Zamfara Souvenir news

From : Gambo Abubakar Kaduna

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Hon.Usman Baba (Ubale) of People Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the recent  Sabon Gari /Zaria constituency bye election of Kaduna state House of Assembly seat held this week.

Announcing the results at the collation centre in Zaria, the election Returning Officer Dr Mohammad Nuruddin Musa said, the candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Usman Musa has scored 9,113 votes while Hon. Musa Abdullah of All Progressive Congress APC got 7,404 votes.

Other contestants who participated and declared their results by the returning officer also are, Anas Abdullahi of ADC who  polled 62 votes,  Chindo Ibrahim of ADP  61 votes and Musa Halilu of PRP who polled 305 votes respectively.

” Hon. Usman Baba of PDP haven satisfied the requirements of the  law and polled the highest valid votes casted during the election has been declared a winner” Dr Nuruddin stated.

The state Assembly bye election was conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the demised of the former state Assembly member.

From : Shafa,atu Shu,aibu Shikafi

 Wife of the Executive Governor of Zamfara state, Hajiya Aisha Bello Muhammad Matawalle has organize a special prayer and lecture to seek for Allah,s blessing and lasting  solutions to security challenges in the state and country in general.

 Addressing the public during the event held at Government House Gusau, the First lady explained that, the aim and objectives of the special prayers was to seek Allah forgiveness and his mercy to end the security challenges currently facing the state. 

“as we all know the country situation has been a measure source of concern, particularly in recent time of banditry kidnapping and other criminals acts have become a talk of the day”, she noted.

Hajia Aishatu emphasized the need for all stakeholders across the country to come together and contributes in addressing the current security challenges in the North-western states even though government at all levels are doing their best to handle the situation.

 During the special prayers, lectures were presented by Prof. Balkisu Abdullahi Shinkafi, and Malama Hadiza Maharazu where all of them  discussed that most of the crimes going on nowadays were coursed  by corruption in the society.

Both of them therefore call on the general public particularly our leaders at all level to always put the fair of God in whatever they intend to do for the development of their community and nation at large.

 Those witnessed the event are  Special Adviser to Her Excellency, Hajiya Fatima Musa, Hajiya Rabi Ibrahim Gimbiyar Shinkafi, politicians and students of various institutions of learning among others.

FMC football club Gusau players celebrating a trophy won during NMA week.

From: Shehu Muhammad

The  National Medical Association, Zamfara state chapter has flag off its one week activities making the begining of this year’s annual general assembly of the association in the state. 

 Declaring the event opened during a novelty  football match played at FCET Gusau playing ground, between FMC football club Gusau and their counterpart ARD football, the Chairman of the association in Zamfara state,  Dr. Mannir Bature said this year’s events which is best it kind will features football match, indoor games, paper presentation and visits to correctional centers across the state.

Dr Mannir while commending the general public for their support and cooperation to the association further appeal to participants to always be law abiding  for the successful completion of the event.

Earliar in his short address before the kick off of the nevelty  match, the Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Gusau, Dr. Bello Muhammad kwatarkwashi urged the participants to always engage themselves in sporting activities regularly for their health benefits.

At the end of the football encounter, FMC football club Gusau emerged winners of the chamionship and was later presented with trophy.

By Zailani Bappa

recent report by the Kaduna based weekly paper, the Desert Herald revealed how Sheikh Dr Ahmad Mahmood Gummi met with the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Her Excellency, Catriona Laing where they discussed the issue of insecurity in the North Western Nigeria. The report said the duo agreed that kinetic approach is not singly the solution to the problem but must involve also the non kinetic method.

The report, obviously drafted to promote the drive by Sheikh Dr Gummi in his bid to add value to the fight against the menace of banditry, fell short of objectivity as it uncunningly singled out and accused the Zamfara State Governor, Dr Bello Mohammed (Matawallen Maradun, Shattiman Sakkwato) over the recent escalation of banditry attack in his state.

