compensation to the complainant and that the jail terms are to run concurrently.

2 PROMINENT ADAMAWA PASTORS IN POLICE CUSTODY OVER EXTRA MARITAL AFFAIR

 

A male Pastor of Liberty International Gospel Centre, Yola in Adamawa, Pastor Ebenezer Otueke Otinjele and female Pastor of Encouragement Fellowship International, Juliana Eli Daniel have been arrested over allegations of extra marital affair.

The professed man and woman of God are currently in police custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Yola, and are being investigated in connection to the allegation. 

The suspects, Ebenezer is the Pastor of Liberty Gospel Centre behind Yola Police barracks, while Juliana is an active Minister at the Encouragement Fellowship Centre located at Hayin Gada along Yola Futy road in Adamawa.

Juliana Eli Daniel, a staff of Yola Electricity Distribution Company(YERD) is said to be working directly under Pastor Ebenezer who is a Business Manager of the Electricity Distribution Company Yola, where they started their extra marital (sexual) affairs.

Ebenezer was alleged to have been having extra marital affairs with the Minister and wife of the Staff of Federal Ministry of Power Abuja, Mr. Eli Daniel for 4 years which led to the conception and bearing of 2 children with other pregnancy aborted.

NEWS PLATFORM gathered that Juliana and Daniel got married on 6th April, 2002 at the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) headquarters in Numan and had 5 children including the 2 she had with the man of God whom she made her husband to believe they are his children.

It was further learnt that after the marriage, Mr. Daniel secured a job for his wife, Juliana in early 2016 where she was posted to Yola Business unit and later deployed to work in the office of the Business Manager, Pastor Ebenezer, where they started their extra marital relationship.

The husband who works in Abuja, was said to have decided to leave the wife and the children in Yola considering the proximity of her office, and that he was visiting them from time to time. 

Investigation revealed that after her deployment to the office of the Business Manager, they stated having sexual intercourse to the extend of committing such act in her matrimonial home at Mbamba.

NEWS PLATFORM was informed that they go to the house when the children have gone to school, and that they sometimes send the children to buy something outside if they were at home so as to have space of time.

The Pastor was also alleged to have taken Eli's wife to Jalingo for weekend on 15th September, 2016 where she left her male child she had for Eli with a 12 year old house maid and that the child later fell sick and died suddenly in her absence.

Sources closed to the family informed NEWS PLATFORM that she gave birth to 2 children for the Pastor in November, 2017 and August, 2020 respectively, and that the Pastor has since claimed the responsibility by paying their school fees.

According to sources, the husband, Mr Daniel who does not know that the two children are not his biological children, has also been paying their school fees as the wife has misled him into believing that the 2 children are also his.

The husband was said to have spent huge amount of money during the delivery of last born in August, 2020, and did not know that it was somebody else that impregnated her.

It was further learnt that anytime the husband visits them, she pretends to be caring, loved him and monitors him closely, and does not allow him to go outside alone so that he should not be informed about what she does whenever he left for Abuja.

The accused were apprehended in the early hours Tuesday following a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Adamawa state Police Command by the husband, Mr. Eli Daniel, through his counsel, Sule J. Abul.

The copy of the petition with Reference Number SJA/SRL/VI/21/1 dated 7th January, 2021 and obtained by NEWS PLATFORM alleged" acts of abatement conspiracy, causing abortion, criminal trespass, adultery and threat to life contrary to sections 49,61,203,339, 374 and 383 (2) of Adamawa state Penal Code Law perpetrated by Ebenezer Otueke and Juliana Eli Daniel "

NEWS PLATFORM who was at the OC/D10 Political and Desk Resolution Office of the state Criminal Invesgation Department(CID) saw both the suspects being interrogated by the police with the Wife of Pastor Ebenezer outside crying profusely.

NEWS PLATFORM who had his way to the office were the suspects were being investigated, was asked to leave the office with immediate effect by the Investigative Police Officer(IPO) ASP Evans Josiah.

When contacted, the Police Public Relation Officer(DSP) Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, told NEWS PLATFORM that he is yet to be briefed about it.

YOLA COURT REMANDS 2 AFTER PLEADING GUILTY FOR STEALING A SHE GOAT

 

Yola Chief Magistrate Court II in Adamawa state on Monday remanded 2 young men after pleading guilty for stealing a she goat belonging to Adda Jabbi in Jabbi Lamba, Girei Local Government Area.

Sadiq Halid, 20 and Abbas Babangida, 18 were charge to the court for stealing the she goat belonging to Adda Jabbi on 8th January, 2021, in Jabbi Lamba, Girei Local Government Area.

