into APC

consolidate the successes of his first tenure.

Zulum promised to continue his ongoing resettlement of communities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency and to revive the new Marte irrigation activities.

The governor was accompanied to Marte by former governor, Maina Ma’aji Lawan, APC’s candidate for

Northern Borno Senatorial District, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, some members of the House of Representatives, as well as House of Representative candidate for Marte, Monguno and Nganzai Constituency, Engr Bukar Talba, Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, members of the state house of assembly and some party stakeholders.

Be role models in coming elections – Niger Govt to traditional rulers

By Musa Baba Adamu

Niger State Governor

Abubakar Sani Bello has tasked traditional rulers in the country not to engage in partisan politics but ensure peace in their domains and forestall violence before, during and after the forthcoming general elections in the country.

Bello stated this in Kotangora at the official coronation and presentation of staff of office to the seventh Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammadu Barau Muazu II.

He reminded royal fathers that as role models and custodians of cultural heritage, Nigerians are looking up to them towards achieving violent-free general elections in the country.

According to him: “We believe this is another opportunity for traditional rulers to uphold the confidence of the people and consolidate on the gains of their forebears by ensuring the continued peace, stability and progress of our nation.

“Niger State government will continue to engage [the] traditional institution in governance, especially at the grassroots level to enhance rapid development of the state and Nigeria.”

The governor described Sarkin Sudan as a gentle, compassionate and humble man, full of perseverance and faith in the will of God, who will provide the needed leadership and propel development in the emirate.

He congratulated the people of Kontagora for having an emir that has emerged through a transparent process, noting,” this has further broadened the legitimacy and integrity of traditional institutions in Niger State.”

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar, in his remarks, urged the new Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora to be just and fair to his subjects as well as operate an opendoor policy to give them a sense of belonging.

In his acceptance speech, the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora thanked Gov Bello for his support towards the success of the event and promised to stand by his subjects.

The oath of office and allegiance was administered to the new Emir of Kontagora by the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik.

Royal fathers in attendance include all the first-class emirs in Niger State led by the Chairman, Council of Chiefs, the Etsu Nupe, Dr Yahaya Abubakar and over 50 others from across the country.

Abubakar

Yunus Abuja

TAJBank Limited, Nigeria’s fast-growing noninterest banking services provider, on Thursday opened a new branch in Apapa, Lagos in furtherance of its current drive to provide seamless financial transactions and

Atiku pledges to create $10bn fund for southeast businesses, revive Abia dry port

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says if elected, his administration would set aside a $10 billion fund to promote business in the south-east.

The former vice-president spoke at the PDP campaign rally in Abia state on Saturday.

He said the rehabilitation fund is a promise he made to traders in the region in 2019.

“My vice president has announced that we are going to set aside $10 billion to make sure that we support businesses, particularly in this part of the country,” he said.

“I remember in 2019 when I came here, I addressed a group of businessmen from the southeast generally because Aba is the capital of the southeast as far as business is concerned.

“I remembered I addressed all Igbo businessmen and promised them that I am going to support them and set out a lot of money for the rehabilitation of businesses in Aba. So, it is still there.”

Atiku added that he would also ensure that the Abia dry port project becomes operational.

“It will only be my pleasure to make sure that the dry port functions and are operating,” he said.

On his part, Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP vice-presidential candidate, said the party would halt the “suffering” of the southeast and “restore the dignity of Igbo man”.

“We know that the southeast has suffered under the APC administration,” he said.

“This is not the country we used to know; we want to restore the dignity of Igbo man, we want a president that can unite Nigeria.”