Press Statement

21/11/2024

PDP Chairmanship Candidates Forum Voices Strong Support for Legal Challenge Against Nomination Fees in Katsina State

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmanship Candidates Forum for the upcoming Local Government Election has officially pledged its strong support for the party’s legal challenge against the exorbitant nomination fees imposed for the upcoming Local Government elections in Katsina State. This unified stance reflects our commitment to ensuring a fair and inclusive electoral process for all aspiring candidates.

The current nomination fees are excessively high and serve as a significant barrier to entry for many qualified individuals, particularly those from grassroots and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Chairman of the Forum recognizes that these financial obstacles undermine democratic participation and limit the diversity of voices in local governance.

In expressing his support, the Chairman of the Forum Hon. Abdullahi Usman Tumburkai, who is also the PDP Candidate in Dandume Local Government, emphasizes that a truly representative democracy must allow all citizens, regardless of their financial status, the opportunity to run for office. They stand firmly with the PDP in advocating for quashing the fees to promote inclusivity and equal representation in the electoral process.

The Forum Chairman said PDP Candidates cannot afford to pay over Five hundred million naira for the nomination fees, a situation that is not only financially burdensome but also detrimental to democratic participation.

The Forum calls on the Katsina State government and the State Independent National Electoral Commission to join us in this vital effort to create a more equitable electoral environment. Together, we can ensure that the upcoming Local Government elections reflect the true will of the people and facilitate the participation of all deserving candidates.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have united in a significant legal initiative, filing a lawsuit against the excessive nomination fees imposed by the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission for the upcoming Local Government elections. This collaborative effort highlights our shared commitment to a fair and inclusive electoral process that allows all qualified candidates the opportunity to participate.

As we move forward with this legal challenge, we encourage our supporters and the general public to rally behind this cause. Together, we can work towards a democratic process that is accessible, fair, and representative of all citizens.

Signed:

Honourable Abdullahi Usman Tumburkai Forum Chairman and PDP Candidate for Dandume Local Government
21st November, 2024

End of Statement

Birthday: Hon. Shadalafiya Felicitates with Hon. Saleh Zock , Describes him as Inspirational Leader

Former Kaduna Deputy Speaker and now Chairman Legislative Service Commission, Kaduna State ,Rt. Hon. Nuhu Goroh Shadalafiya has extended heartfelt wishes to the member representing Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock on his birthday, describing him as an inspirational leader that has earned place in history.

According to Shadalafiya, Hon. Har as he fondly calls him, is a selfless leader and a strong pillar of support in Kachia/Kagarko,who has impacted many people positively.

In a congratulatory message signed personally, Hon. Shadalafiya prayed for the his continued sound health, happiness and success .

The congratulatory message reads:”Happy birthday to a truly inspirational leader .You have certainly earned your place in history! You’re an exemplary leader for future generations. Your work is truly mesmerizing. On your special day, I want to thank you for all of your efforts in serving our constituency.

” Wishing a happy birthday , the very best leader we could have in many years. We are so fortunate to have you! RT Hon Gabriel saleh Zock.Thank you for being the best leader and Friend.You lead the way and light up the path for all of those who follow you. I just want to thank you for everything you have done.I hope you know, on your Birthday, how very much you are admired and respected.

“You are a shining example of a politician; a true inspiration and a guiding light. A friend like you is worth holding on to. Wishing you many birthday blessings this year and many More to come while sending lots of love and wishing you a sweet birthday today, my Brother. Congratulations and Happy Birthday.”

KADPOLY ASUP Chair Urges Members to Disregard Media Statements Credit to him

…Says they are false 

Chairman of Academic Staff Union of  Polytechnic, Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter,Comrade Abubakar Jibrin Abdullahi has dissociate self from the publications by certain Digital Mediz outlets and blogs alleging that he granted interviews or issued press releases making statements about Kaduna Polytechnic or its Management.

According to the Chairman,Since his re-election on September 26,2024, he has granted only one press release/interview, which was held on October 15, 2624,where he solely addressed the ultimatum issued by ASUP National to the Federal Government.

In a statement made available  to journalists today , “The Chairman categorically dissociates himself from these alleged “interviews” or “press release.

