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Emir urges traditional institutions to champion advocacy for affordable healthcare 

Emir urges traditional institutions to champion advocacy for affordable healthcare

By Nana Musa
Advocacy
Abuja, Oct. 15, 2019 (NAN) The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Abubakar, has urged the traditional institution to lead the advocacy for affordable healthcare services in the country.
Abubakar made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting a paper at a National Health Dialogue organised by Premium Times, an online news platform.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue, with the theme, “The Role of State and Non-State Actors in Healthcare Funding and Support”, is focused on achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking on: “The Role of Traditional Institutions in Achieving Universal Health Coverage for Women and Children”, Abubakar described traditional rulers as agents of positive change.
The emir said that the traditional institution had crucial roles to play in the move to achieve affordable healthcare.
“We have demand and supply roles to play, we have to leverage on our local networks and moral authority to mobilise communities and increase demand for quality health services.
“On the supply side, we are also expected to work with the government and development partners to build new facilities or upgrade existing ones,” he said.
According to him, traditional rulers should join other stakeholders to provide adequate workforce to improve quality access to healthcare services at reasonable and affordable cost.
The first class traditional ruler said there was need for more emphasis on preventive care rather than curative healthcare, saying “this requires investment in both healthcare and education”.
“When the public is adequately educated on health issues, they will be positioned to make informed health decisions.
“An educated and healthy society will have effective workforce and vibrant economy,” he said.
Abubakar said that hard work, determination and commitment were required for the attainment of UHC.
NAN reports that UHC attainment is captured in goal number three of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The goal seeks to ensure access to safe, effective, quality and affordable healthcare. (NAN)
NHM/AZU/MST
Edited by Azubuike Okeh/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Emir of Gwandu urges national prayers for peace, progress

Emir of Gwandu urges national prayers for peace, progress
By Tatu Shuaibu
Prayers
Birnin Kebbi, Aug. 8, 2019 (NAN) Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar, the Emir of Gwandu in Kebbi State, has called on Nigerians to offer special prayers for peace and progress in the country.
Bashar made the appeal on Thursday during a prayer session held at Abdullahi Fodio Palace, Birnin Kebbi.
“Prayers have become necessary, considering the security situation facing, not only our country, but the world, at large.
“Everyone must have to continue praying and doing the right thing for the country to get better,” the first class traditional ruler said.
He also called on the people to continue to pray for divine intervention for things to get better for the country in all ramifications.
Bashar said that prayers remained the key to the resolution of the country’s numerous socio-economic, political and security challenges.
He tasked parents on their responsibilities in ensuring sound moral upbringing of their children and wards to be useful to the society. (NAN)
SZT/KTO/MST
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Emir task youths on education, sues for peace

Emir tasks youth on education, sues for peace

By Awayi Kuje
Youths
Lafia, July 4, 2019 (NAN) The Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), has urged youths to take their education with all seriousness in order to excel in life and contribute to national development.

Bage made the call on Thursday when the national leadership of Eggon Youths Movement paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Lafia.

He said that the importance of education to the development of the society cannot be overemphasised, hence the need of his appeal.

Bage reminded the youths and other Nigerians that no society would achieve meaningful development without sound education and peace, hence the need for Nigerians to give it top most priority.

The first class traditional ruler commended the members of the association for the visit and assured them of his fairness while discharging his duties in the interest of peace and development.

Bage expressed his readiness to carry all tribes in his emirate council along, irrespective of their affiliations.

He enjoied the Eggon Community and other ethnic groups in the country to live in peace and be their brother’s keepers for development to thrive in the society.

The monarch, who described peace as priceless and non-negotiable, stressed the need for Nigerians, irrespective of differences, to continue to promote peace for the benefit of all and sundry.

“Peace is a necessary requirement for the development of any society, hence the need for all and sundry to embrace it,” he said.

The emir also urged people of the state and Nigerians in general to be law abiding and tolerate one another in the interest of peace and development.

