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Katsina Generates N4.08bn Internal Revenue In Q1 2024

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Katsina Generates N4.08bn Internal Revenue In Q1 2024

From Abdullateef Bamgbose

The Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has ushered in a new era of financial prosperity with the state generating an astonishing N4.08 billion in internal revenue in the first quarter of 2024. A staggering 227% increase compared to the N1.79 billion generated during the same period last year.

This was contained in the Governor Radda One Year in Office Scorecard. Governor Radda’s led administration has strategically positioned Katsina to not only exceed its current capacity, but also to shatter revenue projections. “Estimates indicate that the state is poised to surpass the N20 billion mark in internal revenue generation for the year 2024, a feat that seemed unimaginable in previous years when the range hovered between N10 billion and N14 billion,” the Scorecard Report Committee said.

At the heart of this financial renaissance lies Governor Radda’s visionary “Building Your Future” policy document, a blueprint that has paved the way for groundbreaking initiatives such as the State Treasury Single Account and the recently implemented E-tax billing system. These reforms have not only streamlined tax and revenue collections but have also fostered an inclusive environment, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the quest for economic growth.

One of the key catalysts for this extraordinary success has been the administration’s unwavering commitment to plugging leakages in the state’s financial system. By identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities, Governor Radda’s team has effectively stemmed the tide of revenue loss, paving the way for an unprecedented influx of resources.

Governor Radda’s overarching objective is to empower Katsina State to achieve a level of fiscal self-sufficiency that will enable it to offset its monthly and annual wage bills solely through internally generated revenue by the year 2027. However, at the current pace of progress, this ambitious goal may be realized even sooner than anticipated.

Governor Radda’s administration has set an example for others to follow, proving that with undeterred commitment and innovative solutions, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.

Suspect Boko Haram Insurgents Abduct Travelers On Maiduguri-Damaturu Highway

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Suspect Boko Haram Insurgents Abduct Travelers On Maiduguri-Damaturu Highway

By HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents members have Abducted many travellers along the Maiduguri-Kano highway in Northeast region.

Credible source confirmed to AljazirahNigeria that the insurgents struck between Garin Kuturu and Mannanari village near Auno, along Damaturu highway Attacker were blocked the highway before forcefully taking away some passengers.

According to one of the passengers who escaped from kidnapped told our correspondent on Telephone interview that the Attackers where left hundreds of passengers and commuters stranded on road.

“There was an incident between Garine Kuturu and Mannanari villages where some members of Boko Haram fighters came out to block the upcoming vehicles and some passengers were abducted.

“The driver of a commercials vehicles, said infact we don’t know the number of passengers were abducted by insurgents but certainly there was an abduction on maiduguri -kano highway road.

Mustapha a residents of Garin Kuturu, added that many commercial drivers took refuge in their community momentarily when the insurgents were operating between our villages Mannanari and Garin Kuturu of Borno state.

“Another source confirmed that Attackers came with at least three vehicles, we don’t know how many people were abducted but some of the commercial drivers came back and later returned to Maiduguri before military reinforcement arrive the scene later an hours.

Source added that Boko Haram they were looking for foodstuffs from the communities.

A passenger from Kano to Maiduguri, who does not want mentioned her name in print said that most of us were stranded for hours.

One of the passengers said we were heading for Borno from Kano when the driver got hint about the attack and took a detour,”

Gov Radda Commiserates With Kankara Attack Victims, Vows to Defeat Banditry

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Gov Radda Commiserates With Kankara Attack Victims, Vows to Defeat Banditry

By Abdullateef Bamgbose

The Katsina State Government expresses its deepest sadness over the recent attack on innocent lives in Gidan Boka village, Kankara Local Government Area (LGA). This senseless violence tragically claimed the lives of 26 people, including brave members of our security services. The State Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda joins the entire state in praying for the repose of the souls of the departed and for comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult time. This attack represents a significant setback in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Katsina residents.

Governor Radda recognizes the tireless efforts of security forces who continue to confront these criminal elements that threatens peace in the state.

The Radda-led administration remains firmly committed to eradicating banditry and all forms of criminality within Katsina State. The State Government is actively working with the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to implement a comprehensive security strategy to end this menace.

