“Constituents of Zamfara State’s Kaura Namoda-Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency Seek Recall of House of Representatives Member”

The constituents of the Kaura Namoda-Birnin Magaji federal constituency in Zamfara State have formally notified the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, of their intention to recall Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji from the House of Representatives.

Citing poor representation as the basis for their decision, in accordance with Section 69 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the constituents submitted a recall letter to the INEC Headquarters in Abuja. The letter, duly acknowledged and stamped, signifies the commencement of the recall process.

Additionally, constituents have begun collecting signatures from voters as listed in the voters’ register. These signatures will be forwarded to INEC for verification, followed by a referendum to determine Jaji’s recall.

In a statement signed by Hon. Bello Mahmud Birnin Magaji, Chairman of the Coalition for Sustainable Democracy, and its Secretary, Comrade Mustapha Ibrahim, constituents urged eligible voters to actively participate in the recall process. They emphasized the critical importance of recalling Hon. Jaji, asserting that he had failed to adequately represent the constituency during a crucial period.

The constituents’ action underscores their determination to hold elected officials accountable and ensure effective representation in governance.

“Gombe State Governor Advocates for State Police to Enhance Local Security Control”

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has expressed his support for the establishment of state police, citing the current challenge where security agencies operate from the nation’s capital, making it difficult for governors to effectively exercise their powers as chief security officers of their states.

Governor Yahaya emphasized that the introduction of state police would empower state governors to address the security challenges within their jurisdictions more effectively. He highlighted the practical difficulties faced by governors in coordinating security operations when security agencies report directly to their commanders in Abuja, rather than to the state governors.

He further explained that despite being designated as chief security officers, governors often encounter delays and obstacles in implementing security decisions due to the centralized command structure of security agencies. Governor Yahaya expressed confidence that the establishment of state police would streamline the decision-making process, leading to more timely and effective responses to security threats.

However, Governor Yahaya acknowledged that the establishment of state police is a constitutional matter that must undergo the legislative process. He expressed optimism that once the necessary legislation is passed by the National Assembly, the states would support and implement the initiative to enhance local security control.

“Katsina State Launches Climate Change Council to Spearhead Environmental Initiatives”

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has inaugurated the State’s Climate Change Council (SCCC) at the Katsina Government House with the aim of combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for the state.

Emphasizing the council’s pivotal role, Governor Radda underscored, “The time is now for us to join the global fight against climate change.” He pledged full support to the council and stressed the urgency of enacting new policies, conducting feasibility studies, and securing funding from both national and international sources.

Following the inauguration, Professor Mohammad Al Amin, Special Envoy on Climate Change, outlined the council’s four main areas of focus. These include empowering Katsina’s youth by creating climate-friendly employment opportunities, tripling the state’s agricultural productivity for food security, addressing water scarcity challenges, and enhancing rural communities’ well-being while safeguarding the environment.

Professor Al Amin also identified the council’s two-pronged strategy as climate adaptation and climate mitigation. Through these approaches, the council aims to implement programs to help communities adapt to climate change impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting environmental health.

Acknowledging the long-term nature of the project, Professor Al Amin highlighted the critical need for securing international funding for success. He expressed confidence that positive environmental, economic, and social changes will be evident within the next 20 months.

Governor Radda will serve as the chair of the SCCC, with the Commissioner for Environment as the vice-chair. The council will comprise representatives from various ministries, including Water Resources, Agriculture, Health, Housing and Transport, Women Affairs, Budget and Economic Planning, and Justice, among others. Additional members include the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), the Director-General of the Bureau of Statistics, the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, and representatives of the Erosion and Water Shield Agency.

“Senate President Akpabio Calls for Collaboration with Traditional Rulers to Address Niger Delta Challenges”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, politicians, and stakeholders in the Niger Delta region with traditional rulers to tackle the challenges facing the area. He made this statement at the 13th Extraordinary General Assembly of the Forum of Monarchs in the South-South region held in Asaba, Delta State.

Represented by Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, Akpabio described the meeting as timely, highlighting the theme, “Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration for the Development of the South-South Region: The Role of the Traditional Institution.”

Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that increased oil production could bring more resources into the region for its development. He stressed the urgent need to involve traditional rulers in peacebuilding efforts, especially in combating oil theft, illegal bunkering, and unrest in the region.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented by Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, advocated for constitutional roles for traditional rulers to tackle rising insecurity and promote sustainable development in their domains.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, urged the Forum of Monarchs to uphold integrity and fairness, mediating conflicts and promoting justice in their domains without bias. He emphasized the critical role traditional rulers play in bridging the gap between communities and the government.

Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum, King Dr. Edmund Daukoru, emphasized the theme’s focus on development and highlighted the lack of cooperation and synergy between stakeholders as a primary reason for Nigeria’s development gaps. He expressed concern over the marginalization of traditional institutions and the need for greater consultation with them by all tiers of government.

In a goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted the commission’s initiatives and urged people in the region to align with its policies to benefit from its programs.

Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (retd), underscored the forum’s vision to address insecurity, underdevelopment, and promote peaceful co-existence through cross-fertilization of ideas.

Former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, has made remarks asserting that President Bola Tinubu cannot be held accountable for the challenges currently facing Nigerians. Speaking at the inaugural edition of the Asiwaju Scorecard Series organized by the All Progressives Congress Professionals Forum in Abuja, Yuguda emphasized that Tinubu inherited existing issues upon assuming office, which could have exacerbated if not appropriately managed.

Yuguda highlighted that despite the decision to remove fuel subsidy during Tinubu’s administration, the repercussions were being endured under his leadership. He clarified that Tinubu did not eliminate the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during his tenure, emphasizing that such a move did not feature in the later part of the 2023 budget.

The former governor commended Tinubu for initiating reforms aimed at addressing fundamental issues within the society, portraying him as a leader championing changes necessary for national progress. Yuguda’s stance seeks to absolve Tinubu of blame for the current state of affairs in Nigeria, attributing challenges to preexisting conditions rather than actions taken during Tinubu’s tenure.

The recent demolitions in Enugu have raised concerns about their legality and the impact on affected residents. The gubernatorial candidate for the Labour Party (LP), Edeoga, has criticized the Enugu State government’s actions, describing them as both alarming and unconstitutional.

The demolition of buildings without due process and proper compensation can indeed be considered unconstitutional, as it infringes upon the property rights of citizens and violates their right to adequate housing. Edeoga’s remarks likely reflect broader concerns within the community about the government’s approach to urban development and its disregard for the rights of citizens.

Such actions can also have significant social and economic consequences, displacing families and disrupting communities without providing viable alternatives or compensation. Edeoga’s criticism underscores the need for government accountability and adherence to legal processes in carrying out urban development projects.

It’s essential for the government to engage with stakeholders, including affected residents and opposition candidates like Edeoga, to address these concerns and ensure that future development initiatives are conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.

The ongoing conflict between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Nigerian government seems to be escalating, primarily concerning the payment platform for university staff salaries and the constitution of new governing councils for universities. Despite the government’s announcement last year exempting federal-owned tertiary institutions from using the Integrated Personnel Payment System (IPPIS), there has been no implementation of the new policy.

Instead, there are indications that the government is planning to use the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS) to pay the salaries of lecturers, which suggests a departure from the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) proposed by ASUU.

Reports indicate that despite promises and declarations, university staff continue to be paid through IPPIS, with only minor changes in nomenclature. This lack of implementation has led to frustration among ASUU members, who view IPPIS as a threat to the autonomy of universities and accuse the government of irregularities and shortchanging in salary payments.

ASUU branches across various universities, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Jos, have called for immediate removal from IPPIS, as directed by the Federal Executive Council, and the reinstatement of governing councils that were previously removed. The union has also reiterated its demands for the release of the Revitalisation Fund and the payment of salaries for members excluded from IPPIS payroll.

The failure of the government to address these issues has led to protests and further strains in the relationship between ASUU and the government, reminiscent of past industrial strikes and disputes over university funding and autonomy.

The United States of America is set to impose sanctions against the International Criminal Court officials.

The US, according to the Guardian UK, is willing to work with Congress to potentially impose sanctions against the world’s top court’s officials.

This is following the prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over the Gaza war,

Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State, made this disclosure on Tuesday.

At a Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, Blinken was told by Republican Lindsey Graham that he wanted to see renewed US sanctions on the court.

Recall that ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan had on Monday announced a move by ICC to arrest both the Israeli and Hamas leaders.

