Kogi Gov, Ahmed Usman Ododo Appoints 141 Aides

May 26, 2024

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has appointed a total of 141 aides, including Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Director General (DG), Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Chairman and Members, Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board.
The new appointments, contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, include 43 Special Advisers, 131 Senior Special Assistants. All the appointments are with immediate effect.
The full List of appointees is published here:
Special Advisers
1. Abdulhamid Lawal Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Grassroots Mobilization
2. Isah Omeiza Albert Special Adviser on Community Relations
3. Basir Audu Abubakar Special Adviser on Hotel & Tourism (East)
4. Achimugu Eunice Special Adviser on Youth and Women Affairs
5, Otitoju David Durojaiye Special Adviser on Internal & Corporate Affairs
6. Otaru Abdulkabir Onoruooyiza Special Adviser on Agriculture
7. Kaseem Ahmed.I Special Adviser on Political Education
8. Mashood Omuya Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization & Voters Education
9. Micheal Onimisi Special Adviser on Climate Change
10. Thomas Offor Special Adviser on Special Duties II
11. Yisah Abdulsalam Aliyu Special Adviser on Transportation, travel & Tours
12. Prince Haruna Mohammed Special Adviser on Community Integration & Harmonization
13. Hon. Sandra Musa Special Adviser on State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)
14. Nda Aaron Special Adviser on Multimedia & Conception
15. Muhammed Atati Bozy Special Adviser on Education, Job Creation Teaching Regulation
16 Shaibu Siaka Special Adviser on Cultural Integration (East)
17. Hussaini Salihu Balogun Special Adviser on Inter Party Relation
18. Lamidi Saliu Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Science & Technology
19. Hon. Ojo Aturu Special Adviser on Good Governance & Due Process
20 Makama Daudu Special Adviser on Commerce & Cashew Production
21. Khadija Suleiman Special Adviser on Diaspora
22. Musa Usman Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS)
23. Abdullahi Abdulmalik Special Adviser on Education
24. Alfa Momoh Rabiu Special Adviser on Legislature
25. Bilikisu Aliyu Special Adviser on Humanitarian
26. Hon. Idris Ndako Special Adviser on Local Government Matters
27. Moses Sunday David Special Adviser on Cultural Integration (West)
28. Momo Gimba Special Adviser on Women Afairs
29. Tiamiyu FancyJimoh Special Adviser on Corporate Affairs
30. Onogwu Isah Mohammed Special Adviser on Public Relations
31. Isah Abdulrashed Ovosi Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Affairs
32. Jacop Edi Special Adviser on Information & Communication
33. Kayode Olutoyo John JP Special Adviser on Urban Development
34. Alabi Ahmed Ade Special Adviser on Steel Development
35. Onoja James Omachonu Special Adviser on Statistics
36. Olugboke Josua Gbodi Special Adviser on Special Projects
37. Bode Adeyemi Special Adviser on Energy
38. Sheidu Bello Tinko Special Adviser on Special Duty I
39. Muhammed Shaibu Special Adviser on Emergency Management
40. Momoh Nasiru Omuya Special Adviser on Domestics Affairs
41. Juwon Olorunnipa Special Adviser on Culture & Tourism
42. Egnr. Ezzu Aliyu Momoh Special Adviser on Project Management
43. Yusuf Omuya Nasiru Special Adviser on Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs
Senior Special Assistants
1. Onoja Simon Shaibu SSA on Information & Political Strategy
2. Hon. Laz Akubo SSA on Public Relations (East)
3. Obademi Samson Oladende SSA on Public Relations (West)