Governor Radda pledged a heightened security presence in Kankara and other vulnerable areas. He also emphasized enhanced intelligence gathering capabilities to proactively identify and disrupt criminal activities throughout the state.

Recognizing the importance of collaboration with local communities, Governor Radda emphasized the need to work closely with community leaders to build trust and foster a culture of information sharing.

Acknowledging the root causes of insecurity, which he said often lie in poverty and lack of opportunity, he assured continued investment in development programs that create jobs and empower communities.

He expressed confidence that through these combined efforts, the state can bring an end to the violence and create a lasting peace for the people of Katsina State.

Governor Radda urges anyone with information about the perpetrators of this attack to come forward to the authorities, emphasizing that “we will work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

“This is a time for unity and resolve. We call on all Katsina residents to remain calm and cooperate with our security forces. Together, we will prevail over these forces of darkness and build a safer future for our state,” Governor Radda pleaded.

Oborevwori’s Special Adviser In Alleged Scandal Of N39M Office Stationaries

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Oborevwori’s Special Adviser In Alleged Scandal Of N39M Office Stationaries

By Owen Akenzua, Asaba

The Special Adviser to the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’ of Delta State on Project Monitoring, Dr. Goodnews Agbi, currently in an alleged scandal involving over 39 million naira for office stationeries.

Agbi, who was appointed in September last year, 2023, allegedly received a sum of 6 million naira as office imprest to carry out project monitoring, in addition to other accruals from the Ministry of Economic Planning.

According to reports, Agbi created four monitoring teams of about 8 to 10 persons each, giving them a monthly imprest of 400,000 naira per team, totaling 1.6 million naira monthly. This leaves him with a balance of 4.4 million naira every month. Over nine months, this amounts to 39.6 million naira, presumably for the purchase of office stationeries and SPAD inspections.

Our source revealed that Agbi conducts project inspections once a month at the cost of 4.6 million naira for one day.

He schedules about three to five different projects for inspection in one day, and at the end of the day, he gets the accountant and Permanent Secretary to raise a voucher of 4.6 million naira for office stationeries and project inspection, which he collects. This practice has been ongoing for the past nine months.

One of the project monitors, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the government has not provided the Office of Project Monitoring with a well-defined structure or framework. A monthly office imprest of 6 million naira is dumped at the office, which the SPAD uses unchallenged.

The SPAD pockets 4.6 million naira every month for office stationeries and a one-day inspection. The actual money spent is the 1.6 million naira given to the four project monitoring teams (400,000 naira each). This lax and cash-driven attitude of the SPAD has affected the project monitors, who also visit sites once a month, deducting the cost of fuel from the monthly 400,000 naira and sharing the balance among themselves.

Meanwhile, the SPAD is reportedly making undisclosed large sums of money from contractors, allowing them to continue poor job execution.

He harasses contractors who refuse to comply, using social media threats to close down their sites and other intimidation tactics to force them to pay him. However, once they pay him a substantial amount, the issues disappear, and he no longer visits those sites.

On May 8, Agbi allegedly organized a smokescreen workshop for project monitors, bringing a lecturer from Ozoro University and one of his church pastors to address them. At the end of the address, he gave project monitors 10,000 naira each.

This caused a serious rift between the SPAD and project monitors, who almost fought Agbi physically. The workshop had no materials, no lunch, and nothing provided, despite Agbi reportedly collecting about 5 million naira from the Ministry of Economic Planning to organize it.

One contractor confirmed that he had to pay 1.5 million naira to Agbi through a crony to avoid unnecessary harassment, even though his project was up to standard. A contractor in Delta Central said that once Agbi informs you of a site visit, you must set aside about 1.5 million naira to pacify him, as he will find faults with every aspect of the project.

This is the first time the head of the office has been involved in financial sleaze since its creation, according to one project monitor. Previous heads like Hon. Erijo, Ovie Oghoore, and Chief Tony Ofoni managed the office without such scandals. They handled contractors privately and reported non-compliant ones to the Governor. Only well-executed jobs were showcased to credit the Governor and Delta State Government, unlike Agbi, who publicly harasses contractors.