The accused were arraigned before the court on the offence of criminal conspiracy contrary to sections 60 and 276 and punishable under sections 61 and 277 of the state penal code law.

The suspects were alleged to have conspired with one Yauba Mallam Sidi and Babangida Adamu now at large and stole Adda's she goat.

According to prosecution, the suspects brought the meat of the goat to Girei town after slaughtering it in order to dispose it, and subsequently arrested in connection to the alleged offence.

But when the offence as contained in the First Information Report was read and interpreted to the suspects upon their arraignment in court, both of them pleaded guilty to the offence.

Thereafter, the prosecutor, Inspector Wamkai Ngapuro, told the court that the matter is still under investigation so as to possibly effect the arrest of the those at large, and urged the court to adjourn the case to enable them continue with investigation.

The court presided over by Magistrate Ibrahim Uluenda, adjourned the matter to 27th January, 2021, and ordered that the suspects be remanded at Yola correctional service facility till then.

ATTACK: GARKIDA COMMUNITY NARRATES ORDEAL, DECRIES GOVT NEGLECT *** HOW LAGOS BASED ENG WAS ABDUCTED, KILLED

A Lagos State based Engineer, Barka Wasinda Garnvwa is one of the 5 victims of the December 24th deadly attack on Garkida community in Gombi Local Government Area, Adamawa state that were abducted by the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents.

According to sources, the recent attack claimed the lives of more than 10 people, while property including houses, cars/ heavy duty machines, a church and shops worth billions were burnt to down.

The Lagos stated based Engineer and other victims abducted were subsequently executed by the hoodlums as contained in a video which thrended on social media few days after the incident.

Late Engineer Barka, an indigene of Garkida has been in Lagos for over 15 years, and was staff of Niger Doog Apapa, Lagos state, until December, 2020 where he decided to visit his country home in Adamawa state.

His visit to the town brought a lot of joy and happiness to his aged mother, Rebeccah Wasinda Garnvwa, relations, family and friends who appreciated God Almighty for bringing him and his family members safely to celebrate Christmas together after 15 years.

The joy of his visit knew no bounds as all his 3 children who were all born in Lagos, were extremely happy to set their eyes for the first time on their grand mother, other family members and above all the home town of their parents.

But the joy of the man's visit and that of his family members was punctured on the Christmas eve when the Boko Haram invaded the town.

Eye witness informed NEWS PLATFORM who was in Garkida that the insurgents who drove into the town in 15 gun trucks, were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons and raided the town since 4:20pm until 11:00pm during which they kidnapped their victims.

It was learnt that late Engineer Barka who was moving round the town in his private car for sight seeing having left the community for over 15 years, fell in the hands of the agents of darkness immediately when they stormed the town and was kidnapped along side 4 people to an unknown destination during which they were gruesomely murdered.

NEWS PLATFORM saw where the Lagos based Engineer was abducted within the town and how his car was burnt down.

This was the scenario the family of the Engineer found themselves, and it was the reflection of pains and pangs which Garkida community was exposed to on the day before Christmas.

It could be recalled that the community was invaded on 21st February, 2020 and again attacked on 24th December, 2020, which left the residents narrating their ordeal in the hands of the insurgents and the state of insecurity.

More so, during the December attack, the insurgents who invaded Garkida General Hospital, broke into the main pharmaceutical store of the hospital and carted away all drugs in the store and damaged 1 ambulance of the hospital.

Equally, during the operation, the Boko Haram stormed a garrage where Triactar Construction Company paked its heavy duty machines and burnt 9 Tippas, 4 Caterpillars and 2 Rollers.  

The attack on the construction company has adversely affected the construction of Mararaba Garkida road as the company is still counting its losses.

Aside houses and stores that were burnt and invaded, a church, Living Faith Church Worldwide, a.k.a Winners' Chapel was also set ablaze for second time in less than a year by the Boko Haram. 

Several residents including a member Vigilante Group disclosed that the insurgents operated for more than 7 hours without interruption until the intervention of Gombi Local Hunters who chased them away.

In his reaction on the incident, an Elder Statesman and erstwhile Sole Administrator Gombi LGC, Baba Tawih S. Tarfa, lamented that it appears Garkida community has been neglected by the government best on the reasons known to those on helm of affairs.

Tawih told NEWS PLATFORM that though as small as Garkida community, it has contributed tremendously in the education sector, agriculture, administratively and in military and has not seen the reason why will be allowed to suffer such an attacks.

