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Mayor of Leeds : Hon. Shadalafiya Congratulates Senator Katung’s Wife on Inauguration as first Black to Be Elected

Mayor of Leeds : Hon. Shadalafiya Congratulates Senator Katung’s Wife on Inauguration as first Black to Be Elected

The Chairman of Legislative Service Commission (LSC), Kaduna State ,Rt. Hon. Nuhu Goroh Shadalafiya has congratulated Mrs Abigail Marshal Kutung over her inauguration as the first African to occupy the seat as Mayor of Leeds, United Kingdom.

The former Deputy Speaker,Kaduna State House of Assembly also congratulated her husband ,Senator Sunday Marshal Katung, who is representing Southern Kaduna Senatorial zone for the great feat .

In January 2024, Mrs Katung became the first elected African to be elected as Lord Mayor of Leeds under the Labour and Co-operative Party, succeeding A.I Garthwaite. Information gathered reveal that her election as the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City, United Kingdom was for the 2024/2025 term.

In a congratulatory message personally signed , Rt. Hon. Nuhu Goroh Shadalafiya singled out Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani for leading a high powered delegation of Kaduna State Government to attend the inauguration ceremony at United Kingdom.

According to Shadalafiya,the physical presence of Governor Uba Sani at the occasion was not only a clear evidence of his love for southern Kaduna people ,but also his willingness to support the progress and development the area . Adding,” It is equally obvious that since assumption of office as the Governor, his desire for a peaceful and united Kaduna is unprecedented.

” We are unwavering about Mrs Katung’s capacity and ability to work and deliver on all campaign promises. Her election as the first African descent into such highly exalted position is a demonstration of the spirit of hard work, resilience, commitment and service to humanity for which the people of southern Kaduna region are known for.

“We pray God grant her the wisdom and knowledge while she discharged her duties.” He prayed .

BREAKING : Sokoto University Gets 10 New Degree Programs

BREAKING : Sokoto University Gets 10 New Degree Programs

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 10 new degree programs for Northwest University, Sokoto, in a move that is expected to boost academic excellence in the region.

The approved programs include LL.B. Law, MBBS. Medicine and Surgery, B. Nsc. Nursing Science, (link unavailable) Public Health, and (link unavailable) Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS.). Others are (link unavailable) Environmental Health, (link unavailable) Pharmacology, (link unavailable) Mass Communication, (link unavailable) Information and Media Studies, and (link unavailable) Public Relations.

According to a statement issued by the NUC, the approval followed a request by the university’s management and a successful assessment visit by the commission’s panel of experts.

The statement noted that the panel was impressed with the university’s human and material resources, and therefore granted approval for the new programs to commence immediately for the 2024/2025 academic session.

This development is expected to increase access to quality education in the region, particularly in critical fields such as law, medicine, and health sciences.

Northwest University, Sokoto, has expressed gratitude to the NUC for the approval, and has assured that the new programs will be implemented with the highest standards of academic excellence.

The university’s management has also commended the NUC for its continued support and regulation of university education in Nigeria, and has pledged to maintain the highest standards of quality and relevance in its academic programs.

With this approval, Northwest University, Sokoto, is poised to become a hub for academic excellence in the region, and is expected to attract students from across the country and beyond.

Meanwhile, Senator Aliyu Wamako has congratulated the university for achieving such a feat.

CSOs Give Reasons Nigerians Should Support Cyber Security Levy

CSOs Give Reasons Nigerians Should Support Cyber Security Levy

Members of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations under aegis of Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria (FGGN) have urged the federal government to reintroduce the Cyber Security Levy considering the advantages of enhancer security framework of financial operations in the country.

According the CSOs ,advantages of the cyber security Levy far outweighs the excuses given for revoking it.

Nigeria’s central bank did withdraw the controversial 0.5% cybersecurity levy on electronic transfers three days before it was supposed to take effect.