Under Hon. Erijo, project monitors received extensive training from professional project consultants from Lagos, with proper equipment provided. Workshops concluded with monitors receiving about 40,000 to 50,000 naira. Agbi, however, is seen as greedy and self-serving, organizing inadequate workshops without basic materials.

In a swift reaction , Mr Goodnews Agbi described the allegations as untrue adding that those behind the purported scandals to rubbish him, will pay dearly for their sins. He said” The allegations are unfounded and untrue. I am not involved in such Contract scandals. I have been doing my work in accordance with the extant laws of Contracts. I don’t know where my enemies get their stories from but in all honesty, the stories are not true but to tarnish my hard earned integrity and Credibility”

June 12: Fintiri Picks Hole In Nigeria’s Democracy

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June 12: Fintiri Picks Hole In Nigeria’s Democracy

From Stanley Mijah, Yola.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has regretted that despite decades of practice of democracy, the nation’s democracy still lacks the capacity to provide good governance and sustenable development to its population over the years.

In his message to Adamawa population to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration, Governor Fintiri said that Nigeria under the democratic experience has failed to provide the desired comfort, social security, economic stability and much anticipated prosperity for all Nigerian citizens.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humashi Wonosikou, the governor acknowledged the prevailing hardships and challenges facing Nigerians in the wake of the present harsh economic realities, even though the nation is celebrating its years of democracy.

In his words, “As we mark this year’s Democracy Day, I acknowledge the hardships and challenges that many Nigerians still face, and I regret that our democracy has not yet yielded the desired dividends of comfort, security, and prosperity for all citizens.”

Fintiri however commended the resilience and determination of Nigerians in upholding democratic values and principles and pledged his administration’s “commitment to deepening democracy and improving the lives of citizens.”

The governor however acknowledged the progress made in the past two decades of democracy and called on Adamawa population to embrace peace, unity, and harmony as the state celebrates this significant milestone, emphasizing that the sustenance of the hard-earned peace built over the last five years by his administration will stimulate accelerated development and warned that his government will not treat saboteurs with kid gloves.

The Governor who prayed for continued peace and prosperity in Adamawa State and Nigeria, as the nation marches forward in its democratic journey, he further reiterated his administration’s commitment to “providing the necessary infrastructure for sustainable development and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

“We will continue to prioritize projects that improve the lives of our people and guarantee the protection of life and property, creating a prosperous and peaceful Adamawa State for all”.

June 12: Obaseki Hails Nigerians On Sustenance Of Democratic Ideals, Urges Edo Voters To Vote Wisely In Sept Poll

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June 12: Obaseki Hails Nigerians On Sustenance Of Democratic Ideals, Urges Edo Voters To Vote Wisely In Sept Poll

FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended Nigerians for upholding the core tenets of democracy over the 25 years, noting that efforts at democratic consolidation would engender sustainable development in the country.

In a statement, the governor also charged voters in the State to come out en masse to participate in the September 21 governorship election and to vote wisely so as to sustain the state’s developmental trajectory.

According to him, As we mark this year’s democracy day, it is pertinent to applaud the tenacity, resilience and bravery of Nigerians in sustaining the core tenants of democracy over the past 25 years. It has remained one of our greatest legacies as a country that we are able to freely choose those who preside over our affairs and decide to either keep or change them every four years.

” We have come a long way in this journey. Though we might be where we wish to be as of today, we are better off for it as a nation. Democracy remains the most desirable form of government because of its core principles of freewill, free enterprise, civil liberties, fairness and justice.

According to him,We have grown as a democratic nation over the years and all credit for the progress we have made goes to Nigerians who continue to respect the tenets of democracy as the best choice to attain sustainable development.”

On the upcoming Edo State governorship election, the governor urged Edo people to vote wisely, ensuring to cast their vote for the candidate who presents the most credible, pragmatic, intelligible and coherent pathway to societal development.

He further added that, as we proceed to the polls in September, it is necessary to be circumspect. We have made tremendous progress in the State in the last eight years. It is now only reasonable to ensure that the baton to the candidate who ensures sustainability of the projects, initiatives and development trajectory that we have set in the State. So, I urge you all to come en masse and vote for the most credible, accessible and competent candidate, who has a track record of excellence.

