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Author: Ibrahim Bello

  • Kebbi LG Polls: IPAC demands release of election guidelines

    Poll

    By Ibrahim Bello

    Birnin Kebbi, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), in Kebbi, has called on the State Independent Electoral Commission (KESIEC) to release election guidelines preparatory to the Local Government Elections scheduled for the Aug. 31.

    The Chairman of IPAC in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, made the call while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

    He said that the council had confidence in the ability of the commission to conduct the elections.

    ”We are equally satisfied with the time frame for preparations and conduct of the polls beginning from July 7 to Sept. 9, 2024.

    “However, political parties are in need of elections guidelines to enable them meet the challenges of the exercise.

    “We want KESIEC to release the guidelines before the commencement of the electoral processes on July 7.

    “Eighteen political parties that made up IPAC held fruitful discussions with the commission a fortnight ago on the forthcoming local government elections.

    ”The main issues for discussion was the timetable, campaigning and the elections proper.

    “Based on imminent developments, the political parties came together to review the timetable to chart the best way forward for the polls; we are satisfied with the ongoing preparations.

    “Our concern is the non release of elections guidelines to serve as shining beam for the political parties ahead of the polls and the mode for declaration of results,” he said.

    Mohammad further requested KESIEC to wave or reduce to the barest minimum, fees for nomination forms and appoint only educated persons of neutrality, integrity and competence to serve as electoral officers for the local government elections. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IBI/EMAF
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    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Gov. Idris mourns LGSC Chairman, Shehu 

    Gov. Idris mourns LGSC Chairman, Shehu
    Death
    By Ibrahim Bello
    Birnin Kebbi, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi  said he was deeply touched by the demise of the Chairman, Kebbi Local Government  Service Commission (LGSC), Alhaji Mansur Shehu.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls  that  Shehu died on Monday night in a hospital in Abuja of a brief illness.
    In a condolence message  by  his Special Adviser  on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki ,in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, Idris stated that Shehu  was highly saddened by the news of  the passing away of the  LGSC chairman.
    “Late  Mansur Shehu was a dedicated and hardworking person whose tenure as chairman of the commission was momentous and hugely successful.
    “He made invaluable contributions to reform the operations of the local government councils in the state,” the governor stated.
    He prayed to the Almighty Allah to admit him into Aljannah Firdausi and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
    He had since been buried in Abuja according to Islamic rites. (NAN). (www.nannews.ng)
    IBI/CHOM/BRM
    ===================
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Kebbi reiterates commitment to tackle drug abuse, trafficking 

    Drug
    By Ibrahim Bello
    Birnin Kebbi, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, Kebbi Commissioner for Information and Culture, says the state government remains committed towards tackling drug abuse and trafficking.
    Ahmed stated this during a road walk to mark the 2024 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
    Represented by the Wife of Kebbi Governor, Hajiya Zainab Idris, Ahmed said that the current administration had zero tolerance for drug abuse and trafficking.
    He said that the Gov. Nasir Idris-led government had continued to provide the necessary support to relevant stakeholders in order to ensure a successful anti-drug campaign in the state.
    The commissioner said that the state government would continue to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and security agencies to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
    “We shall sustain this campaign and resilience until the target objective has been achieved,” he said.
    Also speaking, Suleiman Usman, the NDLEA Commander in the state, said the agency had been ‘very proactive’ in the campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.
    Usman commended the state government for its support to the agency in the delivery of its role to tackle drug, addiction, trafficking and abuse.
    He said that the state government had continued to provide logistics support to the agency to ensure effective operation.
    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that NDLEA personnel, corps members, youths, students among others participated in the walk which went through major streets in Birnin-Kebbi.
    NAN reports that theme of the advocacy walk is: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IBI/KTO/AZU
    ==========
    Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo and Azubuike Okeh

  • FERMA to complete 3 road projects in Kebbi in 3 weeks – Official

     

    FERMA Maintenance Engineer In-charge of Kebbi, Rliwanu Usman

     

    FERMA to complete 3 road projects in Kebbi in 3 weeks – Official

    Road

    By Ibrahim Bello

    Birnin Kebbi, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in Kebbi, says it will complete the three ongoing direct labour road projects within three weeks in Kebbi.

