Headlines

Adamawa’s 19.7 Billion Naira Blunder: Governor Fintiri’s Market Gamble Sparks Public Outrage

Published

9 months ago

September 3, 2024

Adamawa's 19.7 Billion Naira Blunder: Governor Fintiri’s Market Gamble Sparks Public Outrage

In a move that has ignited widespread criticism and concern, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has approved the expenditure of 19.7 billion naira of taxpayers’ money to build a new market—a decision many see as a glaring misstep in prioritizing the needs of the people.

For a state grappling with significant healthcare challenges, this decision has left citizens and observers baffled. At a time when Adamawa urgently needs well-equipped hospitals across its three senatorial zones, the governor’s focus on constructing a market has raised serious questions about the administration’s priorities.

Zachariah C. Hyellamada PhD. a concerned citizen and vocal advocate for the people of Adamawa, has voiced the collective displeasure of the populace, challenging the governor’s rationale for such a decision. “The citizens of Adamawa State do not need a market right now; what we urgently need are hospitals that can address the alarming state of healthcare across our regions,” Dr. Hyellamada stated.

The decision to use public funds for a market that could be developed through private sector investment, particularly via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), has only added to the outrage. PPPs are a well-established mechanism for developing infrastructure without draining public resources, a practice that has seen success across various states in Nigeria. Yet, Adamawa appears to lag behind, with no significant PPP initiatives in place.

“It is inexcusable that a state like Adamawa has neither a PPP policy document nor a single implemented PPP project,” Dr. Hyellamada lamented. “Across Nigeria, markets are built by private organizations in partnership with state governments. Why should Adamawa be any different?”

Dr. Hyellamada’s concerns are shared by many who question the motive behind prioritizing a market over the dire need for healthcare facilities. With healthcare systems in Adamawa already stretched thin, the decision to allocate 19.7 billion naira for a less critical project has only deepened the public’s suspicion and discontent.

In a bold move, Hyellamada and the Adamawa Integrity Group have called upon the Commissioner of Trade, Commerce, and Industries to publicly disclose the bidding process that led to this substantial allocation. “Transparency is a constitutional right,” Dr. Hyellamada asserted, demanding full access to the documents and processes that culminated in the governor’s decision.

This growing call for accountability and transparency reflects a broader sentiment among the people of Adamawa who feel their needs are being ignored in favor of projects that do not directly benefit them. The clamor for hospitals, schools, and improved infrastructure continues to grow louder, with many urging Governor Fintiri to reconsider his priorities.

As the controversy surrounding this project intensifies, the question remains: Will the governor listen to the voices of his constituents and redirect funds to the areas that truly matter, or will Adamawa continue down a path of misplaced priorities?

Education

NUC grants ESUT full accreditation for Law, 7 other programmes

Published

1 week ago

May 21, 2025

Saadatu Sahabo

The National Universities Commission, (NUC), has given full accreditation to the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), for her Law programme.

According to the Public Relations Officer of ESUT, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, this is contained in a letter addressed to the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius Okolie, on Wednesday in Enugu by the NUC.

Ani said that in the letter, the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu said the report was contained in the result of the October/November 2024 accreditation of academic programmes in Nigerian universities.

Ani disclosed that other programmes in the institution accredited by the NUC include Master of Science in Business Management; Education Computer Science; Education Physics and Agricultural Engineering.

Other accredited programmes he said were Quantity Surveying; Urban and Regional Planning; and Applied Microbiology.

He said that the letter quoted Section 10 (1) of the Education National Minimum Standard and Establishment of Institutions, Act CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 as empowering the NUC to lay down minimum academic standards for all academic programmes taught in Nigerian universities.

He said the session also empowers the NUC to accredit such programmes.

Crime

Court remands 2 over alleged attempted murder

Published

1 week ago

May 21, 2025

Saadatu Sahabo

Court discharges man accused of burning father’s house in Abuja

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, on Wednesday, remanded two persons, Olaitan Fasasi and Kehinde Tobiloba in a correctional facility over alleged attempted murder.

Fasasi, 40, and Tobiloba, 26, whose addresses were not provided, are being charged with conspiracy, attempted murder and membership of a secret society.

The Magistrate, Mr L.A Owolabi, did not take the plea of the defendants for want of jurisdiction.

Owolabi directed the police to forward the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

He thereafter adjourned the case until May 31 for mention.

The Prosecutor, Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendants committed the offences at about 5.02p.m on Feb. 15, at Mushin, Lagos.

She said that Fasasi, Tobiloba and others now at large, attempted to commit murder by shooting at a resident, Alfred Ademola.

“They armed themselves with a locally made gun. They belong to Eiye Confraternity, a group proscribed by law,”, she said.

Ikhayere said that the offences contravened Sections 230(1) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2012.

He said that the actions of the defendants also contravened Section 2(3)(a)(b)(c)(d) of the unlawful societies and Cultism Law of Lagos State Law.

Headlines

Plateau Governor Sets Up Committee to Probe Two Decades of Attacks

Published

1 week ago

May 20, 2025

Matthew Eloyi

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has inaugurated a 10-member fact-finding committee tasked with uncovering the root causes of the persistent attacks plaguing communities across the state.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday in Jos, Governor Mutfwang charged the committee with conducting a comprehensive review of violent incidents from 2001 to date. “We thought that we should set up this high-powered fact-finding committee to look at the incessant attacks on our communities,” the governor stated.

According to Mutfwang, the committee is expected to perform an in-depth assessment of the recurring security breaches, determine the number of affected communities, and assess the extent of damage done over the years. “We want to understand the root causes and propose actionable recommendations for lasting peace, justice, and stability in the affected communities,” he said.

The committee’s mandate also includes establishing the number of casualties, identifying possible perpetrators and their motives, and uncovering potential routes used by bandits to access Plateau State. “Identify possible routes of bandits into the state and recommend measures to limit their access,” the governor added.

Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Rojas Nicholas, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the members. He pledged that the committee would approach its assignment with fairness and commitment. “We will do our best to produce a report that would befit its assignment,” Nicholas assured.

The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations in due course, with hopes that the report will provide a pathway to durable peace and security in the state.