PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 27th OCTOBER 2024.

Kano LG Polls is a Disgraceful and Shameless Election

The Saturday 26th October 2024 Kano local government elections, conducted the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), is nothing but short of disgraceful.

The KANSIEC has from the beginning show clear a sign of foul play.

The just concluded local government elections in Kano state is nothing but an orchestrated act of robbery, an imposition disguised as an election.

As the civil society organizations, we are highly disappointed with the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission’s (KANSIEC) premature announcement of NNPP candidates as winners of 44 local government council chairmanship and 484 councillorship seats, while over 60% of polling units awaited election materials, is a blatant affront on democracy and our collective sensibilities.

We condemn this brazen electoral theft and urge well-meaning citizens and democracy advocates worldwide to join us in demanding justice for Kano State’s people.

This is an unprofessional and shameless display by KANSIECOM under the leadership of Professor Sani Malumfashi in concert with Governor Abba Kabirun Yusuf who claims to be a “Governor of the people” and a “democrat.” We reject this fraudulent process loudly and emphatically, calling it what it is: outright theft.

There’s no genuine election took place across the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State. The ruling NNPP in Kano, driven by fear of defeat due to their poor leadership, manipulated the process. The refusal to face the electorate in a free and fair election is a cowardly attempt to hold onto power at all costs, particularly to maintain access to Local Government grants and autonomy.

Local governments are the closest and most accessible tier of governance to the people, and citizens have a constitutional right to choose their leaders. Yet, it is clear that KANSIEC has conspired with the state government to rob the residents of Kani of this fundamental right. This is an appalling breach of trust and an outright violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

We call upon KANSIEC to annul the fraudulent results handed to the NNPP and immediately reschedule a transparent, free, and fair election. Failing to do so will cement their reputation as a corrupt institution, undeserving of the trust of the people.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf must also understand that his credibility as a leader is severely tarnished by this charade. If his idea of governance is to impose leaders rather than allow the people to decide, he is fostering corruption within his administration. Posterity will undoubtedly judge all those involved in this disgraceful act.

We understand that it has become a very sick and sad fad for governors to emasculate all positions of Chairmen and Councilors during Local Governments elections to their parties 100%.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who has the final say in this matter should critically appraise yesterday’s ‘election’ and take a positively courageous position in a manner that will strengthen democracy in Kano state and increase the love, trust and hope that the people have for him.

The announcement of winners of Saturday elections by KANSIEC Chairman, is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) manipulation, it stands as an annoying charade; an insult to the collective intelligence of good people of Kano State and big leap into backwardness in Kano state.

We urge the Governor to reflect on his leadership and prioritize the interests of the people of Kano over selfish political ambitions. A time will come when neither KANSIEC officials nor anyone else in his inner circle will be able to shield him from the people’s judgment. Let him not forget that he will ultimately answer to the very masses he sought to disenfranchise in these elections.

We reaffirm our commitment to holding the Kano State government accountable, and we will ensure the rule of law is upheld and protected at all times.

Signed:
Dr. Balarabe M. Lawal
Executive Secretary,
Northern Coalition of Socio political Group

The man Engr. Joseph Chiroma 

By Amos Tauna 

Engr. Joseph Chiroma, as he is well known is from the Southern Kaduna extraction of Kaduna state. Give him any description of who he is or his character, to those who knows him very well, is a dedicated philanthropist who has made a significant impact in the lives of many. With a heart for giving, he has supported various causes, from education and healthcare to poverty alleviation and social welfare.

He is someone who engages in charitable acts and donates of his time, money, and meager resources to help others and make a positive impact on society. Through his generosity and tireless efforts, Engr. Chiroma has improved the well-being of countless individuals and communities, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. He is indeed a different breed that brings joy and happiness to whoever goes closer to him in the state and beyond.