Surprisingly, the accusation by Desert Herald unwittingly centered on the Governor’s own baby, which is the peace process, an initiative by Governor Matawalle which Gummi himself, publicly and openly commended the Governor for implementing. But the report falsely accused Governor Matawalle of abandoning his baby which it said culminated in the recent escalation of attacks in some communities in the state. It also accused the Governor of failure to fulfill promises earlier made.

We do not know whose bidding the medium is now doing, but the world knows that His Excellency Governor Matawalle had not abandoned his pet approach to solving the problem of banditry in the state and has at no point in time announced his withdrawal from the peace accords. In fact, the proprietor of Desert Herald, Tukur Mamu, was on the team of Sheikh Gummi when he visited Zamfara state, (just as he was reported to be on the same team when it visited the British High Commissioner), hence, we wonder why the medium would now report something opposite to what it witnessed.

A subtle attempt was also made to put words in the mouth of the revered Sheikh. But at no point in time did the Sheikh accused Governor Matawalle of not upholding his advise and recommendations made after his visit to the state. In fact, Dr Bello Mohammed made it clear that the visit was a challenge to our Clerics in the state and has since taken the advises proffered by the Sheikh very seriously.

For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Matawalle initiated the peace process in the state against all odds and has recorded tremendous success which culminated into the peace enjoyed in the state in the last two years. He has neither abandoned the process nor intend to abandon it.

Similarly, the administration of Governor Matawalle has been doing all that is possible to fulfill its promises contained in the peace agreement which include the building of Rugga (which is now 90% completed) the amnesty to those who surrender their weapons and abandon banditry and the provision of basic infrastructure in the rural areas.

The recent upsurge in violence on some communities in the state is related to other variables which the Government is tackling head-on and has resulted in the suspension of two first class Emirs in the state.

The public is therefore enjoined to disregard the report in question and continue to have faith in the administration of Dr Bello Mohammed to find durable and workable ways of ending banditry in the state. This however, calls for the cooperation of all stake holders to make it succeed.

Zailani Bappa is the Special Adviser
Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications to Zamfara state Governor.

FROM TASIU DANGATA.

 Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle of Zamfara state has been commended for his administration Commitment and preparedness in the implementation of NGCARES in the state.

The commendation was made by the Federal Government Assessment and Advisory team leader, Professor  Funsho Aderigibe during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House Gusau.

Prof. Fonsho said governor Matawalle deserves to be commended for constituting a state steering committee of the NGCARES, inauguration and the appointment of the state NGCARES Co-odinating Unit in Zamfara state.

According to him the team at the course of their assessment in the noted that state NGCARES office has already been equipped with all the needed facilities including ICT in addition to the provisions of an office with the needed capacity building as required for the implementation of the NGCARES in the state.

“Zamfara will emerge number one in the country to access the fund according to what is desired” he stated.

He stated that NGCARES programme is designed to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the livelihoods of the poor, vulnerable households and micro enterprises in the country.

The team leader however stated that, the programme was outlines for result operations amounting to $750 million dollars to support states in their efforts to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in their respective areas.

“the programme  was designed to support government budgets at the state levels which targets new vulnerable and poor households in three key areas of increasing cash transfer and livelihood support to the poor and vulnerable, increasing food security and safety function of food supply chains and to facilitate recovery of medium and small scale enterprises” he reiterated. 

Earliar in his response, Governor Matawallen Maradun said despite the high debt profile, litigation and serious security challenges inherited from the previous administration in the state, his government was able to initiate programmes and policies that have direct impact on the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable groups in the state 

Governor Matawalle said the state government has  achieved much through social intervention programmes such as ZASSIP and  Women Empowerment Programme where thousands of the state youths were engaged in various trades and at the end of every month will receive a take home allowance of not less than ten to twenty thousand naira.

He explained that in addition to the social intervention programme, his administration also embarked on transforming the state structures at all levels which includes construction of sizeable number of hospitals including infectious decease hospital in Damba which will carter for Covid-19 patients and was equipped with modern health facilities. 

