We’ve Created Enabling Environment In Nigeria For Businesses To Thrive – Buhari

January 27, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his government has succeeded in creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.

The President, who spoke when he inaugurated a new three million metric tonnes per annum BUA Cement Sokoto Line 4 Factory, emphasized that the Federal Government policies on economic diversification, job creation and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive are working.

“As you all know, one of the key economic pillars of our administration has been to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. This is necessary for job creation and indeed, for our economy and national security.

”In the past few weeks, I visited Ogun and Kaduna States where I observed many private sector investments in action. And today, I am here in Sokoto to commission this multi-billion Naira project.

”It is therefore very clear for all to see that our policies are working. Progress is gradually being made in all parts of the country.”

The President pledged that his administration would continue to support serious investors to set up businesses that will take advantage of huge reserves of resources in different parts of the country.

The President recalled that in 1985 as the then Head of State, he was at the same location to commission the 2nd line of the facility, adding: “today, almost 37 years later, I am here to commission the fourth line. It is a very special day for me personally.

The President thanked the Founder of BUA Cement, Abdul Samad Rabiu and the entire team for the great work they are doing in supporting the government’s economic diversification and job creation agenda.

He noted the company, which has completed four new cement plants of similar capacity in the last five years in different parts of the country and is set to complete two more plants soon, had shown through these investments that they believe in Nigeria and its potential.

”I am pleased that through these investments, BUA Cement has created employment opportunities for our citizens. Today, BUA is the largest employer of labour in the North-West region.

”I always remind Nigerians that every region, indeed every State, in Nigeria sits on huge reserves of resources. For example, in this area, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara can boast of rice production, gold and other precious metals development and of course, heavy industries like cement manufacturing.

”As a Government, we introduced policies and mechanisms to support such investments in a legal, ethical and inclusive manner.

”For example, we have the National Food Security Council on Food Security Matters and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative to develop local artisanal gold mining and ensure health and safety of mining workers and protect the environment.

”We remain prepared to support serious investors to set up businesses that will take advantage of these opportunities through value addition so as to take advantage of the huge market here, as well as in the greater African region and the world at large.”

President Buhari expressed confidence that the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas project, adding that when completed, it will bring gas for domestic and industrial purposes from the South South region to the South East, North Central and North West Geopolitical zones.

He said that the AKK project would significantly reduce cost of operations for industries in the regions.

The President also used the occasion to reassure Nigerians that his government would continue to invest heavily in roads and rails to ease movement of people, goods and services, with a view to facilitating trade while lowering logistics costs associated with the inefficiencies of bad roads and bridges.

On security, President Buhari reiterated his commitment to bring peace and stability to all parts of Nigeria, listing a raft of measures undertaken by this administration to ensure that normalcy returns to the country.

”We continue to recruit and equip security personnel while expanding our social investment programs to support the youth and some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

”You should all be reassured that we will win this battle against the criminal elements looking to destabilize our nation by hindering the progress of our economy.

”I want to now call on all entrepreneurs and businesses to emulate what is being done here.

”The task of nation building requires all hands to be on deck. The public and private sectors must collaborate if we are to achieve our aim of collective peace and prosperity across the entire nation.”

Chairman of BUA Cement, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu commended the President for creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, acknowledging the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its Governor in setting up the gigantic project.

He announced that so far, “we have invested over a billion dollars in the past four years and we urge the CBN to continue to support industries like ours that use locally sourced raw materials to add value.”

He pledged that BUA would continue to invest more in the cement industry until Nigeria is self-sufficient and the commodity is made available, accessible, and affordable for all Nigerians.

”In the past six years, we have completed four plants – two in Obu, Edo State and two in Sokoto (of which this Sokoto line four is the fourth) with BUA’s total production capacity now standing at 11.5 million tonnes with the completion of this plant.

”Next year, we intend to complete the construction of two new plants of 3 million metric tonnes each for which construction is ongoing – one in Edo and the other, here in Sokoto.”

The Chairman of BUA said that he looked forward to President Buhari commissioning these plants next year which will bring total production capacity to 17.5million metric tonnes.

Our Helicopter Did Not Crash Land, No One Injured – Police

Editorial staff

January 27, 2022

The Nigeria Police have denied that their Helicopter, Bell 429 5NMDA, crash-landed in Bauchi with some occupants sustaining injuries.

