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Reintegrating Repentant Boko Haram Terrorists Into Society, NUJ Calls For Caution

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists has appealed to the Federal Government to be cautious of its efforts at rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant Boko Haram Terrorists into the society,

This is with a view to avoiding recycling insurgents and a pseudo feeling of rewarding criminality.

A 20 point communique issued after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Union in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, also calls for meaningful dialogue and consideration by both the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities- ASUU to resolve the seemingly intractable problems of Nigerian Universities.

The perennial strikes, the Communique emphasized, are placing the country as a Nation without value for education.

The meeting which was attended by National Officers and State Council Chairmen and Secretaries from the States and the Federal Capital Territory discussed Union matters and the State of the Nation and resolved that:-

1. After a review of the current security situation in the country particularly in the North Central Region, NEC applauds the military operations against the murderous activities of Non State Actors. The meeting however regrets that in recent times we have witnessed more vicious attacks on villages and rural communities and the consequent imminent humanitarian crisis in the Region. While NEC urges the Military to sustain their operations, especially as the rainy season is approaching so as to enable farmers have access to their farmlands without any fear, it calls on the Federal Government to provide all the requirements for the Armed Forces to enable them achieve the desired results.

2. On government’s efforts at rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant Boko Haram Terrorists into the society,NEC appeals for circumspection, to avoid recycling insurgents and a pseudo feeling of rewarding criminality.

3. NEC observes that the Farmers/Herders relations over the years in the country continues to cause huge losses because of the ravaging consequences of the activities of various violent groups especially in the Seven States of North West Nigeria-Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto and Jigawa and the North Central State of Niger. NEC charges the Federal Government to take urgent steps to avert a complete breakdown of law and order.

4. These attacks have doubled the numbers of Internally Displaced persons-IDPs all over the said areas and this explains the increase in Women and Children Sexual Abuse, as some families are forced to surrender their female children in exchange for protection and security. NEC cautions against allowing the situation to fester beyond what is obtainable currently.

5. NEC suggests that as a step towards curtailing the age long development issues in the North West and North East Regions and indeed all over the Country, there should be observance and implementation of Good Governance which will promote development that is essentially free of abuse and corruption, and with due regards to the rule of law.

6. In view of the perilous nature of security in the country, NEC tasks Journalists to be mindful of the pernicious effects of fake news and avoid being part of its propagation. NEC asserts that while leaders should be held accountable to the people by the media, criticisms should be done in an objective manner devoid of any sentiments and bias. This is one of the ways Journalists can help sustain democracy.

7. The Federal Government should urgently assist the most affected states in the North West and North East with remedial intervention to ameliorate the affects of hunger that will be experienced this year because of the limited access to farmlands by farmers. Food security is of vital importance to the Nation.

8. NEC expresses concern that education in the states of the North West and North East Regions has been severely affected with many children now unable to attend schools because of fear, while others are dropping out of elementary schools and only few others are able to transit to secondary schools. NEC expresses alarm that violence has not only negatively affected the educational development of children all over these Regions, but it has also affected the availability of educational material and infrastructure. NEC believes there is need to declare State of Emergency in education in the affected areas to avert a catastrophe.

9. NEC calls for meaningful dialogue and consideration by both the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities- ASUU to resolve the seemingly intractable problems of Nigerian Universities. The perennial strikes are placing the country as a Nation without value for education.

10. NEC appeals to the Federal Government to rise up to the challenges of increasing cases of internet fraud also known as “yahoo yahoo”, ritual killings and kidnappings that have taken dangerous dimensions in the country.

11. Meeting laments the hardships Nigerians are going through as a result of the hike in prices of petroleum products which are in high demand and urges the government to take urgent steps to revert the trend. In particular NEC cautions against allowing the Aviation Sector to collapse as a result of the ugly situation where Airlines are being grounded because of lack of Aviation Fuel.

12. NEC views with alarm the attempt by media regulatory bodies in the country to gag the press under the guise of ” National Security” . The rampant issuance of unnecessary fines and sanctions are repulsive and against a free press and democratic governance.

13. Council charges members to note that NEC meeting attendance is mandatory, and members who continue to default without any cogent reason will be sanctioned. NEC also cautions State Councils to follow due process in disciplining erring members . A situation where State Councils arbitrarily suspend members, without recourse to NEC must stop.

14. NEC directs Councils to submit to the National Secretariat, within two weeks a list of all check-off dues paying members according to chapels. NEC however takes note of members whose dues are paid through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System -IPPIS .

