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Abuja Kidnap:Group Condemns Payment of Ransom by Fmr Minister, Pantami , Says action encourages Banditry

… Commends FG Efforts So far in Tackling Insecurity Challenges

Group under aegis of Coalition for Peace and National Unity Condemns has condemned payment of ransom to kidnappers by the immediate past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mal. Isa Pantami .

Recalled that On Wednesday ,January 5, gunmen invaded residence of a family in Bwari area council ,the Zuma 1 area of Abuja, abducting a father and his six girls with one girls reportedly died in captivity.

The former Minister had made announcement, seeking donation to pay the N60 million ransom via his x social media handle for their rescue. According to Pantami, a friend of his has offered to pay N50 million ransom to the kidnappers to secure the release of the five remaining sisters,who were abducted in Abuja.

“It might appeared a good and humanitarian gesture. For us as group ,it will no doubt further encourage kidnapping business in the country “it emphasised .

Reacting to issue of payment of ransom by the Minister, Coalition for Peace and National Unity in a press statement made available to journalists in Kaduna
said,”We have repeated advised and kicked against payment of ransom to criminals under any guise, because it is counter-productive to fight against banditry.”

While recalling that Nigeria security agencies have also discouraged payment of ransom to kidnappers, the group reminded that, “The Nigerian Senate had in 2022 passed a bill imposing jail terms of at least 15 years for paying a ransom to free someone who has been kidnapped, and made the crime of abduction punishable by death in cases where victims die.

The group in the statement signed by the Secretary General ,Dr. Abdullahi Musa Ringim queried Pantami’s silence on heightened insecurity challenges under Buhari administration asked,”Where was Pantami’s Voice, when under Former President Buhari, when half of Katsina State was under attack by bandits , 80 percent of Zamfara State was occupied by terrorists , Kaduna killings were done almost on daily basis in southern Kaduna with Bandits unleashing terror on innocent citizens in Niger state and at birnin-Gwari Local Government area of Kaduna State .

“We also ask what happened to his passion to rescue kidnapped victims, When 279 female students of GGSS , Jangebe were kidnapped during a raid by armed bandits on 26 February 2021; when 11 students of FGC ,Yauri were kidnapped, when bandits invaded the school on 17th June 2021, Several students of Bethel Baptist School Kaduna , Greenfield University ,Kaduna , Students of Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Kaduna were kidnapped?

As measures to deter other persons from hurried payment of ransom to bandits, the coalition called on security agencies to invite Pantami for investigation for violating the law .

According to the group, hundreds of Nigerians are in kidnappers dens owing because the immediate past government allowed kidnapping to become a thriving enterprise.

However, the group which urged security agencies to adopt proactive measures to fight against all forms of criminalities across the country, especially banditry and Insurgency, posited ,”Even though there still insecurity challenges, there are relative and significant improvements on security issues, especially in northern Nigeria .

“At this juncture, and from our comparative analysis as well as records obtained by our research unit,we are left with no option than to commend Federal government for efforts taken so far to tackle prolonged security challenges in country with the last eight months of Tinubu’s administration. “It stated .

Meanwhile,it advised the president to reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating poverty, terrorism and all forms of criminality nationwide and intensify efforts to implement tangible measures that will alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates.

The Northern Coalition Of Socio Politcal Group has urged to the public to disregard the fake social media publication with the headline: “Minister Allegedly Organises Lavish Birthday Party”

Comrade Musa Mohammed, the national president of the coalition, in a statement issued to Pressmen on Saturday, said there have been an “orchestrated campaign of calumny targeted at Barr. Uju Kennedy, the Hon. Minister for women affairs, which is a game plan to take her down.

The statement further stated that, “It was the handiwork of some members of the party who are uncomfortable with the progress the minister was making in just few months of the Tinubu’ administration”.

“The negative media campaigns are succeeding in heavily distracting Government from achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, by forcing it to constantly react to these paid media blackmails.

“Unfortunately, this has become the new trend in this administration, and the opposition is cashing in on it. The belief is that once you pay for a media blackmail on anyone in Government, the President will suspend or remove the person.

“We have seen her selfless zeal to assist the less privileged, which have significantly touched the live’s of the poor and vulnerable across Nigeria

“Many people can testify that they are actually benefiting from the Federal Ministry of women affairs development”.

” She has made unprecedented achievements recorded in barely five months of resumption”.

“on assumption on duty as Minister federal republic of nigeria,
In partial fulfilment of her policy she mark her First Day with Women and Children in Hospital, to sustain her philanthropic drives towards providing succour to the less privileged in the society”.

“She visit the National Hospital to identify with indigent Nigerians who cannot afford their hospital bills.

“Which is part of her vision is to improve the well-being of Nigerian Women and Children through quality health care, skill acquisition programs and others in line with the policy focus of Mr. President on renewed hope for Nigerians.

“She embarked on a series of engagements demonstrating her dedication to the empowerment and well-being of women and children across Nigeria.

“The minister after her inauguration, had a meeting at the Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters with key members of staff to discuss strategic priorities and action plans aimed at advancing gender equality and the welfare of women in various sectors.