Earlier, Mr Daniel Anyumbaga, the National President of the association, said that they were at the monarch’s palace to identify with him on his installation as Emir of Lafia.

The national president of the association assured the emir of their support to enable him succeed. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Emir of Dass tasks state legislators on good governance

By Mohammed Ahmed Kaigama
Governance
Dass (Bauchi State), June 30, 2019 (NAN) The Emir of Dass in Bauchi state, Alhaji Billiyaminu Othman, has charged legislators to ensure good governance through effective grassroots representation.

Othman made the appeal when the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Abubakar Sulaiman, paid him a courtesy visit in Dass,

“The legislature is one of the major attributes of democratic governance and if effective, could ensure good governance and provide a forum for grassroots representation.

“As legislators represent various constituencies, you have direct contact with the local populace and are able to have a feel of their needs and concerns,” he said.

The monarch urged them to sustain the legacy of peace, cooperation and bridge-building which existed between the assembly and executive arm of government.

According to him, the oversight role of the legislature enables it to review, study and evaluate the implementation of laws including the use of public funds and resources.

Earlier, the speaker solicited for support from traditional institutions towards effective democratic process in the state.

He said traditional rulers have a vital role to play towards consolidating good governance and sustainable peace and stability for the betterment of the citizens.

Sulaiman pointed out that his visit to  the traditional rulers was to appreciate and thanked them for the role they have been playing towards the development of the state.

He reiterated that the legislature is the main organ of governance in a modern democracy, which plays a dual role of governance and also of representing the citizens in Government.

“It is the most singular institution that ensures representation of citizens giving them a feeling of inclusiveness; to feel that they own the Government by having a say in how its affairs are conducted,” he said.
MAK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Emir Sanusi’s claim on alleged N3.4bn fraud, misrepresentation of facts – Anti-graft agency

By Tukur Muntari
Facts
Kano, June 13, 2019 (NAN) The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has described the claim by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, that he was not the accounting officer of the Kano Emirate Council as a misrepresentation of facts.

This is contained in a preliminary report of the Commission on the investigation being carried out in respect of the alleged misappropriation of over N3.4 billion by the Kano Emirate Council between 2014 and 2017.

The report was signed by the commission’s Chairman, Mr Muhuyi Magaji, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Thursday.

The report, with reference number PCAC/GEN/6/VOL.I, dated June 11, 2019, was addressed to the Secretary to the State Government.

Part of the report reads: “In furtherance to the Commission’s earlier communication No. PCAC/GEN/6/V.I, dated 31st May, 2019, on the above subject matter and the unfolding events, the Commission deemed it necessary to make some clarifications as follows:-

“It is imperative to state categorically that, the Commission’s investigation is on alleged misappropriation and questionable expenditures but not on the funds left behind by the Late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, and we still maintain our stance.

“In the cause of investigation we undertook an analysis of the main Account belonging to Kano Emirate Council and domicile at First Bank with Account No. 2005888452 starting from the era of the Late Emir to enable the Commission have an idea of how the money is being managed.”

According to the report, there were 783 activities bordering on withdrawals, transfers and placements from Jan. 2, 2013, to June 6, 2014, during the time of the late Emir.

“As from 2nd January 2013 to 13th April, 2017, the opening balance is N432,338,412.98. Total credit made in the account during this period was N6,784,146,335.73 while the total debit during the period under review is N7,209,035,163.09.”

However, it added that, “the closing balance as at April, 2017, is N7,449,585.62″.

It further revealed that on Feb. 13, 2014, and Feb. 26, 2014, payments were made to Philko Ltd, the company said to have undertook the construction of Ado Bayero Royal City via Inter Bank transfers of the sum of N776,159,519.50.

“There were transfers of N388,079,759.75, N338,079,759.75 and N50,000,000.00 made on Feb. 13, 2014, and Feb. 26, 2014, respectively; making the total quoted figures for Philko Ltd.”

The report also alleged that during the period, fixed deposit placements were made to the tune of N581,884,729.54 (placement and rollovers) while net withdrawals on some engagements both cash and withdrawal stood at N1,056,533,728.31.