The statement signed by the office of the Chairman explained: “Any other purposed interviews statements attributed to the Chairman after October 15, 2024, are false and should be disregarded. The Chairman, along with the Union, is pursuing legal action to Address this issue and prevent future occurrence,

“Chair attention of the Chairman of ASUP KadPoly, Abubakar Sibin Abdullahi, has

been drawn to publications by certain Digital Mediz outlets and blogs alleging that he granted interviews or issued press releases making statements about Kaduna Polytechnic or its Management.”

Makarfi Ambassadors Commend Hon. Jallo for Empowering 2000 Constituents

Kaduna based Group under aegis of Makarfi Ambassadors has commended Member Representing Igabi Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, Honourable Hussaini Jallo for empowering two thousand constituents.

According to the group , the giant stride from the Kaduna lawmaker is worthy of commendations considering the need to provide means of livelihood during this economic hardship caused by removal of fuel subsidy.

The Makarfi Ambassadors, who disclosed this in a press statement jointly signed by made Abdullahi Ahmed urged Hon.Hussaini Jallo to consider expanding the gesture to accommodate more persons .

The group,which passed a vote of confidence on Jallo, called on people of Igabi Local government area to re-elect him come 2027, stating that “He’s a rare breed of lawmaker”.

“A good political leader deserves greater responsibilities in our political sphere and this is why we are urging Igabi people to re-elect for another term as lawmaker.” It added .

Arewa Group rejects new Eye Centre CMD Hassan-Wali over land racketeering, calls for NASS probe 

Group under Arewa Progressive Youths for Good Governance has rejected the recent appointment of Dr. Amina Hassan-Wali by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as substantive Chief Medical Director of the apex eye Hospital, the National Eye Centre Kaduna.

The Group rising from an extraordinary expanded regional meetings with host communities and other key stakeholders on Friday  alleged that Dr. Amina Hassan-Wali during her tenure as Chairman Medical Advisory  Committee (CMAC) spearheaded the revocation of lands in Eye centre initially sold to host communities and instigated the Eye Centre Management to drag Kaduna State Government  and so many host community members to court.

Speaking in Kaduna during a press conference, leader of the delegation  Comrade Ibrahim Ibrahim Ahmadu  revealed that “it was Dr. Amina Hassan-Wali that headed the Lands Special Committee that recommended  the dastardly revocation of lands sold to some stakeholders without refunds and outright seizure of lands initially returned to host communities by the then Governor of Kaduna Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa.”

The Group  maintained that the State Government of Kaduna and so many others are now in Court because of the antithetical cum gaslighted hypothesis manipulated by Dr. Amina Hassan-Wali. 

According to Ahmadu, the litany of  sophistry sustained by Dr. Amina Hassan-Wali against host communities is ironic to her father’s legacy the  renowned and respected General Hassan U. Katsina as she initiated selected treatment of patients in Eye Centre as patients resulted to bribery before they could be timely treated.

” We are law abiding people hence, we call on the National Assembly, the Economic  and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to probe and review holistically the process that led to her appointment as soon as possible so as to ensure justice is served. We will also not hesitate to peacefully protest and take other legal actions against her when necessary.” Ahmadu stressed 

“We call on Dr. Amina Hassan-Wali to immediately withdraw all court cases against Kaduna State Government and host communities and refund monies on all lands revocated or immediately resign” it added. 

Coalition To Embark on Protest over New Tax Reform Bills

…Says alleged “Anti North” Bills are Rejected

Angry over recent open support of some northerners for the new tax reform initiative,Coalition of northern groups under aegis of Forum for Growth and Development of Arewa(FGDA) have fixed Wednesday to embark over the bills they described as “Anti-North”.

Accordingly to the Coalition , the decision to embark on the protest is to send a strong to message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of Senate and House of Representatives that the alleged”Anti North Bills” are rejected and unacceptable.

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Bill to the Senate. The proposed legislation is aimed at streamlining tax collection, ensuring compliance and optimising revenue.

But in a statement signed by the Convener made available to journalists in Kaduna today said, “We have consulted widely and carried out investigation about the proposed tax reform bills and discovered that the implementation would relatively affect and “relegate the northerner region economically and commercially.”