He is that young man that believes positively in touching the lives and bringing peace and joy to those around him with his meager resources in order to make them have a sense of belonging.
In Jema’a local government area of Kaduna state, the man, Engr. Joseph Chiroma, has distinguished himself so much so that he has followers within and around Southern Kaduna in particular, and beyond the boundaries of the state in general because he is a man that has carved a niche in the sand of time, leaving trail blazing memories on the minds of the good citizens of Southern Kaduna and the larger contemporary Nigerian society.

He has chosen to identify with people around him irrespective of class, his concern is to ensure the downtrodden have a sense of belonging in all spheres of life and to change the fortunes of the people of Southern Kaduna and the state as whole.

Taking a peep into the world and wonders of the man Joseph Chiroma, a true descendant of Southern Kaduna, he has provided the needed antidotes to the prevailing problems of leadership, as evidence abound within the society. No wonder, the name of Joseph  Chiroma rings a bell among the youths, the women and the entire populace. He does whatever is possible in any form within the reach of his meager resources. He ensures the youths and women do not roam the streets aimlessly but have something doing to earn their living for a better tomorrow.

Today, our society is besieged by lack of true leadership values and insensitive to the plights of the ordinary people and indeed the masses. The man, Joseph  Chiroma has no doubt stood in defence of the less privileged in the society. Such agitated efforts of lack of true leadership can quite be obtainable if one critically analyzed the selfless services of the man Engr. Chiroma and his outstanding achievements so far within a short time.

I strongly believed that our agitations for true representation for a vibrant democratic society can be enhanced through the wisdom and the legacies Engr. Chiroma is known for and by having somebody of his ability if given the chance to showcase his potentials. Southern Kaduna will no doubt following his dream of what he has started will completely be a different place with the provision of social amenities that are lacking in the area for decades.

He has demonstrated his willingness to enhance the wellbeing of his people and if given the opportunity, Engr. Chiroma will definitely stand out in lobbying for all that is lacking in the zone by making it realised it’s full potentials.

He has really portrayed the semblance of true leadership that today has become quite illusionary in the zone and the state in general. He has served and is still serving the people with all moral commitment and honesty, exhibiting leadership, prowess and initiative instincts. The people of Southern Kaduna, state and country at large are now coming to terms with the reality of life and are trying to understand the wisdom of the young man. The intellectual habits and visionary qualities greatly explains the pedigree of Engr. Chiroma, among many in trying to handle various problems of those who come around him and doing what seems best to him in the area.
It is on record that this rare breed who has always expressed a nationalistic character and also portrayed the symbol of holding the masses of Southern Kaduna at heart as he champion the course of the less privileged. His philosophy of leadership borders on putting to view the wishes and aspirations of the people as ultimate over and above other considerations, at a time moral autonomy has been forgotten especially among our representatives at various levels of governance, people are left to carry their cross but Engr. Chiroma has shouldered all the challenges of the people on his head by putting smile in their faces.
Through his exemplary leadership, Chiroma has changed the fortunes of many people in Southern Kaduna Senatorial district by lending shoulders and heart to the masses who had lost hope in the present times. He has indeed showed a tireless services he so much cherished and always willing to provide unconditionally. This without doubt are attributes of true, compassionate and sincere gentleman that so much desired to see positive changes among the people of his area and the state, by extension. No wonder that through what he has exhibited, his name really rings a bell and so dear in the hearts of many that have come in contact with him. Today, without and political or elective office, the young man is seen as the true representative of his people where people take their problems to and are getting solutions to their challenges.
Indeed, he has within this limited time exhibited transparent and honest desire to ensure a positive transformation in all spheres of life among the people of Southern Kaduna that he so much loved with everything he has, most especially in sharing with them their immediate challenges. He has indeed removed every doubt that he is a true son of the soil that identifies with his people and is willing to do more if he has resources to do so. These are the type of people that should be entrusted with leadership position be it elective or by appointment. He has proven to be who he is and by entrusting any responsibility, he will no doubt justify the confidence of the people in him.
To those who believe in the philosophy and wisdom of Engr. Chiroma, the answer to our leadership problems in Southern Kaduna,  Kaduna  state and Nigeria lies within the aforementioned attributes as depicts by our beloved and young rare breed, Engr. Chiroma. There is no doubt that his likes are dearly needed in Southern Kaduna to change and shapes the present situation in the area by giving the youths hope of a better tomorrow so that they will showcase their potentials in different areas of their specializations. By so doing, the area will be better for it and also go a long way to curb social vices among our youths that have nothing doing after their educational pursuit, and thereby enhance the development of the area.
Having understood the wisdom of Chiroma, it is now a challenge to the present youths aspiring for greatness in the zone to measure up to expectations through selfless, honest services to the people and stand up to the truth as publicly demonstrated by Engr. Chiroma. It is high time that the likes of Chiroma in the zone to compete favorably with other areas because the area is blessed with both human and natural resources that will take the area to greater heights in all spheres of life if hands are put on deck.
By the virtues demonstrated by Chiroma, it is an established fact that given the chance in either elective position or by appointment, Southern Kaduna stands to immensely benefit of the dream the young man has for his people to free them in his little way from marginalization and ensure the area is known in the world in all aspects of life. Other people need to tap from his way of life and the dream he has for humanity for a better society that recognizes love, togetherness and progress in every aspect of life for the overall development of Southern Kaduna, the state and Nigeria as a whole.
Until we begin to have the likes of Engr. Chiroma, the dream of having a united, prosperious, peaceful and harmonious Southern Kaduna will be a mirage. The man knows no tribe or religion, but his focus is to ensure a developed area through the coming together of the people of the zone to have a common focus and goal on how to solve the different challenges confronting the area with a view of realizing the dream destined to the people by the Almighty creator. His dream needs to be supported by all towards ensuring that the entire Southern Senatorial district takes a different shape and compete favorably among community of nations because the area is really blessed to be able to stand out as one of the developed and peaceful communities in the country.