4. Joseph Olutimi SSA on Finance
5. Joseph A. Omeiza SSA on Commerce
6. Ikeyi Sunday SSA on Sanitation
7. Richard Otitoleke SSA on Drug Rehabilitation
8. Akubo Victoria Unekwu SSA on Youth & Women Mobilization (Dekina Bassa)
9. Halimat Mohammed Onotu SSA on Youth & Women Mobilzation (Adavi/Okehi)
10. Abubakar Idris Yakubu Echipate SSA
11. Ibrahim Saidu SSA on Pipeline Regulation
12. Ridwan B. Adam SSA on Climate Change
13. Abdullahi Idowu Suleiman SSA on Road Maintenance
14. Mohammed Yusuf SSA on Security & Conflict Resolution
15. Shuaibu Hamza Mohammed SSA on Infrastructure (Central)
16. Jimoh Abidun Johnson SSA on Town Planning
17. Abdulsalam Yekini Ateiza SSA on Special Projects
18. Bama Shehu Mundi SSA on Industries & Productivity
19. Suleiman Adamu SSA on Community Service (Dekina Federal Constituency)
20. Owoyomi Ayoka Williams SSA on Political Matters (West)
21. Hon. Onimisi M. Itopa SSA on Political Strategy & Grassroots Sensitization
22. Adinoyi Ojo Aroke SSA on Grassroots Sensitization (Adavi/Okehi)
23. Emmanuel Duro Olufade SSA on Grassroots Sensitization (Okene/Ogori)
24. Adabara Ibrahim SSA on Political Matters (Central)
25. Halima Wada SSA on Entrepreneurship
26. Moses Tunde Olusegun SSA on Ethics & Value (West)
27. Idris Yahaya SSA on Rural Waters & Sensitization
28. Abdulmalik Haruna Anataku SSA on Grassroots Mobilization
29. Dauda Simbiyat SSA Women Affairs Kogi ( Central)
30. Ajoke Abdulkareem SSA on Stakeholders Engagement
31 Amos Abayomi Clement SSA on Infrastructure (West)
32. Racheal Bosede Olupeka SSA on Due Process
33. Yakubu Suleman Yusuf SSA on Hotel & Tourism
34. Benjamin Ibrahim Amodu SSA on Constituency Outreach
35. Frank Oludare SSA on Rice Mill & Processing
36. Yakubu Abdulmumuni Adeiza SSA on Human Capital Development
37. Mohammed Shaba SSA on Content Creation
38. Odiniya Adejo Sam SSA on Cooperatives II
39. Usman Inya Aishat SSA on Women Matters ( Central)
40. Adedayo Oluwafemi SSA on Corporate Affairs
41. Shuaib Abdullahi Ojo SSA on Commerce & Industry
42. Obajimoh Abdulrasheed SSA on Technology & Technical Service to the DG Government House
43. Sani Musa SSA on Ethics & Values (East)
44. Hon. Aminu A. Atabo SSA on informal & Vocational Education
45. Shaibu Ipinmisho SSA on Land Matters
46. Abdulmaleeq Rufayi SA on Legal Matters
47. Khalihat Bello SSA on Civil Society & Non- Governmental Organization
48. Hon. Adams Sadiq Isah SSA on Intra Party Affairs
49. Onde Salihu Muhammed SSS on Political Harmonization
50. Mukailu Saidu (PWD) SSA on Disability Matters
51. Raji Tope SSA on Political Affairs
52. Ochesuru Haruna Ozovehe SSA on Good Governance
53. Clement Daudu SSA on Private Education Institution
54. Amoka Umar Abdulrahman SSA on Special Dutie III
55. Menyaga Abdul SSA on Community Service (Idah/Bassa Federal Constituency)
56. Daniel Yusuf Achogba SSA on Public Safety
57. Hon. Stephen Tope Ajayi SSA on Internal Affairs
58. Abdullamid J. Omahe SSA on Local Government Service Commission
59. Usman Musa Anako SSA on Telecom Industries
60. Usman Friday George SSA on Industrial Training
61. Egbebi Kayode Augustine SSA on Cultural Integration
62. Isah Abubakar SSA on Urban Development
63. Asiru Segun Abdulganiyu SSA on Solid Minerals
64. Muhammed Yahaya Muhammed SSA on Hospitality & State Orientation
65. Nanahawa Kazeem SSA on Education
66. Hon. Yakubu Makanju Suberu SSA on Rural Development
67. Shehu Atta SSA on Youth Affairs (Adavi)
68. Yahaya Shehu Ahmed SSA on Digital Media
69. Isah Emmanuel Ojodunwene SSA on Student Affairs
70. Fatima Shaba SSA on Women Affairs (Lokoja)
71. Saidu Salihu SSA on Civil Society Organization
