News
2023: South-South Remains PDP Stronghold, South-East Contentious – Gov Diri
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, has maintained that despite the coming of the Labour Party, the South-South region still remains the stronghold of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, while the South-East region will be contentious.
Diri stated this while fielding questions at the 2023 Elections Campaign Launch/Presentation of Flags to PDP candidates in Southern Kaduna, held at Zonkwa, Zango Kataf Local Government Area.
He explained that the South-South has remained safe for the PDP, despite the wranglings of the Labour Party, while the South-East region will be contentious, but said the PDP will still lead with large number of followers.
While commenting on the insecurity in the country, the Governor noted that while the PDP was in power, Nigerians experienced very minor insecurity, apart from the orchestrated kidnapping of Chibok school girls by the then opposition APC.
He noted that only good leadership would ensure unity, and unless the PDP supporters close ranks and vote for the party in the coming general elections, they cannot overcome the myriad challenges bedeviling the area.
He further lamented the hardship people were facing as a result of the misrule by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and said the only way to bring about positive change was to vote it out of power.
“Nigeria is in dire need of leaders who will unite and serve the people based on its antecedents, adding only the PDP is capable of putting Nigeria back on the path of development.
He decried the insecurity experienced especially in Southern Kaduna, and said the country was in need of a detribalized leader who will ensure unity among the citizens, as the PDP was the only viable and veritable option to the APC.
In his remarks, the former Speaker of the House of Representative, Barr. Yakubu Dogara cautioned Kaduna Citizens and Southern Kaduna against wasting their votes on candidates of other political parties who do not stand the chance of winning, as it could mar the chances of the PDP.
Earlier in an acceptance speech on behalf of the candidates, the Kaduna South Senatorial candidate, Barrister Sunday Marshall Katung, assured that if voted into office, they will come up with a common agenda that will guide their activities for the good of the area.
Katung said they will work and lobby for projects so that the people can derive the maximum benefits of democracy, and cautioned the electorate against experimenting with the APC again, after the suffering it has visited on Nigerians.
” We’ll ensure equity and justice in all of their dealings, and added that the people should hold them accountable if they fail to deliver on their electioneering promises.
… Raises concern over polygamy negative impact
… Says some men has over 50 children, can’t take care of them
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has advised men facing financial difficulties to limit themselves to one wife in order to better provide for and nurture responsible families.
He expressed concern over the negative impact of polygamy, noting that many family leaders are failing to fulfil their obligations.
During his address at the conclusion of the 30th annual Ramadan lecture of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Emir emphasised that while Islam permits men to marry more than one woman, this right does not necessarily mean that every man is financially capable of supporting multiple families.
He shared an example from his palace, where 192 families reside, with some men having more than 50 children. “How can someone adequately care for such a large number of dependents?” he questioned.
The Emir also called for changes in the Islamiyya education system to better incorporate teachings on the rights of girls. He believes this shift could lead to more progressive communities.
Furthermore, he criticised the judiciary for exacerbating societal issues, pointing to the case of a young woman sentenced to two years in prison over a small debt of N6,000. “When I visited the prison, I had only N200,000, yet I was able to secure the release of eight people,” he recounted.
The Emir noted that the palace frequently relies on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to address challenges in areas such as marriage, inheritance, and land disputes, which he described as major sources of family strife.
In her remarks, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, called on the Ulama to encourage men to take greater responsibility in their homes.
She emphasised that many responsibilities have shifted to women, and it’s time for men to step up.
Meanwhile, Hajiya Nafisa Isah, the Amirah of FOMWAN Kaduna State, announced that the organisation is working on establishing a fully operational skills acquisition centre to empower both women and youth.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Residents of Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency have pledged their unwavering support for their representative, Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, beyond 2027, citing his credible performance and commitment to the development of the constituency.
Speaking at a gathering of ward executives, stakeholders, community leaders, and youth groups at Mal. Agwai Gidan Mana Town Hall in Kachia on Tuesday, constituents praised Hon. Zock’s legislative achievements, infrastructure projects, and empowerment initiatives, which they say have significantly improved their lives.
Earlier, Hon. Zock hosted all ward executives of his constituency at the same venue, where a ₦30 million Ramadan and Lent palliative was distributed.
The APC Chairman, Kagarko LGA, Hon. Christopher Mailafia and ALGON CHairmen of both Kagarko and Kachia LGAs respectively, highlighted the lawmaker’s contributions to infrastructure, including improved road networks, better healthcare facilities, and educational support for students.
Similarly, Chairman APC Zone 3, Hon. Shehu Tafa, commended his efforts in job creation and youth empowerment, emphasizing that his programs have provided meaningful opportunities for young people.
“We have seen unprecedented development under Hon. Zock’s leadership, and we believe he deserves to continue beyond 2027 to complete the good work he has started,” said [Insert Name], a resident of Kachia.
Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, who is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives, has yet to make an official statement regarding his political future. However, his growing support base suggests that many constituents are eager to see him extend his tenure beyond 2027. Political observers note that if he decides to contest again, he is likely to enjoy strong grassroots backing due to his developmental strides.
In his remarks, Hon. Zock reiterated his commitment to ensuring that party executives and constituents benefit from the ruling party.
“I understand your role in the party’s success, and I also understand that you are often under-rewarded,” he stated.
As part of his support for party executives, he announced a monthly stipend initiative, providing ₦10,000 for each ward executive and ₦20,000 for each local government executive. He further revealed that a committee has been inaugurated to oversee account openings and data collection to ensure a smooth commencement of the program next month.
Additionally, Hon. Zock assured constituents of continued support in agriculture, promising fertilizer distribution and other resources to enhance farming activities.
He acknowledged that the progress seen in the constituency was made possible through the support of key political figures, including Hon. Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, and President Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Therefore, I urge you all to give your maximum support to the APC at all levels to ensure more meaningful development and dividends of democracy,” he emphasized.
As a gesture of appreciation for party loyalty, Hon. Zock announced car gifts worth ₦7 million each for his former ward councillor and the local government party secretaries of Kachia and Kagarko LGAs. This follows last year’s distribution of car gifts to the two local government chairmen and other party stakeholders.
End..
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
A group, the Caleb Danladi Foundation has donated essential food commodities to the Muslim community in Kwoi, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, to support them during Ramadan fast.
The gesture was warmly received on behalf of the beneficiaries by religious and community leaders, underscores the foundation’s commitment to unity and compassion, particularly in times of spiritual reflection.
It’s Founder, Captain Caleb Danladi Bako, while presenting the items stressed the need for solidarity and kindness, expressing hope that the donation would ease the burden on fasting families.
Captain Bako, urged them to uphold the virtues of the holy month, emphasizing the importance of unity, compassion, and love, which he noted strengthens communal bond.
Religious leaders, including the Chief Imam of Kwoi Central Mosque and the Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Jaba LGA, praised the foundation’s unwavering support and urged more individuals to embrace acts of goodwill.
Notable stakeholders in the community, Mr. David Tuk and Mr. Monday Gyubok, lauded the philanthropic initiative and encouraged others to emulate such kindness.
They stressed the need for continued support to vulnerable groups within the community, particularly during times of religious observance.
The event also carried an emotional tone as community leaders extended condolences to Captain Danladi over the recent passing of his father, praying for strength for his family to bear the irreparable loss.
With a track record of humanitarian efforts spanning education, youth empowerment, and community development, the Caleb Danladi Foundation continues to strengthen social bonds through acts of generosity and interfaith harmony.