ADAMAWA GOVT INVITES MEMORANDA FOR NEW DISTRICTS

The Adamawa State Government urged communities agitating for creation of new Districts to submit their memoranda to the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Chieftaincy Affairs Department for consideration.

A release signed by Humwashi Wonosikou, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri urged interested communities to submit their memeranda as from Monday, November 11th to November 25th, 2024.

"All Communities desirous in new Districts are eligible and free to submit their memoranda.

"Adamawa State Government's call for memorandum is  part of efforts to improve governance and administration at the local level", he said.

5 REMANDED FOR DEFILING, IMPREGNATING MINOR IN ADAMAWA

About 5 persons were on Tuesday, arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Yola Adamawa State for the offences of criminal conspiracy and defilement of a child.

The defendants including Ibrahim Aliyu, Muhammed Adamu, Gaddafi Adamu, Usman Umar and Musa Isa, hail from Yola town in Yola South LGA.

Already, the court presided by Magistrate Alheri Ishaku, had ordered the remand of the defendants in prison custody pending the outcome of the legal advice from the DPP.

On their arraignment by the Adamawa State Police Command, the 1st defendant pleaded guilty to defilement while the 2nd to 5th defendants pleaded not guilty to all the offences.

Ibrahim Aliyu admitted having had sexual intercourse with the 15-year old, saying that she was his girl friend and even planning to marry her.

While the other defendants who pleaded not guilty to the offences, allegedly had sexual intercourse with the victim on different occasions.

According to the First Information Report earlier tendered by the prosecuting police officer, ASP Zakka Musa, the defendants allegedly conspired and defiled their victim (names withheld) who hails from Mafias Quarters in Yola town.

It informed the court that the DNA test revealed that the 1st defendant is responsible for the pregnancy contrary to sections 60 and 211 penal code law.

Addressing the court after the plea of the defendants, ASP Zakka Musa, said that whether the defendants pleaded guilty or not the 2 leg of the offences is capital in nature and prayed the court to remand them pending legal advice.

On his part, counsel to the defendants, Murtala Ibrahim, prayed the court to admit them to bail pursuant to section 159 of ACJL and section 36(5) of the constitution.

Murtala, pleaded with the court to grant them bail, assuring that his clients will make themselves available for trial, but the court refused to grant the application as prayed.

FIVE GANG RAPE, IMPREGNATE 15 YR-OLD IN ADAMAWA

About 5 persons were on Tuesday, arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Yola Adamawa State for the offences of criminal conspiracy and defilement of a child.

The defendants including Ibrahim Aliyu, Muhammed Adamu, Gaddafi Adamu, Usman Umar and Musa Isa, hail from Yola town in Yola South LGA.

Already, the court presided by Magistrate Alheri Ishaku, had ordered the remand of the defendants in prison custody pending the outcome of the legal advice from the DPP.

On their arraignment by the Adamawa State Police Command, the 1st defendant pleaded guilty to defilement while the 2nd to 5th defendants pleaded not guilty to all the offences.

According to the First Information Report earlier tendered by the prosecuting police officer, SP Zakka Musa, the defendants allegedly conspired and raped the victim (names withheld) who hails from Mafias Quarters in Yola town.

It informed the court that the DNA test revealed that the 1st defendant who started having sexual intercourse with the victim is responsible for the pregnancy contrary to sections 60 and 211 penal code law.

Addressing the court after the plea of the defendants, SP Zakka Musa, said that whether the defendants pleaded guilty or not the 2 leg of the offences is capital in nature and prayed the court to remand them pending legal advice.

On his part, counsel to the defendants, Murtala Ibrahim, prayed the court to admit them to bail pursuant to section 159 of ACJL and section 36(5) of the constitution.

Murtala, pleaded with the court to grant them bail, assuring that his clients will make themselves available for trial, but the court refused to grant the application as prayed.

