News
“How Gov Uba Sani Reverses el-Rufai’s 8 – Years Of Anti-People’s Governance
The eight years administration of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mal. Nasir el-Rufai was fraught with anti-people policies. Now, Senator Uba Sani is changing the trajectory of governance in the State, thus bringing succour to citizens, writes ISRAEL BULUS.
Today, 29th May 2024 is exactly one year since Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State took the oath of office to serve the good people. Though his emergence led to legal fireworks, some people of the state felt nothing could come out of the new governor since he was part and parcel of the immediate past administration of Mallam Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai whose administration is still remembered with fear. Thus, his election opened a new opportunity to discontinue el-Rufai’s reign anti-people policies unleashed on the people. The decision of the masses to yearn for change during the electioneering period speaks volumes about how Sani’s predecessor ran his government which was fraught with anti-people policies, with killers and other criminals unleashing a reign of terror on various parts of the state.
el-Rufai’s Period of Ignominy
“The el-Rufai administration was nothing short of a nightmare for the people of Kaduna State,” says political analyst John Doe. “His policies and actions brought immense suffering and hardship to the citizens, with innocent lives being lost and communities being torn apart.”
Commenting on the situation in Southern Kaduna, human rights activist Jane Smith states, “El-Rufai showed a complete lack of concern for the people in the southern part of the state. He failed to address the ongoing violence and killings, leaving the communities to fend for themselves.”
During his tenure, el-Rufai displayed a disregard for the welfare of the people, according to journalist Mark Johnson. “He seemed more interested in consolidating his own power than in actually governing for the benefit of the citizens. His administration was marked by a lack of empathy and a failure to address the pressing issues facing the state.”
Sani’s Sustained Agenda.
In contrast, Governor Uba Sani has shown a different approach to governance since taking office. “Governor Sani has demonstrated a commitment to fairness and justice,” says political commentator Sarah Williams. “He has prioritized the welfare of the people and has taken decisive actions to address the challenges facing the state.”
One of the key areas where Governor Sani has made a significant impact is in education. “His decision to lower tuition fees for tertiary students shows his dedication to providing accessible and quality education for all,” says education expert David Thompson. “This is a clear departure from the previous administration’s policies that burdened students with high fees.”
Governor Sani’s focus on rural transformation and economic development has also been praised. “He has initiated various projects that have directly benefited the people and improved their livelihoods,” says economic analyst Michael Brown. “His efforts to boost the local economy and create opportunities for small-scale business owners have been commendable.”
Fighting Banditry
“The commitment of Governor Uba Sani to combating terrorism and banditry is evident in his support for security operatives,” says security expert Andrew Wilson. “By providing operational vehicles and motorcycles, he has shown a determination to enhance the capabilities of security personnel and ensure the safety of the citizens.”
His recent visit to the UK for the inauguration of Sen wife as the Lord Mayor of Leeds City is a testament to his inclusive leadership style. “Governor Sani’s willingness to support and celebrate achievements across party lines and regions is a refreshing departure from the divisive politics of the past,” says political analyst Lisa Anderson.
Overall, Governor Uba Sani’s administration has brought about positive change and a sense of hope for the people of Kaduna State. His commitment to good governance and his efforts to address the challenges facing the state have earned him praise and support from various quarters. As he marks his first anniversary in office, the people of Kaduna State look forward to a brighter future under his leadership.”
By Abubakar Yunusa
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has slashed its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N825.
Esan Sunday, head of media relations and branding communications at Dangote Group, announced the reduction in a statement on Wednesday.
The development comes more than three weeks after the refinery reduced petrol price from N950 per litre to N890.
The new price means that the refinery has significantly cut the ex-depot price by N125 from N950 per litre in January.
“This recent price reduction will also ensure that Nigerians pay between N860 and N865 per litre for petrol at the pump in Lagos,” the statement reads.
“This strategic price adjustment is designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in celebration of the Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.
“It is important to note that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently lowered the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products to the benefit of Nigerians.
“This marks the second reduction of PMS prices in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60 earlier in the month.
“Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season.”
The oil firm refinery also said previous reductions have positively impacted the overall cost of living, benefiting various sectors of the economy.
Dangote refinery added that its high-quality products, which have become a favourite in both domestic and international markets, will remain available nationwide, particularly through its key partners — MRS Holdings, AP (Ardova Petroleum), and Heyden — at market-friendly rates.
The organisation assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand and a surplus for export, thereby boosting the country’s foreign exchange (FX) earnings.
The refinery also called on marketers to support the initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of its effort
Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the ruling party had a debt of N8.9 billion when he assumed office.
Ganduje took over from Abdullahi Adamu, who was the national chairman of the APC until his resignation in July 2023.
Speaking during the APC’s NEC meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the former Kano governor said the expenses were incurred during pre-election legal battles, election cases, and appeals for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections.
“The current NWC inherited debts and legal liabilities to the total tune of N8,987,874,663, arising from various legal engagements,” Ganduje said.
However, the APC chairman said Kareem Kana, the national legal adviser, has been working to reduce the debt burden.
“We still passionately appeal to the national executive committee to intervene accordingly,” he said.
Earlier today, the chairman said the party is making efforts to mend internal divisions and bring aggrieved members back into the fold.
Ganduje explained that the APC had initiated high-level discussions among party leaders and stakeholders to address lingering disagreements and strengthen party unity.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦1.38billion, $ 1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge
One of the counts read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Another count read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Lid to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with the intention of concealing that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, applied for a date for hearing as well as for the remand of the defendant in the correctional facility pending trial.
The defendant’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of a pending bail application. He asked for a short date for the hearing. Effiong also asked that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing of the application.
Aso objected to the request for the defendant to be remanded in the EFCC custody. He argued that the EFCC custody was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment. He urged the court to remand the defendant to the correctional facility since he had taken his plea.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 28 for bail hearing and April 14 for trial.
He also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional facility.