“I want to take actions, not just words,” Graham said to Blinken.

“Will you support [a] bipartisan effort to sanction the ICC, not only for the outrage against Israel but to protect, in the future, our own interest?”

“I welcome working with you on that,” Blinken said.

Khan had said in his announcement that he had reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s defense chief and three Hamas leaders “bear criminal responsibility” for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity

The escalation of military drills near Ukraine, especially involving the simulation of tactical nuclear weapons, raises tensions significantly. It’s indicative of the growing hostility between Russia and Western nations, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict.

The actions taken by Russia, including President Putin’s ordering of these drills, seem to be a clear message to the West about the consequences of further involvement in the region. The mention of French President Macron’s suggestion of European troop deployment and UK Foreign Secretary Cameron’s remarks about Ukraine’s right to target sites in Russia with supplied weapons only adds fuel to the fire.

The proximity of these drills to the Ukraine border, coupled with the involvement of nuclear-capable weapons, underscores the volatility of the situation. It’s essential for diplomatic channels to remain open and for all parties involved to prioritize de-escalation efforts to prevent a further deterioration of the situation.

However, the reported actions of Russia seem to indicate a willingness to flex its military capabilities and assert dominance in the region. This could lead to a dangerous game of brinkmanship if not handled carefully by all parties involved.

Zamfara State Government has vowed to stop the spread of a mysterious illness which recently affected four local government areas of the state.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aisha M.Z. Anka while briefing newsmen at Shagari primary healthcare center in Gusau recently.

Anka appreciated the efforts of partners who stood firmly to make sure that the unidentified disease was stopped.

The commissioner assured the people of the state that the ministry would leave no stone unturned as investigation of the disease was ongoing.

She also revealed that the affected people were responding to treatment.

Peter Obi’s call for the government to take on the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of citizens in the wake of the Plateau killings underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for effective governance and security measures. His statement highlights the government’s primary obligation to protect the lives and property of its citizens, emphasizing the importance of proactive and decisive action in addressing security challenges.

By urging the government to rise to its responsibilities, Peter Obi is advocating for a swift and comprehensive response to the escalating violence and insecurity in Plateau State. His statement reflects a broader concern about the state of governance and security across Nigeria, emphasizing the need for accountable leadership and robust security infrastructure to safeguard communities from threats such as the recent killings in Plateau.

Furthermore, Peter Obi’s call for action underscores the role of political leaders in advocating for the welfare and security of citizens. As a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, his statement carries weight and may influence public discourse and government response to the security situation in Plateau State.

Overall, Peter Obi’s statement serves as a reminder of the government’s fundamental obligation to protect its citizens and the need for proactive measures to address insecurity and violence effectively. It reinforces the importance of accountability, transparency, and decisive action in ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.

The Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with the Community Protection Guard (CPG) during an interactive session held at the NSCDC Command’s headquarters in Gusau. The State Commandant of the Corps, Sani Mustapha, emphasized the importance of this partnership, considering the security challenges prevalent in the state. He acknowledged the CPG as a vital initiative born out of necessity and expressed the NSCDC’s commitment to providing the necessary support for its effectiveness.

Mustapha assured the leadership of the CPG of the NSCDC’s unwavering assistance, emphasizing the Corps’ readiness to bolster the CPG’s capabilities in serving the community. The NSCDC’s support is essential in enhancing the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the CPG in fulfilling its mandate of protecting the community against security threats.

In response, the leadership of the CPG, represented by the new Commandant, Brigadier General L. B Mohammed (rtd), expressed gratitude for the existing collaboration between the NSCDC and the CPG. Mohammed acknowledged the significance of the NSCDC’s support in the fight against the prevailing security challenges, including brigandage, in Zamfara State. He emphasized the need for continuous synergy between the two organizations to effectively combat criminal activities and maintain peace and security in the state.

Mohammed’s plea for continued support from the NSCDC underscores the importance of interagency cooperation and coordination in addressing security threats. By leveraging the NSCDC’s resources, expertise, and capabilities, the CPG can enhance its capacity to respond to security challenges promptly and effectively. This collaboration between the NSCDC and the CPG exemplifies a proactive approach to community-based security and demonstrates the commitment of both organizations to safeguarding lives and property in Zamfara State.