He observed that after February's attack, the Federal Government promised to deploy 2 battalion to safeguard the area including surrounding communities that reside at the fringes of Sambisa forest, saying that since that day they have neither seen nor heard anything from the government.

According to him, a serious and responsible democratic government is the one that is very much concerned about the safety of its citizens, and called on the government to fulfill its promise so as to ensure peace and stability in Garkida and its surrounding communities.

Also speaking, a Chief Forestry Officer, Gideon Mai Sule Biu said that the December attack was the 5th time the insurgents invaded the community since the emergence of Boko Haram, and noted with dismay how recent attack was more devastating than the previous ones.

Gideon Biu told NEWS PLATFORM that they have lost more than 10 people during the attack, and that not all those that were killed are indigenes of Garkida, saying that he knew of 2 Cameroonians who came to town for a construction job but were killed during the attack.

He disclosed that Garkida has lost innocent lives and billions more especially that of Triactar construction company, explaining that Garkida is near Sambisa forest and needed like 2 to 3 battalion to safeguard it and other surrounding communities.

On his part, an ex-Administrator Garkida Development Area, Hon. Hussein Buba Zoaka popularly known Commot, said that they had received security report of possible attack for 2 hours before their coming, saying despite the report, the insurgents still accomplished their mission unchallenged.

Hon. Commot appealed to both FG and state governments to take the issue of security of lives and property of the citizens seriously, advocating for proactive steps towards curtailing security threats.

Also speaking, a member of Garkida Vigilante Group, names withheld narrated that he counted 15 gun trucks mounted with weapons, and that one can hardly differentiate the assailants with Nigerian troops.

He added that some of their people fell into the hands of the insurgents, because they thought they were military that came to rescue them, saying that the security situation of Garkida is sympathetic that is in dire need of quick intervention from the government. 

"MY MINISTRY BORROWED #1MILLION TO HOST KANU NWANKWO NOT ME"- HON. SANUSI FARUK *** APPLICATION LETTER SHOWS PERSONAL

 

Adamawa state Commissioner Ministry of Youth and Sports, Hon. Sanusi Faruk has vehemently denied obtaining #1million from the Staff Compulsory Savings Office C/O Secretary to State Government(SSG) for personal use.

 

Hon. Sanusi said that it was his ministry that collected the #1million  "I owe you" from the state civil servants' cooperative about 2 months ago so as to host former National Football Star, Kanu Nwakwo who was to visit the state to build Kanu Nwanko Academic Football School.

The Commissioner on his Facebook Timeline monitored by NEWS PLATFORM today, disclosed that it was his ministry that collected the loan because it was not having money to host its guest and that the transaction took place 2 months ago.

But his application letter and other documents obtained by NEWS PLATFORM indicate that the transaction was personal and not official and dated 2nd October, 2020 which is over 3 months now as against 2 months as he claimed.

In his application letter which is on plain sheet and contains his personal residential address, Hon. Faruk who attached the photography of his Identity Card with letter, told the Manager of the Savings Office that the #1million will be used to execute some of his personal programmes.   

"I wish to write and apply for the above sum of fund to enable me execute some of my personal programmes. The said amount (#1,000,000,00) shall be paid at the of October, 2020, with the interest of 20% as stated in your Compulsory Savings, please"

He admitted his arraingment in court over the issue, but said he was there: " because all my thinking, the judge may not be inform well because this is official transaction between my ministry and the union that borrow us that money".

Hon. Faruk stated that he walked out from the court hall when he did not understand what was happening, entered his car and drove out of the court premises, but could not deny fleeing the court premises.

He added that while at the court, one police officer came and asked him to enter one Honda car so that he will be taken to prison, "but I now ask the police officer are you ok?", saying he entered his car and drove out of the premises leaving behind the officer looking at him.

It could be recalled that NEWS PLATFORM exclusively reported how a mild drama ensued at the Criminal Area Court II in Yola, on Tuesday, when Hon. Sanusi Faruk and 2 Directors were docked for criminal conspiracy and breach of trust to the tune of #1.728million.

The two directors are,  Markus Yaratsawa, Ministry of Women Affairs and  Iliya Ayuba,  Ministry of Youth and Sports. They were charged to Court along side the Commissioner for defaulting in payment of over #1.728 million loan obtained by the Commissioner from Staff Compulsory Savings under the office of the SSG of Adamawa State.

Hon. Sanusi Faruk who appeared as the first accused, was said to have approached the Staff Compulsory Savings Office C/O Secretary to State Government(SSG) Political Department Yola, Adamawa state in October, 2020 and collected #1million "I owe you" with the promise to refund the money in December, 2020 on 20 percent interest totalling  #1.728 million.

