Governor Abubakar Swears in 10 Special Advisers Urges them to carry the people along and demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities

His Excellency Governor Mohammed A. Abubakar earlier today presided over the occasion of the Swearing-in of 10 Special Advisers. The occasion took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Bauchi.

NPA Gives Intels Two Weeks to Pay $48m Debt

Eromosele Abiodun
with agency report 

There appears to be no end in sight to the dispute between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Intels Nigeria Limited (Intels), as the NPA has handed a two-week ultimatum to the company to remit an outstanding $48 million that ought to have been paid into the agency’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) in 2017.

Speaking yesterday during an interview with CNBC Africa, the Managing Director of NPA, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, said Intels’ notice of termination would stand if the company fails to settle its debt.

FEC approves N2.328bn for patrol vehicles, housing

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved N2.338 billion for purchase of operational vehicles for anti-smuggling task force and staff accommodation.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, at the end of FEC meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Kano residents hail Senator Kwankwaso for cancelling visit

Some residents of Kano State on Monday commended Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso for cancelling his planned visit to the state for security reason.
The Police Command in Kano, on Jan. 26, advised Sen. Kwankwaso against his planned visit to Kano for security reason.
Some residents told NAN that the cancellation of the visit was the best option in view of the security report by the police.
Malam Sani Usman, a resident of Sagagi quarters, said the planned visit by Kwankwaso to Kano had generated tension in the state.

Buhari’s AU Anti-corruption Honour, Africa’s Joke Of The Year – PDP

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the naming of President Muhammadu Buhari as African Union (AU) anti-corruption champion as laughable, derisory and eminently qualified as Africa’s joke of the year

The PDP said it was embarrassing that the Presidency, in its desperation to launder its irredeemably dented image, would resort to exporting its deceptive proclivities to the international arena.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan on Monday said leaders of the African Union were not well briefed on happenings in Nigeria, including the series of corrupt activities recorded in the two and a half years of the Buhari’s presidency.

Nigeria’s stocks among world’s best-performers

Nigeria’s stocks have been rated among the world’s best-performers in the past four months.
Bloomberg reported on Monday that the good performance was as a result of foreign investors.
The New York-based financial software, data, and media company, said net foreign inflows to Nigerian equities totalled 337 billion naira ($940 million) last year, the first time flows have been positive since at least 2013.
It said December 2017 was the best month since Bloomberg started compiling data at the beginning of 2014, with net inflows of 140 billion naira, signaling a switch in sentiment toward equities in Africa’s biggest oil producer.

2019: Sokoto PDP urges ex-Governor Bafarawa to vie for presidential ticket

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Sokoto State, has urged a former governor of the state, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, to vie for the party’s presidential ticket in 2019.

The party disclosed this during a stakeholders meeting held, in Sokoto. The meeting was attended by party chieftains that included Bafarawa, and the chairman of the party in the state, Ibrahim Milgona, among others party stakeholders.

Reading the resolution reached at the end of the meeting, Secretary of PDP in the state, Alhaji Kabiru Haliru, said the call was imperative and was also to ensure a credible leader for Nigerians come 2019.

“We resolved that all hands must be on deck to move the party forward. We equally call on our party leader in the state, His Excellency, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa to please come out and contest for the party’s presidential ticket.

CHAN: Super Eagles inspired to beat Sudan after bonus payment – Captain

Home-based Super Eagles captain Ikechukwu Ezenwa says the team are determined to beat Sudan in Wednesday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-final fixture.

The Eagles will battle the Sudanese for a place in the final at the Grande Stade Marrakech after edging out Angola 2-1 in the quater-final on Sunday.

Sudan beat the highly rated Zambian side 1-0 to book their passage in the last four.

Ezenwa who picked the man of the match award for his exemplary performance in the game against the Palancas Negras said the players are determined to make the country proud.

Troops raid shrine in Benue, arrest chief priest

The Army said it had arrested a native doctor, Tordue Gber (Tiv Swem), who allegedly acted as spiritual counselor to the wanted armed criminal militia, Akwazar Terwase (alias Gana), in Benue.

A statement by Brig.-Gen Sani Usman, the Director of Army Public Relations, on Tuesday, said the suspect was picked up in Tor-Dunga town in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state during a raid on his shrine.

