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CSOs Slams Governor Dauda Over Sacking of 2,363 Workers
The Civil Society Organization under the umbrella of the Coalition of Zamfara Youths has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal for removing 2,363 workers from the state’s payroll, describing the action as unjust and detrimental to security in the region, described the move, calling it “the height of wickedness” and arguing that it would worsen insecurity in the state.
In a statement on Tuesday, the chairman of the coalition, Dr Umar Jelaludeen, rejected the government’s claim.
“What Governor Dauda has done is purely an act of wickedness. There is nothing like ghost workers,” he said.
Jelaludeen criticised the government for not conducting a screening exercise to verify the existence of ghost workers before making the decision.
“We are in Zamfara State, and there has been no official announcement of any screening. We just woke up to the breaking news from the government,” he added.
The group also praised former Governor Bello Matawalle for his fair treatment of civil servants during his tenure.
“Under Matawalle’s administration, there were no mass sackings. Instead, he created employment opportunities, appointing 8,000 young people into his government,” the coalition stated.
The group alleged that the sacking of workers was a deliberate move to deny civil servants their wages and divert funds for private use.
“Why sack these workers, knowing fully well that they have nothing to feed on? The state government has dismissed them all in the name of ghost workers,” the coalition said.
They further warned that such actions could deter investors from coming to Zamfara due to heightened insecurity and economic instability.
“We have been complaining about insecurity in the state, and this is one of the reasons investors are reluctant to come. We call on Governor Dauda to reinstate the workers, as he is not creating jobs but rather sacking those already in the system without following due process.”
The group also expressed concerns over financial transparency, noting that in the combined 12 years of former Governors Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Matawalle, Zamfara did not receive as much federal funding as it has under Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration in just two years.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) recently held a press briefing to protest the sackings. The union accused the governor of dismissing more than 8,000 workers and failing to implement the national minimum wage in the state.
By Our Reporter
The Management of Federal Housing Authority FHA, under the leadership of Hon Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo has asked residents of its estates in Abuja to provide approvals and approved documents and building plans for commercial purposes to the office of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Housing Authority FHA, Abuja forthwith.
A Press statement issued by the management and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Chigelu on behalf of the authority directed the submission to be carried out at the Authority’s Head office, Julius Nyerere Crescent, Asokoro , Abuja beginning from Wednesday , 3rd April , 2025.
The directives covers all buildings irrespective of the approval dates , that became expedient , following management discovery of sharp practices by commercial outlets ,as most of this buildings are built either without approval and or in contravention to the granted approval.
Chigelu stated that management discovered that some commercial buildings are in contravention of approval granted them, through alterations in total contravention to the development control regulations of the Authority.
Following the danger posed , management will not allow such negative consequences that will pave way for indiscriminate building collapse, therefore, a controlled demolition was carried out by the authority, with a building with structural defects in March , 2025, on 5th Avenue, Gwarimpa Estate.
Consequently, owners of commercial apartments, which included Hotels , Supermarkets, Hospitals, Schools and Banks including shopping malls through this announcement are expected to submit their approved plans for revalidation.
Management expect strict compliance to this directive, as violators will attract heavy sanctions with authority’s non negotiable stance .
The release further said ..
SPECIAL PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
“The Management of Federal Housing Authority, FHA hereby calls on all owners of commercial properties in FHA Estates in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory to submit their approved building plans to the office of the Managing Director and Chief Executive, at the Authority’s head office, No 26 Julius Nyerere Crescent, Asokoro Abuja from Wednesday, April 3rd, 2025.
“This directive which covers all buildings irrespective of when the approval was given, has become expedient following Management’s discovery that most commercial outlets in these Estates are built without approvals, or developed outside the granted approval.”
” Management has also discovered that some commercial buildings are in contravention of the approval granted them for alteration, in total contravention and disregard to Development Control regulations. ”
“Following the dangers posed by this development, the Management of FHA would not fold its hand to allow this looming disaster to happen. It is to avert the ugly incidence of building collapse that the Authority carried out a controlled demolition exercise of one of its buildings with structural defect on Monday, 24th March. 2025 in 5th Avenue. Gwarinpa estate.”
“Consequently, all owners of commercial outlets: hotels, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, banks, shopping malls etc through this announcement are requested to submit their building approved plans for revalidation. All such buildings must undergo an integrity test.
Strict compliance to this directive is not negotiable as severe sanctions await defaulters. “
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Taraba State Government, in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has successfully intercepted eight trafficked children who were en route to the South East and Cameroon.
In a statement to journalists in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, revealed that the children had been deceived and transported to various southeastern states in Nigeria.
According to her, the children were trafficked to locations such as Aba, Onitsha, and Imo State under the false pretence that they were orphans.
The interception took place in Gembu, the headquarters of the Sardauna Local Government Area, where it was reported that the traffickers were seeking additional children to abduct.
Mrs. Sinjen affirmed, “Thanks to the prompt response from the Ministry and NAPTIP, eight of the children have been safely returned to Taraba State.
“The primary suspect, Mrs. Patience, along with several of her accomplices, has been apprehended and is currently in custody as legal proceedings commence.
“Search and rescue operations for other trafficked children are ongoing.”
She further emphasised that the state government will not tolerate any unscrupulous individuals who exploit children’s rights for illicit gain.
“This administration is wholly committed to ensuring justice, rehabilitating victims, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration to combat child trafficking,” she stated.
“We urge all residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as the welfare and protection of our children is a collective responsibility.”
In the meantime, authorities in Taraba have reiterated the importance of community vigilance and reporting any suspicious activities, stressing that safeguarding children requires a unified effort.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has assured that all security challenges facing the nation will be effectively addressed by the year’s end.
This statement was made during the launch of attack drones and the demonstration of locally produced bombs, developed by a homegrown technology firm.
The event was attended by security specialists and senior government officials, as General Musa showcased the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to the audience.
Accompanied by Ajao Adewale, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, and Caleb Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State, General Musa emphasized the ongoing bureaucratic obstacles in acquiring military equipment from abroad.
Governor Mutfwang stressed the urgency for decisive measures against insecurity, calling on leaders to prevent any entity within the nation from possessing military capabilities.
The operational features of the UAVs were also demonstrated, with General Musa expressing satisfaction with this advancement, labeling it a pivotal step in combating insecurity in the country.