“In summary, the total withdrawal made from the Account under the Late Emir was N2,414,577,977.35, subtracting this amount from total debit on the account which is N7,209,035,163.09.

“It is evidently clear that the current Emir is responsible for the expenditures to the total sum of N4,794,457,185.74 from the Emirate Council Account domicile in First Bank Plc,” it said.

Similarly, it alleged that all the expenditures made by the Emirate Council were either based on the approval or instructions of Emir Sanusi.

The commission attached copy of a payment voucher in respect of one of the withdrawals to buttress its claim, which read “Being payment to the above named in respect of making special prayers for peace as directed by H.H. Emir of Kano respectively“.

“Therefore, any claim that the Emir is not the accounting officer of the Kano Emirate Council is a deception and a misrepresentation of facts.

“Specifically, the reason of our recommendation for the suspension apart from obstruction of investigation which formed the basis, investigation further reveals that Rufa’i Buhari (Senior Accountant) usually made cash withdrawals directly from the account and change it to Dollars on behalf of the Emir.

“Sometimes direct transfers from the account are made to a Bureau De Change belonging to one Jazuli Sani who was said to have died.

“The Commission still maintain the allegation on unappropriated, seemingly personal expenditures, making the total sum of questionable expenditures uncovered by this investigation to the tune of N3,432,090,797.94 only,” the report emphasised. (NAN).
MTM/MZA
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Judiciary

N4bn probe: Court orders arrest of Kano Emir’s Chief of Staff, 2 others

Arrest
By Tukur Muntari
Kano, May 28, 2019 (NAN) A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kano on Tuesday ordered the arrest of three persons, including Mannir Sanusi, the Chief of Staff to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The trio were dragged before the court by the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-corruption Commission for failing to honour its invitation in a N4 billion fraud investigation against the Emir of Kano.
Chief Magistrate Mohammed Idris ordered the arrest of Sanusi, who holds the traditional title of Damburan Kano; Mujitaba Abba, and the Accountant of Kano Emirate Council, Sani Muhammad-Kwaru, over their alleged refusal to honour the commission’s invitation.
The commission wrote to the court seeking for an order of arrest against the three palace officials.
Idris consequently issued and signed the arrest warrant sequel to a motion by Mr Salisu Tahir, Chief State counsel.
Tahir had said that the request was based on the provision of Section 38 of the enabling Law establishing the commission.
NAN recalls that the commission had invited four people in connection to the allegation, of which only Isa Bayero, alias Isa Pilot, who was a former scribe to the Emirate Council, honoured the invitation.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the commission, Mr Muhiyi Magaji, said the three persons that have arrest warrant on their heads are the principal suspects in the case.
He explained the commission had already requested security operatives to enforce the order and arrest the suspects. (NAN)
MTM/ MZA/MST
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

General news

Speaker drums support for new Emir of Lafia

Speaker drums support for new Emir of Lafia
By Awayi Kuje
Support
Lafia, March 27, 2019 (NAN) The Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, has called on people of the state to support the new Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), to enable his succeed in his new assignment as a traditional ruler.
Abdullahi made the appeal on Wednesday while reacting to the appointments of the new Emir of Lafia, Emir of Awe and Osu Kadoko of Kadarko by Gov. Tanko Al-Makura.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia that God is the one that gives leadership to whomever he wills and at any time, calling on citizens of the state to support leaders at all levels.
The speaker therefore urged people of the state to see the appointments of Bage and the two other traditional rulers as an act of God.
Ibrahim while felicitating with the new Emir of Lafia, urged him to bring his wealth of experience to bear for the overall growth and development of the state.
“I want to use this medium to congratulate the new Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage, the new Emir of Awe, Alhaji Isa Abubakar Umar, and Mr Umar Dodo as the new Osu Kadoko of Kadarko, a third class traditional ruler in Keana Local Government Area.
“I want to assure the new Emir of Lafia of the state assembly’s readiness to collaborate with the traditional council in the area of peace promotion in the state.
“The legislators are ready to enact laws and pass resolutions that have direct bearing on lives of the people of the state,’’ he said.
NAN reports that Mr Haruna Osegba, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, announced the appointments after a meeting of the state traditional council in Lafia.
Osegba said the appointees were recommended by their college of selectors, ratified by the state traditional council and approved by the governor.
NAN also reports that the appointments followed the death of their predecessors. (NAN)
AKW/OIF/MST
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Elections: Emir urge Nigerians to respect rule of law