Engr. Joseph Chiroma, a son of nobody, has through his relationship, attitude and by touching the lives of people with his meager resources, has today in Southern Kaduna has his name in the lips of people praising him for identifying with his people in their challenges. Today, people are praying for him for God’s blessing in all his endeavours. If today Chiroma is elevated to a big position, the people of Southern Kaduna are very sure that they stand to benefit from their son who holds them in high esteem, values them and is ever ready to do more for the welfare of millions of people around him.

He has done it, he is still doing it and given the opportunity, will do much better to put smile in the mouths of his people who are always at the receiving end.

Kagarko LG Chairman-Elect Gets Certificate of Return

Muhuyideen Abdullahi Umar Receives Certificate of Return as Chairman-Elect of Kagarko Local Government, Pledges Unity, Inclusive Governance.

Earlier today, the newly-elected Chairman of Kagarko Local Government, Hon. Muhuyideen Abdullahi Umar, has officially received his Certificate of Return from the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM), following his landslide victory in the recently concluded local government elections.

At the well-attended ceremony, held at SIECOM’s office in Kaduna, Chairman-Elect Umar expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the people of Kagarko for their trust and confidence. He further extended a hand of friendship to his fellow contestants, urging them to unite for the greater good of the local government.

“This victory is not just mine; it belongs to the people of Kagarko. I want to assure everyone, including my opponents, that this administration will be one of inclusiveness, fairness, and progress. Now is the time to put our differences aside and work together for the development of our communities,” Umar said in a brief remark.

Known for his emphasis on community-driven development and inclusivity, Umar pledged to lead an administration that will prioritize key areas such as education, healthcare, rural infrastructure and youth empowerment, with a focus on equitable representation of all groups in Kagarko in line with Gov. Uba Sani’s rural transformation plans.

The event was attended by party officials, political associates, stakeholders and supporters, who commended the Chairman-Elect’s message of unity and his commitment to driving Kagarko forward.

Muhuyideen Media Center (MMC).