The two Directors also stood as guarantors in the loan agreement which Hon. Sanusi Faruk defaulted.

The Staff Compulsory Savings, a co-operative was formed by more than 40 civil servants who make monthly contributions and give out loans to individuals, their staff and after share the profit at the end of every year among members.

But Hon. Sanusi was said to have failed to fulfil his own side of the bargain by refunding the principal amount and the accrued interest which forced members to have a bleak Christmas celebration.

NEWS PLATFORM learnt that since the day the Hon. Commissioner collected the money up to the time the matter was brought to Court, he was yet to pay a dime or even refund the principal amount he signed for as promised.

Irked by this development, the union decided to approach Hon. Musa  Nuhu Garta Criminal Area Court II to recover its money.

It was at this juncture that the Hon. Commissioner and the two Directors were jointly arraigned as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants for Criminal Conspiracy and Breached of Trust before Hon. Musa Nuhu Garta led Honourable Court.

Upon appearance in court on Tuesday, the accused (Commissioner and the 2 Directors) did not deny liability of the offence but pleaded with the court to grant them bail.

The presiding Judge, Honourable Garta granted them the bail as prayed with a surety who must be a Serving  Commissioner, Permanent Secretary or Director with the sum of #1million for the 3.

But a drama ensued as Hon. Sanusi Faruk, upon hearing the pronouncement of the Judge, he pretended to ease himself during which he hurriedly entered his car and fled the court premises.

The presiding Judge who felt embarrassed by the conduct of the Hon. Commissioner, ordered that the 2 Directors be remanded at the correctional service facility and further adjourned the matter to 12th January, 2021.

 

ADAMAWA OUTLINES ACTIVITIES FOR 2021 ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY

 Adamawa State Government has outlined several activities aimed at marking 2021 armed forces remembrance and appeal week.

The major activities outlined for the commemoration of the year 2021 armed forces remembrance day include; press briefing, Jummat Prayers on Friday, sale of emblem, parade rehearsal, Christian Prayer on Sunday and sale of emblem and laying of wreath by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on 15th January, 2021.

The Head of Civil Service of the state, Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday disclosed this while briefing newsmen as part of activities designed to celebrate the event in office his office on Thursday.

Dr. Edgar told newsmen that the armed forces remembrance day celebration began over a century ago when the event was being marked worldwide on the 11th day of November of every year and was known as "Eleven Eleven" because the guns at the Western front fell silent at exactly 11:00am on 11th November, 1918.

The Head of Service added that that signified the end of the 1st World War after more than 4 years of continuous fighting, and the attendant colossal loss of lives and property, saying that since then, the event was undertaken to commemorate both the 1st and 2nd World Wars of 1914 to 1918 and 1939 to 1945 respectively.

According to him, the armed forces remembrance day is celebrated every year in remembrance of the gallant men and officers who have sacrificed and paid the supreme price during the wars and also those who fought in peace keeping operations in far flung places such as Lebanon, Congo, Sudan and countries within the West African sub-region like Liberia and Serra Leone.

He said that this year's celebration is holding against the backdrop of serious global challenges especially the Covid-19 pandemic and its various social, economic and other adverse effects, and urged all and sundry to cooperate with the government and health authorities in their efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

He commended the armed forces for the courage and sacrifice in tackling the various security challenges, and called on the general public to support them in their prayers.

He further solicited for the cooperation and benevolence of all well meaning Nigerians to give generously to this year's armed forces remembrance day to assist the Nigeria Legion for the support of the families of fallen heroes and surviving veterans.

He appealed to the leadership of the Legion to use the funds collected during the emblem launch judiciously in assisting the dependants of the fallen heroes and ailing surviving veterans in order not only to establish but also sustain a permanent hope for them.

Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday pleaded with individuals and groups that made pledges during this and previous occasions to ensure that they redeem such pledges for the betterment of the families of their fallen heroes and surviving veterans. 

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the press briefing, the Chairman of the Nigeria Legion state branch, Bashir Babayola appealed those that made pledges to redeem them, and thanked the state government for its efforts towards supporting the legion.

HON. ADWAWA TASKS NEWLY CONFIRMED LG AUDITOR GEN ON TRANSPARENCY

 

Chairman Adamawa state House of Assembly Standing Committee on Public Petitions, Public Service and Electoral Matters, Hon. Adwawa Donglock has tasked the newly confirmed Local Government Auditor General on transparency and accountability.

