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I Ran for governor with less than N100,000—Shekarau

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Two-term governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, a former senator and minister of Education, has revealed that he had less than N100,000 in his account when he contested for the governorship election.

The ex-governor also disclosed that he never interfered with local government allocations or received kickbacks from his commissioners.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) 70th anniversary, scheduled to commence on October 12, 2024, Shekarau, the chairman of the organizing committee, said the organization had shaped his life spiritually and otherwise.

He said, “When I contested the election, I had less than N100,000 in my account, and my entry into politics was not by choice but by persuasion.”

Ibrahim Shekarau’s statement is seen as a strong rebuttal to any allegations of corruption or financial impropriety, reinforcing his image as a leader committed to transparency and integrity during his time as Governor of Kano State.

“I have never taken any negotiating percentages with any contractor. I always challenge them—if any contractor who has worked with me in the last 44 years knows that I have asked him for a percentage or brought any money, let him come out and say so.

“Secondly, none of my commissioners has ever brought one naira to me in the name of feedback from a contractor.

“No local government chairman, during my eight years as Governor, has ever given me one naira. I have never tampered with their allocations.

He said all they did then, through the National Assembly, was to create guidelines, rules, and regulations governing their operations, and they allowed them to do their jobs with their councillors.

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You would find a chairman executing projects of N100 or N200 million, guided by the state government.

For example, if a local government wanted to construct a N100 million road project and they didn’t have all the engineering resources to do it, we would bring them to the state, ask our engineers to handle the details, work everything out, and then give it back to them, telling them to go to their council and award the contract wherever is fitting.

Up until the end of my second term in 2007, I had no house of my own. I remember an elder statesman, who was my former teacher, coming to me two months before the election, saying, “Governor, I want to delve into your personal affairs.”

I said, “You are free to do so.” He asked, “Suppose you lose in [election], which house will you go to?” I said I would go back to a rented house. I left a rented house to move into the government house.

Speaking on the objectives of MSSN, some of the aims are to bring all Muslims in closer union and inculcate in them the true Islamic spirit of brotherhood and absolute faith in Allah as the only basis for the achievement of peace among mankind.

While praising the members’ moral standards, he used himself and the current JAMB registrar, Prof Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, as examples of MSSN products who hold public office.

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Abia: I will retire when I finish my 8 years tenure – Otti

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has firmly ruled out any plans to contest for a Senate seat after his tenure ends.

He made the declaration on Saturday during a reception held in his honour by the Anambra Development Unions Association, Aba branch.

Otti dismissed speculations of a senatorial ambition, describing the rumours as baseless and misleading.

“When I finish my eight years here, I will retire. I am not going to Abuja,” Otti said, urging critics to stop spreading falsehoods.

He stressed the need to give room for younger leaders, citing the evolving political landscape and rising youth participation.

“We are no longer that young. Society is changing, and the young ones are rising. It’s time we give them the opportunity,” he added.

The governor also announced plans to revisit the 2011 disengagement of 154 state workers, mostly teachers, from the civil service.

He said the State Head of Service would be directed to urgently review the matter for possible redress.

Otti hinted that those under 65 might be reengaged on contract, especially given the teacher shortage across the state.

He criticised the workers’ dismissal on the basis of state of origin, calling it unjust and illegal.

“For those outside the age bracket, we’ll find fair compensation mechanisms,” the governor assured.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, inclusivity, and correcting the wrongs of previous governments.

In separate remarks, lawmaker Stephen Ucheonye and Chief Obiora Nwakpadolo praised Otti’s leadership and developmental strides.

They said the governor’s performance inspired the decision to hold the reception in his honour. (NAN)

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Ukachukwu Emerges Victorious Over Ozigbo to Secure APC Nomination for Anambra Governorship

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Nicholas Ukachukwu, a former House of Representatives member, has successfully obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket for the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

Ukachukwu won decisively during the party’s primary election held on Saturday, outpacing his nearest competitor, Valentine Ozigbo, along with other candidates by a significant margin.

He garnered 1,455 votes, while Ozigbo received 67 votes. Other aspirants, Edozie Madu and Johnbosco Onunkwo, secured 8 and 26 votes, respectively.

The Anambra governorship election is scheduled for November 8, 2025.

In a statement following his victory, Ukachukwu vowed to lead the state to the APC.

“We will ensure that Anambra is delivered to the APC. I want to emphasize that no one has ever won the governorship of Anambra without my backing; it has never occurred,” he remarked.

“I have played the role of a godfather, but now I aspire to be the father of the father — it’s time to move beyond the traditional godfather model.”

Notably, just hours before the primary election, three aspirants withdrew from the race, including former federal lawmaker Chukwuma Umeoji, Obiora Okonkwo, and Paul Chukwuma, who has since resigned from the party.

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No Vacancy In Aso Rock, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, APC Declares

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The Executive Committee and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani ahead of 2027, declaring that there would not be vacancy in the Aso Rock Villa and Sir Kashim Ibrahim House Kaduna during the next election.

This is contained in a communiqué signed by Francis Danladi Kozah and Jerry Irimiya Mark, chairman and co-chairman of the APC stakeholders and read by the council chairman, Joseph Bege.

The communique stated that the decision was taken based on President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani’s commitments to the peace and security of not just Zangon Kataf, but Kaduna state at large.

According to the stakeholders, the establishment of a military 2nd National Mission Brigade base in the local government has proven to be a pivotal move in sustaining peace in the area.

“Their commitment to the peace and security of our people is evident in the sudden end to attacks on our communities.

“This move reflects the government’s understanding of the critical need for enhanced security measures in areas prone to conflict, thereby fostering an environment where citizens can thrive.

“We urge all residents of Zangon Kataf to remain vigilant and committed to fostering harmony within our communities, as peace is the cornerstone of development,” They said.

The stakeholders lauded Tinubu for appointing Indigenes of Zangon Kataf including Gen. Chris Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and Bishop Hassan Kukah as Pro Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.

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They explained that given the return of peace in the area and the tangible infrastructural development being witnessed, the re-election of Tinubu and Sani was a done deal.

“In light of all that we have benefited from this government, we want to declare that there is no vacancy in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House and Aso Rock come 2027.

“We shall offer our full support to both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in their re-election bid,” they added.

They appreciated Gov. Sani for the ongoing multi-billion naira skills acquisition city that will provide ‘our youths with certified skills, thereby stamping out the root cause of criminality in our society’.

The stakeholders called on people of the local government to rally behind the two leaders as they have shown dedication to their welfare, security and progress.

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