72. Idoko Gabriel Monday SSA on Voter Education II
73. Ojotule Saiad Aneke SSA on Environmental Protection
74. Jackson Omonu SSA on Drying Season Farming
75. Innocent Ojata Omachonu SSA on Erosion & Flood Control
76. Ogwu Hassan Ibrahim SSA on Contact & Mobilization
77. Micheal Egwuda Ojadi SSA on Works
78. Ladi Queen Ijanu SSA on Commercial Agriculture
79. Jimoh Mustapha SSA on Sector Refund
80. Tijani Mamman SSA on Public Relations (Central)
81. Aliyu Yakubu SSA on Entertainment (East)
82. Hon. Moses Sani Aguva SSA on Poverty Alleviation
83. Yakubu Saka. O SSA on Climate Monitoring
84. Omeiza Shehu Jekyll SSA on Domestic Affairs
85. Bashir Bello SSA on Domestic II
86. Adiza Ibrahim SSA on Humanitarian (East)
87. Muhammed Awwal Danjuma SSA on Creative Arts
88. Umar Nurudeen Ataba SSA on Liaising and Project Management
89. Sule Ozovehe Jimoh SSA on Project Monitoring
90. Jimoh Onimisi Abiodun SSA on Emergency & Management
91. Salawudeen Alaba Abdulkareem SSA on Produce Monitoring
92. Abdulahi Abubakar Omeiza SSA on Voters Education
93. Hon. Idris Disal SSA on Student Affairs
94. Gaminana Usman SSA on Inter-Religion Affairs
95. Abdulmalik Sunday Omeiza SSA on School Drop Out and Counseling
96. Abdulsalam Faruq Umar SSA on Federal Agencies
97. Ibrahim Umar Mubarak SSA on Youth Empowerment (Central)
98. Saliu Habib SSA on Small and Medium Enterprises
99. Haruna Yunusa Ozovehe SSA on Good Governance
100. Yahaya Hafeez SSA on Youth Matters II
101. Hon. Meka Akpata SSA on Erosion Control (Ogori)
102. Ibrahim Usman SSA on Youth Matter III
103. Muya O. Yakubu SSA on Food Security
104. Adori Tijani SSA on Drug Abuse
105. Abonyi Dada Ibrahim SSA on Peace and Security
106. Rizama Guma SSA on Agricultural Matters (Bassa)
107. Jimaza Felicia SSA on Internally Displaced Persons in Bassa LGA
108. Hon. Halimat Alhassan SSA on Child Labor and Trafficking
109. Hon. Isiaka Salisu Ibrahim SSA on Energy
110. Sunday Sheneni SSA on Artisans Affairs
111. Muhammed Abdullahi SSA on Youth in Agriculture Development
112. Abdulwahab Danbala SSA on Rural and Urban Migration
113. Omole Charity SSA on Youth and Women Mobilization (Ogori/Magongo)
114. Bala Saleh SSA on Non-Indigene (Hausawa)
115. Akowe Benjamin Friday SSA on Budget
116. Omoyi Suleiman Ajagu SSA on Entertainment (Central)
117. Samed Samuel Omede SSA on Human Capital Development II
118. Musari Sanni Ohize SSA on Housing
119. Daudu Olushola Janet SSA on Humanitarian (West)
120. Umar Saleh SSA on Social Event
121. Rufai Enero Sule SSA on Cashew Production and Marketing
122. Abu Mustapha Ogirima SSA on War Against Drug Trafficking
123. Amoka Muhammed Habib SSA on Resource Mobilization
124. Adama Yahaya SSA on Procurement Matters
125. Bashir Musa Adogu SSA on ICT II
126. Ebenezer Tade Adeyemi SSA on Civil Service Matter
127. Dickeogu Austin Chima SSA on Non- Indigene I (Ibo. Community )
128. Emeka Sunday Nwaeze SSA on Non-Indigene II (Ibo-Community)
129. Chief Empire Iweha SSA on Surveillance
130 Enemaku G. Ochijenu Esq SSA on Social Investment
131. Abdullahi Ali Keller SSA on Youth Mobilization
Other appointees include:
132. Dr. Mohammed Shuaibu Ozigis Director-General Kogi Geographical Information Service (KOGIS)
133. Salihu Sanusi Principal Private Secretary (PPS)
134. Hon. Philip Olusesan Orebiyi Board Chairman (Part-Time) (West)
135. Bilikisu Abdulsalam Ogueyi General Manager (Central)
136. Muhammed Sani Inuwa Board Secretary
137. Aliu Enesi Ikutemi Member (Part-Time) (Central)
138. Olumide Tolu Adesoro Member (Part-Time) (West)
139. Akpa Ambrose Member (Part-Time) (East)
140. Maji Muhammed Sanusi Member (Part-Time) (East)
141. Abdulmaleek Member (Part-Time) (Central)