“PCR machines were also provided at Yariman Bakura Hospital Gusau and Seventeen WCWC Hospitals aross the state were also constructed and equipped with free drugs to women and children” he emphasised.

Governor Matawalle further thanked the assessment team for the visit to the state, assuring that Zamfara under his watch will continue to participate in programmes that have direct economic and social impact to the people of the state.

From : Tasiu Dangata

As part of the effort to address the menance of illigal mining activities in Zamfara state, Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle has recently inagurated a 20- man  Anti-Mining  Committee established by his administration among others to identify the sites where mining activities is taken place aross the state.

Inagurating the committee under the chairmanship of Dr Sani Abdullah Shinkafi (Wamban Shinkafi) at Government House Chamber, Gusau, Governor Matawalle said the constitution of the committee was imperative considering the continued illegal mining activities in the state despite outlawing of the practice which, in itself, is counter productive.

“Even though mining is placed on the exclusive list in our constitution, mining activities have a huge impact on our state’s economy and the lives of our people” he observed.

He said the mining  sector is very significant to the economy of the state. To underscore that importance, Matawalle noted that, before the current suspension of mining activities in the state by the Federal Government, a survey had shown that over 100,000 artisanal miners are operating in the state.

“they produce roughly 10 tonnes of gold per year they sell it at a local value of 70-80% of the international price. Of significant importance however, is the loss the federal and state governments ncurred due to non registration and abuse of procedure” he reiterated.

Governor Bello said majority of miners working in the various mining fields in the state do so without any type of license, such as reconnaissance, exploration, or mining leases license. This according to him deprives the federal and state governments of royalties from access fees, ground rents, and other levies that the state may deem appropriate in order to facilitate the safety, security and wellbeing of the miners and the mining communities, all while remaining within the legal parameters.

It is also reported that the activities of illegal mining may have a link to the tertorist activities troubling the state, hence the ban by the Federal Government and the establishment of the anti illegal miming squad which the Committee at the state level will now complement.

While congratulating the Committee members for their appointment, Goveror Bello further stated that their terms of reference is to determine the type and size of the activities taking place on each of the sites, identify owners of the site and the genuineness of their ownership, ascertain the extent of conformity of the mining activities in the state with mining regulations respectively and further advise the state government on any other mining-related issue, as well as on mining revenue sources for the state.

The Committee has former All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Governatorial candidate in 2019 elections general and Special Adviser to Governor Bello Matawalle on Inter- Governmental Affairs, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi (Wamban Shinkafi) as Chairman and Alh. Shehu J Mohammed Vice Chairman. 
Other members of the committee also includes, Alhaji Lawali Kamsila Damri member, Ayuba Salisu Dansadau, Ibrahim Rabiu Kanwa, Bashiru Galadima Gusau, Aliyu Ahmed Anka, Usman Manu Dogo, Mansur D Mohammed Nasarawa , Ahmed Yushau Dosara, Aliyu Mafara , Izala Bungudu, Surajo Bawa Tsafe , Salisu Amiru Maikuru ,Ibrahim Muazu Danmaliki, Mohammed Dan’idi Sugugu, Murtala Chairman Cotton , Dauda Ahmad while Barr Surajo Usman Haske is to serve as the Secretary while Director Solids Minerals Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals as Assistant Secretary of the committee respectively.

From: Surajo Muhammad

Police in Zamfara state have  succeeded in repelling an armed robbery attack by suspected armed bandits along Gusau – Sokoto road.

The attack which was occurred near Dogon Karfe in Bakura local Government area with planned to  robb innocent commutters  of their valuables according to the statement issued to newsmen in Gusau by the Zamfara state Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Muhammad Shahu said was gallantly foiled by Police Tactical operatives deployed to safeguard the road against any invasion by criminal elements.

SP Muhammad stated that at the end of the gun battle that lasted for hours between the police, many bandits were fatally injured with some of them believed to have escaped with gun injuries and  managed to evacuate the corpses due to their large number that was believed to be around 200.