 

The State House of Assembly at its special plenary session on Wednesday, confirmed Mr. Sini Zira Kwabe as the substantive Auditor General for LGs in the state as earlier requested by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in a letter he sent to the legislators.

Mr. Sini was later screened by the Joint Committees on Public Petitions, Public Service and Electoral Matters and Public Accounts of the Assembly after which the report of the Committees was submitted to the House by Hon. Adwawa during Wednesday's sitting.  

Speaking to newsmen after the confirmation, the Chairman Public Petition and Member representing  Guyuk constituency, Hon. Adwawa Donglock, said that the name of Mr. Sini was sent to the House by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri sometimes in December last year.

Hon. Adwawa who is the Deputy Chief of the House told newsmen that the Assembly, presided by Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas referred the Governor's letter to the Committees for screening.

According to him, the Committees after the mandate,  invited the nominee, screened him and submitted its report to the House, hence the confirmation of the nominee, and appreciated his colleagues for their support which saw to his confirmation.

He disclosed that the nominee has the requisite qualifications including educational background, professional qualification and working experience to pilot the affairs of the office.

Hon. Adwawa Donglock stated that the Joint Committees had found him to be a man of proven integrity and fit to man the office, and advised him to be dedicated, transparent and accountable while handling the office. 

 

YOLA COURT REMANDS 2 DIRECTORS AS DOCKED COMMISSIONER FLED COURT PREMISES OVER #1.7MILLION LOAN

There was a mild drama at the Criminal Area Court II in Yola, the Adamawa state capital on Tuesday, when a serving Commissioner in charge of Ministry of Youth and Sports, Hon. Sanusi Faruk and 2 Directors were docked for criminal conspiracy and breach of trust to the tune of #1.728million.

The two directors are,  Markus Yara Sawa, Ministry of Women Affairs and  Iliya Ayuba,  Ministry of Youth and Sports. They were charged to Court along side the Commissioner for defaulting in payment of over #1.728 million loan obtained by the Commissioner from Staff Compulsory Savings under the office of the SSG of Adamawa State.

Hon. Sanusi Faruk who appeared as the first accused, was said to have approached the Staff Compulsory Savings Office C/O Secretary to State Government(SSG) Political Department Yola, Adamawa state in October, 2020 and collected #1million "I owe you" with the promise to refund the money in December, 2020 on 20 percent interest totalling  #1.728 million.

The two Directors also stood as guarantors in the loan agreement which Hon. Sanusi Faruk defaulted.

The Staff Compulsory Savings, a co-operative was formed by more than 40 civil servants who make monthly contributions and give out loans to individuals, their staff and after share the profit at the end of every year among members.

But Hon. Sanusi was said to have failed to fulfil his own side of the bargain by refunding the principal amount and the accrued interest which forced members to have a bleak Christmas celebration.

NEWS PLATFORM learnt that since the day the Hon. Commissioner collected the money up to the time the matter was brought to Court, he was yet to pay a dime or even refund the principal amount he signed for as promised.

Irked by this development, the union decided to approach the Court to recover its money.

It was at this juncture that the Hon. Commissioner and the two Directors were jointly arraigned as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants for Criminal Conspiracy and Breached of Trust before Hon. Musa Nuhu Garta led Honourable Court.

Upon appearance in court on Tuesday, the accused (Commissioner and the 2 Directors) did not deny liable of the offence but pleaded with the court to grant them bail.

The presiding Judge, Honourable Garta granted them the bail as prayed with a surety who must be a Serving  Commissioner, Permanent Secretary or Director with the sum of #1million for the 3.

But a drama ensued as Hon. Sanusi Faruk, upon hearing the pronouncement of the Judge, he pretended to ease himself during which he hurriedly entered his car and fled the court premises.

The presiding Judge who felt embarrassed by the conduct of the Hon. Commissioner, ordered that the 2 Directors be remanded at the correctional service facility and further adjourned the matter to 12th January, 2021.

YOLA COURT REMANDS 2 DIRECTORS AS DOCKED COMMISSIONER FLED COURT PREMISES OVER #1.7MILLION LOAN

There was a mild drama at the Criminal Area Court II in Yola, the Adamawa state capital on Tuesday, when a serving Commissioner in charge of Ministry of Youth and Sports, Hon. Sanusi Faruk and 2 Directors were docked for criminal conspiracy and breach of trust to the tune of #1.728million.

The two directors are,  Markus Yara Sawa, Ministry of Women Affairs and  Iliya Ayuba,  Ministry of Youth and Sports. They were charged to Court along side the Commissioner for defaulting in payment of over #1.728 million loan obtained by the Commissioner from Staff Compulsory Savings under the office of the SSG of Adamawa State.

