News
Underperformance: Ex-Kaduna Chair Replies Jagaba, Says Abbas Among Top-Ranking Ministers
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The former Executive Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. Nasara Rabo, has countered recent allegations of underperformance against the Minister of Environment, Mal. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, asserting that the minister ranks among the top performers in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Nasara was responding to calls for the minister’s removal by the former National Youth Coordinator of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Mr. Nasiru Jagaba.
He dismissed Nasiru’s claims, arguing that a thorough assessment of the Ministry of Environment’s policies, initiatives, and impact on environmental sustainability tells a different story. He stressed that such calls for removal should be based on facts, not mere opinions.
“Nasiru, who once led SOKAPU’s youth wing, should understand the process of appointing and removing a Minister in Nigeria. The duties and functions of a Minister are clearly outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and the establishment acts of various ministries. Each minister operates based on budgetary provisions and presidential approvals,” he said.
Nasara referenced a recent ministerial performance ranking conducted by Hadiza Usman, Special Assistant to the President on Coordinating Ministries, which highlighted Malam Abbas Lawal’s significant achievements in tackling deforestation, promoting renewable energy, and enforcing environmental protection laws.
“I would advise Nasiru to familiarize himself with the national and international programs and projects spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment before making calls for the Minister’s removal. The minister has introduced innovative initiatives, including waste management reforms and climate resilience strategies, earning widespread recognition from stakeholders and the public,” Nasara added.
He further emphasized that each Minister operates based on an allocated budget and presidential directives, stating, “Key performance indicators such as policy implementation, environmental sustainability efforts, and public impact underscore the Minister’s dedication to addressing pressing ecological challenges.”
In addition to his environmental efforts, Nasara noted that the minister has supported Kaduna State indigenes by sponsoring students in various Universities across the country, covering their tuition fees.
Observers, he said, have commended the Minister’s proactive engagement with international partners, successful acquisition of funding for green projects, and policies that align with global environmental standards. These achievements, he maintained, reinforce the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
“As the Ministry of Environment continues to enhance national environmental policies, the Minister’s outstanding performance sets a benchmark for other ministries. His work reaffirms the importance of prioritizing ecological conservation for future generations,” Nasara stated.
He concluded by acknowledging the role of criticism in governance but insisted that Nasiru Jagaba’s claims of underperformance do not align with the ministry’s tangible progress.
“The Minister of Environment has demonstrated commitment to sustainability, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement, making significant strides despite challenges. Constructive dialogue and continued support will ensure even greater success in environmental Governance,” Nasara said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a significant step towards guaranteeing a smooth and transparent electoral process for the 2027 general elections with the inauguration of the Election Project Plan Committee (EPPC).
The Commission announced this development in a statement on its website on Wednesday. The committee, tasked with formulating a strategic framework for the elections, was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, 11th March 2025, at the INEC Conference Hall in Abuja.
Chaired by Professor Rhoda H. Gumus, the committee is mandated to create a comprehensive roadmap for conducting the elections. Its responsibilities include reviewing the Terms of Reference, developing a Work Plan, establishing sub-committees, designing an Elections Project Plan (EPP) Template, and setting submission deadlines for planning documents.
In her address during the inauguration, Professor Gumus highlighted the vital role of early planning in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
She stated, “The significance of early planning cannot be overstated when it comes to ensuring a seamless electoral process. I urge all committee members to diligently fulfil their responsibilities to uphold electoral integrity and transparency.”
The committee comprises several senior INEC officials, including:
1. Mr. Kenneth Ukeagu – Chair, Tenders Board (Member)
2. Dr. Baba Bila – Chair, EOLC (Member)
3. Mr. Sam Olumekun – Chair, EPMC (Member)
4. Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru – Chair, BEI (Member)
5.
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has expressed its appreciation to the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, in partnership with the Back to School Initiative, for their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for girls from low-income backgrounds.
Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, the Director General of the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, made this statement during an advocacy visit from the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and the Back to School Initiative, aimed at improving access to education for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He stated that improving education in the state would significantly contribute to reducing social vices, emphasising his strong belief in the initiative to ensure that girls from low-income families receive the education they deserve, both in the state and across the country.
The Director General highlighted that last year, the state government covered the Junior WAEC examination fees for 136,000 students, and this year, a further 173,000 junior students will benefit from this government policy aimed at raising educational standards in the state.
He further explained that the state government has implemented policies to eliminate obstacles that hinder the revitalisation of education in the region.
Reverend John Joseph Hayab, Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, assured that they would continue their efforts to enhance quality education for all, particularly for children from low-income backgrounds, enabling them to fully realise their academic potential.
He added, “We recognise that many students who could have completed their secondary education have been unable to do so, which has prompted civil society to advocate for the Kaduna State Government to reinstate the policy of assisting students from low-income backgrounds in exploring their full potential in society.
Yet another beneficiary of the New Nigerian Newspaper scheme has tragically passed away while awaiting payment, raising the death toll of those who have died in this situation to 107.
A statement published on the official WhatsApp group for NSGF Beneficiaries announced, “In submission to the will of God Almighty, I regret to inform you of the passing of our former colleague, Mr Zakka Bitiyong from the Commercial Printing Department and Radio Room. His death occurred last night, 11th March 2025.”
Investigations reveal that approximately 29 other beneficiaries awaiting payment from the Northern Governors are currently experiencing severe health issues and are hospitalised.
The Northern Governors have accrued 7 billion naira from the sale of New Nigerian Newspaper properties, ostensibly to pay the beneficiaries. However, to date, not a single kobo has been disbursed from the 2.5 billion naira owed to the retirees.