Southern Kaduna Ginger Farmers Receive Recovery Support Packages Worth N1.6 Bn

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Southern Kaduna Ginger Farmers Receive Recovery Support Packages Worth N1.6 Bn

FROM RAHILA ABDULLAHI, KADUNA

In a bid to support smallholder ginger farmers who suffered losses from the ginger epidemic in 2023, Governor Uba Sani today flagged off the distribution of recovery support packages to over 5,000 farmers from seven local governments in the region.

The packages, valued at 1.6 billion naira, were donated by the National Agricultural Development Fund, a federal government agency as part of a comprehensive intervention to recover ginger production and support farmers who lost their livelihoods.

Each of the 5000 farmers will receive a support package that includes 4 bags of NPK and 2 bags of Urea fertilizer, as well as two bags of maize and sorghum seeds and herbicides sufficient to cultivate one hectare of farmland.

This initiative aims to help the farmers plant alternative crops during the current cropping season.

The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State , Dr Hadiza Balarabe , flagged off the distribution of the items at Kachià, in an event attended by the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund, representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Commissioners of Agriculture and Business Innovation and Technology among other government officials and other dignitaries.

At the event, Dr Balarabe announced that a more comprehensive support package is underway for both smallholder and big ginger farmers to help recover ginger production in the state.

Edo Poll: Court To Rule On Imansuangbon, Akpata LP Candidacy Tussle

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Edo Poll: Court To Rule On Imansuangbon, Akpata LP Candidacy Tussle

FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY

A Federal High Court, sitting in Benin City presided over by Justice Babatunde Quadri has reserved judgement to the 19th July, 2024 on the candidacy legal tussle in the Labour party Governorship primaries conducted February 23nd , 2024.

Imansuangbon had approached the Federal High court in Benin and Abuja challenging the nomination of Barrister Olumide Akpata as the candidate of the party for the gubernatorial election slated for September 21st, 2024.

Kenneth Imansuangbon is challenging the nomination of Olumide Akpata on the grounds that the Labour Party party did not follow the electoral guidelines in the primaries and that he (Olumide) did not fill and sign the indemnity form among other grounds.

After two adjournments in the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Benin, the case eventually came up for hearing Tuesday where written addresses from counsels of the plaintiff and defendants was adopted.

Led Counsel to the plaintiff, A. A Malik (SAN), in his argument had prayed the court to dismissed the submission of the counsels to Olumide Akpata on the ground that the 1st defendant violated the electoral act and party’s constitution which he noted are critical elements of the electoral processes.

Malik also pointed out that plaintiff have disclosed reasonable cause of action on the matter and urged the court to throw away the submission of the 1st defendant, declare and return the plaintiff as the winner or on the alternative void, nullify the primary election and order a fresh election.

He alleged that the conduct of the LP primaries was marred with over voting which runs contrary against the party guidelines and the constitution.

On his part, the counsel to the defendant and running mate to Olumide Akpata, Kadiri Asamah (SAN) submitted the argument and submission of plaintiff is baseless and can’t be litigated upon by the court adding that it was a pre-primary issues and as such be dismissed by the court.

Asamah while adopting all the arguments contained his written addresses urged his Lordship to dismissed the written addresses of the plaintiff adding that it was an abuse of court processes.

Addressing newsmen after the court session, Barrister Kenneth Imansuangbon however expressed confidence in ability of the court to dispense justices in the matter even as he reiterated his desire in his struggle to bring about a better Edo State for all.

Power Minister, NERC, MAN Disagree Over Benefit Of Electricity Hike in Nigeria

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Power Minister, NERC, MAN Disagree Over Benefit Of Electricity Hike in Nigeria

By Paul Effiong, Abuja

Even as most Nigerians have expressed worry over recent increase in the electricity tariff by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, the Vice Chairman Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission Sanusi Garba and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, have disagreed over the benefits in electricity Tariff increase as claimed by the power minister.

This happened yesterday during the house of representatives joint committees on Power, Commerce, National Planning and Delegated Legislation conveyed a Public Hearing on Electricity Tariff by Electricity stakeholders in the country.