    The Federal Road Maintenance Engineer In-charge of FERMA in the state, Rilwanu Usman, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

    He said the renewed hope in FERMA under the leadership of Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi, believed in carrying out its mandate to the fullest.

    “You can see it for yourself that we addressed the problem of water pounding along the same Gotomo-Argungu- Sokoto road by constructing four cell box culverts at Wali in December, 2023.

    “We also constructed reinforced concrete line drain and repaired a completely failed section,and made Birnin-Kebbi to Sokoto border pothole free through a very impactful programme called “Operation Safe Connect to Your Destination.

    “Through the programme, we made Birnin Kebbi- Argungu- Sokoto border, and  Kalgo- Kamba road pothole free; as well as Bunza- Dakongari- Kende, which is a link to federal roads, pothole free.

    “As a result of this programme, the rate of accidents have now reduced drastically as some of the accidents recorded in the past were attributed to potholes, ” he said.

    Usman added that the agency had three direct labour road projects ongoing in 2024 in the state from January to date.

    “At Wali, around kilometer 54, there was a collection of water; that is a stagnation of water to the extent that after heavy downpour, all motorists plying the road have to park until water recedes because of its force waves and movement.

    ” We have brought a permanent solution now to the area.

    “We also have Birnin Kebbi – Argungu road, at Alwasa community; there was a place which was notorious and has been undergoing serious rehabilitation and repairs.

    but now we got approval to construct three- meter by three-meter  box culverts and has now reached 60 per cent completion,” he said.

    Usman added that there was rehabilitation of Sokoto State border road along Jega- Koko- Yauri- Niger state border road, saying the road had reached 80 per cent completion.

    “We have Argungu- Bui road, around Lailaba; there were serious embankments and rehabilitation which have now reached 55 per cent completion stage.

    ” All the projects will be completed within a three to four weeks period,” he assured.

    Usman reiterated the commitment of Agbasi to make all federal roads in the state and even beyond potholes-free, and motorable all year round within the limit of available resources.

    He commended Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi for his efforts in constructing befitting roads, providing them with solar streetlights and providing an enabling environment for the agency to thrive.

    “We also commend the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, for his support and encouragement to the agency in the state in particular and country at large,” Usman said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IBI/BRM

    ==========

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

     

     

  • Police detains inspector for allegedly killing man in Kebbi 

    Killing
    By Ibrahim Bello
    Birnin Kebbi, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Police in Kebbi Command, has arrested and detained an Inspector, Nura Ahmad, for allegedly killing a 20- year old man along Zamare- Yauri road in Yauri Local Government Area of the state.
    The Spokesperson of the command, SP, Nafi’u Abubakar made this known in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
    He said on that the inspector attached to Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU), Base 18 Zamfara State, but on stop and search duty along Zamare/Yauri road was arrested after he shot the man.
    “While on duty, he was confronted by one Ahmad Ibrahim ’20’ of Yauri town.
    “As a result, the said Police Inspector shot Ahmad Ibrahim on his chest and he was immediately rushed to General Hospital Yauri, for treatment, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead,” he said.
    In view of the ugly incident, Abubakar said that the Inspector had been arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Birnin Kebbi, for discreet investigation.
    This, he said, with a view to unravel the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the unprofessional conduct of the police inspector.
    “The command is using this medium to condole the immediate family, friends and well wishers of late Ahmad Ibrahim and prayed for his soul to have an eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Abubakar prayed.
    The PRO assured members of the public that justice would be done in the investigation of the ugly incident adding that its outcome would be made available in due course. (NAN).
    IBI/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Nigeria, Benin Republic settle for single entry declaration form

     
    Entry
    By Ibrahim Bello
    Tsamiya (Kebbi), June 8, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says Nigeria and Benin Republic have agreed to have a single entry declaration form for both countries to be used for border crossing.
    The Kebbi Area Controller of NCS, Mr Iheanacho Earnest-Ojike, made the disclosure shortly after a meeting between the NCS and representatives of Benin Republic.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the meeting, which was behind close doors, was held at Anguwar Sule Wara, a border town in Benin Republic, on Saturday.
    Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, Earnest-Ojike recalled that on May 21, a maiden meeting between foreign ministers of both nations dwelled on improving free flow of trade and commerce.
    ”The meeting aimed at bringing the border crossing between Tsamiya in Nigeria and Anguwar Sule Wata in Benin Republic back to live through infrastructural development, in line with renewed hope initiative of President Bola Tinubu.