NBA Describes Use Of Army To Enforce Court Order In Kano As Sad Reminder Of Military Dictatorship

Greenbarge Reporters

May 25, 2024

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kano State branch has frowned at what it called illegal enforcement of a federal high court order on the dethronement of Emir Aminu Bayero.
“It must be noted that court has its own mechanism of enforcing its order; it’s not within the powers of the Nigerian Army to deploy troops to enforce court order. This is a sad reminder of the military dictatorship and must be condemned.”
A statement today, May 25, by the branch chairman of the Association, Sagir Gezawa, insisted that enforcing court orders must be in line with the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act and Laws of the various States.
“The Kano Branch of the NBA is following with keen interest the development regarding the Repeal of Kano Emirate Council Law 2019.
“As a body of lawyers, we are deeply concerned about these developments in many ways including:
“It’s within the constitutional duty of a State Assembly to legislate and once passed it remains the prerogative of a Governor to assent to such Law.
“Once assented to by the Governor, it has become a Law and its implementation is to be done by state apparatus and of course enforced by a competent court of law.
“It’s further within the purview of courts to interpret such Law to be in tandem with other existing laws or the Constitution.
“In doing so, we urge our members to act responsibly in approaching courts with competent jurisdiction.
“A court order, once given is sacrosanct and must be obeyed. That is the motto of this association, “promoting the rule of law.”
“Anyone found wanting or in disobedience of a court order (which is declaratory in nature) must first be proved to have been notified of the existence of the said court order by issuance of Form 48 and subsequently Form 49 notifying such person of the consequences of his or her actions. This is in line with the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act and Laws of the various States for enforcing court judgments.
“Engaging security apparatus without the officers of the Deputy Sherrif’s Department of the relevant court that made the order may appear to be self help which must also be condemned.
“As an association therefore, we call on all state actors, to be mindful of their oaths of office and for the security agencies, their scope of duties so as not to make mockery of our judicial system.
“They should as well be mindful of the fact that their actions may breach the security and peace of Kano State and they shall be held accountable in this life or the next,” the statement said.