As part of the command effort to make the road motorable,the statement further stated that the bush combing of the sarrounding forest is being conducted by combined Police Tactical operatives including Police Special Forces in the forest. 

While commending the police Tactical Operatives for their quick response on the issues the statement further reiterated the Commitment of Zamfara State Police Command in safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizens across the state.

By: Ibrahim Magaji Dosara

Following the recent attacks on our communities by some recalcitrant heartles hoodlums, leading to the killings of several innocent citizens of our dear state, the government is saddened and deeply shocked by the callous behaviours of those behind these attacks.

The attacks which took place at this time when we are celebrating our two years in office, showcasing our efforts in providing the people with the dividends of democracy, has deeply touched the governor and his government.

The government, under the leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor Hon (Dr ) Bello Muhammed Matawallen Maradun, is deeply saddened by the calamity, and condemned in strongest terms, the acts of madness by these senseless killers.

The government therefore expresses it’s deep sympathy and heart felt condolences to the bereaved families of the affected victims of these tragedies brought about by the murderous.

The government is therefore appealing to the good people of the state to pray for the repose of the departed souls and continue to be law-abiding.

People should remain calm and gentle, as well as go about their normal businesses. Security agents have been mobilized to the affected communities and directed to deal ruthlessly with anyone found disrupting the peace being enjoyed by our people.

The government is doing everything humanely possible to protect the lives and property of the people.

The government also appreciates the manner in which the people of the state are law-abinding and supportive of the government’s efforts in providing security and the dividends of democracy.

As part of the efforts to protect the citizenery and the concern it has on the recent sad incidents that took place in Bungudu, Maru and Zurmi local government areas respectively, government deemed it necessary to suspend all the8 activities lined up for the democracy day for now, untill further notice.

People are therefore urged to use today’s domocraracy day to reflect on the sober this tragedy brought us and continue to pray for the intervention of God Almighty, to restore lasting peace in our state, region and the country in general.

For sober reflection of the unfortunate tragedy brought by some unscrupulous individuals whose interest is always to wreck havoc in our hitherto peace loving society, will surely be punished by God, Allah ( SW).

These people who are largely conflict entrepreneurs, have since before the coming of this government, been devastating to our state and people, as they have been helping the bandits in various directions, ranging from providing them with intelligence and weapons to active participation in the killing, maiming and wanting destruction of animals and property of our innocent people.
The governor and government of Zamfara state rejoice with the good people of the state on this great historic day which is set aside by the Federal Government of Nigeria, as Democracy Day, in honour of Late MKO Abiola, the man who was largely adjudged as the winner of the most widely acclaimed credible election in Nigeria, but was denied the mandate given to him by Nigerians in June 12, 1992.
Worried by the series of complaints and accusations against some traditional rulers who are alledged in one way or the other in aggravating the activies of bandits in their domains by aiding and abetting the banditry, it has became necessary for the government to suspend two emirs and set up committees to investigate the allegations leveled against them.
The suspended emirs are that of Zurmi and Dansadau, respectively.

While thanking everyone for the support and prayers being extended to the government, the government prays Allah to bring lasting peace to our dear state in particular and the country in general.

Long live Zamfara state,
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed
Hon Ibrahim Magaji Dosara
Chairman Publicity sub- committee of the 2nd year anniversary.
12/06/2021

Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, Ag. SSG Zamfara state

From.Our Reporter

Zamfara state Government has announced the suspensions of Emir of Zurmi Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Muhammad with the immediate effect.

In a statement issued by the Ag. Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe and made available to newsmen in Gusau said, the suspension of emir of Zurmi, which was approved by the Zamfara state goveror Hon. Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle was as a result of his allege involvement in the escalating rate of banditry attacks in his emirate.

The statement further directed the district Head of Kanwa,(Bunun Kanwa) Alhaji Bello Sulaiman to over sees the affairs of the emirate pending the completions of the investigation level against the former emir.

Already according to the statement, Goveror Bello Matawalle has constituted a high powered of 9-man committee under the Chairmaship of the former deputy goveror, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala to investigate all the allegations against the suspended emir.