A statement by the spokesman of the Force Headquarters, Frank Mba, admitted however, that the helicopter, flying from Abuja to Bauchi, was involved in a controlled safe landing yesterday, January 26, at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi.

“The aircraft did not crash as being reported in some sections of the media and none of the occupants sustained any injury whatsoever.

“All six on board, including the pilot and co-pilot are in good condition.

“Similarly, the aircraft, which was flown by one of the best Police Pilots, was professionally safe-landed with minor damage on the rear rotor as a result of obstacle at the landing spot. The incident occurred around 7:30PM (local time).”

Mba said that the Inspector-General, Usman Alkali Baba, has commended the Police Air-Wing for their professionalism in safe-landing the aircraft and averting any serious air-mishap.

“He further noted that the Nigeria Police Air-wing – with a fleet of one fixed-wing aircraft, a citation jet and 13 helicopters – has got a strong history of air safety since its establishment in the year 1972.”

Federal Govt Votes N5.4 Billion To Construct Road For Resettled Abuja Indigenes

Editorial staff

January 27, 2022

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved a N5.4 billion contract for the construction of access road from Mpape to Shere-Galuwyi Resettlement Housing Scheme in Bwari Area Council for the original Abuja indigenes who have been moved from their communities.

The minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who made this known in a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunlelye, said the absence of access road and other infrastructure in the new resettlement site has continued to prevent movement of the people of the communities.

“The Galuwyi Shere Resettlement Site is located on a 900-hectares of land in Bwari Area Council. Sixteen Communities are to be moved in two Phases: Phase I consists of most of the Communities in Phase II of the Abuja Federal Capital City (FCC) and include seven communities namely: Utako, Maje, Mabushi, Jabi Samuel, Jabi Yakubu, Kpaadna, Zhilu.

“Phase II comprises of nine Communities: Gwarimpa, Galadima, Jahi I, Jahi II, Kado Bimiko, Kado Kuchi, Lungu, Gishiri and Daki Biu”.

He said that already, some complimentary facilities like Primary School, Secondary School, Police Post, Overhead water tanks have been provided at the site.

“If this road is not constructed, it will lead to further decay of the development at the Resettlement site, heightening security concerns and thereby amounting to colossal loss of financial resources as well as constituting a clog in the developmental efforts of the government.

The minister explained that the movement of the Communities will open up development along that axis and free up land for the orderly development of the city in line with the Abuja Master Plan.

The contract for the 14.15 kilometers road was awarded to Messrs Vipan Global Investment Resources Limited and is expected to be completed within eighteen months.

How We’ll Bring Down Prices Of Building Materials, By CBN Boss, Emefiele

Editorial staff

January 27, 2022

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele has pledged the Bank’s determination to bring down prices of building materials to make housing affordable to the less privileged by supporting manufacturing sector.

Emefiele, who spoke today, January 27, at the inauguration of the new BUA cement plant in Sokoto, performed by President Muhammadu Buhari, recalled the decision of the Bank to restrict access to foreign exchange for the importation of 43 items, including cement, which could either be produced in Nigeria or for which raw materials could be sourced within the country.

The apex bank boss said that the decision had helped to boost the production capacity of cement in the country.

He said that the production capacity of cement companies in Nigeria has increased from 30 million metric tonnes in 2014 to 60 million metric tonnes in 2021, adding that no dollar has been spent on the importation of cement into Nigeria in the past seven years.

Emefiele commended the BUA cement company for its effort in constructing the plant with no external finance, saying that such private sector initiatives are yielding fruits. He said such are critical complimentary ingredients to reducing unemployment and boosting production activities in Nigeria.

He said that such investments have also helped to support the CBN’s mandate of promoting stable macro-economic growth in Nigeria.

Emefiele assured current and prospective operators in the industrial sector that the CBN will collaborate with them to develop a viable manufacturing sector in Nigeria.

“For those who are willing to invest in new greenfield or existing brownfield projects, the CBN will provide all the support needed, both in Naira and dollars to import plants and equipment to actualize these investments.”

He stressed that the CBN’s stand is directly in harmony with the resolve of the bank to create a professional and people-centred Central Bank that will act as a financial catalyst for job creation and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.

Emefiele advised manufacturing companies in the construction sector of the country to focus more attention on satisfying the domestic needs in the infrastructure sector, with a view to reducing the prices of cement and steel.