15. Councils are further directed to submit to the National Secretariat, a comprehensive inventory of all property of the union without prejudice to the functions of the National Trustees. Councils are also reminded that payment of check off dues is a mandatory Constitutional requirement and that all defaulting Councils must defray the arrears of check off dues within three months as failure would mean sanctions on the affected Council Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

NEC in addition, directs that Councils that fail to remit their monthly check-off dues as at when due should be appropriately punished.

16. On Ondo Council Election, NEC approves the dissolution of the Electoral Committee earlier constituted for not adhering to Constitutional requirements and inaugurates a three member Electoral Committee to be headed by SunmolaOlowookere, with Ayo Falana as Secretary and OlufisoyeAdenitan as member . NEC mandates the Committee to conduct the Council election within one month while all processes put in place by the former committee remain null and void.

17. NEC warns Councils to desist from executing any agreement involving the union’s property without the approval of the National Secretariat. NEC charges the National Trustees to take proper records of the union’s property in the 36 state councils and the FCT.

18. NEC endorses the current efforts to amend the Union’s constitution and urges for a speedy and efficient completion of the process which it notes is long overdue.

19. NEC expresses profound appreciation to His Excellency, Senator AbubakarAtikuBagudu, Governor of Kebbi State for graciously approving and providing the needed resources for the hosting of the NEC meeting in the state. It equally lauds the government and people of Kebbi State for the hospitality accorded NEC members.

20. Council appeals to His Excellency the Governor to continue the good works he is executing for the people of the state and for his continued support to members of the state council of the NUJ to discharge their duties creditably.

*Communique Drafting Committee*

1. Comrade John Angese
(Sec Zone F) *Chairman*

2. Comrade Juliet Kelechi Dim
(Sec, Imo Council) *Secretary*

3. Comrade Abba Murtala
(Sec, Kano Council) *Member*

Shuaibu Usman Leman
_Walin Shadalafiya_
*National Secretary*

Governing Board Of National Broadcasting Commission Reconstituted

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By Joseph Edegbo

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reconstitution of the
Governing Board of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC),
following the expiration of the tenure of the former Board.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of
Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the board has Hon.
Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa as Chairman.

Other members, who were appointed to represent various interests as
stipulated by the NBC Act, include Mr. Wada Asab Ibrahim, Mr.
Iheanyichukwu Azubike Dike, Mrs. Adesola Oyinloye Ndu and Mr. Olaniyan Olatunji Badmus.

Also on the Board are Mr. Bashir Ibrahim, Mr. Obiora Ilo, Mr, Ahmad
Sajo, Engr. Bayo Erikitola, a representative of the State Security
Service, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Information and
Culture as well as the Director-General of the Commission.

The Board has a three-year tenure.

Gombe Federal Lawmaker Applauds NASS Over Smooth Sailing Of Medical Centre Billiri Bill

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By Joseph Edegbo

 

The Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Medical Centre, Billiri, Gombe State, passed its second and third reading in the Senate  Tuesday, March 15, 2022.

 

The Bill’s concurrence by the Senate, after about 8 months, signaled the conclusion of required legislative action on the Bill.

 

Sponsor of the Bill and Member Representing Balanga/Billiiri Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Mela Danzaria in a statement, described the positive development as historic in the annals of not only Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency or Gombe South, but the entire Gombe State.

 

In the statement titled “Thank You, The 9th National Assembly Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria” the Lawmaker said “Notably, the center, when established, will be beneficial to our brothers and sisters from the neighboring states of Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi”.

 

” As a result of the aforementioned, it is our earnest hope that Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will sign the Bill as soon as feasible, allowing our people access to the desired tertiary health facility.

 

” I would like to express my gratitude to His Excellency, the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, His Excellency, the Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase, and the entire leadership of the House, as well as my honourable colleagues, most especially, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo and Hon. Karu Simon Elisha for their unwavering and consistent support in promoting projects and programs that directly benefit the lives of our people. That is not something we take for granted.

 

“To my constituents, I want to reassure you that we will continue to show utmost loyalty to the establishment, negotiate, lobby, and do everything legislatively and humanly possible to see that the FMC, Billiri, the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Talase, Balanga, and many other projects are realized.” he concludes.

APC Leadership Crisis, An Act Of Treachery Within – By Abba Dukawa

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News Editor
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 Some of our ‘bad’ friends smile and laugh with us. Then, they go behind our back and laugh at us …with their ‘good’ friends. Mitta Xinindlu

One of the  practices, of Nigeria politicians is deliberately betraying anybody just to remain relevant in the polity and  reinvent themselves in any situation.  It is in public knowledge that the governing ruling party is facing many protracted internal crisis putting it into one feud to another, all in an effort by segment of stakeholders to take the control of the party structure whereby the crisis have grown to pitiable and dirty politics resulting in booting out two party National Working committees.

