A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State and former spokesperson of late Prince Abubakar Audu, Suleiman Abdulmalik, has warned the former governor, Idris Wada and the running mate to late Abubabakr Audu that there is no vacancy in the government house for any of them

He expressed optimism that Governor Yahaya Bello would defeat his opponents in the election tribunal even as he asked the people of the state to give their supports to the new administration in its efforts to bring development to the state because to mark Bello’s 100 days in office, Abdulmalik said that his  100 days in office is far better than 12 years of PDP, adding: “Kogi is in a safe hand.”

According to him, both the immediate-past governor of the state, Captain Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Audu’s running mate in the last governorship election, Mr. James Faleke would lose “because their cases are weak and lacking in merits.”

He added that the governor has so far taken major steps that would reposition the state and place it on the path of sustainable development.

While commending the ongoing screening exercise in the civil service, he stressed that a lot of money would be saved by government to pay genuine workers and also embark on other projects by the time ghost workers on government payrolls were identified  are flushed out.

“Since Bello came on board, we have seen a lot changes; our major township roads that have been doted with pot holes are being filled up and tarred. Lokoja the state capital is like a project site. In fact there is work in progress all over the state. Even those in the opposition who did agree with the emergence of Bello will agree to the fact that the state is now working”, he said.

Abdulmalik said Bello’s decision in granting autonomy to local government councils was a bold step that would bring succour to LG workers and ensure development for people at the grassroots.

“Members of APC exco who are against the governor are doing that on selfish grounds. When he came on board, his concern was to put the state on the path of progress but the APC leaders want the continuation of the old ways where money will be put on the table and shared.

“Part of the reasons for crises rocking the Kogi state chapter of the APC is the selfish interest of some of the executive members who are not interested in the overall development of the state.”

Abdulmalik faulted those who are raising issues with the appointments made by Bello, saying the choice of personal aides remains the prerogative of the governor.

“The appointment of personal aides is the sole responsibility of the governor. He knows the people that believe in his change agenda. When Buhari came on board, nobody knows Dr. Ibe Kachikwu as a card-carrying member of APC.

“Bello knows the people that will assist him to get the desired results and it would be unfair to say that he was not appointing APC members. Bello brought in good technocrats. In fact, I must commend the appointment of his Chief of staff, Mr Edward Onoja and the likes of Asiwaju Idris who have been working hard alongside the governor in the governance of the state.” [myad]

Chairman of the Kogi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sadiq Muhammed Rabiu has announced that the Saudi Arabian Government had returned N24 million to the Board for services not rendered during the 2015 hajj.

The Chairman, who made this known during a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Ayangba, Alhaji Shuaibu Okolp, said that the money would be shared among the 2015 pilgrims from the state.

He said that by the board’s calculation, each of the participants would receive N27,000.

According to him, the gesture from the Saudi government is a reflection of their entrenched culture of accountability and fairness.

On preparations for the 2016 hajj, Rabiu said that the board had secured accommodation near Kabba, to facilitate the performance of the basic rites while in holy land.

He said that the board would soon embark on sensitization and enlightenment of intending pilgrims, to acquaint them with the rules and regulations newly introduced by the Saudi Government.

“We will provide them with CDs which they will watch and get themselves acquainted with the regulations of the holy land.

“Also, in our effort to ensure smooth dissemination of information, we have resolved to open zonal offices in the three senatorial districts.”

Rabiu noted that hajj operation had its peculiar challenges, but noted that with the moral support and co-operation of royal fathers, the challenges were surmountable..

Responding, the traditional ruler advised the chairman to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and transparency to enable him to succeed.

(NAN). [myad]

Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State has cautioned against calls for reprisal attacks on Fulani herdsmen in the South-East.

Reacting to criticisms on the social media that he pledged to create grazing fields for herdsmen during his meeting with traditional rulers and security chiefs in the state on Tuesday, Umahi said he had done the right thing by asking that all armed cattle rustlers should be disarmed.

Umahi said that during a stakeholder’s summit on rice revolution in Abakaliki on Wednesday, it was agreed that provision of grazing routes in the state be created and not grazing fields as claimed by his detractors.

“On learning that some herdsmen had built huts near the permanent site of the Ebonyi State University in Ezzamgbo, he directed the state Police Commissioner, Peace Abdallah and the Commissioner for Education, Prof. John Ekeh, to ensure that the herdsmen were peacefully moved out the area.

“There is no way cows can be allowed to stay where human beings, especially students are living. The CP and the commissioner should find a peaceful way of moving out of there within seven days.”

The   governor said that it was not in the best interest of the Igbo for anyone to call for reprisal against Fulani herdsmen for the recent killings in Enugu State.

“The Igbo are also nomadic in commerce and are scattered across the country,” he stated and appealed to all those who want   herdsmen to be sent away to think about the safety of the Igbo living and doing business in other parts of   the country.

Umahinadvised that since “our people that the country is very tensed now, let us be careful in making inflammatory statements that could endanger the lives of Nigerians.”

“Instead of us being worried about live or don’t live, it is better to use our energy to think of alternatives on how we can live in peace with them,” the governor added.

He said that the Police has been directed to disarm all herdsmen in the State. [myad]