Other members of the committee also includes, Mukhtar Ahmad Anka, Hon. Faruku Musa Dosara, Rtd. DIG Mamman Tsafe, Hon. Yusuf Abubakar Zugu Rep. of the Police, Rep. of the DSS, Rep. of Civil Defence while Musa Liman Shinkafi to serve as Secretary of the committee respectively.

The  statement gave the Committee three (3) weeks within which to complete its assignment and submit report to the state government for further necessary action.

You would recall that two weeks back goveror Bello Matawalle has also announced the suspension of emir of Dansadau in Maru local Government area over the allegations of his romance with bandits in his emirate.

From : Our Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari recently in Lagos reiterated that his directive to security agencies, to shoot any person or persons found illegally wielding AK-47s and other assault weapons, remains in place.

The President also vowed that his administration will act firmly and decisively ‘‘against any and all persons fomenting or carrying out attacks on our Police Force and other security personnel.’’

The President spoke at the handing over of security equipment by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the Lagos State Police Command during his one-day official visit to the State.

President Buhari warned that ‘‘a nation that turns its Police personnel and infrastructure into targets of violence and destruction is a nation on the path of self-destruction.’’

‘‘As Commander-in-chief, my primary responsibility remains the security of the country and the safety of all citizens. Despite the many challenges we are facing, I want Nigerians to rest assured that we will secure this country.

‘‘We will secure our infrastructure, our highways, our communities, and our forests, and we will secure the lives of our people,’’ he said.

The President told members of the Nigeria Police that as the government strives to improve their welfare and capacity, the citizens equally had expectations from them.

‘‘First let me commend the Inspector-General of Police and the entire Force for the recent efforts to restore peace to troubled parts of the country.

‘‘I have charged the Inspector-General to leave no stone unturned in rebuilding the morale of his officers and men, especially in the aftermath of the mindless violence associated with the EndSARS protests, as well as the recent spate of attacks on Police Stations in some parts of the country,” he said.

Commending the Lagos Governor on the newly-acquired security equipment and assets, the President noted that it would go a long way in boosting the morale of the Police, and further enhance their capacity to fight crime and combat criminality.

‘‘This is even more touching in the light of the unwarranted violence that ensued in the wake of the ENDSARS protests last October, which saw the security architecture in Lagos State being severely damaged,’’ he said.

The President added that it was commendable that Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence, has shown a truly resilient spirit, in the face of the massive destruction it suffered last October.

‘‘You did not allow yourselves to be deterred by the severe setback; instead you have bounced back and are now boldly rebuilding the confidence of residents and investors in the State.

‘‘I acknowledge the initiative taken to kick-start the rebuilding process, through the establishment of the Lagos State Rebuild Trust Fund, and through this very laudable effort by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. I enjoin other State Governments to emulate your bold, proactive and resourceful initiative,’’ he said.

The President also used the occasion to reiterate that the ‘‘Federal Government takes very seriously our constitutional oath to secure the lives and properties of the Nigerian people, adding that his administration was conscious of the fact that lasting security is a necessary foundation for business, investment and true prosperity.

President Buhari declared that no Federal government since 1999 has been as committed as his administration in reforming and repositioning the Nigeria Police Force and national policing architecture.

‘‘In 2019, I signed into law the Act establishing the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, the first in the history of the Force, to provide guaranteed funding to support Police welfare, logistics and equipment.

‘‘In September 2020, I assented to the Bill amending the Nigeria Police Act, which was originally enacted in 1943.

‘‘This new Act, a vast improvement over the old one, among other things spells out the modalities for the implementation of a National Community Policing Scheme in Nigeria.

‘‘This new scheme will build confidence within our local communities and make them active stakeholders in the safety and security of their environs.

‘‘We are currently recruiting 10,000 new Police officers to reinforce our personnel capacity across the country. In addition to this, I have directed the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to carry out an upward review of Police salaries and benefits,’’ he said.