    “The meeting was also to strengthen social and economic interaction as well as expand trade and commerce between the citizens of the two countries,” he said.

    According to him, the Saturday meeting was a continuation that produced a final agreement to the previous one.
    “Now, we have agreed to have a single entry declaration form that citizens of both countries will use for border crossing.
    “Both countries are signatories to World Trade Organisation (WTO) and World Customs Organisation (WCO), which have the principles of border post,” he said.
    Earnest-Ojike added that the two countries would establish a joint- border agency inspection for goods and persons, declaring that “it is going to be a one-stop border post at the Segbana border”.
    The controller expressed optimism that the agreement reached would advance the course of regional integration between Nigeria and Benin Republic. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IBI/KLM
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    Edited by Muhammad Lawal

  • Court sentences housewife to death for murdering her ex- husband

    Court sentences housewife to death for murdering her  ex- husband

    Sentence
    By Ibrahim Bello
    Birnin Kebbi, June 3, 2024 (NAN) A High Court in  Birnin Kebbi on Monday sentenced a woman, Farida Abubakar to death by hanging for killing her former husband, Chief Magistrate, Attahiru Muhammad-Ibrahim.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Abubbakat was arraigned before the court for murder on Aug. 25, 2022 while the main charge was filed on July 26, 2023.
    The prosecution said that the convict stabbed chief magistrate Muhammad-Ibrahim with sa sharp object on his abdomen, neck and left arm which led to his death .
    Delivering judgment, the Chief Judge of the state, who adjudicated on the case, Justice Umar Abubakar held that the court was convinced that the accused person based on the evidence adduced by the prosecution.
    “The defendant was last seen with the deceased in his house in Birnin Kebbi, shortly after, he was found dead.
    “Circumstantial evidence linked the defendant to the offence.
    “The burden of proof is on the prosecution to establish guilt against the accused person beyond reasonable doubt within the boundary of evidence adduced.
    “With the extra judicial statement of the accused person and the testimony of 12 prosecution witnesses, the court is overwhelming convinced that the circumstantial evidence is an irresistible fact that she was the one who killed the deceased.
    “The evidence adduced is cogent, compelling, not controverted.
    ” Her Hijab was found smeared with blood. It was her intention to kill him. She knew death will  be the consequences of her action. The offence committed at a time the deceased was about to marry a new wife.
    “The court is satisfied, it is clearly established that the defendant mercilessly planned and marshalled the attack with sharp object, obviously to cause death or knowing the consequence of her act to cause death or does not care.
    “The court has found you guilty of culpable homicide and bodily harm, the court has convicted you as charged.
    “The court has sentenced you to death by hanging in accordance with section 191(b) penal code law of Kebbi State. You are to be hanged by the neck until you are dead.
    “The court has also sentenced you to seven years in prison for causing bodily harm in accordance with section 224 (1) of penal code law of Kebbi State,” the Judge read out in the judgment.
    In mitigation, the defence counsel, Mudashiru Sani, holding brief for Abdulnasir Sallau, described the convict as first time offender with aged parents.
    The counsel said that the convict was her parents’ caregiver and also has a young daughter in need of motherly care.
    He pleaded with the court to give the convict lighter sentence, so that she could finish her time and come back to the society as reformed individual, considering her age.
    In reply, the Prosecuting Counsel, who is the Director, Public Prosecution in the state Ministry of Justice, Lawal Hudu-Garba, enjoined the court to follow the latter of the law to serve as deterrent to others from committing the same heinous offence.
    Shortly after the judgment, the defence counsel, Sani, said, his client would appeal the verdict. (NAN).
    IBI/SH
    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Governor’s wife takes menstrual hygiene campaign to secondary school 

    Menstruation

    By Ibrahim Bello

    Argungu (Kebbi), June 1, 2024 (NAN) The wife of Kebbi Governor, Hajiya Nafisa Idris, has sensitised students on promotion of menstrual hygiene among girls and women in the state.