Insecurity:Arewa New Frontiers Laud  Gov. Radda’s Community Watch Initiative 

… Acknowledges his Visionary Leadership, Giant Development Strides 

Group under aegis of Arewa New Frontiers has commended Katsina State Governor,Dr Dikko Umar Radda’s exceptional giant strides, visionary leadership and sustained efforts in confronting menace of insecurity in the State via the Community Watch Initiative.

According to the group,  when Mallam Dikko assumed office Katsina State,  Bandits prowled communities, terrorizing people, destroying peace and unity, which was cherished. 

Speaking during a press conference held in Abuja on the efforts made so far to secure the people of Katsina State , the Secretary General of Arewa New Frontiers, Mohammed Ibn Abdusalam said: “The establishment of the Katsina Community Watch Corps validates His Excellency’s innovative approach to community policing. With 1,466 well-trained personnel already deployed and an additional 500 members being trained for the most affected local government areas, the KCWC has become a model for other states. 

While stating that the Community Watch Corps had neutralized notorious terrorist leader identified as Sani Waka Burki and his foot soldiers terrorizing Safana and Batsari LGAs, he hinted,”They equally intercepted a commercial vehicle carrying a cache of ammunition in Batsari. These are just a few of records of success. We are more than proud to see Zamfara and Kaduna States adopting this successful initiative, and we hope other Northwest states do the same.”

He therefore acknowledged that the Governor’s commitment is not mere rhetoric; but actions backed by unprecedented investment in security infrastructure. 

He however, disclosed that the procurement of 10 armoured personnel carriers, 61 branded Hilux vehicles, 700 motorcycles, and advanced surveillance equipment worth over N10 billion demonstrates his resolve to spare no resource in protecting the people. Adding, “This is leadership in action, not mere promises. Governor Radda is better described as a “Talk and Do Leader.”

He also explained, ” In a masterstroke of administrative efficiency, His Excellency established the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. This creates a dedicated institution to coordinate security responses across all 34 local government areas. This strategic decision has significantly improved response times and enhanced coordination among the conventional security agencies and the state initiatives.  

“It is worthy of note that the multi-faceted approach adopted by Governor Radda, including the establishment of the Hisbah Board and the Committee on Encroached Cattle Routes and Grazing Reserves, shows his deep understanding of the complex nature of our security challenges. The Governor is not just addressing immediate security threats but also strategically fighting the underlying causes of conflict. That’s Governor Radda, and that’s a demonstration of remarkable wisdom in governance.

“What is particularly commendable is how His Excellency has transformed the security architecture from a reactive to a proactive model. The Joint Security Operations Communications Centre has turned around our intelligence gathering and response capabilities, enabling us to prevent attacks before they occur. From 22 local government areas being under severe security threat, we are witnessing a steady decline in criminal activities. Now, the security threats have been reduced to three local governments. 

“Markets are reopening, farmers are returning to their fields, and our children can once again attend school without fear. While we acknowledge that there is still work to be done, we must commend Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for his courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to securing Katsina State.

“His achievements in just this short period give us confidence that together we shall overcome these challenges. Together, we shall build the future of Katsina State. Together, we shall restore lasting peace to our beloved state. 

Thanks you so much for your time and attention. God bless you. God bless Katsina State.” 

Kaduna LG Polls : Newly Elected Kagarko Chair thanked electorate for voting APC , Says Administration’ll Be Guided by Fairness, Transparency

… Promises All Inclusive Government

The Newly Elected Chairman of Kagarko Local Government area, Hon. Muhuyideen Abdullahi Umar has thanked electorate who trooped out enmass to vote the ruling party,All Progressives Congress (APC) during the just concluded elections across the State.

The Chairman,who promised to prioritize security; agriculture, education, health and infrastructural development, promised all inclusive governance.

