News
Governor Zulum sacks Bama camp chairman for collaborating with humanitarian officials to divert 30 borehole tanks, ion stands
Governor Zulum sacks Bama camp chairman for collaborating with humanitarian officials to divert 30 borehole tanks, ion stands
By: Zagazola Makama
Governor Babagana Zulum has sacked the camp Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency, Abbah Tor, over his alleged involvement in the diversion of the water sanitation and hygiene (WASH)facilities in Bama Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.
Governor Zulum chased the camp chairman out of the camp during his recent visit to Bama IDPs camp where he supervised the distribution of relief materials.
Zulum informed the IDPs that Mr Abbah Tor was one of the people that had been stealing from them and told him never to return to the camp amidst shame.
Zagazola had reported how some of the humanitarian officials working in Bama IDPs camp connived to divert about 30 units of the water tank and iron stands meant for the installation in the camp.
The items, provided by UNICEF which were essentially aimed at making life easy for the distressed IDPs, had forced women and children in the camp to engage in open defecation due to the scarcity of water.
A UNICEF report seen by Zagazola indicated that it had provided access to safe water for 11,5204 IDPs in Bama and a total of 2,800 IDPs accessed sanitation through construction of 16 VIP latrines with handwashing stations,
40 emergency latrines and 20 bath shelters in Bama Primary Health Care and MCH clinics in Bama LGA.
Zagazola however, understands that despite efforts made by UNICEF towards increasing access to safe water, rehabilitating WASH facilities, restoring critical WASH infrastructure and promoting good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of WASH-related morbidity in Bama, there are people who have been sabotaging the efforts.
Zagazola checks also indicated that out of the 40 boreholes that were earmarked for installation, only 10 were installed with most of them currently not dispensing water. The rest of the 30 tanks that were kept at the UNICEF clinic were diverted and currently under the custody of the police in Bama.
HOW IT HAPPENED
One Umar, a staff of UNICEF, working in the WASH Department in Bama, collaboration with Ali Mala, from the Borno State Borno Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), approached Abbah Toh, the SEMA camp Chairman of Bama IDPs camp and Bakura Shettima of SEMA, with the deal to divert and sell the water facilities.
Both Abbah Tor, Ali and Bakura Shettima accepted the deal but one of the camp officials who did not accept to be part of the deal questioned them why the items meant for the IDPs should be taken out of the camp to somewhere else.
Umar (UNICEF official) told him that he was sent from the office to investigate the boreholes that were not working. The camp official took him around and told him that three among the newly constructed boreholes were not dispensing water.
He then told the camp official that he was going to transfer about 30 water tanks and iron stands to Shettimari Primary school in Bama town, and that others will be taken to Maiduguri while some of the items will be sold to pay the transporters conveying the items to the destinations.
The SEMA staff, expressed fear and asked him to rethink the decision, but
Umar insisted that the official should not worry himself over the issues as they had already concluded discussions with his boss, the camp Chairman, Abbah Tor and Ali Mala from RUWASA.
At about 2:43pm, Umar and his collaborators came into the UNICEF clinic to pick up the borehole facilities.
One Kaka Lawan, was already on standby waiting to pay in cash before the news started going round that some individuals had taken the tanks out of camp.
The Councilor of Bama, Abdulrahman Busu, immediately swung into action and reported the case to the Police Divisional Office in Bama who immediately intercepted the stolen items and arrested Kaka Lawan.
The DPO, later invited the suspects where a full investigation was carried out. They were, however, released on bail while the investigation into the matter continued.
Governor Zulum sacks Bama camp chairman for collaborating with humanitarian officials to divert 30 borehole tanks, ion stands
News
ADC leadership tussle: Adamawa court to deliver judgment on Nov. 27
ADC leadership tussle: Adamawa court to deliver judgment on Nov. 27
Adamawa High Court IX, fixed Nov. 27th for ruling and judgment on suit filed by Shehu Yohanna and Zubairu Ishaq challenging their removal from office as Chairman Secretary, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Adamawa chapter.
The presiding judge, Justice Benjamin Manji, announced this at the end of the hearing on Thursday in Yola.
Earlier the plaintiff complained that their four-year tenure was illegally terminated before expiration.
Kambile who challenged: Amb.Omar Suleiman, Chairman Coalition Adamawa stakeholders; Sadiq Dasin, Chairman Transition Electoral/Congress Commitee; Malam Saidu Komsiri, State Interim Chairman and his Led Executive Committee members.
Others are: Babachir Lawan, National Vice Chairman North East; Sen. David Mark, ADC National Chairman and his Led National Executive Committee Members; National Working Committee and the ADC.
Yakubu Philemon (SAN) pleaded for the Court to allow Kambile to complete their four year tenure best on what the constitution of the party says.
Dr Emem Ibrahim-Effiong, counsel defendants argued that the matter is an internal party affair which the court should not interfere with.