This was even as the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal commended the Buhari administration for its commitment towards revolutionizing the manufacturing sector, as exemplified in the cement manufacturing sector, which now provides jobs for Nigeria’s teeming population.

Also, the trio of Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman, BUA Cement Plc; Alhaji Lawal Bello, Chairman, Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) and Engr. Yusuf Binji, the Managing Director of BUA Cement Plc, lauded the efforts of the current administration and the CBN in collaborating with stakeholders to boost the economy of Nigeria.

ICPC Signs Agreement With Coalition For Dialogue On Recovery Of Stolen Assets

Greenbarge Reporters

January 27, 2022

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has entered into a Cooperation Agreement with the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA) on the implementation of the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR)

A statement today, January 27 by the ICPC spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua said that the partnership will enable the two organisations to collaborate and push for the quick recovery of assets stolen from Africa.

She said that the Chairman of ICPC, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, signed the cooperation agreement on behalf of the Commission while the Executive Director of CoDA and Head of African Union-High Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs), Mrs. Souad Aden-Osman, signed for the organisation.

According to Mrs. Ogugua, CoDA, chaired by former African Presidents, is currently being chaired by former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo.

She quoted Professor Owasanoye as having expressed the Commission’s delight in the cooperation agreement, commending the efforts of CoDA in the execution of CAPAR and recovery of stolen assets from Africa.

The ICPC boss said that African countries has continued to lose huge proportions of their resources through illicit consignment of financial and other assets to foreign jurisdictions, thereby contributing to the underdevelopment of the continent.

“If harnessed properly, these stolen assets and resources could make huge differences in Africa’s development.

“The CAPAR is therefore a critical step in stemming and reversing illicit financial flows from Africa and for the recovery and return of assets within a contextualized historical, political, economic, and social narrative.”

This was even as Aden-Osman explained that CoDA is the special initiative of the African Union (AU) to support the implementation of CAPAR, in collaboration with the African Development Bank and other partners, following its adoption by the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government at its 33rd session on 9th February, 2020.

She said that the agency will provide support to ICPC in implementing CAPAR-related activities.

“The purpose of the cooperation agreement is to regulate the relationship between the parties in pursuing their common objective towards advancing asset detection and identification; asset recovery and return; asset management as well as cooperation and partnership in Africa.”

Mrs. Ogugua said that under the cooperation agreement, the ICPC and the CoDA will implement joint activities to facilitate and advance the mapping of strategies and action plan for CAPAR implementation, strengthening systems for the detection and identification of African assets in foreign jurisdictions, and advocating for CAPAR at national, regional and global levels.

She said that the two parties will also facilitate partnerships, collaborations, networking and consultations among senior government officials, policymakers, researchers and civil society towards the realisation of the objectives of CAPAR.

The ICPC spokesperson said that the CAPAR is a political, policy, and advocacy instrument to assist Africa in identifying, repatriating and effectively manage Africa’s assets for the common good of its citizens in a manner that respects the sovereignty of member-states.

Between EFCC And ICPC In The Fight Against Corruption: Takeaways, By Yusuf Ozi Usman

Greenbarge Reporters

January 27, 2022

Until January 25 and 26, 2022, when some journalists went through enlightening two-day training, put together by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), I, in particular, had never known much about its operational modalities other than that it’s just another agency doing what its counterparts are doing in terms of fighting against corruption.
On the other hand, I had, on the face of it, regarded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as the one doing almost all or most of the cleaning up job because of what looked like its dynamic operational methodologies, with full media backups.
The two-day training, which was organized and conducted in Keffi, Nasarawa State, by the operatives of the ICPC, opened the eyes of the participants, including yours sincerely, not only to the dept, the diversity, the multiplicity, and complicated nature of corruption, but also to the equally dynamic way the agency has been handling corruption cases.

Of course, like a state governor once said, if you want to be popular, just keep on talking to the press even if there is no need for such talks, EFCC, in this regard, has continually applied this philosophy and, it has been paying the Commission handsomely.
And of course, between the ICPC and the EFCC for example, there are some points from where they practically differ, both in perception and operational methodologies.
There’s no doubt that the two have been steadfast in their roles according to the laws that set them up, but while the EFCC chose to be more opened and vocal, the ICPC has chosen to be more “secretive” and if you like, shy, especially from the point at which investigation on suspected corrupt personality begins.

