News
Zamfara APC Exposes State Govt’s Fertiliser Scandal
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has blown the lid off a fertiliser scandal involving the state government, alleging that it purchased the commodity at an inflated price.
According to a statement signed by Yusuf Idris Gusau, its Publicity Secretary, the government bought 75 trailer loads of fertiliser for N38.5 billion, translating to N855,000 per bag.
The APC claimed that this is a clear case of contract inflation and that the supplying company, Zam Agro Chemicals, is owned by Governor Dauda Lawal.
The party alleged that the company was awarded a similar contract in 2020 but failed to deliver the fertiliser after collecting the money.
The APC also accused the government of giving conflicting figures regarding the number of trailers purchased, with the governor stating 135 trailers and the PDP claiming 145 trailers.
The party demanded that the government provide accurate figures and explain the discrepancy.
“We understand that these PDP charlatans want to open up their own can of worms by themselves, especially on this topical issue of fertiliser, which the state government is trying to share and take the credit against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s agricultural policies by refusing to disclose the 70 trailer load of fertiliser given to the people of the state until when we raised the alarm on the issue that they acknowledged the receipt of 70 trailers and the purchase 75 trailers totalling 145 trailers as stated by the PDP in the state,” Gusau said.
“While the party gave a different figure of the fertilizer bought by the government, the governor also gave a varying one but be that as it is, after buying the commodity, we calculated that at N38.5 billion, the government purchased it at a stupendous N855,000 per bag because 38,500,000,000 if divided into 75 trailers it will be that the government purchased each trailer at the cost of N513,000,000 which will give a price of each bag costing N855,000 and giving monumental contract inflation.
“However, if it goes according to the statement or the PDP rejoinder that on the 17th of June, 2024 the Zamfara State executive council approved the procurement of 120 trucks of fertilizer at the cost of N38,500,000,000 if divided into 120 trailers, it means that each trailer was purchased at the cost N320,000,000 and each bag cost Zamfara State government N534,722 Naira which is also outrageous.”
The APC stated that the government’s actions are a clear case of exploitation and that the records of the 2020 contract are still available to prove the company’s failure to deliver.
The party called on the government to provide transparency and accountability in the fertiliser deal.
Gusau noted that the governor’s silence on the issue is deafening, especially considering that his company is allegedly involved in the scandal. He accused the governor of using his position to enrich himself and his associates at the expense of the people of Zamfara State.
The APC called on the anti-graft agencies to investigate the fertiliser deal and bring those involved to justice. The party also demanded that the government refund the excess money paid for the fertiliser to the state treasury.
The statement added: “Let PDP or Zamfara State government provide citizens of the State with accurate figures of the fertiliser because governor Dauda Lawal on Tuesday, 20th August, 2024 at the state Ministry of Agriculture gave a total figure of 135 trailers which was widely reported by the media and even the governor’s spokesperson’s statement confirmed it but in contradiction, the PDP issued a statement disputing what the governor said and gave a figure of 145 trailers, so we want to know the correct figure.
“So, while the government is beating its chest for buying 75 trailer loads of fertiliser, we need to query it, at what cost, who the contractor is and why.”
News
See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London
The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.
Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.
Story continues below advertisement
“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”
Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.
Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.
Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”
“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.
“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.
Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Story continues below advertisement
The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.
Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.
Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.
Story continues below advertisement
Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.
According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.
On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.
News
Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocation
News
Reps Demand Details Of Project Undertaken From Ministry Of Solid Minerals In 2024 Budget
-
News20 hours ago
DHQ Gives Updates on on Arrest, Trial of Simon Ekpa in Finland
-
News20 hours ago
Japa: 1 of 4 Nigerians want to leave the country – NBS
-
News19 hours ago
Senate mandates military to free LGs under B’Haram control
-
News20 hours ago
OUTREACH: Senator Manu concludes 2-day ICT program for constituents, distributes over 500 laptops to students (Video/Photos)
-
News19 hours ago
2027: Obasanjo’s knock on INEC reopens push for electoral reform
-
News20 hours ago
Simon Ekpa Sent To Prison
-
News20 hours ago
I’m not too young or inexperienced to run for Lagos Governor – Speaker Obasa
-
News21 hours ago
Nigerian Catholic religious Sister Uti wins $1.2 million Opus Prize