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Tinubu unveils resettlement scheme for conflict victims
President Bola Tinubu on Friday laid the foundation for the official launch of the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict to address the humanitarian crisis caused by internal displacements across Nigeria.
Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the at the launching of the pilot phase of the project in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State.
He said, “There couldn’t have been a better place for the take-off of this intervention than this diverse state,” according to a statement by the VP’s spokesperson, Mrs. Stanley Nkwocha.
He also said, “Kaduna State has offered us a launchpad to venture into the communities dislodged by conflict. For so long, we have been held hostage by the fear of ourselves and allowed preventable incidents to escalate into transgenerational disputes. Today, we gather to say, ‘Enough is enough.
“The project marks a shift in the government’s approach to internal displacement and conflict resolution.”
Earlier in February, Shettima inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate the implementation of the initiative in fulfilment of Tinubu’s promise to improve the lives of all Nigerians.
The committee chaired by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, also has representatives of governors of the benefiting states as members.
Other members of the committee include the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; representatives of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, BUA Group, Dangote Group and the Director General of NEMA, among others.
The project will initially focus on seven states that have been disproportionately affected by farmers-herders conflicts.
They are Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna State.
Tinubu said the administration is determined to break the cycle of violence and displacement that has plagued various parts of the country for years.
“Our journey to this point has been long and arduous, but today, we converge in this historic city to demonstrate our resolve to overcome adversity,” he noted.
The RSPIC is designed as a multi-faceted intervention that goes beyond mere infrastructure development.
According to the President, the scheme will construct residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities for victims of conflict” while also providing “a dignified environment to live and to dream.
He praised Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani’s efforts in promoting unity saying he has been an “inspiration for unity in this beautiful state. His approach is not only a template for other state governors but also for the nation at large.”
Tinubu added that the non-kinetic interventions explored by his government since taking office are best demonstrated by the state governors and “Kaduna is a light of hope in this aspect.”
The President noted the national significance of the project saying “Conflict and displacement, to us, are not merely regional issues; they are national concerns that demand a unified response.
“They threaten the very fabric of our society, and it is only through justice, distribution of democratic dividends, and collaboration that we can overcome these challenges.”
He also appealed to those affected by conflict, “To those who have been displaced by conflict, I say this: We see you, we hear you, and we stand with you.
“Your strength and resilience inspire us all, and under my leadership, we commit to bolstering our nation’s security infrastructure and advancing peace.
“Now is our time for permanent solutions. This intervention is ours together,” the President added.
Earlier in his address, Sani praised the initiative, stating, “Today is a day of joy because we are about to set the stage for the transformation of this community.”
He outlined ongoing efforts to support Tudun Biri, including “constructing a six kilometres road and building a skill acquisition centre” and a clinic to cater to the medical needs of the people.”
Also speaking, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, noted the broader implications of the project as it translates to the improvement of the welfare of the citizens.
Umar stated, “Let us remember that every brick laid, and every path paved is a symbol of our shared commitment to a future where peace and prosperity and unity reign supreme.”
She added that the project would “pave the way for similar initiatives in other states that would follow.”
Responding, the Dangaladiman Zauzau, District Head of Rigasa, Mohammad Idris, said, “We are happy that this pledge is being fulfilled. This is a commitment on the part of the government which we are very proud of.”
Idris expressed gratitude on behalf of the Zazzau Emirate Council, noting, “We sincerely thank Mr President for honouring this promise.”
Dignitaries who attended the event included the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa; representatives of the governors of Kano, Katsina and Kwara States.
Others are the representative of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, Sen. Kaka Lawan; the representative of the Chairman, House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Management, Joseph Bassey; Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and Secretary to Kaduna State Government, Dr. Abdulkadir Mayere, among many others.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decided not to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York this year.
The president has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.
President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, according to a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.”
“The high-level General Debate, with the theme ‘Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,’ will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024,” the statement added.
Since return to democratic governance in 199, Shettima will be the first Vice President to Nigeria’s delegation to UNGA.
Only Goodluck Jonathan represented Nigeria as Acting president in September 2010 at the 65th UNGA, while late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua was away in Saudi Arabia due to his ill health.
The Plateau State House of Assembly, on Thursday, approved N5.8bn for the conduct of the local government election in the state slated for October 9, 2024.
The approval by the House followed a communication from Governor Caleb Mutfwang, which was read at plenary by the Assembly Speaker, Gabriel Dewan.
The Speaker stated that the request was necessary as there was no budgetary allocation for the LG elections in the 2024 budget.
A member of the State Assembly, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak for the Assembly, confirmed the development to The PUNCH in Jos on Thursday.
The lawmaker said, “Governor Mutfwang, at Tuesday’s plenary, sought the House’s approval for N5.7bn as the 2024 supplementary, which was increased after upward review by the legislators.”
He continued, “The House leader, Joseph Bukar, presented the bill during our plenary. While soliciting the support of members for speedy passage, he said PLASIEC was running out of time in preparation for the election.”
“In their individual contributions, Hon. Kalamu Dal suggested a downward review of the budget size, while Hon. Daniel Nanbol urged for a critical review and deliberations. Afterwards, members approved a revised sum of N5.8bn, as opposed to the N5.7bn requested.”
The increase, as explained by Bukar, was due to an increase in security allocation for the election, from N2.7m to N4.2m. “So, that is what happened, and that is where we are at the moment regarding the forthcoming LG election,” the lawmaker concluded.
Security measures have been intensified in Enugu and Kwara states ahead of their Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
In Enugu State, the Police Command has pledged to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the elections.
However, the peace accord signing for the elections was marred by the absence of major parties like the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, and Labour Party.
Only representatives from the All Progressives Grand Alliance and Accord attended but chose not to sign the accord, citing the lack of participation from the leading parties.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, said all wards and flashpoints had been identified, and security personnel would be on high alert to prevent any disruptions.
The Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Chris Ngwu, said the commission was fully prepared for the elections with the support of the state government in procuring necessary materials.
In Kwara State, security agencies have been actively coordinating to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Over 3,000 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed across the state.
The Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission has completed arrangements for a trouble-free election.
Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, reported that a strategic meeting with heads of various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and others, had been held to ensure coordinated efforts for maintaining law and order.
The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, guaranteed maximum security for the election period.
The NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Umar Mohammed, announced the deployment of 3,000 personnel to various polling units and emphasised their role in preventing violence, ballot snatching, and other disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, Telumun Tombowua, announced on Thursday that eight political parties will participate in the upcoming LG elections in the state, scheduled for October 5, 2024.
Addressing journalists in Makurdi, Tombowua said the election would be conducted fairly and transparently.
He emphasised that the law establishing the BSIEC does not permit the use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation Machines for this election.
Regarding the APC, Tombowua confirmed that the National Working Committee of the party had requested the commission to work with the seven-man caretaker committee appointed to oversee party affairs in the state.
He noted that while 14 parties had initially shown interest, only eight completed the necessary processes and submitted their candidates.
Shettima becomes 1st VP to lead Nigeria’s delegation to UN Assembly in 25 yrs
Plateau Assembly approves N5.8bn for LG election
Enugu, Kwara tighten security ahead of LG polls
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