ADHA LAWMAKER FACILITATES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR CONSTITUENTS

In a significant move aimed at improving the lives of his constituents, the member representing Mayo Belwa constituency at the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Musa Mahmud Kallamu, has facilitated financial support for over 40 individuals across his constituency. 

The grants facilitated through the state government is part of a broader initiative of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to alleviate poverty and enhance the economic well-being of the people of Adamawa through the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA).

The lawmaker, during the distribution ceremony held at his hometown in Mayo Belwa, expressed gratitude to Governor Fintiri for his ongoing efforts to uplift the state’s economy by empowering small-scale entrepreneurs. 

He said the financial grant is part of the governor's vision to transform the socio-economic landscape of Adamawa and support local businesses.

In addition to the financial grants, Kallamu awarded scholarships to six students from the constituency who are studying at various institutions of higher learning. 

 He announced that the scholarship initiative will be sustained monthly until a major scholarship program is launched, which he noted will be unveiled soon.

The lawmaker further showcased his commitment to job creation by presenting an appointment letter to Miracle Caleb, a constituent who recently secured a position within top Federal Government Parastatal. 

Kallamu pledged to continue lobbying for employment opportunities for more constituents across different sectors in Adamawa and beyond.

The Secretary of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Mayo Belwa Local Government Area, Hon. Rabiu Ibrahim, commended Kallamu for his dedication to the community, describing him as a true representative.

Ibrahim noted that the party is proud of Kallamu’s efforts toward uplifting the lives of constituents and foster development in the constituency.

Beneficiaries of the empowerment program expressed gratitude for Kallamu’s support, with many praying for Allah's blessings upon him. 

The lawmaker assured the community that he would continue working diligently to bring developmental projects and additional support to Mayo Belwa Constituency, emphasizing his commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents.

NEW BILL TO GENERATE POWER FOR ADAMAWA SCALES 1ST READING

A new bill to establish Adamawa State Electricity Commission saddled with the responsibility of generating power has scaled 1st reading at the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

The bill scaled 1st reading at the hallowed chamber presided by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, and since scheduled for 2nd reading at the next legislative day.

The resolution to read the bill for the first time followed a motion by its Sponsor and Member representing Shelleng constituency, Hon. Kantomon Bulus Naphtali, during the resumed sitting on Monday.

The bill is tagged, "A Bill for a Law to establish the Adamawa State Electricity Commission for the Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electricity in Adamawa State and to provide for other matters incidental thereto".

According to the Sponsor, Hon. Kantomon Bulus, the bill was meticulously crafted to establish new commission to explore abundant sources of power in Adamawa State with a view to generating power for the state.

Hon. Kantomon said that the new commission will generate electricity which according to him will go along way in boosting economic activities as well as making life comfortable for the citizens.

The Lawmaker explained that there are multiple sources of power such as Kiri Dam in his constituency which can be used by the new commission if finally established to provide power for the citizens.

Likewise, the member has also sponsored a bill for a law to establish Adamawa State Security Trust Fund and other matters incidental therewith.

After reading the bills sequel to motions to that effect by its Sponsor, Hon. Kantomon Bulus, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, directed the Chairman Rules and Business of the assembly to schedule it for 2 reading.

TUKUR IYA ABBAS RECEIVES FCE AWARD FOR LATE FATHER

On Saturday 11 November, 2024 Alhaji Tukur Iya Abbas, the son of the late eminent community leader, accomplished father and educational Icon received a posthumous award for meritorious service on behalf of his late father Alhaji Abubakar Iya Abbas by Federal College of Education FCE, Yola. 

This bestowment to late Iya Abbas alongside ten other personalities was carried out as one of the events organised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the college, pointing out that the deceased  has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the college and the nation. 

The Provost of the College Dr. Muhammad Usman Degereji in an address told the gathering that, other activities slated to mark the tripartite event include the launch of a book in honour of Professor Gidado Tahir, the pioneer provost of the college as well as display of the college archives to showcase its deep roots and history.