Former National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun for being  responsible for the crisis in the party and for being highhandedness and lacked the courage to confront the pockets of political despots who could not operate along the party’s rules.  It was under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led National Working Committee (NWC) that the  strength  of the party drastically reduced as it had lost 7 states to PDP before and after 2019 general elections.

Some party stakeholders blamed Oshiomhole for allegedly sold the gubernatorial primary elections to the highest bidders while others argued that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole narrowed the party to himself.

In 2019, APC disqualified from participating in the Rivers state gubernatorial election, as it failed to act in line with electoral act of conducting internal primary election for its choice of flag bearer in Rivers state.  The party lost opportunity of winning an election at the PDP strong base states. It badly managed governorship election victory in Bayelsa state arisen from the shady primary election to choose its flag bearers in Bayelsa and  Zamfara states.

These  crises were created in the party where many aggrieved members rushed to the court to seek justice leaving the party with  many litigations across the country. This led to the birth of Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, on June 25, 2020.

Political watchers observed  that the formation of  Caretaker Committee was crucial at that critical time when the party was on the verge of  collapse . It became like a theatre of infighting both at the national level and state many States.

So, Governor Mala Buni appointment as the Caretaker Committee Chairman  was  not surprised to the party stakeholders having served twice as National Secretary of the party, and conversant with  the party’s internal mechanism.

To be honest with reality, history will be kind to Governor Buni’s stewardship in APC, as his stabilising committee embarked on visitations and consultation missions to meet all national leaders and other party stakeholders across the country in order to accommodate all interests.

Members had acknowledged that the interim committee healed the wounds of the aggrieved by repositioning the party and restored peace to the party after the protracted leadership crisis.

Evidently, APC CECPC has witnessed that the fortunes of  the party has greatly improved as the committee
brought back many aggrieved party members and even reconciled many prominent party members across the country.
Critical stakeholders have resolved their differences in favour of party’s interest. It is an understatement to say life has returned to the party with the  bubbling nature of a once abandoned ruling party National Secretariat.

Against all odds, APC  Caretaker Committee had  organised party  ward congresses, local governments congresses and the states congresses, where officers were elected into their respective offices.  The work done by  the CECPC  bolstered the confidence of the party, which has now been transformed.

But there are some Anti CECPC forces working assiduously to rubbish the noticeable achievements recorded by the  Caretaker Committee by spinning different narratives to the effect that Buni wants to continue to run the affairs of the party up to the time the party would  conduct its Presidential  primary where candidates for 2023 elections would emerge and use the party’s national chairman platform to lobby for the position of vice-president.

Let these anti-Buni forces be reminded that CECPC reduced many  litigations against the party, paid off all the party’s debts, procured  the building housing its National Headquarters and raised its membership, all of them fully registered.

On over stay in office, let them recall that the first six months period, was lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.  There was no time Governor Mai Mala Buni Single handedly sought the committee’s extension without the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari. For all the three times extension, there were collective inputs of all stakeholders.

The recent untenable calls on the Chairman of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) to relinquish his chairmanship of the Committee clearly hit the bricks after INEC rejected the nomination of  Niger State as the Chairman of Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party.

The treachery committed against Governor Buni clearly presents a hidden agenda they have and is like exactly what Julius  Caesar experienced.  He was betrayed by many people whom he thought were his close friends, but are his internal  opponents  cloth as trusted companions.

But despite the numerous opposition rhetoric from anti Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee to discredit the Bunis efforts and the  good works, the Buni led caretaker Committee worked assiduously with all sincerity of purpose, re-energised and rescued the troubled party that was heading towards imminent collapse and disintegration,

Dukawa writes in from Kano and can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com

National Grid Collapses, Throws Nigeria Into Darkness

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Electricity
Electricity Transmission in Nigeria

 

By Joseph Edegbo

Report from Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDC) says the national grid has collapsed, throwing most parts of the country into darkness.

“We regret to inform you that the power outage being experienced in our franchise states is due to System Collapse of the National Grid which occured at about 10:40am,” says a terse statement by Head Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi.

The Company, in the statement, however assured that  power shall “be restored as soon as the National Grid is powered back.”

Nigeria: Gombe Federal Lawmaker Aishatu Dukku Empowers 300 Women

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By Ugo Willies

Member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hajiya Aishatu Jibril Dukku, has empowered 300 women from the constituency with #10,000 each.

The distribution took place Sunday at the Dukku township stadium and the Rep Member said the empowerment programme which is intended to enhance the domestic businesses of women in the area, would be a continuous one as the second phase will soon take off.

According to her, the economic hardship that has bedeviled the globe which has pushed a lot of families into poverty moved her into making the distribution.

She commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya and his wife, Hajiya Asma’u who were present at the occasion for creating an enabling environment for women in the State to make meaningful contributions in the governance of the State.

She also commended the Inuwa administration for executing many projects in the constituency especially, those that were aimed at uplifting the educational standard of girls.

In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, assured that his administration will prioritize Dukku and Nafada Local Government Areas in the execution of some projects especially those that have to do with the provision of water.

The Governor who promised to dredge all the water dams in Dukku LGA because of their age long challenges of potable water, commissioned ongoing rehabilitation of all boreholes from Gombe Abba river into Dukku town.

While thanking Hajiya Aishatu for the empowerment programme, Governor Inuwa promised to continuously work together with the Rep member to better the lives of the constituents.

Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, said the empowerment will go a long way in alleviating the problems faced by women in the home front considering their position as home makers and nation builders.

She then warned the women against the misuse of the funds given to them.

 

N75m Support: 1,488 Traders, Artisans Express Gratitude To Zulum

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By Joseph Edegbo

One thousand four hundred and eighty eight traders and artisans who are members of Traders and Hand Workers Association around the Post Office in Maiduguri, have expressed gratitude to Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for empowering them with N75.4 million to boost their respective trades and hand works.

Sadiq Abubakar, a senior journalist with National Accord Newspaper reported today, Saturday, that Chairman of the traders and artisans, Ambassador Mohammed Mustapha Ba-Chillu conveyed the appreciation of his members while addressing journalists at the weekend in Maiduguri.

Our “association has a membership of over 5000 traders and hand workers. Presently the association has 1,488 registered members at the Post Office area of Maiduguri metropolis which is the central business district in the state capital. We also have over 3000 unregistered members” Sadiq’s report quoted the chairman as saying.

The report added that “all the 1,488 (registered) members in the first list earlier submitted to the governor, have so far benefitted from financial support of N50,000 each, totaling about N75.4m released” by Governor Zulum.

The chairman, Sadiq’s report noted, explained however, that some members were yet to benefit due to delays in their registrations, problems of BVN and issues of variation in their names.

Nevertheless, Ba-Chillu assured that efforts were being made by the association’s leadership to ensure that names of those yet to benefit from N75.4m disbursements, are submitted for Governor Zulum’s compassionate consideration.

Secretary to the association, Malam Mustapha Hussaini also assured that no member will be left behind in a screening process and he appealed for patience and understanding.

He charged the members to continue to be law abiding and obey constituted authorities towards improving their respective trades.

AMDF Lauds Kaduna North LG Fight Against Gender Based Violence… Advocates Project Sustainability

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By Joseph Edegbo

As part of it’s Rise Up project implementation, Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF has visited the Chairman Kaduna North Local Government Council, Murktar Baloni to acknowledge his commitment to fighting against Gender Based Violence.

Rise Up Project Leader and Manager,
Mr. Benjamin Maigari made the commendation during the visit along with some community leaders as well as representatives of Community Based Action Volunteers to intimate the Council of their activities, successes and challenges.

Mr. Maigari told the Chairman who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Community Relations, Adamu Saidu that the Rise Up is a one year advocacy project and would soon be over, stressing the need for continuity.
“I want to introduce the village heads and the COMBAV team officially to the local government to keep supporting them after the expiration of the project”, he said.

While assuring the LG of the AMDF continued support even after the expiration, the Project Manager called on the Council to create COMBAV team in all it’s communities and assign the existing COMBAV team with the responsibility of training them.

Responding, the Senior Special Assistant appreciated the visit and apologized on behalf of the Chairman whom he said was away for an emergency meeting at Government House.

Saidu said he would relay the message to the chairman, but pleaded with the AMDF to arrange for another visit with his Principal.

On their part, village Heads of Ung liman and Sarkin Hausawan Kaduna respectively appreciated AMDF and the Rise Up project for awakening them from their slumber, having realized that any form of violence against women and girls is a crime against humanity.

They said that their communities were now sanitized since the inception of the project as certain norms that were accepted before, are now being seen as violence against women and girls.

The VAPP law, they emphasized, has opened their eyes to understand government programmes and policies that have been put in place to protect all vulnerable groups.

The community leaders also appreciated the LG Chairman for his leadership qualities and inclusion.

The Rise Up Project which is being implemented by the AMDF in 12 communities, 6 each in Kaduna North and Kajuru Local Government Areas, is sponsored by the Public Health Institute of John Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States of America.

 

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