Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

By Segun Giwa

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has urged the electorate to vote leaders with good character to move the country forward.

Akeredolu stated this in Akure on Thursday at a programme organised by a socio- cultural and political group, The Atulunse Initiative, with the theme: Let Our Votes Count.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that the topic for the event was Ethical governance: Awos legacy as a case study.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urged the people to shun vote buying at the forthcoming elections.

It is the quality of followers that is affecting the quality of leaders, he said.

Akeredolu urged Nigerians to vote for leaders with qualities and attributes of the late, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He also enjoined Nigerians to stop celebrating those who value money over good behaviour and character.

We need to look for visionary leaders like Chief Awolowo. So, let us look at the characters of those that are contesting, whether they have the character of Chief Awolowo or not.

You can see that our governor is doing well in the state. You can see that Akeredolu has the same character with Awolowo and the development of this state is very paramount to him.

Let communal life be our priority; let us look at the characters of the candidates before we vote.

Let us vote for the candidate that is ready to provide adequate security and move this country forward, he said.

The Chairman, The Atulunse Initiative, Mr Akin Akinbobola, thanked the participants for making it to the occasion in spite of the unpleasant situations in the country.

Akinbobola said that the organisation had spread to the 36 states of the federation sensitising people on how to make their votes count.

The chairman said that a lot needed to be done to get the country on the right path, noting that there was a wide gap between the rich and the poor.

Give us education that is affordable. When those living in luxury are sick, they travel abroad, while the poor go for herbal treatment because orthodox medicine is not affordable.

Life has become unbearable for most Nigerians, why? It is because their votes dont count. All these must stop. They buy votes and people go for such.

Power is in our hands. That vote is in your hand. That is why they beg you for it. But when you sell it, they will come back and make life unrealistic.

But when you vote based on your conscience not by ethnicity or any affiliation, you will enjoy the country, he said.

The Chairman of the occasion and Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, said that the purpose of the gathering was to ensure that votes count in the forthcoming elections.

The guest lecturer, Prof. Akin Alao of Obafemi Awolowo University, said many political parties had failed to develop programmes that would create wealth and positively impact the economy.

He said, this was, unlike Awos Action Group, which attained its popularity through hard work, honesty and forthrightness. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) will ensure that no benefiting community is left behind in this years project execution.

Mr Joseph Ityav, HYPPADEC Chairman, who disclosed this on Tuesday at the HYPPADEC 9th Council meeting in Abuja, said that the project would be part of its medium-term strategic plan.

The strategic plan aimed at improving the welfare, security and development of HYPPADEC states and focussed on 10 key areas of education, healthcare, security, economy, environment, agriculture, energy, road infrastructure, water and youth empowerment.

Ityav said that projects on erosion control would be deployed to HYPPADEC states to reduce the burden of the yearly flooding in such benefiting communities.

All the projects we have set in place to carry out in this accounting year are based on the cost sector that is captured in a medium-term strategic plan.

We have been able to execute projects in almost every community of HYPPADEC and based on the plan that we have on the ground now, we will be able to take more projects to the host communities.

We have started on a good note; we have tried to take projects to every committee of HYPPADEC based on enumeration exercises that have been carried out in the past. So this ninth meeting is to strategise and make sure that every HYPPADEC community is captured in what we do, he said.

The HYPPADEC member states are Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Benue, Kogi and Plateau while Taraba, Gombe and Kaduna states have applied to be part of the commission areas.

Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, HYPPADEC Managing Director, said the commission would this year give priority to erosion control and transportation infrastructure.

I think we are going to pay specific attention to erosion control, transportation and infrastructure, especially the provision of ferries and high bulk goods conveying ships along the communities.

These are some of the major challenges that the communities are facing, which we have not addressed so far, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 9th council meeting would consider reports from Policy Guideline and HPPADEC Medium and Strategic Plan as well as the Monitoring and Evaluation Committees.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Deputy Editor in Chief,
Head of Website/Solutions Journalism desk.

Source: NAN News

Stakeholders at the Intl Human Fraternity Day Celebration in Abuja.

By Bridget Ikyado

His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has advised Nigerian leaders to promote human dignity and oneness in line with the Human Fraternity Rules to enhance peace in the country.

Onaiyekan gave the advice in a keynote address to mark the International Day of Human Fraternity.

The event, which held at the Catholic Secretariat on Tuesday in Abuja, was organised by the Department of Mission and Dialogue, supported by Caritas Nigeria.

It had the theme Interfaith Relations in Nigeria; Diversity, Dynamism and Strength.

The Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together is also known as the Abu Dhabi Declaration.

The Declaration was signed by Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on February 4, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirate.