Islamic Scholars To Tinubu: Don’t Allow Kano To Be Thrown Into Chaos

Greenbarge Reporters

May 25, 2024

Islamic Scholars, the Ulamas of Kano have called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the State is not thrown into unnecessary chaos.
They reminded the President in a statement today, May 25, that Kano State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria despite its political complexity, but feared that the ongoing happenings in the Emirate, if not carefully handled, could escalate and degenerate into chaos.
“It is imperative for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take all necessary steps to maintain peace in the State.
“While it is the purview of the State House of Assembly to enact Laws for good governance, the State Government needs the cooperation and support of the Federal Government. The State Assembly amended the Kano State Emirates Law and the Governor assented.
“One person took the case to Court that the law violates his Fundamental Human Rights. He is entitled to his rights.
“The State Governor also has responsibility as the Chief Executive of the State as the act in question has already been completed. “Therefore there is no need for violent enforcement of any order or violent resistant to it, and we vehemently oppose any measures5 that will bring escalation of conflict in the State.
“Mr. President as the leader of the nation should not allow the contest for a royal stool to degenerate to violence.
“We are calling on Mr. President to allow the people of Kano State to resolve these issues amicably without use of any force and loss of lives.
“Kano State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, therefore we the undersigned call on both contending parties to use civil means in resolving their differences to allow peace to reign in the state.
“As major stakeholders in the state, we want to assure Mr. President that we shall reach out to contenders.
“May the Almighty Allah bring peace and prosperity to our nation as a whole.”

Atiku Accuses Federal Govt Of Unconstitutionally Interfering In Kano Emirate Tussle

Greenbarge Reporters

May 25, 2024

Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has accused the Federal Government of breaching the country’s constitution by Interfering In the ongoing emirate tussle in Kano.
“The action of the Federal Government in deploying soldiers in Kano in the tussle over the throne of the ancient city is an upset to the peace and security of the state, and also in breach of the 1999 Constitution as Amended.”
In a statement today, May 25, Atiku said that in performing their constitutional duties of law making, the Kano State House of Assembly (KSHA) passed the amended Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 in consonance with the provision of Section 4 of the Constitution 1999 as Amended whereas the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf subsequently signed into law the said bill.
“The law therefore repealed the 2019 version which balkanized the ancient Kano Emirate into five.
“The foregoing circumstances happened within the confines of the law and in compliance with the powers conferred on the Governor as provided by Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended; and also in consultation with the Kingmakers of Kano, reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II) as the 16th Emir of Kano State and accordingly handed him a letter of appointment.
“It is surprising that in the early hours of today, exactly at about 5:30 am, the former Emir of Kano, His Majesty Aminu Ado Bayero backed by Federal might, made their way into the Nasarawa Palace of the Kano Emirate while the reappointed Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II was at the Gidan Dabo, which is the main residence of the Emir of Kano.
“In this wise, the former Emir could not have made his way into the Nasarawa Palace without the support of the Federal Government, having done so with the support of the Army and other security personnel in his company.
“The deployment of soldiers in extra constitutional matters such as this undermines the integrity of the Nigerian military.
“We need to remind the Tinubu administration that Kano State is known for peace and harmony spanning thousands of years and any attempt to destablise the peace of the Land of Commerce shall be resisted.”
Atiku recalled that Muhammadu Sanusi II was dethroned on 9th March, 2020 dethroned, Kano forged on in peace without any fracas, saying that if for any reason, law and order breaks down in Kano State, particularly Kano Municipal, the Federal Government should be held responsible as the act of providing security cover to the former Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero to come back to Kano is an invitation to anarchy.

I Met Nigeria Bleeding To Death And I Have Stopped The Bleeding – President Tinubu