Usman said troops of 707 Special Forces Brigade arrested Gber on Monday during the operation.

It will be recalled that Terwase was declared wanted by the security agencies and has been at large since 2016.

Ganduje says APC will win Kano LG polls

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State says that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in the upcoming local government election in the state.

Ganduje said this on Tuesday while presenting APC flags to 16 Kano south chairmanship canditates at Kwanar Dan-Gora in Kiru Local Government area.

The governor urged the aspirants and supporters to be more concerned about forging a united front and ensuring that the APC remained the party to beat in the Feb. 10 local polls in the state.

Ganduje thanked them for their loyalty to the party, especially since after the primary that produced him as candidate.

Borno Govt. bans vehicular movement on 3 highways

The Borno Government has banned vehicular movement on three major roads in the state due to the ongoing military clearance operation against the Boko Haram insurgents.

Dr Bukar Bulama, the Commissioner of Home Affairs, Information and Culture Affairs, made the announcement on Monday in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

Bulama disclosed that the government had prohibited vehicular movement on the roads to be observed between Jan. 30 and Feb. 4.

Buhari returns to Abuja after his inauguration as AU anti-corruption champion

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday returned to Abuja after a successful outing at the 30th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he was conferred as the anti-corruption Champion.
The theme of the 30th AU Summit was; “Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.’’

The President’s aircraft landed at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi International Airport Abuja at about 2.20p.m.

Buhari to end herdsmen/farmers clashes ―Osinbajo

President Muhammadu Buhari will end the rampant deadly clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the country, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has assured.
Speaking at the presidential villa, Abuja on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from Batta and Bachamma communities in Adamawa state led by their traditional rulers, he said although the herdsmen-farmers’ clashes predated the present administration, indications were that the Buhari presidency will end the clashes and the violence associated with it.

Former Jigawa Governor Lamido visits Fayose, says APC must go in 2019

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has urged Nigerians to sack the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power in the 2019 general election.

Lamido, who is eyeing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the presidential ticket, said Nigerians made a “grievous mistake” by voting President Muhammadu Buhari into power in 2015.

The former Minister of Foreign Affairs said Nigerians now look up to PDP for salvation in 2019 as APC has failed to manage various crises on its hand including the herdsmen attacks in some parts of the country.

Yobe Hosts Bauchi, Gombe, Other Stakeholders For Two-Day Interstate Boundary Meeting

H.E Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam has asked for participants at a two-day meeting on interstate boundary issues to be guided by the principles of fair play, objectivity, and impartiality in resolving boundary conflicts among and between communities.

The governor spoke today when the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) Dr. Muhammad B. Ahmad paid courtesies on him at the Government House in Damaturu at the start of a two-day meeting of stakeholders on resolving boundary conflicts between communities in Yobe, Bauchi and Gombe States.

Dangote Donates N1.2bn Structure for Business School in Bayero University

In his avowed commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship in the country as a way out of the economic doldrums, business mogul, Aliko Dangote, has donated another N1.2 billion structure for running of business school in Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

The building which will be handed over to the university management formally next month is a state-of-the-art edifice and will effectively mark the commencement of study of business in the institution and the first in the northern part of Nigeria.

Dangote is also building a similar business school in the University of Ibadan and would be inaugurated anytime soon.

Zamfara targets 3.2 million for Yellow fever vaccination

Zamfara Government will vaccinate 3.2 million people during the ongoing yellow fever vaccination campaign, the state Commissioner of Health, Alhaji Lawal Liman, has said.

Liman said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau on Monday that the vaccination would be conducted in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

“We have already concluded the first phase of the exercise which covers four local government areas of Anka, Gusau, Maru and Maradun and we have recorded great success.

2 missing, 73 cows killed as militia attacks Nasarawa community

Hundreds of gunmen alleged to be Tiv militia yesterday attacked Kadarko community in Keana local government area of Nasarawa, leading to the missing of two Fulani people and the killing of 73 cows.

The Nasarawa State Chairman of Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Muhammed Hussaini, told Daily Trust that the gunmen stormed Kadarko, a border village between Benue and Nasarawa states in the early hours of yesterday armed to the teeth and shooting sporadically, killing the 73 cows, injuring many other cows and rustling over 200 others and returning to Benue State.