The cardinal outlined 11 points which should be adopted by individuals and leaders to promote unity, peace and progress in every society.

He listed the points to include belief in the oneness of God, human dignity and equality before the law, religious diversity, and the importance of family in building a nation.

Others included care for children nurtured through marriage, and abhorrence of homosexuality in any form.

Respect of human life is absolute; abortion, mercy killing and murder are crimes and sin, Onaiyekan said.

He noted that the document was emphatic on the fact that there should be no killing in any form in the name of God, and declared that terrorists were ungodly and irreligious.

Onaiyekan said that every responsible person and leader should condemn kidnapping and other forms of terror as part of the drive to ensure a peaceful society.

The dignity of women is to be recognised and women are to be given full dignity, he said, adding that leaders should expunge laws that undermine women.

Onaiyekan also prayed for peaceful and successful elections in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had lay faithful, clergymen and other stakeholders who sued for peace and unity in the country. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Source: NAN News

The Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello receiving award from Alhaja Kafilat Hassan, the Western Zonal Chairman

By Raji Rasak

Malam Tijani Isa, the President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), says only a government that comes to power through free and fair election can redeem the countrys economy.

Isa disclosed this during the institutes 17th Western Zonal Accountants Conference holding at Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo, Badagry, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was Professional Accountants Uncertain Economy and Sustainable Development.

According to the ICAN president, a government that comes to power with a vision and has a programme to uplift the population will surely redeem the economy.

When you have a government that is based on financial or military inducement, we are not going anywhere.

I keep on saying that Nigeria is blessed with all resources to excel, but the problem we have is harnessing these resources.

We are the fifth largest suppliers of crude oil in the world, yet we cant refine sufficiently locally, our refineries are in comatose.

We need to have a leadership that has vision and focus, then we can move forward, he said.

The president said that the theme of the conference was timely and pertinent.

It avails us the platform to collectively examine our pivotal roles in sustainable development in the face of an uncertain economy.

The conference provides us with a unique opportunity to rethink our evolving roles in national development.

We are faced with the most challenging period in history, as a nation and globally.

The need for a more accountable and efficient utilisation of scarce resources has been heightened.

Isa said the New Normal was challenging the accountants as professionals to deploy their skills in charting a more robust, inclusive, and sustainable future.

He said the countrys challenges were diverse, running the gamut of high inflation, increasing debt profile, rising unemployment and underemployment, and intractable security challenges.

We must assist the nation and businesses to maximally utilise the limited resources to achieve national and organisational goals and objectives, he said.

Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), said the theme was very apt at a time when the economy formed the core of the talking points in campaign conversations.

I do not possess the expertise to speak on matters of the economy as much as many of you here today do.

But I am sufficiently educated enough to understand that accountants, like many other professionals, are partly responsible for the precarious situation of our nation today, she said.

Olatunji-Bello said the accountants should play a key role in salvaging the situation.

It is also important that this conference also considers sustainable development as one of the cardinal topics.

I therefore believe that this conference is coming at a most auspicious time.

Accountants can engage in robust conversations on some of the key economic issues facing us and proffer solutions, she said.

In a paper presentation, Mr Olanrewaju Sharafa, the Associate Lecturer, Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom, urged ICAN members to seek financial freedom and sustainability within their practice and professional practice.

Sharafa, also National Treasurer, Institute of Corporate And Public SectorProfessionals (ICPSP), said chartered accountants should improve the accounting profession through value adding services diversification.

He listed some of the areas ICAN members could explore to include governance and strategic services, leading innovative business idea development, tax and wealth and advisory, compliance and regulatory services, among others.

You are the future of the accounting profession, hence the need to go out there and do great things. There is nothing limiting you, he said.

Pastor Samuel Egbetokun, the Conference Chairman, said paper presenters at both plenary and workshop sessions had done their researches and prepared to disseminate to participants a body of seasoned knowledge.

I dont have any doubt in me that at the end of this conference, all of us will be loaded with adequate practical knowledge and enough skills that will make us better accountants, he said.

In her remarks, Alhaja Kafilat Hassan, the Western Zonal Chairman, urged those at the conference to maximize the opportunity of the diverse registered delegates to establish new business relationships.(NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

Edited by Kabir Muhammad/Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

Youths voting during an election

By Segun Giwa

The Atulunse Initiative, a cultural socio-political pro-democracy advocacy group, says it is planning a symposium on electoral reform to educate Nigerians particularly in South-West on how to make their votes count at the forthcoming elections.

Mr Olaseni Shalom, Coordinator, Atulunse Initiatives, Nigeria, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Akure.

