Fuel subsidy removal: PDP expresses concern, calls for dialogue btw FG, NLC, others

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed concerns over the quick removal of the Petroleum subsidy by the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu-led federal government coupled with the lack of adequate consultation with relevant stakeholders before such removal.

The PDP has therefore urged the federal government to engage in genuine dialogue with Organized Labour and other stakeholders to reach a fair and reasonable solution.

This leading opposition party in the country said this in a communique issued at the end of the retreat for all its elected officials in Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital at the weekend.

In the communique signed by its acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum, the PDP similarly expressed it’s determination to support it’s members and candidates in various tribunals to seek redress for electoral injustices and defend victorious candidates.

The party called on the judiciary to respect and apply the Electoral Act impartially.

The retreat, according to the communique, “expressed concerns over the quick removal of the Petroleum subsidy and the lack of adequate consultation.

“It urged the federal government to engage in genuine dialogue with Organised Labour and other stakeholders to reach a fair and reasonable solution”, it said.

Continuing, the PDP resolved to “support party members and candidates in various tribunals to seek redress for electoral injustices and defend victorious candidates.

“The judiciary was urged to respect and apply the Electoral Act impartially.

“The PDP legislators and governors are to collaborate as partners in development, avoiding conflict that undermines party effectiveness”, it said.

The retreat, which identified key issues for legislative focus to include insecurity, unemployment, inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and strategies for national development, resolved to encourage coalition-building with other opposition parties to form a minority caucus and strong alliance for effective national development.

The retreat harped on the need for its Governors and legislators to respect and contribute to the success of the party.

According to the communique, “The retreat stressed the need for improved communication and synergy between the elected NASS members and the PDP, with a view to ensuring that lawmakers fulfil their responsibilities in line with party values and national interest”.

On the issue of leadership selection for the forthcoming 10th National Assembly, the PDP resolved that it’s support will be given to “candidates that promote unity, independence, and viability of the legislature, necessary for good governance and democratic accountability”.

It harped on the need for members of minority political parties in opposition in the National Assembly to unite on issues of national concern.

The retreat which concluded with a commitment towards prioritizing gender equality and inclusion, said, “the party will strive to ensure equitable representation and active participation of all genders in every aspect of its operations and governance”.

The Bulgarian Amnassador to Nigeria his Excellency, Ambassador Yanko Yordanov paid an official visit to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda today at the Muhammadu Buhari House in Katsina photo shows the Governor in a warm. handshake with the envoy.

NDLEA recovers 390kg illicit drugs in Kano, Kaduna, Borno, Oyo raids

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have recovered drugs in Kano, Kaduna, Borno and Oyo raids.

NDLEA in a statement issued yesterday by Femi Babafemi Director, Media & Advocacy, said in Kano state, two suspects: Ma’aruf Rabiu and Abubakar Mustapha were arrested on Tuesday 30th May along Zaria-

Kano road with 260 blocks of cannabis weighing 139.4kg, while Auwal Ibrahim was nabbed with 38kg of the same substance the following day Wednesday 31st May along Kaduna-Abuja road, same day 35-year-old female suspect, Bilkisu Isiya, was arrested at Birnin Yero, Kaduna in possession of 5.6kg cannabis.

“In Borno state, two suspects: Abubakar Usman (aka Alhaji Mai Kero) and Adamu Yusuf were arrested at Bargu village, Shani

LGA, on Saturday 3rd June with 165 blocks of skunk weighing 140.7kg. Their arrest was effected deep inside a fluid insurgents’ environment with military support. A female suspect, Hauwa Ibrahim, 25, was also nabbed in the same village with 6.4kg of the psychoactive substance, while another suspect Alhaji Abubakar, 27, was arrested at Njimtilo checkpoint with 4,200 ampoules of pentazocine injection and different quantities of D5 and exol-5 tablets.

“A 30-year-old suspect, Iroko Wasiu was arrested at a drug joint at Sabo Aba-Owolowo along OyoOgbomoso expressway on Tuesday 30th May and 31.2kg of cannabis recovered from him, while two suspects: Deji Adelabu, 35, and Mutiu Salau, 37, were nabbed the following day Wednesday 31st May in Sabo area along Oyo- Ogbomoso road and Awuro Dada area in Orire local government area of Oyo state with a total of 8kg cannabis recovered from them.

“While commending the officers and men of the Edo, Onne Ports, Kano, Kaduna, Borno and Oyo state Commands for their commitment and synergy with other law enforcement agencies in their areas of responsibility, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged them and their compatriots across the country to intensify the offensive action against drug cartels while ensuring a balance with drug demand reduction efforts.”

Kano governor appoints AccountantGeneral, 4 heads of agencies

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Kano state governor, Abba Yusuf has appointed Abdulkadir Abdussalam as the new Accountant General of the state.

This is contained in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa yesterday.

He said the governor had also appointed Garba Ahmed-Bichi as the new Managing Director of Kano State Water Board.

Yusuf, according to the statement, had appointed Dr. Rahila Mukhtar as Executive Secretary, Kano State Healthcare Contributory Management Agency, KCHMA.

Hassan Baba Danbaffa had been appointed as Managing Director, Kano State Road Maintenance Agency, KARMA.

The governor also appointed Arc. Ibrahim Yakubu, Managing Director, Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority, KNUPDA.

Dawakin-Tofa stated that the swearing-in ceremony of the appointees would be announced soon to enable them assume office immediately.