It is an open secret that EFCC often informs Nigerians via the media, the arrest of suspected corrupt personality even before the investigation commences on the case, while the ICPC hardly publicises the mere arrest.
At the training, the ICPC explained why it does not fancy the idea of publicly announcing the arrest of high profile suspects. The Commission said that it respects individual person suspected to have committed corruption offence, and that such respect derives from the legal terminology that says everyone is innocent until proved guilty by the competent court.
The main philosophy of the ICPC, in summary goes thus: “when you arrest a suspect and go to the press to put it to the public, there’s 50-50 percent chance of such suspect eventually coming out innocent of what he’s charged for; how are you going to repair his image that’s damaged through the media exposure? In other words, ICPC tries to run away from what has become known recently as ” media trials.”
It is not as if ICPC does not know the importance of the media for promoting its activities and operations, but it considers the importance of the integrity of the suspect even if such suspect is eventually convicted for the offence.
The Commission’s leadership seems focus more on recovering stolen funds and properties from the culprits to the government than the person, as much as it can. And, the leadership prefers bringing in the media only after the suspect has been convicted by the court.
In most cases and because of the operational methods of these two anti corruption agencies, many suspected corrupt personalities prefer to be investigated by the ICPC. In deed, ICPC had been able to quietly recover funds, running into billions of naira and other hard currencies, properties in their thousands from individual, corporate, legislative and government entities for the government, more than Nigerians ever know.
Of course, most newsmen, like bees, prefer to attach themselves to where the news often emanate. And so, between the EFCC and the ICPC, many reporters would cling to the EFCC, but the irony is that the end often doesn’t justify the means (the rush to make the news).
It may look insignificant, but the leadership of the two Commissions might have been playing significant roles in the way the Commissions are being run, and how people perceive them. While the EFCC has largely being managed by top officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with all the forces at their disposal within the confines of the Commission’s mandate, ICPC has mainly being managed by academia or deeply qualified law officers.
All said, the multiple, dynamic, deadly corruption that is permeating the country, from top to bottom, and at all strata of public and private places deserve both the ruthlessness of the EFCC in all forms, as well as the kid’s glove manner with which ICPC has been handling same, occasioned of course by the Act that set it up.

Part 2 of the takeaways from the training will come your way shortly.

2023: Saraki Joins Crowd Of Presidential Aspirants

Greenbarge Reporters

January 27, 2022

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has joined the emerging crowd of presidential aspirants for the 2023 election in Nigeria.
Saraki, who announced his intention on his official Facebook page, said that his intention to serve as Nigeria’s President is based on his strong record of delivering and experience in making tough decisions at the time he was governor of Kwara and ex-Nigerian Senate president.
He wrote: “Earlier, I replied to a follower of mine on Twitter who like thousands of you has been clamouring for a united front to #RescueNigeria.
“As we prepare for the journey ahead, I hope we can all join hands to get the ticket of our great party, PDP, and build a nation that works for all of us.
“Join me to make our communities safer and provide real opportunities for you and your families. I have a strong record of delivering and experience in making tough decisions.
“Let’s build a new Nigeria that works for EVERYONE!”
So far, a number of high-profiled Nigerians declaring their interest to run the race to occupy Aso Rock is gaining momentum.
Another former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, who was the secretary to the government of the federation in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s six-year administration; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former National Leader of the All Progressives Congress; Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State; Senate Chip Whip Orji Kalu and the former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha have indicated similar interest.

Chief Of Staff To The President, Prof. Gambari Gives Marching Orders To Public Servants

Greenbarge Reporters

January 26, 2022

The Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari has charged Directorate cadre officers in public service to lead by example, conduct themselves well and discharge their duties.

Speaking today, January 25 at the opening of a two – day workshop with the theme: Code of Ethics and a Practical Guide on how to Complete an Asset Declaration Form, organised by the State House management in conjunction with the Code of Conduct Bureau at the State House Auditorium, Professor Gambari asked them to serve diligently in ways that would enhance the work of their superiors in the Public Service.

“I want to say a few words because of the importance of the subject matter of the workshop, the Code of Conduct in the Public Service and some elements of it especially, assets declaration.

“Mr President attaches great importance to probity in the Public Service. In the previous administration as Head of the Military Government between 1984 and 1985, of which I was privileged to be one of his ministers, the emphasis was on diagnosing some of the ills of Nigerian society and he identified indiscipline as one of those ills. And indiscipline in the Public Service is even more dangerous for the stability and development of any country.