Shalom said that the symposium would principally highlight the challenges in electoral systems with particular regards to vote capture and reflection.

He said the symposium would hold in Akure, on Thursday with Dr Kayode Ajulo, a legal practitioner, delivering the keynote address and lecture.

The symposium is on electoral reform titled: Let Our Votes Count, and the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredelu is the Chief Host of the day, he said.

Shalom said that the Atulunse Initiative had over the years driven discourse for credible leadership as a veritable tool for social engineering.

He noted that the group was interested on the concentric benefits of evolving reliable systems and institutions to birth seamless and credible electoral processes where votes count and determine political outcomes.

This years symposium will build on the lessons and observations of the past and present to add practicable thoughts and solutions to the unique challenges in the Nigerian electoral process particularly as it affects the South-West.

The symposium will be contributing a body of literature toward influencing a policy shift in favor of the Yoruba race.

With evolving crisis in a waning sense of belonging, insecurity and political subterfuge of the Yoruba people in contemporary times, the imperative to regroup, re-think and re-strategise a stake in the unfolding theatre of modern Nigerian politics is overwhelming.

Atulunse Initiative seeks to interrogate a pathway to a legitimate leadership post 2023 at the federal, state and local government areas, deliberately and favourably disposed and committed to the growth and development of the Yoruba Nation.

In doing this, we are mindful of the peculiarities that set us apart broadly and specifically, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

.

By Maureen Okon

The Director-General All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups, Dr Nasiru Ladan, has called on the members of the party to remain focused to ensure its victory at all levels in the forthcoming elections.

He spoke in Abuja at the inauguration of Alhaji Suleiman Isyaku as the Director of the Amalgamated APC Support Groups (AASG) for the North-Central Zone, on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Isyaku is also the Chairman of Tinubu/Shettima Ordained Movement.

The event also witnessed the inauguration of North-Central zonal leadership and the unveiling of the national executives of AASG, which comprises major APC support groups.

Ladan said AASG was established to rally support for the party and its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other candidates at all levels across Nigeria.

He further added: Tinubus outstanding leadership qualities, personal attributes and antecedents as a former two-term governor of Lagos State were enough evidence that Nigerians would be safe under his watch.

He described Tinubu and his running mate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, as merchants of hope.

They are capable of redefining the meaning and concept of modern leadership in Nigeria. The duo would project their joint ticket as a transformation agenda.

Speaking also, Isyaka said the group was in search of credible leadership which could only be found in Tinubu, saying he would consolidate on the gains of President Muhammadu Buharis administration.

He added that as members of a united front, the common goal was to mobilise eligible voters at the ward and unit levels, as well as engage major stakeholders across states of the federation.

Isyaka expressed optimism that APC would win the forthcoming elections from top to bottom on Feb. 25 and March 11, respectively.

The special guest of the event, Mrs Folasade Tinubu, the Iyaloja of Lagos State spoke on the need for the party members to be united to ensure its victory at the polls.

She appreciated all the support groups for their immerse contributions at the various stages of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign rallies across the country.

She said: It is important to educate the electorate on how to vote so that their votes would be valid during the polls. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

================

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

L-R: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, DG, ICRC and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have opened talks for the revitalisation and commercialisation of Federal Government properties abroad.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Manji Yarling, the Acting Head, Media and Publicity, ICRC, in Abuja on Sunday.

Yarling said the move, which was at the instance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was part of efforts to get alternative funding sources to maintain the nations missions abroad.

It is also to develop or acquire new properties for newly set up missions.

She said the discussions began on January 31, between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and his team and the Director-General, ICRC, Michael Ohiani and his team.

Yarling said the talks continued on February 3, with the inauguration of a Public- Private Partnership (PPP) Unit in the ministry.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting, Onyeama said that funding had become a major problem for the ministry with many of its properties being undeveloped, underutilised or poorly maintained.

He said that over the years, the properties had continued to depreciate while some had even been lost due to the inability of the ministry to develop them in line with the laws of the host nations.

If you go on a tour to some of our facilities, what you see will make one want to cry. So we have been trying to find some kind of solution to the challenges.

According to Yarling, the minister say some of the issues that has put the countrys properties abroad in such dire situations include funding, reduction in staff and change in layouts.

She said Onyeama gave an example of how one of Nigerias diplomatic buildings was now in a commercially busy area with a nightclub right in front of it.

He said, we want to turn those prime properties into money-making ventures, so we have been looking for partners to come on board.

We have to come up with a business model that works and is sustainable.

We really have to do something about these properties that we own and have an inventory of all our assets.

Yarling said Janet Olisa, who oversees the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, said that the ministry wanted to use proceeds from the PPP initiative to maintain its missions and properties abroad.

