“Jigawa State Hisbah Board Hindered by Funding Constraints, Committee Finds”

Inadequate funding has been identified as a major obstacle affecting the efficiency of the Jigawa State Hisbah Board, according to a report by DAILY POST. This revelation emerged from a committee established by Governor Umar Namadi to evaluate the operations of the Hisbah Board in the state.

Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, the chairman of the review committee and also the Secretary to the State Government, highlighted deficiencies in the existing legal framework as a contributing factor to the operational challenges faced by the Hisbah Board. The committee’s primary focus was on reviewing the legal framework governing the Hisbah operations, with the aim of either maintaining or revising the existing laws.

Among the key findings of the committee’s report was the insufficient number of personnel within the Hisbah workforce, which currently stands at 1,700 statewide. This inadequacy has hampered the Board’s ability to effectively carry out its mandate. To address this issue, the report recommended increasing the number of personnel to 4,600. Additionally, the committee emphasized the importance of providing adequate funding to bolster the operations of the Hisbah Board.

Upon receiving the report, Governor Namadi acknowledged the significance of the committee’s work, describing it as one of the most important committees established by the government in the state. He expressed confidence that implementing the recommendations outlined in the report would lead to the establishment of the best Hisbah Board in the country.

Governor Namadi commended the committee members for their dedication and pledged to prioritize the implementation of the report’s recommendations. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the credibility and effectiveness of the Hisbah Board in Jigawa State.

“Female Inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres Rose by 4.82% in 2022: NBS Report”

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its Statistical Report on Women and Men in Nigeria 2022 in Abuja, revealing a 4.82% increase in the percentage of female inmates admitted into Nigerian correctional centres in 2022.

The report outlined that in 2020, the percentage of females admitted stood at 4.90%, which decreased to 4.48% in 2021, before rising to 4.82% in 2022. Meanwhile, male inmates accounted for 95.10%, 95.52%, and 95.18% in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively.

Both men and women were predominantly convicted for stealing, with the number of men convicted decreasing from 40,555 in 2020 to 31,921 in 2021, before increasing to 44,477 in 2022. Similarly, the number of women convicted for stealing decreased from 1,981 in 2020 to 1,320 in 2021, and further to 1,272 in 2022.

The report highlighted a decline in bank fraud, noting that there were no arrests or convictions in 2021, but an increase in the number of arrests in 2022.

In terms of drug-related offences, male suspects accounted for 90% of all arrests, while female suspects ranged from 7.35% to 7.62% between 2020 and 2022.

Regarding trafficking, the percentage of females trafficked for forced labour decreased from 64.87% in 2020 to 59.14% in 2022. Additionally, the report revealed an increase in the percentage of women aged 15 to 49 who experienced physical violence since age 15, rising from 27.80% in 2013 to 31% in 2018.

The report also highlighted that 8.20% of females aged 0 to 14 had been circumcised in Nigeria in 2021, and the percentage of females aged 26 to 35 trafficked decreased from 87.86% in 2020 to 71.09% in 2022.

Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the Federation, emphasized that the report analyzed gender equality across various domains, aiming to support policies and programs enhancing equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for women and men in Nigeria.

“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.