Greenbarge Reporters

May 25, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has said that the economy of Nigeria was bleeding as at the time he took over government, but that he has stopped the country from bleeding to death through hard work.
The President said that the past 12 months has been challenging and at the same time fulfilling, adding that the worst is over.
President Tinubu, who spoke when he received a delegation of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought at the Presidential Villa yesterday, May 24, said: “It has been challenging. It has been fulfilling as well. We took over, and we have stopped the bleeding. I can say categorically now that Nigeria is no longer bleeding. And it will not bleed to death, but rather will now move to prosperity. That is the promise that I made to you all, and it is also the charge that you gave to me.
“We are managing to swim through the pond. “The current is not a good one. We will turn the tide. We are turning the bend. This I assure you. I am being very careful. The worst is over for Nigeria. We will prevail. I thank the team who have been working really hard. All I can promise is that we will do whatever it takes. We are determined, and we will work so that all Nigerians can feel the impact of good governance.”
The President assured Nigerians that his administration would ensure that they get value for every kobo spent, and that his government would leave a lasting legacy of prosperity to future generations.
He promised to remove the yoke of poor governance and expand access to qualitative public goods.
“We will get value for our money, and it is not for ourselves, but for our children. Our children will not inherit the burden of bad governance. Yet, they will enjoy the prosperity of Nigeria as a blessed nation from our very hands; from our sweat.
“We will bequeath to them a nation full of pride and prosperity.”
President Tinubu called for the deepening of governance and the reinforcement of leadership across all levels of government and institutions, adding that his administration is committed to encouraging fiscal federalism and strengthening the system to enhance inclusion and equity for all Nigerians.
“Healthcare upgradation is ongoing. Road rehabilitation and construction is ongoing. Education development is ongoing.
“I am charging you to look at what is going on in the states. Pay attention to your state governors.
“Tell them to take their responsibilities seriously and make the people the focus of their development plans.
“Once there is synergy, then I can assure you that Nigeria will be one of the best nations that you will see anywhere on earth.
“Local government administration is being suffocated. People are looking at the opportunity to ensure that they survive and become more purposeful through community development programmes.
“What I will not support is any effort to make the local government a unitary system by handing all core responsibilities to the federal government. That is criminal when there is a federal system.
“We have a federal system. There is state and federal administration.
“We have two components. States must do whatever is in the best interest of their own process of administration.
“There is no one-size-fits-all. That is what we should do by looking at the revenue formula, and we must be consistent with federalism; fiscal federalism.
“Those are the things you should expect from me, not the knee-jerk reactions ahead of elections.
“Our population is growing. It is getting larger. The geographical requirement is getting bigger, so we still want more space for housing. “The population is growing. So that is the basis for flexibility at the local government level. We must grow and expand.”
President Tinubu called for continuous support for, and faith in Nigeria, saying that his government would live up to expectations.
“I can tell you that Nigeria is no longer printing paper money and deceiving itself that it has a base for survival. “Nigeria went through terrible labour pains, but we have seen the baby coming out alive.”

Gov Abba Yusuf Orders Immediate Arrest Of Deposed Kano Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero

Greenbarge Reporters

May 25, 2024

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of of Kano State has ordered the immediate arrest of the just deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

A statement today, May 25, by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, quoted the governor as accusing Aminu Ado Bayero of creating tension in the state.

“The former Emir was smuggled into Kano city last night in an attempt to forcefully return to the palace two days after being deposed by the Governor.
“As the Chief Security Officer of the state, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed Emir with immediate effect for disturbing public peace and attempting to destroy the relative peace the state enjoys.”
Source: Daily Trust.

Corrupt Leaders Have No Tribe But United By Common Greed – EFCC Boss

Greenbarge Reporters

May 24, 2024

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukayode, has said that corrupt political leaders have no tribe, religion but are bound together by their common greed.
Speaking at the first quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC), Ola Olukayode said that the major problem militating against the development of Nigeria is corruption.
“It’s a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of the society with its attendant effects on the citizenry.”
Represented by the Commission’s Director of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwajaren, the EFCC Boss said: “when it comes to stealing the country’s wealth, the looters are united by their common greed.
“Their ethnic identities and religious backgrounds make no difference.
“Therefore, for the corruption fight to be meaningful, it must be waged on all fronts, drawing on our collective energies to defeat a common enemy.”
Ola Olukayede said that Nigeria has all it takes, human and mineral resourcesbto truly be the giant of Africa, but that it is being held back by corruption.
“People see public offices as an opportunity to accumulate wealth. They focus on what they can get for themselves and their families. It doesn’t matter if the rest of the society wallows in endless penury.
“The implication is already staring us in the face as children, most of whom have never felt the meaning of governance, have taken up arms against us.
“No one is safe anymore. Even those who had stolen enough money to last four generations have suddenly realized that what they have built are mere castles that can vanish in a moment of uncontrolled rage.
“We also have youths who are desperate to escape poverty and see cybercrime as the fast lane to wealth. Their exploits have soiled our country’s reputation globally and left their victims in misery. The task to ensure we do not create an environment for the corrupt to take over our society, is one that belongs to all and shouldn’t be left to the EFCC alone.”