“Following the meeting, Minister Kennedy addressed the press in a candid press conference, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where women’s rights and opportunities are safeguarded and promoted.

“She emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to achieve tangible results in women’s development.

“Therefore, our stand is that blackmailers, those who fabricate stories and those who peddle false stories to malign Uju Kennedy, should leave her alone.

“The public should disregard the information in circulation, trending Online”.

Fake news” has become a much-used and much-hyped term in the so-called “post-truth” era that we now live in.

“Fake news” has also been flagged for fuelling propaganda and “hate speech” and even violence. “Pizzagate” is an infamous example of exceptional circumstances in which a false news story had a central role.

Grace Nwaokobia Set To Break GWR For Longest Home Kitchen Cooking Marathon

The Guinness World Record for Longest Home Kitchen Cooking Marathon is set to be broken in March this year by Nigerian chef and home cook Grace Nwaokobia.
Chef Grace intends to Break Rickey lumpkins record of 68 hours. This record has not been broken since 2018 by anyone.

She intends to do it in a serviced home apartment in Lagos with limited restrictions open to the public to come show support as there will be a variety of home cooked meals in abundance.

The meals cooked will be shared in special takeaway packs with raw food items to the homeless on the streets and representatives of orphanage homes in attendance. Home cooks will also be selected and gifted kitchen appliances for their businesses.

This is a marathon with a purpose, Nigerians set trends and the intent is to crush the trend table coming March. For sponsorship and donations @graciesgourmetng

Recruitments: Group Commends Interior Minister for Allocating 35% to Women in Four Agencies

Coalition of Women for Affirmative Action(CWAA) commended the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for taking the bold step to review employment guidelines and for allocating 35 percent slots for women in four agencies under his Ministry.

The Coalition, which described the decision as great feat , also said the guidelines review and subsequent allocation of the 35 percent slots to women will not only be acknowledged by women as one of the most important achievement by the President Tinubu led administration,but also sensitive,considering the important role women in play in security and development processes.

Recalled the Interior Minister recently announced the decision at the end of a meeting with boards of Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board in Abuja.

The Coalition for Women Affirmative Action in a statement jointly signed by Dr. Fatima Abdul Idris, Chairperson and Mrs Janet Mosses Secretary expressed joy that the federal government is being gender sensitive. Stressing, “In today’s world being gender sensitive is not only a fundamental human right, but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable country.

According to the group, giving priority to employment of women is strategic and valuable for sustainable development and advancement of the family; community as well as the nation.

The statement further reads: “For any country to attain height of sustainable progress and development, such must take into account critical issue or women’s economic empowerment.

“We thank the federal government for hitherto the approval, because there have been several calls for the implementation of 35 percent inclusion of women in appointments in the public sector to the womenfolk, but to no avail.”

However,the women group, which expressed hope in what they termed, “The Project Nigeria” commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and passed a Vote of Confidence on his administration for bringing to an end the debate for the review of guidelines for recruitment into, and promotion in all the agencies under Interior Ministry.

“We are very happy that the issue has been finally laid to rest , especially with the cheering news of formal announcement of the implementation.”it said.

While urging Nigerians to pray for all leaders from the position of the President; Ministers ,Governors to Lawmakers and other public office holders ,the group called on others to emulate Tunji-Ojo.

“We are now convinced that Nigeria will great again with women taking their proper position of mothers of the nation in public offices”.

FCTA Honours 191 Staff, Pledges To Improve Staff Welfare 

No fewer than 191 staff across all Secretariat, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Capital Territory Administration have been honoured in the 4th edition of FCT staff award and recognition for their outstanding performance.

Also, the Administration has pledged its commitment to improve the welfare and living standard of the FCT Staff and the entire people of the FCT in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at the occasion, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the award was in line with one of the Federal Civil Service strategy and implementation plans which focuses on the general well-being of civil servants.

The minister who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy, Dr. Abdullihi Isah Kauramata, stressed that in every workplace, the heartbeat of success lies in the commitment and hard work of its employees.

The minister further said, “as we confer these awards, let us not only applaud the recipients but also reflect on the qualities that have set them apart – a tireless work ethic, innovative thinking, and a genuine passion for their roles.

“These qualities not only benefit the individuals, but also inspire and elevate those around them.

“In recognizing excellence, we strengthen the foundation of our Administration. It is a testament to the high standards we set and the aspirations we collectively hold”.

While commending the awardees, on the well-deserved recognition, she however, tasked the entire staff to foster a culture of support and encouragement, where each member feels empowered to reach their full potential.

In his remarks, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, noted that in the past three years, management staff have made modest contributions to the administration of the FCT on staff development.

Adesola assured that in no long a time, the Abuja Rali Mass Transit, known as the Abuja Metro, would return to operation aimed at impacting the cost of transportation on income of Staff for those on the serviced routes.

” “Furthermore, arrangement is at top gear to return the AUMTCO to expanded scale of operations.

“Plan is also underway to deploy last mile vehicles to help check the challenges of commuting in places where the Mass Transit buses cannot go and thus provide alternative means of transportation to check the menace of the “One Chance” vehicular crime,” he added.