Other award recipients include late Ahmed Joda, late Ahmadu Ribadu, Professor Jubril Aminu, late Professor Gidado Tahir, Professor Samuel Aleideno and Professor Peter Lassa.

Other recipients are, late Musa Waziri, Madam Asia Mamman, Maikano Tafida and professor Kaletapwa Farauta.

Speaking while receiving the posthumous award on behalf of late Alhaji Iya Abbas family, Tukur appreciate the Organising Committee and the management of the institution for recognizing their late father who died on November 16, 2008 precisely sixteen years ago.

He also on behalf of Iya Abbas Foundation announced the donation of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) to launch the book in honour of professor Gidado Tahir, the pioneer provost of the college. 

Late Iya Abbas who left behind 17 Children Including the present Senator Representing Adamawa Central Senatorial district Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, Alhaji Usman Iya Abbas and Tukur Iya Abbas of North East Development Commission (NEDC)

Senator Aminu Iya Abbas had earlier in the morning alongside other members, friends and well wishersof late Alhaji Abubakar Iya Abbas family attended the convocation ceremony of the college before proceeding to Abuja for urgent national assignment.

ADAMAWA GOVT CLARIFIES OCTOBER SALARY DEDUCTIONS

The Adamawa State Government has clarified deductions in the salary of the civil servants in the state in the month of October, 2024.

A release signed by Humwashi Wonosikou, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, said that the clarification is in response to the recent concerns raised by Adamawa State civil servants regarding deductions from October salaries.

He said, "We wish to clarify that these are statutory deductions in accordance with Federal and State regulations. The deductions are as follow: Income Tax Deductions (PAYE), National Housing Fund (NHF) – 2.5% Contribution, Adamawa State Health Insurance Contributory Scheme.

"Your dissatisfaction regarding deductions from the October salaries result from unpaid contributory National Housing Fund. PAYE and the State Health Insurance Contributory Scheme for three consecutive months. Adhering to government policy neccessitated these payments.

"The Pay As You Earn (PAYE) income tax is deducted in line with the Personal Income TaxAct (PITA) 2011 (as amended). This law mandates tax on individual earnings from business or employment across Nigeria, based on specified income rates. Contrary to reports, there was no blanket N40,000 deductions across the board; this misinformation is intended to misrepresent the government’s actions.

"PAYE is a federal mandate, not a state policy, and is uniformly enforced nationwide for all civil servants, federal and state alike, as well as private sector employees.

"National Housing Fund (NHF) Deduction: The NHF deduction, set at 2.5%, is a compulsory savings scheme established to assist civil servants in accessing housing loans for construction or renovation. This deduction, administered by the Mortgage Bank, provides civil servants with long-term benefits in securing affordable housing.

"Adamawa State Health Insurance Contributory Scheme: Under the leadership of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Adamawa State Health Insurance Contributory Scheme is a key initiative that has made healthcare more affordable for all civil servants.

"This scheme, acclaimed by workers throughout the state, is part of the government’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of the workforce. We encourage all civil servants and concerned citizens to seek clarification from relevant authorities before expressing concerns publicly. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration remains steadfast in its dedication to transparency, fairness, and workers' welfare.

Points to Note:

1. Income Tax is Mandatory: PAYE deductions are compulsory for all working citizens,

regardless of their sector or position. Section 87 and 88 of the PITA Act 2011 empowers State Internal Revenue Services to administer this Tax.

2. Alignment with Government Policy: The current administration upholds these deductions in alignment with federal regulations and policy requirements.

3. Worker-Friendly Administration: Governor Fintiri’s administration is fully committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of all employees.

4. Minimum Wage Commitment: In a demonstration of this commitment, Adamawa

State has commenced payment of the N70,000 minimum wage, underscoring the government’s dedication to fair and improved compensation.

We thank you for your understanding and urge open communication on these matters.