Corruption Will Continue As Long As There’re Political Office Holders – Sultan Of Sokoto

Greenbarge Reporters

May 24, 2024

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has swore that corruption will continue to escalate in Nigeria as long as there are political office holders
“The issue of corruption in Nigeria has been constantly discussed at every public and private fora, but unfortunately, it has refused to leave us. It’s important we commission a research to find out why it’s difficult to defeat corruption.
“It’s now normal for politicians to come to office and target the commonwealth of the people. They get richer overnight, and no one can question them. Some even become richer than the state. That’s sad.
“Unfortunately, this will continue to happen as long as we have political office holders, who come to office and do whatever they want with the resources of the people unchecked.”
The Sultan spoke today at the first quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja.
According to him, after four or eight years, depending on their ability to manipulate the office, the rots continue in the system.
“We are living in very difficult and challenging times in this country and nobody should think or say otherwise. Even our leaders acknowledged that fact. Now, to know you have a problem means you have half of the solution.”
This was even as the co-chair of the body and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh (NIREC co-chair), encouraged his fellow religious leaders to join hands in the fight against cybercrime by first speaking loudly against it at different religious events.
“Together, we can make a difference and build a more just and ethical society for future generations,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, in his speech, extended President Bola Tinubu’s appreciation to the religious and traditional rulers for the stabilising roles they have played, individually and collectively.
He said that the President also sent assurances that NIREC as an institution for peace and nation building, shall remain a key development partner in his administration.
Akume said that the administration remained focused on saving the economy through the implementation of programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Difficult decisions have been taken to prevent a total collapse of the system, and the government has never relented in expressing its deepest sympathy with the people over the resultant hardships Nigerians are passing through.
“But, at the same time, the government has left no stone unturned to positively change the trajectory of our economy, and to take sustainability measures to improve the standard of living of Nigerians. But, to enjoy the gains, all hands must remain on deck to fight corruption, cybercrime, and associated criminal tendencies, for the purpose of restoring our values and national integrity.
“Corruption is a deadly virus that destroys the fabrics of a nation in multi-dimensional ways. Corruption is the misuse and betrayal of trust, power and authority, for whatever purpose. Without formidable systems, institutions, integrity and character, no system and no individual can be insulated from it.
“It is not unusual, therefore, to find corruption within the political, traditional, faith-based, community, social, youth and family institutions and systems. Key players in these condemnable acts include parents, community leaders, business leaders, politicians, religious leaders, public sector employees, security agents, public office holders, judges, and administrators of schools, or anyone entrusted with power and authority.
“It has manifested itself in acts of dishonesty and it is couched in depravity, and inducement to do the wrong through improper and unlawful means. Corruption is an abuse of integrity and transparency by any person who has authority and power. This abuse can take the form of financial and non-financial advantages for selfish gains.
“The most worrisome is the meteoric but infamous rise in cybercrime among our youths on various digital platforms. The cancer of cybercrime is fast spreading globally with devastating consequences. These include the rise in terrorism, illicit monetary flow, ritual activities to acquire riches, modern slavery and human trafficking, disruption of economic systems through hacking and destruction of moral values through pornography, among others.
“The institutional battle to fight cybercrime has been through the EFCC, ICPC, the police, associated technology-based efforts and judiciary. Moderate successes have been recorded, especially in the areas of apprehension, prosecution, and conviction, as this remains work in progress.
“Sadly, addressing the challenge is assuming the dimension of an emergency, because of the involvement of scores of our youths who are leaders of tomorrow. Statistics point at the institutions of higher learning as breeding grounds. There is an urgency, therefore, in the collaboration that we want to forge in addressing it.”

