News
Controversy Erupts: Governor Accused of Being Anti-People
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda is under fire following the federal government’s cancellation of the N147.6 billion contract for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Katsina-Kankara-Dutsinma-Maraba Kankara road. Awarded to the local company Vipan Global Resources Limited in April 2024, the contract was set for completion within 24 months.
Despite mobilizing to the site and initiating work on a 10-kilometer stretch without receiving any advance payments, the contract was abruptly terminated on July 16. This left residents and commuters questioning the rationale behind the sudden halt.
Ibrahim Masari, the Special Assistant to President Tinubu on political matters, suggested during a public event that Governor Radda played a pivotal role in the contract’s cancellation. He claimed that Radda had facilitated the contract for the Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai-Gozaki-Kafur road, benefiting areas in both Kaduna and Katsina states.
In response, the Arewa Forum for Growth, a non-governmental organization, denounced the cancellation. They asserted that Radda’s actions reveal a lack of concern for the welfare of Katsina’s residents. The group disputed Masari’s assertion regarding Radda’s influence over the Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai-Gozaki-Kafur road project, emphasizing that it was awarded prior to President Tinubu’s administration.
“The claim that Radda sought the cancellation due to the contract being awarded to an allegedly inappropriate candidate, presumably linked to the opposition PDP, is unfounded,” the group stated. They expressed their discontent, accusing Radda of prioritizing personal interests over the needs of the people who rely on the road daily.
Bello Bishir, the group’s secretary, criticized the president for yielding to Radda’s influence, questioning, “Should a firm associated with an opposition party be denied a contract that would benefit countless road users?” He further suggested that President Tinubu is being swayed by individuals with ulterior motives.
The organization urged the president to scrutinize his relationship with Radda, highlighting allegations that the governor has collaborated with opposition figures to undermine the president’s initiatives. They noted, “This is a governor who has been accused of leveraging connections with a former governor to sabotage the president’s interests.”
The group pointed out Radda’s lack of significant achievements, stating, “While his peers are engaged in meaningful projects, Governor Radda has not delivered a single legacy project.” They argued that the cancellation of the road project represents a serious disservice to the people of Katsina.
Additionally, the group claimed to have uncovered delays caused by Radda in the construction of navigational equipment at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina. Documents revealed that the road project, under Contract Number 8489, was officially awarded to Vipan Global Resources Limited on April 5, 2024, after receiving the necessary approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The ongoing controversy raises questions about leadership priorities and the impact of political affiliations on essential infrastructure projects in Katsina State.
Senator David Jimkuta (APC), representing Taraba South Senatorial District at the National Assembly says 19 senators have been denied landing permit at the Kashimbilla airport in Taraba.
Jimkuta made the complain at his Senatorial Empowerment Programme in Wukari, Taraba, where he donated assorted items to the constituents.
He explained that the 19 senators were selected by the Senate to accompany him and to witness his empowerment programme.
The senator lamented that he got the report that the Kashimbila air port was temporary shut down, after he had completed every procedure required to fly into the airport.
Jimkuta, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils, said that the visit would have allowed the know the needs of the state to be of support.
He said that the situation had prevented the senators from gracing the occasion.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their equipment.
Jimkuta also promised to support security with logistics to enhance security of lives and properties in the district.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their items but use them to better their lots.
Earlier, Chief David Kente, Chairman of the event, thanked the senator for the massive distribution of items to his constituents.
Kente, a philanthropist and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the empowerment as unpresidented in the history of the district.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that items distributed include cars, motorcycles, tricycles, sewing machines, deep freezers, vulcanizing machines among others.
By Nathaniel Irobi
David Shikfu Parradang, former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has been killed by kidnappers in Abuja.
Citing sources, counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, Parradang, said Parradang was abducted in the Area 1 axis of Abuja in the early hours of Tuesday.
Makama said after being trailed from a bank where he had withdrawn money, the assailants took the cash from him before eventually killing him.
The tragic incident has raised fresh concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly regarding the increasing cases of kidnappings and targeted attacks,” Makama said in a post.
Parradang, who served in the NIS for over 30 years, held various positions across the country, including Comptroller General.
He served in Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory. He also attended several professional courses both within Nigeria and internationally.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and was a distinguished graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Security agencies have reportedly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction and killing, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Executive members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in their newly appointed Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab.
In a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the General Secretary of the association and Chairman of North-east CAN, affirmed that the election, which took place on 25th February 2025 in Abuja, was conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, leading to the selection of Rev. Hayab and other Executive members.
Bishop Naga, who serves as the General Overseer of the Biblical Christian Church (BCC), urged Christians, particularly those from the North, to continue praying for the peace, unity, and progress of a region beset by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
He further encouraged all Christians to extend their prayers and support to the Muslim community during the Holy Month of Ramadan, in accordance with the teachings of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the founding Patron of CAN in Northern Nigeria.
Bishop Naga stated, “I wish to express our unwavering support for our substantive Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab. He was duly elected alongside other executive members, and all churches and Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria remain loyal to him.”
He continued, “Any group that believes they must hold power indefinitely should recognise that the stakeholders in Northern Nigeria, including the General Secretary of national CAN, Northern CAN, and representatives from various states, have honoured the election. This election stands firm, and we remain loyal.”
“We want to convey to the world, particularly those of us in Northern Nigeria, that we have a leader to whom we can turn regarding Christian matters. We advocate for peace and acknowledge the historical context of Northern Nigeria. CAN was established here, and we honour our father, the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the first patron of CAN. This illustrates our kinship and commitment to peaceful coexistence.”
“Anyone seeking to disrupt this long-standing harmony is, in essence, an enemy of progress. In conclusion, I call upon all Nigerians to embrace one another, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, who are fasting. Let us pray for peace in Nigeria and for the advancement of our beloved country, particularly in the North,” Bishop Naga concluded.