In live chat with some journalist on the outcome of the recently concluded elections,Hon. Muhuyideen Abdullahi Umar expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani; the Deputy Governor, Kagarko elders ,youths and other stakeholders for the trust and confidence reposed in him to serve as Chairman of the Local Government.

According to him, the mandate is not just a victory for himself, but a victory for every citizen of Kagarko local government, who believes in progress, unity and a brighter future.

While stating that his administration will be guided by fairness, transparency and integrity towards achieving an inclusive Governance for all, he emphasised on the principles of collective responsibility to move the local government forward

Speaking further he insisted :”We will work collectively to ensure improved infrastructure;empowerment,quality healthcare services, agriculture and security for a prosperous Kagarko of our dream.

“Election is over. So, it is a time for healing and unity. I hereby extend a hand of friendship to stakeholders and all political opponents, who contested against me during this election. In my desire to ensure that no one is left behind, I call on all of you to join forces with me in building a secured local government through collaboration and teamwork.

“This is the best way to serve our people and achieve peace and progress. My running mate, the Vice Chairman-Elect, Mr. Titus Musa and I understand the challenges that lie ahead. More importantly, we also understand and deeply value the talent of our people.We pledge to Listen to you and to do the right thing hings in harnessing your talents and putting our local government on the path of irreversible e progress.

“Pray for us, advice us and give us the chance to deliver on our campaign promises.”

Arewa Group Accuses Sen.Ndume of Creating Crisis, Undermining NASS 

…Calls for his final Expulsion 

Northern based group under aegis of Arewa Progressives Forum for Good Governance (APFGG) has accused the former Senate Whip, Senator Ali Ndume of stirring up unnecessary crisis and undermining the National Assembly.

The group with members across the nineteen States of North also expressed displeasure over failure on side of Senator Ndume to reach out to President Bola Tinubu privately for talks rather  than  criticising the government’s policies to gain cheap popularity.

But in a reaction  to his attack on the President in a statement signed by Mal Ibrahim Musa Bichi, the Chairman  of Arewa Progressives Forum for Good Governance, the group posited that it is ironical for Senator Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District and a member of the ruling party to use the media to call on  President to tackle the hardship suffered by citizens,when he’s part of same government.

 According to the group,Ndume’s blanket allegation that members of the National Assembly are thieves is not only disparaging,but also unacceptable for a ranking Senator. 

The statement further reads:” From information gathered from Some of our members from Borno, his inability to attract meaningful development and projects to his Constituency and State because of antagonist position it not encouraging.

“It is true that politics is a game of number,but also about dialogue and lobbying government to ensure development are drawn to state and people.We have not seen anything tangible he has done for his people ,even as one of longest serving lawmaker in the National Assembly.

“The big question is,Why should the public take someone such as Ndume serious, when he has not done anything serious for his Constituency?

“It is on record that for this same antagonistic posture,during the era of Saraki as the Senate President,he was suspended. It clearly demonstrates that he wont change,thus he should be expelled and his seat declared vacant .

“Recalled that his party, the All Progressives Congress did ask the  Senate to relieve him of his position as the Senate Chief Whip over his relentless public criticisms of President Tinubu and the ruling APC, a party to which he belongs.

“The work of a Lawmaker is not about “Seeking Attention” but making laws that would better lots of the citizens.”

#Kaduna 2024 LG Polls: Why MG Zion is most qualified – Comrade Musa Mohammed 

A member of All Progressive Congress APC in Kaduna north local government Area of Kaduna state, Comrade Musa Mohammed (Moonlight), has expressed his intention to ensure that the All Progressive Congress  (APC)’s local government council Chairmanship candidate in Kaduna north, Hon. Mohammed Gambo Zion, wins in the 19 October 2024 local government council election.

He said the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, is the right person which might lead kaduna north local government Area to a greater heights .

In an interview with newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday, saying that Hon. Zion if elected will definitely fulfill his electoral promises.

He further stated that Mohammed Zion is the best candidate among the contesting Chairmanship candidates that can provide a quick and comprehensive solution, according to him, is an experienced politician who started from the grassroot level. .