“With that antecedent, he decided he would return to democratic rule and run for President of this country because of his passion to address some of the root causes of our problem as a nation.

“He contested four times, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 until he was elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. Why I am using this emphasis is because of his consistency in the diagnosis of the biggest problems drawing us back as a nation and preventing us from realizing our true potentials as indiscipline and corruption. He therefore made anti-corruption one of the three major pillars of his message to Nigerians.

“Those challenges are; addressing the insecurity of our nation, growing the economy and the anti-corruption fight. Of all these three pillars, the root of success is really successfully addressing the issue of corruption in the private as well as the public sectors and reinstating commitments to transparency, and accountability in the public service.”

He explained that the President’s commitment earned him recognition by former President Barack Obama and the title of Anti-Corruption Champion in Africa by the African Union.

“The reason why I am going into these details is to show you leadership by example and now that you are directors, you will play a very pivotal role in the Public Service of this country.

“Your personal commitment to transparency, equity and integrity is very pivotal to the health of the public service.”

He urged them to use all they learn at the workshop to “help this administration, this President to really achieve one of the principal goals of his administration.”

The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, in his remarks said that as Public servants, “whatever it is that we do on a day to day basis, in our offices, on those small desks will all add up and contribute to either we are transparent and accountable or not.

“We have tried to establish an administration that has tried the very best to establish transparency and accountability in doing things here.”

He observed that the legacy of the nation’s founding fathers was being eroded by indiscipline.

“I think the very base of public service has been watered down now. Transparency and accountability is everything. Our forebears who established the tradition of the service have handed over to us service in the public interest and lead with personal examples of utmost openness and transparency and it was public knowledge that they left no assets amassed in the course of their public life.

“The only assets you will leave that is important is that of character, because character is everything. Therefore, we must imbibe honesty, transparency and serving the country in an altruistic manner for the sake of the public and for the sake of God,” he said.

The representative of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Mr Ibrahim Musa, reiterated the importance of completing the Assets Declaration Form for every public officer, saying that the organisation is a creation of the Nigerian constitution and the body would put the participants through its elements during the workshop in order not to run foul of the law.

Presidency Wonders Why Gov Ortom Still Owe Workers Salaries Despite Bailout Funds

Editorial staff

January 25, 2022

The Presidency has expressed surprise that the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has allowed workers’ salaries and pensioners’ pay to continue to accumulate despite that he benefited from the over one Trillion naira which the Federal Government advanced to States to clear arrears of salaries and pensions.

Senior Special Assistant to Present Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement today, January 25, said that at various times, the President had lent money to the states in excess of N1.682 trillion and that Governor Ortom’s state did not miss out on all occasions.

The bailout loans, according to Garba Shehu were the salary bailout, Excess Crude Loan and Budget Support loan, each repayable in 20 years.

“Lagos for instance didn’t collect any of the loans. A few other states declined to take one or two. Mr Ortom, an office holder who collected on all occasions, currently holds the country’s longest record of unpaid salaries and pensions and has no reason, absolutely no reason, to blame President Buhari for the mess in which he put his state and its workers.”

Garba Shehu, who reacted to Governor Ortom’s attack on President Buhari over none payment of workers and pensioners in his state, wondered why the President who inherited a lot of financial problems but still able to pay federal workers as and when due would be part of the fraud about none payment of Benue States workers.

According to Garba Shehu, President Buhari inherited unpaid salaries and pension arrears, adding: “this is a President who has not failed to pay the salary of those working for the federal government and declared the failure of states to do so “a national disaster.”

He said that instead of Governor Ortom to accept that he is “a national disaster” and find a way to raise the funds to pay the workers, he is blaming the President.

“Having first come claiming that his predecessors created the arrears, it was his business to prove that he was better by paying. Instead of doing that, he joined them!

“And while he runs up even further salary and pension debts on top of those he was bequeathed, instead of respecting the voters who elected him to office, he publicly attacks them in unprintable words and has raised his own thuggish militia to harass and violate them.

“The Governor now claims the voters wish to be “rescued by the PDP” and “regret voting for Buhari.

“The voters, of course, will not be asked to vote for the President again because – as a leader – President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC respect term limits and the constitution, and will stand down next year at the end of his second democratically elected mandate. “It seems unlikely, however, that any voter would seriously consider it possible to be “rescued” by a party that would today, allow a politician such as Governor Ortom in its ranks.