Hon. Sanusi Faruk who appeared as the first accused, was said to have approached the Staff Compulsory Savings Office C/O Secretary to State Government(SSG) Political Department Yola, Adamawa state in October, 2020 and collected #1million "I owe you" with the promise to refund the money in December, 2020 on 20 percent interest totalling  #1.728 million.

The two Directors also stood as guarantors in the loan agreement which Hon. Sanusi Faruk defaulted.

The Staff Compulsory Savings, a co-operative was formed by more than 40 civil servants who make monthly contributions and give out loans to individuals, their staff and after share the profit at the end of every year among members.

But Hon. Sanusi was said to have failed to fulfil his own side of the bargain by refunding the principal amount and the accrued interest which forced members to have a bleak Christmas celebration.

NEWS PLATFORM learnt that since the day the Hon. Commissioner collected the money up to the time the matter was brought to Court, he was yet to pay a dime or even refund the principal amount he signed for as promised.

Irked by this development, the union decided to approach the Court to recover its money.

It was at this juncture that the Hon. Commissioner and the two Directors were jointly arraigned as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants for Criminal Conspiracy and Breached of Trust before Hon. Musa Nuhu Garta led Honourable Court.

Upon appearance in court on Tuesday, the accused (Commissioner and the 2 Directors) did not deny liable of the offence but pleaded with the court to grant them bail.

The presiding Judge, Honourable Garta granted them the bail as prayed with a surety who must be a Serving  Commissioner, Permanent Secretary or Director with the sum of #1million for the 3.

But a drama ensued as Hon. Sanusi Faruk, upon hearing the pronouncement of the Judge, he pretended to ease himself during which he hurriedly entered his car and fled the court premises.

The presiding Judge who felt embarrassed by the conduct of the Hon. Commissioner, ordered that the 2 Directors be remanded at the correctional service facility and further adjourned the matter to 12th January, 2021.

HON. NASHON BAGS AWARD OF COMPETENCE FROM ADAMAWA/GOMBE TAP

In recognition of his performance at the Adamawa state House of Assembly, the Member representing Nassarawo Binyeri constituency at the House, Hon. Umar Nashon Gubi, has been bestowed with an "award of competence" by the Transparency and Accountability Project (TAP).

According to the organisation which is being nurtured by the Centre for Women and Adolescent Empowerment, the award presented to the PDP legislator is in recognition of what has done for his people within the short period of time of his stewardship.

Speaking during the award ceremony held at the Complex of the House of Assembly on Tuesday, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aminu Iya Abbas, said that the member deserves the honour due to his performance, and described the event as well organised.

The Speaker who was represented by the the Deputy Chief Whip and Member representing Guyuk constituency, Hon. Adwawa Donglock, tasked the organisation to visit other constituencies so as to assess the performance of other Honourable Members.

Also speaking, the recipient of the award, Hon. Umar Nashon Gubi(Nassarawo Binyeri) thanked the organisation, and described the award as another challenge to his representation, adding that it will spur him to do more for his electorate.

Hon. Nashon told the gathering that he has done what he could to meet the needs of his constituents, explaining that he has used his #40million constituency project fund in providing water supply (#15million), education (#10million) and empowerment (#5million) and that he is currently lobbying for projects in his constituency. 

On his part, the Honourable Commissioner Ministry for Special Duties, Aloysius Babadoke, congratulated the legislator and urged him not to relent in doing more for his voters.

In his goodwill message, the Clerk to the House, Musa Gaude, noted that the award is not for the Member but the entire house, and appreciated the organisation for identifying with the house.

The Clerk added that the the award of competence to Hon. Nashon signifies that the 7th Assembly is competent, saying that the deliberations by the Members during plenaries is unprecedented, hence such as an honour.

 

Earlier, speaking while presenting the award to the legislator, the Member of the TAP and Lecturer from the Department of Political Science and Administration Adamawa State University (ADSU) Mubi, Declan Desmond Didacus, said that the organisation has found him worthy for the award.

Declan disclosed that they came to the House not to campaign or blow the trumpet of the Member, but to tell the world that the recipient has defined what is legislature is all about and proven to be transparent and accountable in his legislative business.

He stated that the member knows the reason why he is at the hallowed chamber, and that it was in recognition of his performance that made him to be different, describing him as a detribilised, committed and a successful legislator.

Baring their minds, Maintees of Michika and Nassarawo Binyeri, Safwan Mohammed and Na'adati Shanbirna'a, said that the award is a product of good representation, saying that Member has achieved a lot within his short time in office.

