News

Northern Youth Groups Declare Support for Atiku

Published

2 years ago

February 23, 2023

Eric

Ahead of Saturday’s presidential election, the Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations has declared support for the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for the poll.

They said Atiku, who’s also a former Vice President, was their preferred candidate because he had over the years garnered enough experience to govern Nigeria.

JACOM, comprising over 70 youth organizations in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, said their choice of Atiku was based on the fact that of all the 18 presidential candidates, he has all it takes to rebuild the country.

Addressing a press conference at the Arewa House, Kaduna on Wednesday, JACOM’s Convener, Murtala Abubakar, flanked by Raphael Makama, Director of Communication and Public Affairs as well as other executives, said none of the contestants had built political bridges across Nigeria like Atiku.

According to Abubakar, the youths of the region arrive at the decision after feeling the pulse of the Northern Elders Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum as well as other Northern groups on the candidature of the former Vice President.

The JACOM boss, therefore appealed to all Nigerians to come out en masse and vote for Atiku, noting that the decision “we are going to make, will make or mar Nigeria if not well guided by our choice.”

He said, “In the next few days, Nigerians would be going to the polls to cast their ballots in an epoch making decision. This 2023 election would be a watershed for all of us, but especially the younger generation. Because, the decision we are going to make, would make or mar Nigeria.

“Now Atiku is not just on the ballot, but he is the leading candidate. Of all the 18 presidential candidates who would be on the ballot come Saturday 25th February 2023 all things being equaled as assured by the Independent Electoral Commission none is compared to Atiku by many standards.

“None has been in politics and ran for offices like Atiku. None but Atiku has occupied the number two position of Vice President of Nigeria for 8 years.

“None of them knows Nigeria like Atiku. None have built political bridges across Nigeria and beyond like Atiku. Atiku is not going to rely on anyone or groups to teach him how to lead Nigeria.

“Atiku knows, understands, and appreciates Nigeria and Nigerians just as he knows, understands and appreciates his loving family. Nigeria is Atiku’s family.

“As a result of these and more, that time and space will not allow us to say here, we hereby, on behalf of our members cutting across all the states and the FCT, endorse/adopt Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate for the 2023 polls and by God’s, the next President of Nigeria to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

“It took us this long to arrive at this decision. Within this period, we note the footprints of President Buhari, who took stock of his gains in the last seven years plus.

“We also prayed those battling to succeed him, especially in his political party the All Progressives Congress. But we came to the conclusion that they are not only worthy of the position but are out struggling to get power for their selfish interests.

“With this endorsement, we are assuring all Nigerians, especially southerners that when Atiku is elected and sworn to office, which Nigerians would do on Saturday peacefully, we would hold his legs to the fire and ensure he remains the leader for all we have known him to be. We assure all that Atiku will not let them down. We promise as we want you to hold us responsible for this promise.”

The Punch

News

Pensioners’ Welfare: Govenor Adeleke Approves N3.3bn for Retirees

Published

1 day ago

October 4, 2024

Eric

The Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Dr Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has again approved a whopping sum of Three billion, Three hundred naira only (#3,300,000,000.00) for the payment of accrued rights (bond certificates) of a number of workers who retired under the Contributory Pension Scheme across the State, according to a statement esigned by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina.

Of the said amount amount, N1.5 billion is for retirees at the State level comprising Ministries, Departments, Agencies, secondary schools and tertiary institutions while the sum of #1.8bn is for those who retired in the local government service, junior and primary schools across the State.

The statement noted that the approved fund is presently undergoing due process at the Bureau of Public Service Pension and the Local Government Staff Pension Board.

The approval, the statement further disclosed, is apart from the regular monthly payment of pension and gratuities to retired public servants under the old pension scheme across the whole gamut of the public service.

It will be recalled that workers and pensioners welfare top the 5- point Action Plan of Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration in the State.

Stakeholders admit that Governor Adeleke been keeping his promise since he came on board in November, 2022 going by his unhindered love for public servants and the entire citizens of the State.

News

We’re Winning War Against Bandits, Terrorists, Says Tinubu’s Minister

Published

1 day ago

October 4, 2024

Eric

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; said on Thursday that Nigeria is winning the war against terror and banditry.

Idris made the claim during the opening ceremony of the 1st Annual International Lecture of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja

He said: “Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.

“Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever.

“As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.

“Indeed, this quote from President Bola Tonibu has amplified the resolve and determination of this administration to address the security challenges confronting us.

“By understanding the root causes, evaluating the impact on our territorial integrity, and implementing strategic policy measures, we can effectively address the challenges posed by this crisis.”

The minister pointed out that the Federal government through intelligence gathering and other grassroots measures is tackling insecurity.

News

Court Releases Ex-Taraba Governor, Darius Ishaku on N150m Bail

Published

2 days ago

October 3, 2024

Eric

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has granted a N150 million bail to a former governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku.

Ishaku was arraigned on Monday alongside Bello Yero, former permanent secretary, bureau for local government and chieftaincy affairs.

Both men are being prosecuted on a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds.

The defendants pleaded “not guilty” when all the charges were read to them.

At the court session on Thursday, the defendants’ respective counsels moved their bail applications.

Rotimi Jacobs, prosecution counsel, said he would not object since the defendants have been granted administrative bail.

Sylvanus Oriji, presiding judge, granted the bail application.

He held that the defendants must produce two sureties each in like sum. The two sureties must be responsible citizens of Nigeria and must be residents within the FCT, with verifiable office and residential addresses.

One of the sureties produced by each defendant must be a director in the civil service.

The defendants must not travel outside the country without the court’s permission and must deposit their travel documents to the court.

Ishaku, 70, was governor of Taraba from 2015 to 2023.

In July 2023, the EFCC invited the former governor over some financial transactions conducted during his spell in office. He was later released on bail.

On September 27, 2024, Ishaku and Yero were arrested and detained by the commission.