“What is certain, however, is that Nigeria has had enough of failed politicians who blame others as a diversion for their inability to improve citizens’ lives.”

Ex Reps Speaker, Dogara, Fingers Gov. Bala In His Suspension As Jakadan Bauchi

Editorial staff

January 25, 2022

Former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has accused the Bauchi States Governor, Bala Mohammed over his suspension, by the Bauchi Emirate, as Jakadan Bauchi, a traditional title.

Reacting to the suspension, Dogara said that suspension of traditional titles of political opponents at the behest of the Governor has become routine now.

“Before mine came, our father, the Wazirin Bauchi, had been suspended. Likewise, my comrade in the APC, the Wakilin Birni, had also been suspended.

The Emir of Misau was also suspended by the Governor. The question is who is next?

“This has become the brand of infantile politics of the kleptocracy in Bauchi State. We are not only witnessing the brazen decimation of our State resources, of which hard evidence abounds, but our revered traditional Institutions and culture.”

Read the full text of Dogara’s statement, titled: “My Take On My Purported Suspension As Jakadan Bauchi.”

Yesterday, January 24, 2022, the Bauchi Emirate Council purportedly announced my suspension as Jakadan Bauchi. As of today, I am yet to be served with any letter of suspension and more tenuously, I was never informed that there was an allegation of wrong doing against me pending before the Emirate Council.

Ordinarily, I wouldn’t join issues with the Emirate Council because of the respect I have for both His Royal Highness and the Emirate Council. But because there is a ludicrous and legally inchoate criminal complaint filed against me and others by the Governor of Bauchi State and his money bag lackey who are at the centre of it all, I have decided to state my own side of the story as several well wishers and even the press have inundated me with request to respond to events of yesterday so that I am not convicted in the court of public opinion.

Firstly, on close examination, I noticed that the letter of suspension as seen on social media is not contained in the real letter head of Bauchi Emirate Council. That speaks volumes. More so, the reason for the suspension, if true, was that my “name was mentioned,” which clearly is hearsay. Bauchi Emirate is one of the oldest in the country and I doubt they would take a decision based on hearsay, especially when I am available and can be invited to appear before the Emirate council to face any allegations of wrongdoing against me. This, if true, is no doubt a violation of my constitutionally guaranteed right to fair hearing. It is additionally alleged in the letter under reference that I didn’t sympathise with the two Emirs over the unfortunate incident involving them, which is totally untrue. I therefore reproduce below the message I sent to the two Emirs in the aftermath of the incident for all to see:

“Allah ya taimaki mai Martaba.

I wish to write and extend my sympathies to you over the unfortunate incident involving your entourage while making your way from Bauchi to Bogoro earlier today. It is a huge embarrassment to all of us in my Constituency and the entire State which I totally condemn and disavow.

It is worth noting that I would have loved to personally visit to extend my apologies on behalf of my constituents but I know that such a visit would be misconstrued as was the case in the past when the gates of some palaces were shut anytime I visited as Speaker.

It is pointless to emphasise that the incident was totally avoidable as I had already requested the security agencies to obtain security guarantees from the organisers of the event failing which they should advise them to postpone the event in the interest of peace. It was therefore mindless in the first place, for anyone to have encouraged you to put yourself in harms way, especially when it was obvious that security breach was more probable than likely granted the tension generated by the recklessness of those who were supposed to show leadership.”

This message is sent through a proxy for obvious reasons.

“Allah ya ja zamanin Mai Martaba cikin koshin lafiya da arziki.”

Thankfully, I have witnesses that this message were delivered and acknowledged.

It was also said in the letter under reference that I did not show remorse over the incident. As we all know, remorse comes as a consequence of guilt. The Emirate council cannot convict me over hearsay, without investigation and without inviting me to face any allegations against me. I maintain a clear conscience before God that I have nothing to do with any mayhem in Zaar land, not least the incident involving the two Emirs as I had no inkling whatsoever that they would be attending an event that was already marred by crisis before it began.

I make bold to say, without any equivocation, that I did not know the Emirs have been invited to attend the event and even if invited, that they would indeed attend because none of the two Emirs is accustomed to attending any such event in Zaar land. Therefore, how could I have been responsible for any incident involving them? Those who should show remorse are those who insisted on going on with the event and unconstitutionally flooded the area with soldiers whose actions led to the breakdown of law and order in the area.