After hearing both sides, Justice Manji subsequently adjourned the matter to Thursday November 27, for ruling and judgment as earlier agreed by all counsels.
ADC leadership tussle: Adamawa court to deliver judgment on Nov. 27
News
Vocational skills: Chief of Defence Staff trains 78 retired veterans in North-East
Vocational skills: Chief of Defence Staff trains 78 retired veterans in North-East
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede has trained no fewer than 78 retired military veterans in North-East on vocational skills.
The veterans were drawn from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe Taraba and Yobe States.
The theme is “Empowering Veterans Through Skills Acquisition for Capacity Building and Sustainability,”
Speaking at the three-day training in Yola on Wednesday, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, the CDS represented by Director, Veterans Affairs Division, Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Oluwafemi Williams said, the training is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of the veterans.
He said, the initiative is for the veterans across six geopolitical zones to help themselves and their families due to the economic situation in the country.
“With the caliber of facilitators selected to deliver this training, I am confident that the participants will be well prepared to take full advantage of the existence of the poverty alleviation programme under my stewardship.
“And with alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu”, he said.
He urged them to take advantage of the training and improve on their livelihood and to also network with other colleagues.
According to him, subsequently the beneficiaries would be empowered with starter parks.
Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, commend the Defence Headquarters for organising the training for the veterans across the six geopolitical zones.
Fintiri, presented by the Chief of Staff Government House also commended the veterans for their sacrifice in serving the nation, and urged them to take advantage of the training to succeed in future.
Prof. Augustine Danwe of Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola one of the resource persons said, the training would expose the veterans to a gold smile in Agricultural production.
According to him, with the discipline in the beneficiaries by the military when they implement the skills into practice they would succeed in their respective states.
He urged the veterans to apply the skills into practice for maximum benefit.
Sgt. Sule Gagare retired veteran and a beneficiary from Bauchi thanked and appreciated the CDS for empowering them with the skills and prayed for all the promises made to be fulfilled.
The training focuses on poultry products, snail farming, livestock management, fishery, animal husbandry, integrated irrigation farming system and Modern crops farming techniques.
Vocational skills: Chief of Defence Staff trains 78 retired veterans in North-East
News
COAS reassures troops, pledges improved support during operational visit to operation FANSAN YANMA in Zamfara
COAS reassures troops, pledges improved support during operational visit to operation FANSAN YANMA in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The rugged landscape of Operation FASA YEMMA’s area of responsibility came alive with renewed optimism on Wednesday as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, paid his maiden operational visit, engaging frontline troops and assuring them of sustained support, welfare and enhanced joint operations.
The visit, which brought together senior commanders from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, marked a significant boost to the morale of troops deployed across one of Nigeria’s most challenging security theatres.
Addressing the soldiers, Shaibu praised their bravery and resilience, acknowledging the vastness and complexity of the area covered by the operation.
“I am here on my maiden operational visit to Operation FASA YEMMA. The area of responsibility is very large, and we understand what that means for all of you operating under difficult circumstances,” he said.
The COAS disclosed that he had received a thorough brief from the Theatre Commander, detailing operational challenges and requirements.
“I have just listened to a detailed brief from the Theatre Commander, which outlines the challenges the troops are facing, and we are tackling those challenges headlong,” he assured.
He also highlighted the presence of senior representatives from sister services, including the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy, reinforcing the commitment to joint inter-service collaboration.
“I am here with the Chief of Air Staff, ably represented by AVM Maddy, the Chief of Operation. Together, we are listening to the challenges of both the air and land components. The representative of the Chief of Naval Staff is also here, listening to the concerns of our Special Boat Service personnel. I assure you all that these issues will be addressed going forward,” he said.
Shaibu emphasized professionalism, discipline and the enduring values of the military as essential tools for confronting the region’s complex security threats.
“I want to encourage you to continue to uphold the core values of the Army and the Armed Forces so that we can tackle the myriad challenges confronting Operation FASA YEMMA,” he said.
In a tone that blended firmness with empathy, the COAS reminded troops of the significance of their service.
“As soldiers, you must understand that the job you are doing is a very noble one. Your presence here has ensured that most people go about their daily duties without fear. For that, we appreciate you,” he said.
He assured them that issues affecting their welfare would remain a priority of the Army leadership.
“Your welfare issues will be given top priority to ensure that you discharge your duties properly. These challenges are transient. Remain resolute, determined, and carry out your duties professionally. The Nigerian people appreciate what you are doing,” he added.
As he prepared to conclude his address, Shaibu opened the floor for direct engagement with the troops.
The visit is seen as part of the Army leadership’s broader effort to strengthen troop confidence, improve operational synergy, and reinvigorate the fight against banditry and terrorism in the North-West.
With vast forest corridors, fluid enemy movements and difficult terrain, Operation FASA YEMMA has remained a critical component of national security efforts.
COAS reassures troops, pledges improved support during operational visit to operation FANSAN YANMA in Zamfara
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