Comrade Musa Mohammed described the opposition party Peoples Democratic party  (PDP) as a party that is already ‘dead’, and described its moves as ‘that of a patient in the throes of death’ considering the way people with ideals are leaving it for the APC in droves, and cited heavy political juggernauts in the State such as the former Governor of Kaduna state, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, former Kaduna senator Shehu Sani, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha former PDP national organizing secretary,  as well as other key members of the Party.

Comrade Mohammed called on the people of Kaduna north to do everything possible to ensure the success of the APC and its  Chairmanship candidate, Hon. Mohammed Gambo Zion in the upcoming  19 October 2024 local government council elections.

“I urged to the electorate to vote for the All Progressive Congress (APC) Party local government candidate, Hon. Mohammed Gambo Zion”.

“The people of Kaduna North now have an alternative in the All Progressive Congress APC and its candidate, Mohammed Zion”.

“I do firmly believe that the interest of my beloved people of Kaduna north local government Area will be best served by voting for the APC for council chairman in Kaduna State”.

“Consequently, I urge all our people in kaduna north who yearn for a better local government and state, and for all those who would like to see improved infrastructural development etc, should vote All Progressive Congress APC for local government council elections of Kaduna State. 

“As you vote your conscience and your hopes for a better tomorrow in Kaduna north, you will be giving meaning  to our local government moniker of being the heartbeat of the state”, he added.

October 19th LGA Election: Ham Elders Decries Imposition, Calls on Uba Sani for Free, Fair Polls

By Bomba Dauda

The people of Ham community in Jaba Local Government Area in Kaduna South Senatorial District of Kaduna State have decried the persistent imposition of Chairpersons in the past 8 years of former Gov. Nasiru el-Rufai administration.

The Ham people bared their minds in a press statement issued by Ham Elders Forum in relation to October 19th, 2024 local government elections in the state.

Read the complete text below:

In his wisdom, the former U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, said in the famous Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863: “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” Long before this powerful speech was conceived and made public and after it was thrown into the public domain, it has become increasingly apparent that people are the catchphrase in any definition of government.

Putting the speech under scrutiny, especially, “for the people,” connotes: who chooses those people who make up the government, which has seamlessly provided answer to a lingering and pertinent question that beclouded Jaba people for the past 8 years of imposition of Chairpersons in Jaba LG.

People are central to government and democracy has guiding principles, which one of such indicates that, election is the only credible means that a democratically elected leaders can emerge and if people are the drivers of every election processes, they should not only be allowed to vote for their preferred candidates through credible means, but their vote should also count.

We are living in a time that every issue that bothers on our existence and sensitivity as a people needs to be voiced out for the desired action to be taken. As peace loving people that we are known for, for the past 8 years, the system in Kaduna State has shown us that there is no reward for being objectively organised.

Since the establishment of Jaba LG, we have been craving for development, however, such lofty ambition will hardly come to fruition when we are not allowed to scrutinise, assess, and even choose our leaders based on their track records and capabilities. If development is central to governance, we should be allowed to choose the candidate that we believe will drive our developmental objectives.

We wish to restate here that, for the past 8 years of Gov. Nasiru el-Rufai’s government Jaba LGA never had an elected LG Chairperson(reasons best known to him and not to our best interest), we are often given an appointed Chairperson (what we regarded as his alternative) whether such decision suited or appeased our sentiment or not, we must accommodate it and learn to live with it. Enough is enough! We deserve to be given our constitutional rights, like other LGAs to exercise our franchise and exert our powers as electorates.

Without sounding immodest, we are pleading with Gov. Uba Sani and all the authorities concern to let Jaba breathe. Jaba people needs to be given a chance to elect who they want to lead them and not imposed a candidate on us.