    Hajiya Idris sensitised the female students on Saturday at Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School, Argungu in Argungu Local Government Area of the state as part of activities marking the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that May 28 marked the 10th World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global initiative dedicated to promoting awareness and education about menstrual hygiene.

    The governor’s wife commended her husband, Gov. Nasir Idris for his efforts in promoting the healthcare service and his support in the promotion of menstrual hygiene in the state.

    ”Hygiene is part and parcel of Islamic religion, and is our faith.

    ”Muslims are encouraged to maintain personal hygiene by taking regular baths, washing hands before and after meals, and trimming of nails and hair.

    ”The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stressed the importance of personal hygiene, saying, “Cleanliness is next to godliness”.

    “We know how germs spread from our very own hands to our bodies as well as to other people,” she said.

    She pledged her unwavering support for the initiative to improve menstrual hygiene and sexual reproductive health services in the state.

    “Educate yourself, take care of your health, and seek support where necessary. My Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation (NANAS) is committed to advancing the health and rights of the girl child,” she said.

    She also called on parents to continue to support the education and prioritise menstrual hygiene of their daughters.

    Earlier, Dr Halima Bande, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, urged the students to pay more attention to their studies and pursue a future full of education.

    ”Don’t limit your studies here, but go further, until you fill the available women vacancies we should rightly occupy on health, education and other fields of endeavours,” she encouraged.

    On their part, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Halima Hassan-Kamba and the wife of Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hajiya Asma’u Alkali, urged the students to be good ambassadors of their parents and the society.

    She advised that pursuance of education should not stop at secondary level.

    Alkali enjoined the students to be disciplined, modest and respect elders anywhere they might find themselves after leaving the school.

    NAN reports that the Governor’s wife distributed sanitary items to students and donated N1 million to the graduating students of the college.

    Earlier at Emir’s palace, Argungu, the Emir, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad-Mera, commended the wife of the governor for her efforts in ensuring the promotion of menstrual hygiene among girls and women in the state.

    ”I thank you immensely and I thank your husband, our governor, who has been doing excellently well in the areas of health, education and infrastructure, among others,” he said. NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IBI/KLM

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    Edited by Muhammad Lawal

  • Kebbi re-introduces monthly sanitation to prevent diseases – Gov. Idris

    Sanitation

    By Ibrahim Bello
    Birnin Kebbi, June 1, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, says the re-introduction of monthly sanitation is a measure to prevent diseases, ensure safe and clean environment in the state.
    Idris disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday while flagging-off the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
    ”Clean environment and clean drinking water are highly necessary to the well-being of people to reduce both airborne and waterborne diseases.
    ”My administration will maintain the enviable health position of Kebbi, to always ensure that our people are healthy and productive members of the society,” he said.
    Idris, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Umar Abubakar-Tafida, cautioned the people not to expose themselves to dangers and hazards through dirtiness and unclean surroundings.
    ”Illnesses are preventable if communities keep clean environment and drink clean water,” the governor said.
    Earlier, the State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Musa Tungulawa, said the governor had mandated his ministry to pursue the environmental sanitation campaign and awareness to achieve healthy environment.
    “On the last Saturday of every month, the exercise will be strictly carried out in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, and in all the local government areas of the state,” he announced.
    Tungulawa said that the governor had attached prominence to environmental matters and attainment of absolute hygiene among the citizenry.
    Also speaking, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu-Bashar, commended the  the governor for his practical action to secure clean environment in the state.
    He tasked the people to remain loyal and prayerful for the success of the administration.
    “Loyalty to leaders galvanises them to action, while good governance energises people to attain better life.
    ”Some states and emirates elsewhere are undergoing trying periods.
    ”Kebbi state is in tranquility and secured, therefore, let us continue to live in peace with one another,” the emir urged. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IBI/KLM
    =======
    Edited by Muhammad Lawal