The group which condemned House of Representatives member, Abdulmumin Jibrin, representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State for his supportive stance and endorsement of the controversial tax reform bill, said his position on the tax reform is without consideration to our backwardness and development gap between South and North.

“We therefore submit that the tax reform will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, especially considering the current harsh economic reality in the country.” It stated.

While acknowledging that the proposed tax reform could be of significant interest or benefits to those in the South, the group insisted, “We make bold to inform this backing this anti-North bill remember that an average northern is suffering now and cannot afford to dragged beyond this point of poverty line.

“North is currently facing problems insecurity,severe poverty, unemployment, and dearth of infrastructure and any move to further create a policy that will improvish us will be met with resistance.

“We are therefore calling our youths and citizens from the region to join to stop further action on the tax reform bills.” The statement “

Security: Attack on Nuhu Ribadu , Baseless , Irresponsible says Shehu Sani 

Former lawmaker and Senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District  in 8th Senate, Comrade Shehu Sani has described the recent attack on Nuhu Ribadu as baseless and irresponsible. 

According to him, Ribadu has performed more than any past National Security Adviser in coordinating security agencies and fighting terrorism.

Shehu Dani who disclosed this in chat with newsmen the National Security Adviser has restored order; peace and relative stability in most areas of the North that have been besieged and destroyed by bandits and terrorists. 

Reacting  to remarks made by a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, on the insecurity in parts of the country, he said Ribadu has been able to coordinate a security strategy that has protected Schools in the North and guarded key roads like the Abuja kaduna road,Maiduguri Damaturu road and Kaduna Birnin Gwari road, he revealed that Most of the terrorists leaders in the North have been arrested or eliminated. 

He however recalled,  “After the catastrophic failure of the GEJ and Buhari administration to secure the North,Nuhu has relatively accomplished in the area they failed. ‘

He further stated that  “Nuhu Ribadu is a round peg in a round hole.His achievements are self evident.Under Buhari,mass killings and kidnappings was a daily tragedy despite billions stolen in the name of defense and security. 

“Nuhu Ribadu’s Performance,dedication and passion for security in the North is unmatched,unparalleled and unprecedented”.

Islamic Groups Endorse New Tax Reform Bills

…Says They are with Good Intentions

Satisfied with contents of new tax reform bills, the amalgamation of Islamic groups under aegis of Islamic Forum for Unity of the Ummah have endorsed the controversial proposed reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

The Islamic Forum, which initially expressed fears and reservations about tax bills said after careful study of the content and wide consultants with experts, it was discovered that the bills are with good intentions and not dangerous to the interest of Islamic religion and Nigerians.

President had on On September 3, 2024, transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration, following the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele for the review of existing tax laws.

The Islamic Forum,which announced the endorsement in a communique issued after a meeting held in Abuja said it decided to support the bills on grounds that they have the potential to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal landscape and drive economic growth and sustainability.

While recalling why the Northern traditional rulers; Northern States’ Governors Forum (NSGF) and other leaders in the region opposed the Nigeria Tax Bill, claiming it would improvish the region, the Islamic groups, urged the federal government to embark on mass enlightenment programme to educate Nigerians about the contents of the bills

The communique jointly signed by the Chairman, Mallam Adam Awwal Muhammad and Secretary Sheikh Akanbi Rashidi Bolaji, reads: That there is no basis to entertain any fear about these bills. If anything, Nigerians will commend Tinubu for laying a solid foundation that will ensure the fiscal stability of the country, if they get to know the details of the documents.

“The Nigeria Tax Bill aims to codify all of the taxing provisions into one single document, to be known as the Nigeria Tax Act when passed into law. In the bill, chapters are devoted to the various tax types in a simplified format. The proposed tax law is also written in a simple language that anyone with basic literary education can read and understand.

“After intensive deliberations and analysis of the content of proposed reforms,we gathered that key components are intended to reduce overlapping taxes; harmonise tax processes nationwide; and create a Joint Revenue Board to streamline tax administration across the country.

“Against this background,We are appealing to our Muslim brothers to support the tax reform initiative .

We are urging the Non Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organization,and government at all levels to to ensure the documents are made public.

“We however,suggest that President Tinubu meet with Governors , stakeholders and manufacturers and the ordinary citizens to discuss importance of bills to growth and development of our country.”