Elections: Emir urges Nigerians to respect rule of law
By Mohammed Lawal
Order
Zaria (Kaduna State), March 9, 2019 (NAN) The Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris, has called on Nigerians to respect the rule of law and promote national unity toward building a formidable country.
He made the appeal in an interview with newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Emir’s palace Polling Unit in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Saturday.
The monarch, who is also the Chairman, Kaduna State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, said the call became imperative in view of the fact that peace was critical to meaningful development.
The traditional ruler lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improving on the previous elections and security personnel for providing adequate security during the elections.
Check at different polling units in Zaria by a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicated that the elections ended peacefully and without any major hitch in Zaria and environs.
The emir, however, commended the people for coming out in their large numbers, exercising their franchise.
“Election is an opportunity for the people to elect credible leaders of their choice.
“I want to call on the people to maintain the peace, even after the exercise, so that the prevailing peace is sustained for the good of all,” he said. (NAN)
KLM/KTO/MST
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics

Polls: Emir want Nigerians to show maturity 

Polls: Emir preaches peace, maturity
By Mohammed Lawal
Emir
Zaria (Kaduna State), Feb. 23, 2019 (NAN) The Emir of Zazzau, Kaduna State, Dr Shehu Idris, has urged Nigerians to exhibit high sense of maturity during and after the general elections to deepen the country’s democracy.
He made the appeal while speaking with newsmen shortly after casting his vote at his palace on Saturday in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Idris, who is also the Chairman, Kaduna State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, said: “I want to express my pleasure for the mass turnout of people to exercise their franchise.
“It gladdens my heart, people have come out peacefully to elect credible leaders of their choice. I want to further appeal to Nigerians to show maturity in your conduct during and after the elections.
“I do hope that the elections will be free, fair, peaceful and credible so that Nigeria will attain a state of maturity in democracy.”
While thanking the electorate for their zeal to participate in the electoral process, the first class traditional ruler lauded the media for their active participation to ensuring the success of the exercise. (NAN)
KLM/ACO/MST
Edited by Abiodun Oluleye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics

Elections: Emir of Okuta warns politicians, youths against violence

Elections: Emir of Okuta warns politicians, youths against violence
By Usman Aliyu
Conducts
Okuta (Kwara), Feb. 22, 2019 (NAN) Alhaji Idris Abubakar, the Emir of Okuta in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara, has warned politicians and youths to avoid violence and divisive acts throughout the 2019 general elections.
Abubakar gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday at Okuta.
He said that what was paramount to the people at the grassroots was how the country would be more united and prosperous after the poll.
The first-class traditional ruler frowned at the way politicians were castigating one another in their campaigns.
“We in the grassroots are particular on how Nigeria is going to be peaceful. Even we are always disturbed that the way the various candidates are castigating themselves is not fair.
“The second one is for the youth all over the country to make sure that how Nigeria will be peaceful is paramount to them.
“If our leaders today had been violent in their youthful age, I doubt if the country would have risen up to this level,” he said.
The monarch explained that it would do the country lot of harm if the youth were trained to be violent.
He urged politicians to advise their supporters on better way to conduct themselves during the elections.
“Thuggery and violent acts should not come in,” he said, noting that the emirate council had engaged people in mosques and churches to preach peace to the people at the grassroots.
Besides, he appealed to Nigerians to accept whoever won the poll as their candidate and enjoined winners to embrace all. (NAN)
AUO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola