Politics

Northern Governors Donate N50 Million Each to Support Jigawa Tanker Explosion Victims

Published

1 year ago

October 20, 2024

…As Governor Inuwa Yahaya Leads NSGF Delegation on Condolence Visit to Dutse

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has led a delegation of Northern Governors to Jigawa State to express sympathy over the devastating petrol tanker explosion that claimed over 150 lives and left many injured.

During the visit, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced that each Northern Governor is donating N50 million to support the victims, their families, and survivors.

He emphasized that the collective contribution is to help alleviate the suffering caused by the incident and assist the Jigawa State Government in managing the aftermath of the tragedy.

“This tragedy affects us all. We therefore must support the Government and people of Jigawa State through these difficult times to help rebuild lives and overcome this challenge,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated.

Describing the explosion as one of the most tragic incidents in recent memory, Governor Inuwa Yahaya underscored the shared responsibility of the Northern Governors to stand in solidarity with Jigawa.

He expressed particular sorrow over the loss of young lives, acknowledging that many of the victims had the potential to contribute meaningfully to leadership and nation-building.

“The loss is not just for Jigawa but for the entire region and the nation. It is painful to lose promising talents with bright futures,” the governor remarked.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya urged the people of Jigawa to remain strong, steadfast and united during this challenging period, and place their trust in the Almighty’s will.

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families to bear the immense loss.

In his response, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State expressed profound gratitude to the Northern Governors for their solidarity and generous support.

“We deeply appreciate the visit and the generous contributions from the Northern Governors led by His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Your compassion and solidarity during this tragic moment provide us with strength and hope,” Governor Namadi said.

He further noted that the financial assistance would play a vital role in providing relief to the survivors and families of the victims.

“This support will significantly aid our efforts in easing the burden on the affected families. We are grateful for your prayers and words of encouragement, and we remain committed to helping our people recover from this painful loss,” he added.

On the NSGF delegation were Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed and the Deputy Governors of Borno, Katsina, Taraba, Kebbi, and Yobe States, who represented their principals.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
(Press Affairs)
Government House, Gombe

Politics

Hon Success Opara Wishes ST Peter Women Ikenegbu a Blessed Mothering Sunday

Published

9 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

In a heartwarming gesture, Hon Success Opara, former councilorship candidate for Ikenegbu Ward 2, has shown love and appreciation to the women of ST Peter Anglican Church, Ikenegbu, on the eve of Mothering Sunday.

The visit was a wonderful opportunity to bond and celebrate the selfless love of mothers in the community.

Opara, who worships at ST Peter’s, took time to fellowship with the women, sharing words of encouragement and praying for their well-being.

His gesture is seen as a testament to his commitment to uplifting and empowering women.

The ST Peter women appreciated his thoughtful gesture, wishing him continued success in his endeavors.

Politics

‘I get excited when we make law that angers opposition’ – Akpabio

Published

9 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio says when the opposition expresses anger over any law made in the Senate, he gets excited.

Akpabio spoke on Saturday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, while addressing the audience in reception of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

According to him, anger from the opposition signals to him that the right law has been made.

He declared that opposition figures threatening to boycott the 2027 presidential election are just not ready for the contest.

He said, “Each time we make a law and the opposition frowns, I get excited that I’ve made the right law”.

“Yesterday I saw one man shouting on TV because of the Amended Electoral Act, saying we’re likely to boycott elections.

“My response was tell the truth, you’re boycotting the elections because you’re not ready. If you are ready you won’t boycott.”

Politics

NASS: Nigerian society oppressive to women, we’re not allowed to speak – Kingibe

Published

11 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Federal lawmaker, representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in the Senate, Ireti Kingibe, has said that the six special seats for women in the Nigerian Senate will not change anything.

According to her, the Senate will still remain overwhelmingly male-dominated.

She lamented that reducing the special seats to 6 does not solve the problem, adding that it does not fundamentally change representation or the balance of voices in the Senate.

Ireti, who is the Chair, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, pointed out that until there are deliberate measures to increase women’s representation, the situation would remain the same.

Speaking on Arise News, the lawmaker was asked whether the political setting in Nigeria is not rather too hostile for women.

She said, “No, it’s only because the men choose to make it so. In the National Assembly, outspoken men are described as just outspoken. Outspoken women like me are described as troublesome.

“Now I’ve even asked some men to define what the difference is between an outspoken female parliamentarian and why do you describe them differently? Now, the gender equal opportunity bill has gone to first reading. I’ve been struggling for it to go to second reading.

“Whenever I lobby some of my colleagues, especially the older ones, it is ‘why do you need that? Does it not contravene the Constitution?’ I said no, the Constitution says 50% and I’m asking you to enforce 35%.

“Now even the special seats the Senate insisted that from 37 they cut it down to six. Now, let me just give you theoretically, there are four female senators in the Senate right now, let us assume that two do not return, when you add six to them, please, what’s the difference? Eight senators.

“And I tried to make that argument that six is inconsequential. It does not change the narrative of anything. In fact, I will also tell you that even in the Senate, when you have four women, yes, you cannot spread four women across everything but lots of times you set up an ad-hoc committee of 20 people, sometimes there’s no woman on it.

“And at the end of the day, I believe that until we, the countries that are not gender inclusive, have penalties internationally, things are not going to change.

“They have started some of the penalties right now in a lot of the International parliaments, any country that does not have a woman, sometimes two women on his delegation, depending on the number of delegates, cannot vote its full votes.

“Nigeria is unlikely to comply, because the men have this reactionary attitude that is more cultural than even religions. Because countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, all those ones that are Muslim countries, they’ve left us all behind and Nigeria is supposed to be even a secular state.

“So I do not see the reason, except that we have a society that is oppressive to women. Sometimes you want to say something. You’re not allowed to speak unless you make a fuss. How then do you get this country to develop without the voice of 50% of its population?

“We do have a problem. I am also waiting to see that, will we actually pass this bill before the 10th Assembly finishes? I remember that even after we do, we still need 24 state assemblies to agree.”