The levy was seen as “regressive” by financial industry experts due to the increase in the cost of an electronic transaction amidst the country’s highest inflation rate in thirty years and a cost of living crisis. Following mounting pressure from labour unions, the federal government suspended the levy and said it would be reviewed on Tuesday

The Civil Society Organisations in

a Communique issued after a one-day Review Meeting held at Arewa Auditorium today on with the theme: “Economic implications of Revoking the Cyber Security Levy vis-a-vis the advantages” backed the reintroduction of the Levy,since it’s in line with internationally best practices .

In the communique jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary;Comrade Abraham Douglas and Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara,members of the CSOs across 28 States of Nigeria reviewed the pros and cons and agree that the cyber security levy will enhance the security framework of financial operations.

While insisting that the Cyber Security Levy should be Re-Introduced considering the advantages, the CSOs said there is no alternate to a secured and trustworthy electronic transaction environment which will promote economic growth and digital financial inclusion.

According to the groups, considering the country’s battered image globally, the Levy will help fund the development of a robust cybersecurity infrastructure . Stressing,”Cyber funding has become a veritable means of funding for terrorists and there’s no way to combat terrorism successfully without denying them there sources of funding.

Further explaining reasons for supporting CBN over the Cyber Security Levy is the implementation of advanced security measures; protecting financial institutions and customers from cyber threats and attacks by the so called ,”Yahoo Boys” .Adding that Cyber crimes have destroyed the lives of many young people and must be discouraged.

The communique further reads: “That in Compliance with Global Standards, the levy will help Nigeria align with international best practices in cybersecurity; enhancing the country’s reputation and attract foreign investment, as investors will be assured of a secure environment for their investments.

“Against this background,We have strongly come out to support the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) circular and letter to all banks dated June25,2018(Ref:BPS/DlR/GEN/ClR/05/008)October5,2018(Ref:BSD/DIR/GEN/LAB/11/023) respectively on compliance with the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 refer.

“We did concur in line with the enactment of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 and pursuant to the provision of Section 44 (2)(a) of the Act, “a levy of 0.5% (0.005) equivalent to a half per cent of all electronic transactions value by the business specified in the Second Schedule of the Act’, which is to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund (NCF), which shall be administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“This because, the implementation of the Levy will no doubt enhance National Security and guarantee strengthening of cybersecurity; protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive information.”

Rescue Movement Inaugurates Delta and Abia State Chapters, Urges Members to Stand for a New Nigeria

Rescue Movement Inaugurates Delta and Abia State Chapters, Urges Members to Stand for a New Nigeria

A fast-developing organization, Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative, also known as Rescue Movement For New Nigeria, is redefining party politics and activism in the country. On May 18th and 19th, 2024, the movement inaugurated its Delta and Abia State Chapters, respectively, amidst great fanfare and a strong display of commitment from members.

Speaking at the inauguration events, the Director General of the movement, Martins Chiedozie Ugwu, emphasized the significance of the organization, stating that it is the first of its kind in the history of activism and party politics in Africa. He charged members to remain steadfast and work towards building a new Nigeria by Nigerians.

Comrade Ugwu referenced Albert Einstein’s tribute to Pablo Celsars, highlighting the importance of responsible citizenship in building a responsible society. He urged Nigerians to join the movement and register their membership at http://www.rescue.org.ng for a united action and robust intellectual movement like never seen or experienced in Africa.

The Deputy Director General-South East, Comrade Nwogu Patrick Obinna expressed gratitude to members who attended the events, stating that their presence marked a significant milestone in their collective journey towards a new Nigeria.

The Abia and Delta State Chapters of Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative were inaugurated on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, with enthusiastic gatherings that pledged to work tirelessly towards creating a better Nigeria for all.

As part of their tradition of respecting traditional institutions, the Rescue Movement team visited the palace of His Royal Highness, Eze (Sir) Young A. Nwangwa, KSA, Eze Oko 1, and was warmly received with joy. His Royal Highness graciously pledged to make himself available to support their cause whenever needed.