He, however, commended the FCT Minister and Minister of State, for keying into the staff reward scheme, stressing that since the inception of the merit award, the FCTA civil service has witnessed very significant positive developments.

The highpoint of the event was the surprised corporate gift items presented to the outgoing permanent secretary for his contributions during his tour of duty.

Alleged Scholarship Non-payment: Hon. Gabriel Saleh Debunks Allegations Raised By Students

 … Says it’s concocted lies to damage his image 

Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Gabriel Saleh has debunked story making rounds in the media about some students, who claimed they were promised scholarships and not paid in the end . 

The lawmaker,described the allegations raised by the students in the sponsored write-up as not only frivolous , but also concocted lies to damage his hard earned political image. 

In the published story , some Medical Students and others Science Students from Kachia Kagarko Federal Constituency had cried out  over ‘Political gimmick’  of the former member and vowed to vote him out.”

Reacting in a press statement personally signed , Hon. Gabriel Saleh, said he never made any promise of sort and failed during the course his stay as House of Rep member and entire political career . 

He further explained:”I was popularly voted by the good people of Kachia/Kagarko to represented them in the House of Representatives and I did my very best to do so,while my tenure lasted. 

“For the records,  they should cross check again in Kaduna State University, (KASU), when my team went to pay scholarships for students that were captured,located and paid accordingly . Anyone  in doubt should go to KASU and ask the Student Captured if they got it or not. 

“All that I did were documented and there was no time that I promised and failed our people.

“Those that were captured  for scholarships  by team  were shortlisted and  paid to KASU . Before  going to  press, I expected those who carried such frivolous story to confirm whether those captured got it or not .” 

The lawmaker,who expressed displeasure over the story noted ,” I have four years tenure, how would I promised to take off tuition fees for medical students who will be in school after my 4 years tenure.

While describing the story as the  handiwork of political enemies, who are  threatened by his popularity, he said, “It’s a matter of time, God will vindicate me and expose their evil machinations.”

Speaking about the Petition with claim that he supporter Labour Party presidential candidate during the elections , Hon. Saleh simply referred  the detractors  to Hon. Faleke.”  

He however stressed, ” Anyone in doubt about my contributions to Asiwaju’s campaign and election victory should ask my  colleague Faleke ,who was  then the Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council of Asiwaju.”

According to him, the public should know that the faceless group,which wrote the petition under  guise of ‘Concerned APC Members Kaduna State’ (Kachia/Kagarko Federal constituency) was sponsored to de-campaign him . Adding  that If there was a need for a petition, it should come from the party Chairman of the polling unit, ward or even the State office.

He explained further,”There are 22 wards , why is it that there are no signatures from the wards? That is to show that the whole idea is a lie and calculated attempts to reduce my popularity ahead of the by-election. 

Meanwhile, he disclosed ,”My campaign is going on and will continue until the D-Day of the by-election.”

On his achievements ,Hon. Saleh said,” We provided 36 major projects ranging from hospitals; schools Boreholes and also sponsored a bill to create a Federal college of agriculture, Kagarko, which has gone through  the second reading and ready for public hearing.

He also revealed ,”We touched lives  of so many people including widows, orphans, youths,students Traditional and religious leaders.

“We organized an annual programme  tagged “Peace Conference” where lectures on peace and  conflict resolution are taught while at the end fertilizers and rice were shared to farmers and the less privileged with  cash donations to indigent families. Over 110 motorcycles and some vehicles were distributed and good number of our youths employed  in critical positions.

“And these good works ,we have promised to continue to do if re-elected.”

In a reaction to the issue  of petition against Hon. Saleh via telephone,the Chairman of  All Progressives Congress (APC), Kachia local Government, explained: In the first place, most of those who signed the petition are not our party members. How did they arrive at the conclusion that Hon. Gabriel Saleh Har was engaged in anti party activities at any time ,when they not  members of the party? 

“One name we saw on the so called petition, Junaidu is a suspended member of the party. He was caught red- handed on video working against our lawmaker for the upcoming rerun election.Another person who signed ,was the former party secretary, Mr. Daniel Ibrahim ,who has debunked signing the petition and the other persons is not our members. The Petition does not hold water as far as we are concerned, thus should be disregarded . 

“On the the forthcoming rerun election for Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency, the Chairman said , ” APC is battle ready for landslide victory.All we know is that Hon Gabriel Saleh Har is a loyal party member, who has always sponsored the party and its activities without looking back.We know him as one  who takes care of the party.Of course, if you’re in power, you will have more enemies, more so, that he’s widely known  for  given to people and helping the less privileged .

“Ahead of the rerun the party,we are more determined  and working tirelessly to ensure overwhelming victory God willing.”

Similar, the APC Chairman Kagarko local Government area, Mr. Christopher Mailafiya discredited the petition and described  it  as a “Fiction of imagination” of the writers. 

” We can’t allow such shenanigans to distract us from winning the forthcoming rerun election . Hon. remains the candidate to beat and the party is leaving no stone unturned to make  sure Hon. is again returned as our House of Representatives member.”