When God Gives Power, No One Can Take It Away… Emir Sanusi

Greenbarge Reporters

May 24, 2024

The reappointed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II has reminded humanity that no one can determine the destiny of another person except God who has predestined everyone’s life.
“The Arabians used to say (that) in everything that we are going to witness, there is a lesson that shows us that God is there. Whatever that is happening to an individual is preordained by Allah and to those that are sensible enough, it’s a lesson.
“God is one and whatever He does, nobody can change and what He doesn’t do, nobody can.
“We (have) made it clear that God has preordained time and cause for everything and everyone. “He gave leadership to whom he wants and at the time he wants. When He gives, no one can take it away and when he takes it away, nobody can take it back.”
Emir Sanusi, who gave this narration today, May 24, while receiving his letter of reappointment from the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf at the government House, recalled that bout 10 years ago, in this same place former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso gave him his appointment letter as the Emir of Kano.
“Today, after 10 years I am here again receiving reappointment letter by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“My Governor and our assembly members, you will not understand the gravity of what you did for the history of Kano and the country at large. Among Kano Emirs, it started from Bagauda over 1000 years ago. In this year’s, it was once that we had Emir Muhammadu Koguna who was overthrown and he came back after some days.
“This shows that in 1000 years, there has been no case like what happened now.
“In the northern part of this country, we have seen it in different states how politicians balkanised emirates with a state with one Emir becoming 20, some 19. In states of northern Nigeria, there are Local Governments with two or three first class Emirs all because the system has been destroyed.
“This thing that has been brought to Kano, had it been it was allowed, one day we will wake up with Emir of Kumbotso, Bichi, Fagge and 44 Emirs. So the state government and the assembly is on a rescue mission.”

Federal Govt Moves To Revive Ajaokuta Steel, Scouts For ₦35 Billion To Fund It

Greenbarge Reporters

May 24, 2024

The federal government has announced plans to secure over ₦35 billion in financing to restart the Light Mill Section (LMS) of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, who made this known at the Ministerial Sectoral Update on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the last one year, said that a presidential approval has been granted to raise the required funds from a local financial institution, as part of the Tinubu administration’s resolve to boost Nigeria’s economic profile.
“The local financial institution has given us a final offer. I have done a cover letter and forwarded the relevant documents to the Minister of Finance to be able to take the financing on behalf of the Federal Government.”
The LMS at Ajaokuta has the capacity to produce 400,000 metric tonnes of iron rods per annum, a critical component in driving industrialization across the country.
The minister said that the ministry is working closely with the Minister of Works to supply the iron rods needed for the over 30,000 kilometers of roads currently under construction in the various geopolitical zones.
“We understand that the ministry of works needs about seven million metric tonnes of iron rods over that four year period (first term) to construct these roads, Ajaokuta can produce 400,000 tonnes.”
Shuaibu Audu stressed the strategic importance of reviving the steel plant, adding that it would bolster Nigeria’s infrastructure.
He also talked about plans to revive the Ajaokuta 110 Megawatts power plant, which would power the steel company and contribute to the national grid.
Shuaibu Audu said that the ministry is exploring a public-private partnership model to provide the necessary financing, with three potential investors – Transcorp Power, Niger Delta Power Holding Company and Reticulated Global Engineering – already in advanced discussions.
He highlighted the ministry’s mandate to revive both the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, as well as the overall steel industry.
He said that this vision is critical to President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which aims to grow Nigeria’s economy to over one trillion dollars by the end of the first term, potentially elevating the country to the G20 league.
The minister said that a minimum of $2 million is required to revive Ajaokuta Steel and that the plan is to concession the company to entities with the necessary competence to get the job done.
“This strategic move is expected to unlock the full potential of the steel sector, contributing to the administration’s broader goal of industrializing the Nigerian economy.
Source: The PUNCH.

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