Why we oppose anti-open grazing law – Miyetti Allah

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said it opposed the Benue state anti-open grazing law because the law neglected pastoralists’ interests.

The Secretary of MACBAN Benue chapter, Ibrahim Galma while speaking during the association’s meeting with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over the weekend in Abuja, said there is need for amendment of the law for it to do justice to all parties.

He said the pastoralists are not against the law, but for it to be acceptable and

Why rice costs more in Kebbi

Because of the boom, its capacity to produce rice in millions of tons and the desire of the farmer to cultivate large rice fields, it is the expectation in many quarters that rice should be cheaper in Kebbi State. Ironically, the price of rice is higher in Kebbi than other rice producing states in the country.

Reasons: Rice production in Kebbi State is virtually done during the dry season. To achieve high yield, the farmers must use water pumping machines powered by petrol to pump water for several hectares of rice fields. Unlike other states, Kebbi has no dam for irrigation farming, so for its farmers to remain in the rice business they must buy fuel on a daily basis to pump water into their rice farms.

Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Suspends Kano Visit To Avoid Bloodbath

A former Governor of Kano State and leader of Kwankwasiyya Movement, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has shelved his proposed visit to the state.

Speaking through the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the visit, Dr. Rabiu Sulieman Bichi, Kwankwaso said that he had to painfully postpone the scheduled visit following interventions and wise counsel from some well-meaning Nigerians. He advised his friends and supporters to await further directives on his move.

FG to declare state of emergency in education sector

Mallam Adamu Adamu, Minister of Education, on Monday, said the Federal Government would declare a state of emergency in the education sector in April.

He made this disclosure when he received Gov. Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger and some members of his cabinet at the Federal Ministry of Education Headquarters in Abuja.

Adamu requested the support of all states governors to do the same in their respective states.

Accident claims 20 lives along Kaduna-Abuja expressway

No fewer than 20 people died in a ghastly motor accident along Kaduna-Abuja expressed way on Sunday night.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Roads Safety Corps in Kaduna State, Umar Ibrahim said in Kaduna on Monday that the accident occurred around 7 p.m. at Dutse U-turn, 22 kilometres from Kaduna metropolis.

Ibrahim said the accident involved a white DAF articulated vehicle with registration number: AJG118XA and a white Toyota HAICE bus with registration number: XA866MLF.

Benue Killings: FG Opts For Decisive Military Action To End Crisis

….will not impose solution on any state

 Decisive military force will now be fully engaged to deal with the bandits believed to be behind the killings in parts of the country especially regarding the crisis often associated with herdsmen, authoritative sources say. The role of bandits and suspected mercenaries in what has become known as herdsmen/ farmer clashes and violence may have provoked the need for a fresh approach to dealing with the crisis, informed sources close to the Working Group formed recently by the National Economic Council have hinted.

Fed Govt insists on cattle colony

The Federal Government has restated its determination to establish the controversial cattle colonies as part of measures to end the persistent crisis between farmers and pastoralists.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Chief Audu Ogbeh, while receiving the  report of the National Livestock conference,  at the weekend in Abuja ,said the proposal to set up cattle colonies and ranches remain the best option.

Buhari meets Obasanjo at AU summit

Few days after giving a damning verdict on the Muhammadu Buhari administration in a “special statement”, former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday met with President Buhari in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

It was at the African Union (AU) headquarters shortly before the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

Obasanjo, a wry smile on his firm lips and his face betraying some warmth, grips Buhari by the hand. He is sprightly and stylish in a blue embroidered agbada and a blue cap with white stripes.

Lawmaker empowers 400 youths in Zamfara

A member of the National Assembly, Alhaji Abubakar Hussaini-Moriki, representing Zurmi/Shinkafi Federal Constituency in Zamfara, has begun the empowerment of 400 youths.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Abdul’aziz Yari, inaugurated the empowerment programme on Saturday in Zurmi town, Zurmi Local Government Area.

Disquiet in Buhari’s camp over Saraki, Tambuwal, Kwankwaso

President’s men also worried about Wamakko, Goje
•Say they are too silent to be trusted

There is disquiet in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the camp of President Muhammadu Buhari over the disposition of some stalwarts of the party to the fortune of  the  party ahead of next year’s  polls.

Senate President BukolaSaraki; House of Representatives Speaker

President Muhammadu Buhari signs eight bills into law

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed eight bills into law including the National Senior Citizens Center Act, 2018.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters (Senate), Ita Enang, briefed State House correspondents on Friday.
According to him, the National Senior Citizens Center Act, 2018, establishes the National Senior Citizens Center in the country to cater for the needs of the senior citizens.

FUT Minna produces 62 first class graduands

Sixty-two out of 3,741 students of the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, will bag first class degrees at its 27th Convocation scheduled for February.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Bala, announced this at a news conference in Minna on Thursday, saying the ceremony would coincide with the 35th Founder’s Day of the institution.

Graphic: 8 killed, many injured as Ropp farmers attack Fulani community in Plateau

Ten people in central Nigeria were killed over two days in violence linked to cattle grazing, part of a months-long crisis that has heightened religious tensions, sources said late Thursday.

In central Plateau state, military taskforce spokesman Major Adam Umar said eight deaths were recorded from tit-for-tat attacks in the rural districts of Bokkos and Bassa on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A Fulani nomadic herder was attacked and killed by sedentary farmers from the Ropp tribe while he was digging out sand to make mud bricks for a home.

Cattle colonies: Katsina govt allocates 5,300 hectares of land

The Katsina State Government on Thursday allocated 5,300 hectares of land for the establishment of a cattle colony.

This was disclosed to newsmen in Katsina by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr Abba Abdullahi.
Katisna state is among other 16 states that have agreed to the establishment of cattle colonies proposed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe.

Al-Makura tasks students on discipline, hard work

Gov. Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State, has urged students in the state to be disciplined and hardworking in order to justify the huge investment their parents make on their education.

Almakura, gave the advice on Friday while addressing the students of Government Secondary School, Nyanya Gbagi, Karu Local Government Area of the state.

Shelve Kano visit, Police advises Sen. Kwankwaso

The Kano State Police Command, has advised APC Senator from Kano Central, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, to suspend his proposed visit to the state on January 30.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rabiu Yusuf, gave the advice while briefing newsmen in Kano on Friday, January 26.

The advice, he said, was necessary in view of tensions generated by the planned visit among the people of the state.

Voters registration ends 60 days to polls-INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has called on Nigerians who have not registered to vote with the commission to take advantage of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and register to vote in the elections schedule for February 2019.

INEC in a statement said the registration exercise is expected to end 60 days to the elections as provided by Section 9 (5) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

Benue killings: Only justice can make me keep quiet –Ortom

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has asked those who are complaining that he is talking too much about the killing of his people by suspected herdsmen to give him justice, vowing that only justice can make him keep quiet on the matter.

This is even as the Governor confirmed that two persons including a policeman were killed and several others  missing after herdsmen attacked Guma Local Government area of the state between Wednesday and early hours of Thursday.

Katsina communities urge SUBEB to upgrade owned schools

The Communities of Ketare district in Kankara Local Government area, Katsina state have appealed to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to come to their aid by renovating and upgrading their primary schools in the area.

The affected schools are Ketare Model Primary School built in 1947, the oldest school in the district, U.K Bello Primary School Gamzamawa and Unguwar Mai Gari Primary School Kuka Sheka, a school built through community efforts.

Bauchi ‎disburses N60 million to 16 healthcare centres

Bauchi State Government has approved over 60 million Naira for disbursement to 16 health care facilities in Dass Local Government Area of the state.

The money is for the fourth quarter of the year 2017 which is in addition to the N74 million earlier disbursed for first, second and third quarters of the year.

The money is an investment subsidy disbursed under Nigerian States Health Investment Project (NSHIP).

Xhaka puts rock-solid Arsenal in League Cup final

Arsenal fought back from a goal down against old foes Chelsea to reach the League Cup final as Granit Xhaka poked home to complete a 2-1 second-leg win on Wednesday.

The result meant Arsenal set up a Wembley showdown with Manchester City.

Nothing separated the sides after the semi-final’s first leg at Stamford Bridge ended goalless two weeks ago.