NURTW HONOURS ADHA LEGISLATOR WITH AN AWARD AS "LEGISLATIVE AMBASSADOR"

 Member representing Fufore Gurin Constituency at the Adamawa state House of Assembly, Hon. Shuaibu Babas has bagged a prestigious award from the Leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers, Abuja as the Union's legislative ambassador.

Speaking while presenting the award to the Member on behalf of the National President of NURTW in Yola, the Vice President of the Union, Comrade, Bello Adamu, said that union decided to honour Babas as one of its active member whose contributions to the development and growth of the union is being felt by members, hence the need for the recognition.

The National President noted that as an ambassador of the union in the state House of Assembly, he is expected to work and protect the interest of the union when the need arises.

According to him, the union will be happy to see that Babas champions the course of the union through effective representation that will propel the activities of the union.

Responding Speaking, Hin. Shuaibu Babas thanked the union for identifying and recognising him as one of their own before joining politics.

He explained that the award entitled the "Union ambassador" in the legislature,will spur him to struggle assiduously for the enactment of laws that will strengthen the operations of the union in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

The lawmaker assured the union that in collaboration with his colleagues in the State House of Assembly, they will prevail on government to see reason for giving lifeline to the transportation Industry in the state for effective and efficient service delivery in revenue generation.

He added that NURTW aside engaging a sizeable workforce,also plays a substantial role in revenue generation to the government coffers.mantaining that such organization deserves to be supported in all spheres.

In his goodwill message, the member representing verre constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Umar Yapak, recalled that Hon. Babas, has been a unionist even before joining politics and that he deserves such honor considering his contributions to the success of the union and above all to his constituents.

Other speakers who bared their minds at the event, congratulated Hon. Babas for the well deserved award and urged him to sustain the feat so as to earn him more honor.

ADAMAWA: MGBANGHE ASS VISITS DEP SPEAKER, ADSU VC, SEEKS PARTNERSHIP

 A Numan Federation based Association, Mgbanghe Association has sought to partner with the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo and the Vice Chancellor state University Mubi, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta in carrying out its activities.

The association further solicited the support of the Deputy Speaker and the VC in organising its annual essay writing competition and cultural dialogue series aimed at developing more especially youth and encouraging them to engage in policy issues.

The President of the association, Honohodye Tade, sought for the partnership while leading other principal officers as well as members of the association on a courtesy visit on the Deputy Speaker and VC respectively in Yola recently.

Speaking while at the office of the Deputy Speaker, the President of the association congratulated him for his emergence as the Deputy Speaker of 7th Assembly, and commended him for his giant strides in empowering youth and woman, drilling of boreholes across 10 political wards and embarking on electrification project.

 

The President of the association told the legislator that the primary reason behind the visit was to identify and seek partnership with him so as to enable the association succeed in discharging its activities of preserving cultural heritage, empowering communities, promoting standard of education, strengthening traditional institutions, promoting culture of debate and engagement among others.

Tade explained that Mgbanghe Association, a non profit organisation was founded by a group of friends and the adopted the name "Mgbanghe" which symbolises their collective decision to build a protective fence of support, ideas and resources around things that are important to their communities.

He added that the organisation was founded by friends in Numan with the sole aim of building support network for themselves, adding that its founding objectives later broadened to include serving as an organisation with the general passion for community based development.

According to him, the association is also active in the provision of free medical services and disaster relief in the areas of operation including Lamurde, Numan, Demsa, Guyuk and Shelleng Local Government Areas, and however sought for the support of the Deputy Speaker.

Speaking while at the office of the Vice Chancellor, the President informed her that the exco and members of the association decided to visit and congratulate as well as encourage her to continue to strive hard to enable her succeed in her assignment.

He commended her for her effort in improving the the standard of the state owned university, and expressed optimism that she will live up to the expectations of the citizens of the state.

He told her that the reason of their visit was to seek for her support in organising their annual essay writing competition and cultural dialogue series, and appealed to her to partner with the association so as to continue to reach out to people.

Responding, the Deputy Speaker of the House and Member representing Numan constituency, Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo, appreciated them for the visit, and pledged to partner with them as requested.

The Deputy Speaker assured them of his commitment towards providing people oriented representation at the hallowed chamber, saying such association needs an encourage in order to contribute its part in improving the living standard of the people.

Hon. Pwamwakeno applauded the association's resolved to continue in supporting Governor Ahmadu Umaru led administration, insisting that it is because of the support of the Governor that the federation is enjoying relative peace, urging them to continue to rally round the government so as to benefit more.