The inauguration events taking place in different states marks a significant step forward for the movement, as they continue to drive their vision for a new Nigeria.

Unpaid Wages, Allowances: DICON Staff Seek Open Communication

Unpaid Wages, Allowances: DICON Staff Seek Open Communication

In a move to address worker grievances, civilian staff at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) are demanding better communication with management and a resolution to outstanding wage concerns. The call comes after demonstrations held from April 23rd to May 3rd at the corporation’s factory in Kaduna.

The staff are dissatisfied about being excluded from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which raises concerns about transparency and the accuracy of their pay. They are also frustrated about the abrupt discontinuation of allowances for scarce skills and transportation, as well as outstanding payments related to minimum wage increases and a government award. “The lack of these payments has caused significant financial hardship for many of us and impacting their morale. We’re struggling to make ends meet and feel increasingly frustrated,” a DICON staff member stated.

They said while established communication channels exist, their attempts to raise concerns through town hall meetings have been met with silence. “We acknowledge established communication channels and attempted to raise these concerns through various means, including the Director General’s Town Hall Meetings. However, the lack of response left us with limited options,” the statement said.

The statement acknowledged a recent clarification from the Director General of DICON, Major General Aniedi Edet that wage control lies with a different entity as offering some hope for a quicker resolution of outstanding payments. They said they are encouraged by this development. “We were encouraged to hear the Director General’s recent statement clarifying that DICON staff wage control resides with the President and Accountant General. We hope this expedites the resolution of outstanding payments,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the DICON staff expressed concern over the alleged formation of an investigative committee following the demonstrations. While acknowledging due process, they argued that “only a disproportionately small number (18) of participants were issued with queries signed by Air Commodore Ola Emmanuel, Director of Production.” According to them, “this raises concerns, given the overwhelmingly peaceful participation of over 80% of staff.” The staff therefore demanded a “fair and transparent process that avoids selective justice.”

Reacting to the staff’s concerns, Major General Aniedi Edet, DICON’s Director General, offered a contrasting perspective. He accused the staff of being “economical with the truth” and described their demonstrations as “mischievous and baseless.” Major General Edet further claimed that such actions violated employee regulations and could result in prison terms, citing provisions in the Act of Employees’ Conditions of Service that forbid protest, trade unionism, and strikes by corporation staff.

The DICON staff in the statement, however, emphasized that their demonstrations were “a legitimate expression of worker concerns, protected under their rights.” They said they “remain dedicated to DICON and are open to exploring solutions that address their needs while benefiting both the workforce and the company.” Open communication, they stated, “is key to achieving this.”

Rescue Movement Condemns FG’s ‘Shameful’ N48,000 Minimum Wage Offer

Rescue Movement Condemns FG’s ‘Shameful’ N48,000 Minimum Wage Offer

The Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative, also known as the Rescue Movement for a New Nigeria, has vehemently condemned the Federal Government’s offer of N48,000 as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers. The organization’s Director General, Martins Chiedozie Ugwu, described the offer as “shameful” and “embarrassing” considering the immense sacrifices workers make daily to build the country.

Speaking to newsmen in Enugu, Ugwu urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to demonstrate his connection with the realities of life by meeting the expectations of Nigerian workers. He questioned the rationale behind the N48,000 offer when political appointees earn a minimum of N100,000 monthly, plus estacodes, despite not regularly going to work. Meanwhile, civil servants who work daily struggle to afford a bag of rice with their entire monthly salary.

Ugwu thus called on leaders across the continent to show responsibility towards workers. He emphasized that this meager offer is an insult to Nigerian workers and a clear indication of leaders’ disconnect from the people’s struggles.

The Rescue Movement demands a fair and living wage for workers, acknowledging their dedication and hard work in building the nation.

Sen. Shehu Sani Warns Politicians Against “Using and Dumping” Journalists

Senator Shehu Sani who represented Kaduna Central senatorial zone in the 8th senate has called on politicians in the country not to dump journalists after using them to ride to the peak of their political ambitions.

Senator Sani stated this when he surprisingly bankrolled a birthday party on Monday for the Kaduna State Correspondent of the Guardian newspaper, Mr. Saxone Akhaine who clocked 64 years of age.

There was eating and drinking by many journalists on the occasion at the State secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna Council.

Apparently admitting a sense of guilt for ‘abandoning’ Mr. Akhaine after literally shooting him to the top ladder of his human rights activisms and political career over the years, the former lawmaker while addressing guests at the birthday party said he failed to appreciate Mr. Akhaine.

Senator Sani said by appreciating Mr. Saxone with the token birthday party, he was also appreciating the profession of journalism and the contributions of other journalists in Kaduna and the country in general, adding, “I am indebted to you, Saxone, don’t lose hope”.

He advised that journalists should always endeavour to celebrate their own just as they are celebrating others in the society.

This was even as Mr. Akhaine expressed gratitude to Senator Sani for the surprise birthday party.

Mr. Akhaine however, went on memory lane on his cordial relationship with Shehu Sani and Uba Sani, current governor of Kaduna State, during their days of human rights activism, adding that, “I am not happy that two of you are no longer together as it used to be because of political power”.

According to Senator Shehu Sani, “I was skeptical to say that I know Saxone Akhaine more than 30 years ago because I don’t want people to ask me, what have you done for him. This is because in the social media you expect things to go right, then they go left. I don’t want it to be like the case of Dele Momodu of Ovation magazine who posed on the social media with a newspaper vendor whom he said he had known for over 40 years. And people started commenting, saying, and so what? What did you do for him?. The 99 percent of the comments were direct attack on Dele Momodu.

“So I had the fear of posting my own photograph with Saxone. The fact that I am courageous in outspoken on issues, I fear little things that can cause embarrassment. I had arranged my photo with Saxone and as I was about to click send, I withdrew my hand. We, I don’t want to say I, knew Saxone more than 30 years ago. He was posted to Kaduna in 1991. We came in contact with him at the peak of the annulment of June 12, 1993.

“We would climbed bike to Saxone’s office with our press statement and the next day it was in the newspaper. After climbing down from his office we would buy puff-puff from a lady selling around there. Then we would take our bike and go. And he never asked us for a dime.We were very sure that the next day our press statement would be published. So any time I see him there is always that feeling of guilt that I should do more for him. Also, I occasionally deliberately avoid Alhaji Tajudeen Tijani Ajibade who had worked with my father in those days at the New Newspaper here in Kaduna because I ought to have appreciated him too.

“There is nobody, being minister, governor and even President from northern Nigeria that has not benefited from professionalism of Saxone Akhaine. Many of them who were ministers , governors in the last 34 years would call him. Even former President Buhari would call him at that time. I know that 98 percent of these people don’t pick a call. Recently I met a minister and I asked him; do you know Mr. Saxone of the Guardian newspaper? And he said, yes, I know him. And I said for how long have you known him? And he said for the past 30 years. Have you reached you to him. He said no. Look at life; so transient, you are somebody today, but tomorrow you are nobody because you are in and out of power.

“Some of you have been in journalism in Kaduna for a very long time, you have seen how people transit from nothingness to the peak of life because of your work of journalism. The Buhari that you go to his house at Sultan road in Kaduna to collect press statement and many other people that you have made in life. There is nobody who had presided over the affairs of Kaduna State in the last 30 years that have not directly or indirectly benefitted from the works of Saxone.

“We need to face the reality of life. You are not just journalists, you are recorders of history because we are in an era that whatever you write will be there till eternity. There are atimes you will like to go back to get what happened in 1809, you can’t get the records. But if you go to the Google today, anything you put online will be there. I would say that Saxone has been so important in my life. Today we are known all over the place not because we were Senators but because of what you published about us. Many journalists have died in Kaduna. May their souls rest in peace.

“We have the culture of celebrating people only when they are dead. When they are alive we ignore them, when they are alive we don’t see the reason to appreciate them. When you are celebrating the dead he or she will not appreciate all your encomiums on him or her. As journalists you have been celebrating others in the society, it is time you celebrate one of your own. By appreciating Saxone is also appreciating the profession of journalism and the contributions of all of you. I am indebted to you, Saxone, don’t lose hope”.

Contract Award: Group Defends Seyi Tinubu Over Board Membership role in CDK Integrated Industries

Contract Award: Group Defends Seyi Tinubu Over Board Membership role in CDK Integrated Industries

… Faults Atiku’s Allegation on Contract Award

Group under aegis of Forum For Good Governance (FGGN), has come out strongly to defend the President’s Son,Mr. Seyi Tinubu after former Vice President,Alhaji Atiku Abubakar faulted the award of contract to a company he serves as a board member.

The former Vice President had accused the federal government of awarding construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway to Hitech Construction Company Ltd.

He did allege that Seyi is a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, which is a parent company of Hitech.

However ,In a press Statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary;Comrade Abraham Douglas and Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara, the group said the fact that Seyi’s father is the President should not deny him access to pursue legitimate business interests within and outside the country.

While stating that the gigantic projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway would no doubt boost the economy; engender growth and development, it noted, “Seyi Tinubu an adult,who has a right to do business in as much as ,it’s within the limits of the law.”

The Statement further reads: “From the information we gathered, Seyi joined the Board of Directors of CDK in 2018 as an investor, with a good record of performance. So ,why deny such investor with capacity right to business patronage because, his father is the president.

“Unfortunately for Atiku who raised the issue, the Chairman of CDK and the highest shareholder of the company is General T.Y. Danjuma (retd.) and not Seyi Tinubu, who has been involved in business several years,before the father became President.

“The big question we are asking Atiku is , ” How has Seyi as an investor on the board of CDK, conflicts with Hitech Construction Company’s work on Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway.

“He who must come to equity must come with clean hands. If Atiku raised an issue of conflict of interest,what we do say of him during his days as the vice-president, established Intels Nigeria with an Italian entrepreneur while serving in the Nigeria Customs Service .

“When he was Vice President of Nigeria between 1999-2007, he maintained his business links with Intels that won major port concession deals in Nigeria.”

Gidan Jibir Patriotic Youth Back Ham Traditional Council, Says, Christie Yori Chasing Shadow

Gidan Jibir Patriotic Youth Back Ham Traditional Council, Says, Christie Yori Chasing Shadow

Justice Bashir Shittu Yusuf of High Court 10, Barnawa, Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State has adjourned to 6th June, 2024 for hearing in the case filed by the Applicant seeking the court to redirect the traditional council to bury the deceased, Late Captain Saleh Usman whose corpse is still languishing in the mortuary.

Speaking to the press while protesting, today, 7th April, 2024 at the court premises, the Gidan Jibir Patriotic Youth, lamented that, Christie Yori is just chasing shadow as their brother’s corpse have long been buried according the custom and tradition of the Ham people. So, approaching the court is like trying to tell the Ham people the dos and don’ts of their custom and tradition.

It can be recalled that, on Tuesday, 19th March, 2024 High Court 10 Barnawa mentions the case filed by the Applicant, Christie Yori, challenging the decision of the traditional council in Sabon Sarki District, to bury an empty casket against the reposed body of late Captain Saleh Usman.

Fielding questions asked by journalists immediately after court proceedings, Counsel to the Defendants, Barr. Jerry Joseph Dabo reiterated that the applicant filed an application asking the court to review the decision of the traditional title holders where the deceased, Late Captain Saleh Usman, hailed from to bury him.

So, she (Christie Yori) is challenging the decision of the traditional council for burying an empty casket. The body of the deceased is still in the mortuary and is yet to be buried and the Applicant is seeking the court to review the decision of the traditional council and redirect them to properly bury the corpse of the deceased that is still in the mortuary. The Applicant is saying there was no burial because the corpse is still in the mortuary.

He went further saying, We were served with the application very late, but were able to respond to the application within time. We didn’t go on today because the Applicant still has the opportunity to respond to what we have filed so that we can come proper before the court and fortunately enough the court graciously granted us the opportunity to go an put our houses in order for them to file their response, if need be, for us to also respond to what they have filed.

According to the District Head of Sabon Sarki and Mabudin Kachia, HRH, Mr. Jacob Jeff Dogo, tradition has taken its course, and we have done what tradition told us to do, and we have done it. No position is more than that. We don’t know any Christie Yori. We don’t know her. We don’t have anybody who bears the name Christie Yori in Sabon Sarki District. We have buried our brother(Saleh Usman) traditionally. We have no qualms with anybody. Certain traditional beliefs and rites can not be publicised. We are Ham, and we have our unique culture.

CNG Warns about precarious State of security in North , profer solutions

CNG Warns about North’s precarious State of security, profer solutions

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has sounded a stark warning about the precarious state of security in Northern Nigeria. In a recent report, the group highlighted the glaring failures of the current approach to tackling insecurity and offered practical solutions to address the menace.

The report is a clarion call to action, urging leaders and stakeholders to confront the crisis head-on before it is too late.

According to the CNG Chairman, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group has for past one year been brainstorming and doing extensive research beyond Northern Nigerian borders over the insecurity.

“We have mobilized security experts and formed a special committee on security, which also has sub-commitees, to ease the weight of work. We have just had another sixth months deliberations and running extensive research, even outside the North, to ensure we properly identify the immediate and remote causes of our insecurity as a region, in a comprehensive report that we intend to handover to our governors”, the CNG Chairman explained.

The CNG report paints a dire picture of a region ravaged by criminality, poverty, and extremism. It notes that despite efforts by the government and security forces, insecurity continues to worsen, with communities living in fear of attacks, kidnappings, and banditry. The report identifies several factors contributing to this crisis, including a lack of synergy among security agencies, inadequate political will, and a failure to address the root causes of insecurity.

One of the most significant failures highlighted in the report is the lack of coordination among security agencies. The report notes that different agencies often work at cross-purposes, undermining efforts to combat insecurity. This lack of synergy has led to a proliferation of quasi-security outfits, which, although well-intentioned, often exacerbate the problem. The report calls for a unified command structure and a clear chain of command to address this issue.

Another critical failure identified in the report is the inadequate political will to confront the crisis. The report notes that political leaders often prioritize short-term gains over long-term solutions, failing to address the root causes of insecurity. This lack of political will has led to a culture of impunity, where criminals and extremists are allowed to flourish. The report urges political leaders to demonstrate the necessary courage and commitment to tackle insecurity head-on.

The CNG report also highlights the need to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment. It notes that many young people in the region are vulnerable to radicalization and criminality due to a lack of opportunities and resources. The report calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses these underlying issues, including investing in education, job creation, and social welfare programs.

So, what are the solutions offered by the CNG report? Firstly, it calls for a unified security command structure, with clear lines of authority and communication. Secondly, it urges political leaders to demonstrate the necessary political will to confront the crisis, including addressing the root causes of insecurity. Thirdly, it recommends a comprehensive approach that addresses poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment, including investing in education, job creation, and social welfare programs.

In conclusion, the CNG report is a timely warning about the precarious state of security in Northern Nigeria. It highlights the failures of the current approach and offers practical solutions to address the crisis. Leaders and stakeholders must heed this warning and take decisive action to confront insecurity head-on. The future of the region depends on it.