Even if it turns out to be true that the Emirate council did what they must do, it would be no surprise to keen watchers of events in Bauchi State. I am aware that both His Royal Highness and members of the Council have been under tremendous pressure from the Bauchi State Government to withdraw the traditional title conferred on me for quite some time now. It is all part of a smear campaign to portray me as insensitive and convict me in the court of public opinion for the political gains of some desperate characters.

The phrase; “Goje uban Kaura” torments the Governor and rents his sleep. Since I dropped like a bag of weed, in order to get at me, he procured the services of a money bag lackey in Zaar land who is also a victim of the same delusions of grandeur about destroying my political career as if they, not God, made me who I am. It’s a pity that they have failed to learn the hard lessons from others who have tried doing so before them. It is more tragic for them to imagine that they cannot see what others before them saw by doing what they did. Is there any wise person out there who believes that he can unmake what God has made?

For their sadistic entertainment, the Governor had before now illegally revoked two titles to my land just as he did to my colleague and namesake, Hon. Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi and a former Governor of the State who also doubles as his mentor and benefactor. Suspension of traditional titles of political opponents at the behest of the Governor has become routine now. Before mine came, our father, the Wazirin Bauchi, had been suspended. Likewise, my comrade in the APC, the Wakilin Birni, had been also been suspended. The Emir of Misau was also suspended by the Governor. The question is who is next?

This has become the brand of infantile politics of the kleptocracy in Bauchi State. We are not only witnessing the brazen decimation of our State resources, of which hard evidence abounds, but our revered traditional Institutions and culture.

Thankfully, for any Pharaoh there would be a Moses and I am happy to be one of the Moses in Bauchi who will content with this Pharaoh until the reproach that has become our lot is lifted. This mission cannot be deterred or delayed by all the shenanigans of this modern Pharaoh and all his puppets. Therefore, I rejoiceth as a strong man to run this race. We must not only take back our state from these maniacs but also our traditional institutions so that our people may run to them to obtain justice in times of need as was always the case.

In respect of the event in question, for two solid days leading to the event, there were demonstrations in Tafawa Balewa town. On the eve of the event, women came out in their numbers in exercise of their constitutional rights to peacefully protest against the hosting of the event but soldiers were unconstitutionally deployed to beat up and maim the women. I am sure the Commander- in -Chief who has the prerogatives under the Constitution did not order the deployment of soldiers into Tafawa Balewa.

The actions of the illegally and unconstitutionally deployed soldiers turned the peaceful protest violent on the eve of the event. The situation was not the same when soldiers had not been unconstitutionally deployed in the area as the protest then was very peaceful. Those soldiers were procured by the State Governor and his said money bag lackey who must bear the full responsibility for the break down of law and order in the area.

As a leader and elected member representing the area in the National Assembly, I had cleared my conscience by fulfilling my constitutional duty when I alerted security agencies of the undercurrents that may lead to breakdown of law and order if the event is allowed to go on without some guarantees from the organisers of the event that it would proceed peacefully. But since the State Governor and a money bag were the organisers, the spirit of mammon was let loosed, which blinded every operator.

Otherwise how could anyone have ignored the intelligence freely given by someone who has represented the area for about a decade and half? Not only that, they still ignored all the red flags of pre-event protests event after violence had ensued. How can any reasonable person turn around to put the blame of the direct consequences of the unconstitutional actions of the State Governor and a money bag who went to war with their own people in order to host an event; if not politics?

No leader anywhere could have done what they did, not least in a democracy whose culture is consensus and compromise which was what I called for but which regrettably, all of them crudely ignored. The million Naira question is between me who alerted the security agencies of the threats posed by the event and those who ignored all the red flags, who showed poor judgment and pathetic leadership?

I am happy to confront anyone in court over the rubbish filed against me and my brothers as criminal complaint. As a lawyer, I am yet to see a criminal complaint filed against anyone without the proof of evidence. No wonder they have been unable to serve the rubbish on anyone.

Why are they so inept in concocting even a proof of evidence but so alive when it comes to lying, stealing and deploying public funds?

I had always seen practice of dictators to charge political opponents with treason and unfortunately, the mini Pharaohs in Bauchi have fallen into that rap but thanks be to God, the Red Sea stands between us.

Very soon, the whole of Bauchi and indeed Zaar land shall sing; “the horse and its rider He hath thrown into the sea!”

Long live Zaar land

Long live Bauchi State

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara

Speaker of the 8th Assembly.

January 25, 2022.

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