The Legislator informed them that the Governor had promised to him that he is going to rehabilitate Numan water plant so that every part of Numan will get good drinking water, and called on them not to relent in praying for the government.

Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo lamented that nowadays electorate are not more concern about community satisfaction but individual satisfaction, and that the attitude of the electorate is causing a serious backward in the society.

On her part, the VC Adamawa State University (ADSU) Mubi, Professor Kaletapwa thanked them for the visit and assured them that she is ready to partner with them taking into cognisance their noble objectives of community based development.

Fielding questions from newsmen shortly after the visit, the Chairman Governing Council of  the Adamawa Television Authority (ATV) Yola who is one of the Principal Officers of the Association, Mr. Senan Murray, said that the association is a non profit making organisation that has been engaging in a community services.

Mr. Murray disclosed though the association is currently covering Numan Federation, it is trying its best cover the entire southern senatorial and the state in general.

ADAMAWA: MGBANGHE ASS VISITS DEP SPEAKER, ADSU VC, SEEKS PARTNERSHIP

A Numan Federation based Association, Mgbanghe Association has sought to partner with the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo and the Vice Chancellor state University Mubi, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta in carrying out its activities.

The association further solicited the support of the Deputy Speaker and the VC in organising its annual essay writing competition and cultural dialogue series aimed at developing more especially youth and encouraging them to engage in policy issues.

The President of the association, Honohodye Tade, sought for the partnership while leading other principal officers as well as members of the association on a courtesy visit on the Deputy Speaker and VC respectively in Yola recently.

Speaking while at the office of the Deputy Speaker, the President of the association congratulated him for his emergence as the Deputy Speaker of 7th Assembly, and commended him for his giant strides in empowering youth and woman, drilling of boreholes across 10 political wards and embarking on electrification project.

 

The President of the association told the legislator that the primary reason behind the visit was to identify and seek partnership with him so as to enable the association succeed in discharging its activities of preserving cultural heritage, empowering communities, promoting standard of education, strengthening traditional institutions, promoting culture of debate and engagement among others.

Tade explained that Mgbanghe Association, a non profit organisation was founded by a group of friends and the adopted the name "Mgbanghe" which symbolises their collective decision to build a protective fence of support, ideas and resources around things that are important to their communities.

He added that the organisation was founded by friends in Numan with the sole aim of building support network for themselves, adding that its founding objectives later broadened to include serving as an organisation with the general passion for community based development.

According to him, the association is also active in the provision of free medical services and disaster relief in the areas of operation including Lamurde, Numan, Demsa, Guyuk and Shelleng Local Government Areas, and however sought for the support of the Deputy Speaker.

Speaking while at the office of the Vice Chancellor, the President informed her that the exco and members of the association decided to visit and congratulate as well as encourage her to continue to strive hard to enable her succeed in her assignment.

He commended her for her effort in improving the the standard of the state owned university, and expressed optimism that she will live up to the expectations of the citizens of the state.

He told her that the reason of their visit was to seek for her support in organising their annual essay writing competition and cultural dialogue series, and appealed to her to partner with the association so as to continue to reach out to people.

Responding, the Deputy Speaker of the House and Member representing Numan constituency, Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo, appreciated them for the visit, and pledged to partner with them as requested.

The Deputy Speaker assured them of his commitment towards providing people oriented representation at the hallowed chamber, saying such association needs an encourage in order to contribute its part in improving the living standard of the people.

Hon. Pwamwakeno applauded the association's resolved to continue in supporting Governor Ahmadu Umaru led administration, insisting that it is because of the support of the Governor that the federation is enjoying relative peace, urging them to continue to rally round the government so as to benefit more.

The Legislator informed them that the Governor had promised to him that he is going to rehabilitate Numan water plant so that every part of Numan will get good drinking water, and called on them not to relent in praying for the government.

Hon. Pwamwakeno Mackondo lamented that nowadays electorate are not more concern about community satisfaction but individual satisfaction, and that the attitude of the electorate is causing a serious backward in the society.

On her part, the VC Adamawa State University (ADSU) Mubi, Professor Kaletapwa thanked them for the visit and assured them that she is ready to partner with them taking into cognisance their noble objectives of community based development.

Fielding questions from newsmen shortly after the visit, the Chairman Governing Council of  the Adamawa Television Authority (ATV) Yola who is one of the Principal Officers of the Association, Mr. Senan Murray, said that the association is a non profit making organisation that has been engaging in a community services.

Mr. Murray disclosed though the association is currently covering Numan Federation, it is trying its best cover the entire southern senatorial and the state in general.