In order to maintain and sustain our cherished peace and coexistence, and also to achieve the necessary development we yearn for in the local government as envisaged by the Supreme Court Judgement on Autonomy of LGCs,
We, Elders of Jaba LG in Ham land do agitate for:

OUR EARNEST PRAYERS

1. A peaceful election in All units and Wards.
2. Voters be allowed to vote for the candidates of their choice without any interference.
3. The votes should be counted according to electoral fairness and justice
4. Those who win at any stage,i.e. at Ward Council and Chairmanship stages should be declared in accordance with the electoral laws in fairness.
5. All results should be counted at voting centers & collations/declarations be made by the Returning Officers on the spot at the designated places for councillors & chairmen.
   Copies of duly signed results be distributed to relevant officials, such as party Agents, Security personnel etc.
6. Any Ham/Jaba person who involves self in wrongful declarations of false results at any point or stage during the process will surely be SANCTIONED in Ham Communities.
7. We again want to commend our State Government for effecting the conduct of the Local government elections in accordance with the Supreme Court’s Judgement
8. These observations will surely bring not only relevant developments, but will ensure Peace and Tranquility in Jaba land.

Long Live Nigeria!
Long Live Kaduna State!!
Long Live Hamland!!!

Signed for Ham Elders Forum:

1.Martins Boris Chiroma
2.Mamman D.Sarki
3 Istifanus Zom
4.Iliya Bako Byeing
5.Peter N. Buba.

October 19th LGA Election: Ham Elders Decries Imposition, Calls on Uba Sani for Free, Fair Polls

By Bomba Dauda

The people of Ham community in Jaba Local Government Area in Kaduna South Senatorial District of Kaduna State have decried the persistent imposition of Chairpersons in the past 8 years of former Gov. Nasiru el-Rufai administration.

The Ham people bared their minds in a press statement issued by Ham Elders Forum in relation to October 19th, 2024, local government elections in the state.

Read the complete text below:

In his wisdom, the former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln said in the famous Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863: “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” Long before this powerful speech was conceived and made public and after it was thrown into the public domain, it has become increasingly apparent that people are the catchphrase in any definition of government.

Putting the speech under scrutiny, especially, “for the people,” connotes: who chooses those people who make up the government, which has seamlessly provided answer to a lingering and pertinent question that beclouded Jaba people for the past 8 years of imposition of Chairpersons in Jaba LG.

People are central to government and democracy has guiding principles, which one of such indicates that, election is the only credible means that a democratically elected leaders can emerge and if people are the drivers of every election processes, they should not only be allowed to vote for their preferred candidates through credible means, but their vote should also count.

We are living in a time that every issue that bothers on our existence and sensitivity as a people needs to be voiced out for the desired action to be taken. As peace loving people that we are known for, for the past 8 years, the system in Kaduna State has shown us that there is no reward for being objectively organised.

Since the establishment of Jaba LG, we have been craving for development, however, such lofty ambition will hardly come to fruition when we are not allowed to scrutinise, assess, and even choose our leaders based on their track records and capabilities. If development is central to governance, we should be allowed to choose the candidate that we believe will drive our developmental objectives.

We wish to restate here that, for the past 8 years of Gov. Nasiru el-Rufai’s government Jaba LGA never had an elected LG Chairperson(reasons best known to him and not to our best interest), we are often given an appointed Chairperson (what we regarded as his alternative) whether such decision suited or appeased our sentiment or not, we must accommodate it and learn to live with it. Enough is enough! We deserve to be given our constitutional rights, like other LGAs, to exercise our franchise and exert our powers as electorates.

Without sounding immodest, we are pleading with Gov. Uba Sani and all the authorities concern to let Jaba breathe. Jaba people need to be given a chance to elect who they want to lead them and not impose a candidate on us.