It would be recalled that over 200 percent electricity price hike by the NERC in January 2024 has pitched it against the Nigeria Labour Congress and the manufacturer association of Nigeria which are currently contemplating an industrial action against the government.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas who was represented by the deputy speaker. Hon. Benjamin Kalu while declaring the hearing open urged stakeholders to feel free and make their contributions for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Speaker Abbas had explained during the public hearing that the purpose of the event was to enable Nigerians and most especially critical stakeholders make meaningful contributions as well as dialogue on issues of power in order for the government to make useful decision and policies.

The speaker who observed absence of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, further explained that the duo should have been visibly present to enable them contribute their comments and opinions toward a better Nigeria.

He lamented that many unions and associations are always quick to criticise government decision and policies even trying to paint the government black.

In his welcome address, the lead Chairman of the joint committees Hon. Victor Nwokolo explained the importance of the hearing and the reason for their committees intervention.

The lawmaker said the committees have carefully invited key stakeholders to ensure effective workable recommendations that will assist government in decision making.

In his presentation, the minister of power Adebayo Adelabu said his ministry has collaborated with that the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Sanusi Garuba for presentation even as he noted that Nigerians will benefit massively from the recent tariff increase by NERC.

A mile drama however ensued during the public hearing as the minister of power and the representative of NERC, Sanusi Garuba informed the parliament about a case in the court instituted against them by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, claiming that it would amount to subjudice if they make public presentation.

The former Chairman of NERC, Sam Amadi who is also a lawyer informed lawmakers that there is no court order that can prevent the parliament from carrying out its legislative duties.

He said there would be no subsidies in the matter as claimed by the minister of power and NERC urging the lawmakers to move on with the public hearing.

Ahmed Abdulkadir, Executive Committee Member of MAN did not support the tariff increment saying that such an increment have affected Nigerians negatively.

He says over 300 thousand companies have been closed down with over 380,000 jobs lost since the tariff hike in the country.

Reps Task FG On Women Political Empowerment

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Reps Task FG On Women Political Empowerment

……Pledge Missive Support, Training

By Paul Effiong, Abuja

The House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Women Affairs to designate a department with adequate budgetary provision to groom, train, and support women in politics across the country.

The Ministry was also asked to encourage the inclusion of the role of women in political leadership in secondary school curriculum across.

To this end, the House further mandated two of its Committees that of Women in Parliament as well as Women Affairs to liaise with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant agencies to constantly
organize trainings and seminars for women who are interested in running for political offices most especially those in rural areas of the country in view of the fact that politics starts from the grassroots.

Meanwhile the Green Chamber has also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor and ensure strict compliance of the directive.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the Need to Provide Training and Support for Women in Politics’ moved during plenary yesterday by Hon. Blessing Chigeru Amadi.

In her lead debate Blessing Amadi informed her colleagues that there are only few women in political and leadership positions across Nigeria.

She equally revealed that in Nigeria, women are currently holding less than 8% of seats in both the National and State House of Assemblies.

The lawmaker used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of gender equality, and the vital role of women in political leadership as well as in raising homes and families.

Meanwhile the lawmaker said she is aware that some societal factors such as; cultural or religious norms, marriage, indigeneship among others impede women’s participation and representation in politics in Nigeria.

“The full and equitable participation of women in public life is essential to building and sustaining strong and vibrant democracies”.

The lawmaker pointed out that she is not unaware that education is no longer the ability to read, write, and calculate, but the ability to have problem-solving and critical thinking skills necessary to bring about changes needed.

Lawmakers during the debate expressed worried that despite progress in recent years, women remain significantly underrepresented in political and leadership positions globally and Nigeria in particular.

They lamented that in Nigeria, women don’t have equal opportunity and support to serve as political
leaders and elected representatives noting that such attribute is vital to Nigeria’s democracy

According to her: “Cognizant that to bring about any change in this disparity, it will require pro-active measures to equip women with the leadership skills, resources, and support needed to navigate the political landscape, and effectively participate in decision making processes”. The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is a part of the Federal Ministries of Nigeria that promotes the development of women and children in Nigeria. The ministry is currently headed by Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye.

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