But the stalemate was swiftly broken as Chelsea took the lead through Eden Hazard after seven minutes at the Emirates Stadium.

Yet question marks about Arsenal’s steel in the face of adversity were swept away as they levelled five minutes later through a fortuitous Antonio Rudiger own goal.

They then turned the match on its head, with midfielder Xhaka turning predator 15 minutes after halftime to finish from close range.

Arsenal stayed rock-solid at the back for the rest of the game to set up an enticing final against Manchester City on Feb. 25.

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Real Madrid suffer humiliating Copa del Rey exit

Real Madrid suffered a humiliating 2-1 home defeat by Leganes on Wednesday to exit the King’s Cup at the quarter-final stage on away goals.

A much-changed Real side, missing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, held a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

But their troubled season hit a new low as they were outplayed by a team lying 13th in La Liga.

Hisbah Police recovers 21 babies, 13 abducted spinsters in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Hisbah Committee recovered 21 abandoned babies and 13 abducted spinsters between January and December 2017.

Alhaji Abubakar Augie, the state’s Director of Shari’a, made this known in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

He said 82 cases of missing children were resolved and all the children had been reunited with their parents.

Construction of Greenfield refineries in Kano, Kaduna to commence soon – Baru

The construction of Greenfield refineries will commence this year in Kano and Kaduna, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),  Dr. Maikanti Baru has said.

Baru said this while briefing members of staff of the corporation on the fuel supply situation in the country during a town hall meeting Tuesday in Abuja, adding that the refineries would source their crude from Niger Republic.

Governor El-Rufai to Make Teaching Profession Attractive

The Kaduna State government has concluded plans to review the remuneration and welfare package of teachers to make the profession attractive.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ja’afaru Sani, who disclosed this at a news conference in Kaduna, said the state government would introduce attractive incentives for teachers in rural areas as part of ongoing reform to ensure quality education in the state.

FEC okays N25 billion for road, irrigation projects

Releases $1 m for contraceptives since 2016

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N25 billion for repairs of Hadejia-Nguru road, linking Jigawa and Yobe states and the completion of Gari irrigation projects to serve Kano and Jigawa states.

Water Resources Minister Suleiman Adamu and the Minister of State for Power, Works & Housing counterpart, Mustapha Shehuri, made the disclosure yesterday at the end of the weekly FEC meeting.

EFCC detains ex-SGF Lawal after eight-hour grilling

After an eight-hour grilling, former  Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir David Lawal was detained yesterday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Lawal’s interrogation  by a team of detectives is expected to continue today.

He is being investigated over a N200million contract awarded to a company, Global Vision Limited, which is linked to him.

FIRS generates N4trn taxes - Tunde Fowler

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has grossed N4 trillion in taxes last year.

This was disclosed yesterday by the FIRS Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Fowler, during a visit of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives Finance Committees to the palace of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu.  The visit was part of the FIRS management stakeholders’ retreat in Lagos.

Gunmen abduct Zamfara Rep’s 2 children, kill 6 others

The Police in Zamfara State have confirmed the abduction of two children of Yahaya Chado, the member representing Maradun/Bakura Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mohammed Shehu, told newsmen in Gusau on Monday that the children were abducted after the gunmen stormed the lawmaker’s hometown of Gora in Maradun Local Government Area.

Na’Abba Vows Not to Back Buhari’s Re-election Bid

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, has disclosed that in November 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari told members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees (BoT) that he would seek re-election in 2019.

Na’Abba who is a member of the board vowed not to support Buhari’s re-election bid because the president “has not added even an inch of value to democracy.”

Makarfi: PDP Will Wait for APC Presidential Candidate to Emerge

 Says ruling party, Buhari overwhelmed by security challenges

Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja
The immediate past caretaker chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, has said that his party will wait for the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to emerge before presenting a strategy to defeat the candidate, insisting that any candidate, including President Muhammadu Buhari, will be roundly defeated by the PDP in the 2019 general election.

Buhari: we’re delivering on campaign promises

We’re tackling herdsmen killings

President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that he remained focused on delivering his campaign promises.

Buhari was elected for a four-year tenure in 2015.

The three pronge promises are: securing the lives and properties of Nigerians, halting the pillage of the economy by corrupt public officials and creating employment opportunities for the youth.