In order to maintain and sustain our cherished peace and coexistence, and also to achieve the necessary development we yearn for in the local government as envisaged by the Supreme Court Judgement on Autonomy of LGCs,
We, Elders of Jaba LG in Ham land, do agitate for:

OUR EARNEST PRAYERS

1. A peaceful election in all units and wards.
2. Voters be allowed to vote for the candidates of their choice without any interference.
3. The votes should be counted according to electoral fairness and justice
4. Those who win at any stage,i.e., at Ward Council and Chairmanship stages should be declared in accordance with the electoral laws in fairness.
5. All results should be counted at voting centres & collations/declarations be made by the Returning Officers on the spot at the designated places for councillors & chairmen.
   Copies of duly signed results be distributed to relevant officials, such as party agents, security personnel, etc.
6. Any Ham/Jaba person who involves self in wrongful declarations of false results at any point or stage during the process will surely be SANCTIONED in Ham Communities.
7. We again want to commend our State Government for effecting the conduct of the local government elections in accordance with the Supreme Court’s Judgement
8. These observations will surely bring not only relevant developments but will ensure peace and tranquillity in Jaba land.

Long Live Nigeria!
Long Live Kaduna State!!
Long Live Hamland!!!

Signed for Ham Elders Forum:

1.Martins Boris Chiroma
2.Mamman D.Sarki
3 Istifanus Zom
4.Iliya Bako Byeing
5.Peter N. Buba.

ASUP Threatens To Embark on Strike ,Issues 15-Day Ultimatum to FG over failure to Implement Agreements

….Express Disappointment over FG’s Slow Approach

Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement agreements reached for improved Working Condition or face strike action.

According to the union, the 15-day period commenced on October 7, 2024 .

The National Executive Council, which issued on behalf of the Union expressed disappointment over Federal Government’s slow progress and seemingly indifferent approach in addressing the agreements.

Speaking during a press conference held ,the Chairman of ASUP, Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullahi,who briefed members of the Union on resolution reached during the Union’s 111th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on October 6, 2024 at Abuja,said at the expiration of the 15-day ultimatum, the Union’s NEC will reconvene to decide a specific and legitimate course and design a next line of action if these issues are not addresses by the Government.

However,the Union directed all its local chapters and all zones to prepare for protests, media campaigns, and other peaceful actions during this period while hoping that the Federal Government will utilize the 15-day window to address the issues and prevent a potential shutdown of all Polytechnics across the Nation.

The Chairman who disclosed that some of the agreements,which are dated to 2010 are intended to improve working conditions within the institutions; create a more conducive environment for teaching, learning, skill acquisitions and research, said, it is only after exhausting nearly all avenues for amicable resolution of the ongoing issues that the untimatum was issued.

Speaking further he stated ,”This decision is a direct result of a review of the Government’s response as indicated by the Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Governing Councils of various Polytechnics, and other agencies regarding the Union’s engagements.

“Specifically, the 111th NEC of our Union resolves to demand the following:
Immediate review and reversal of all decisions taken by the Government, or the NBTE or Governing Councils, those are inconsistent with the provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act (Amended) 2019.

“The commencement, without further delay, of the review process of the suspended document titled “Schemes of Service for Polytechnic 2023” as agreed at the tripartite meeting between our Union, Ministry of Education, and the NBTE held on the July 19, 2024.

“The swift release of the Second Tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention for public Polytechnics and College of Education.

“The cessation of all acts purposely to undermine, duplicate and surrender the responsibilities of the Academic Boards of Polytechnics in students’ admission process to NBTE.

“The inclusion of the negotiated Peculiar Academic Allowance in the Personnel Budget on the post-IPPIS payment template for our members.
The immediate implementation of the approved 25/35% Salary Review across all public Polytechnics and the payment of the accrued arrears.

“The release and final resolution of the decades-long CONTISS-15 migration arrears for the lower cadre.
The recommencement and completion of the ASUP versus Federal Government 2010 agreement renegotiation process.
The immediate release of the reviewed Condition of Service for the Polytechnic sector”.

He therefore called for Immediate implementation of promotion and payment of all accrued promotion arrears in state-Owned Institutions and release of outstanding promotion arrears in Federal Institutions and College of Education.