According to Olisa, we have properties but we do not want to sell, we need the revenue generated from these properties to take care of the properties that we are using.

We want to be able to do a PPP arrangement where the ministry brings in the property while the private investor brings the funds to revitalise the properties.

She said Ohiani informed the ministry that the ICRC was set up to regulate such infrastructure development and management using private-sector funding.

We reviewed the situation about our properties abroad and taken into consideration the economic losses, diplomatic embarrassment and security risks.

We have come up with ideas to bring them to optimal utilisation.

The ICRC as part of its regulatory functions monitors the entire PPP procurement process and also conducts due diligence on the private sector investors to ascertain their capability for any PPP project.

Yarling said Ohiani assured the minister of the commitment of the commission to see the proposed projects to fruition.

Ohiani said that a team from ICRC would be ready to work with the newly inaugurated PPP unit to actualise the goals of the ministry.

With the inauguration of the PPP unit and the first training, all is now set for the technical aspects of the proposed PPP arrangement to commence. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

Umar Abubakar, holding his certificate and cheque presented to him by CCAPAD

By Polycarp Auta

Umar Abubakar, a 30 year-old Person with Disability (PWD) in Jos, has explained why he rejected street begging and acquired shoe-making skill.

Abubakar, a resident of Bauchi Road community of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau, narrated his story in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Jos.

Abubakar was a beneficiary of the empowerment programme recently organised by a non-governmental organisation, Centre for Community Action for Peace and Development (CCAPAD) for 60 youths in Jos North Local Government Area.

He explained that he came down with polio at age two, adding that he started learning shoe-making since 2001.

I came down with polio since when I was two years old and so, I couldnt go to school or do anything meaningful.

But in 2001, I decided to join someone who repairs and makes new shoes opposite our house to learn because I dont want to be idle.

Even when my friends will convince me that we should go for street begging, I usually reject the temptation because I know such ventures wont help me

I have a family who love and care for me without reservation, and I felt i should also do something that will enable me contribute toward the growth of the family and to also be useful to myself, he said.

Abubakar thanked CCAPAD for the training and starter packs presented to him, adding that it would enable him improve on his work for better service delivery.

This is the first time Im receiving any help since I started learning shoe making and so Im grateful to this organisation.

I want to assure them, my family and indeed my entire community that I will do my best to put these items and the cash donated to me into good use, he promised.

On his physical disability, Abubakar advised parents to ensure regular immunisation against polio for their children to avoid the spread of the disease in the country.

He also advised those already living with disabilities to engage in meaningful ventures instead of street begging or idling around.

Mr Ahmed Salihu, the Executive Director of CCAPAD, said that the initiative was supported by the European Union through the British Councils Agent for Citizen-Driven Transformation (ACT).

He explained that the gesture was part of its project entitled: Strengthening the Culture of Resilience Among Children and Youth in Jos.

Salihu further explained that the project was implemented alongside three other organisations, namely; Centre for Peace Advancement in Nigeria (CEPAN), Community Aid Workers Initiative (CAWI) and Gangare Youth Forum (GYF).

He said that the beneficiaries were drawn from Bauchi road, Anguwan Rukuba, Anguwan Jarawa and Naraguta communities, all in Jos North Local Government Area.

The beneficiaries are largely direct victims of the various Jos crises and so the project is aimed at addressing the conflict consequences.

Some of the beneficiaries are youths that are out of school, drug addicts and those who are into prostitution and all kind of vices.

So, we brought these youth together and first deradicalise them, made them select the kind of skill they want to do and we funded it, he said.

The executive director added that the rationale behind the project is to make the beneficiaries self-sufficient and economically viable, adding that such move would promote peace and tranquility in the society.

We believe that by doing so, are will pull out these beneficiaries of the street and make them better persons.

That once they are can earn a living and support their loved ones, it will be difficult for anyone to induce them with money to indulge in crime, Salihu added.

He further said that the beneficiaries were trained in the areas of shoe making, hairdressing, interior decoration, petty trading and cosmetology, among others.

Mrs Omotunde Clement, the Focal Person of the project in Plateau, said that the initiative aimed at empowering its partners to access funds that would strengthen their capacity to engage effectively and influence development in sectors such

She said that the project was currently being implemented in 10 states of the federation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Source: NAN News

FRSC

By Gami Tadanyigbe

Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists in the country to obey all traffic rules and regulations throughout the electioneering period, to forestall accidents.

The Kuje Unit Commander of FRSC, Mr Eugene Nwabuike gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Kuje.

Nwabuike spoke on the sidelines of a sensitisation workshop with the drivers in the area.

He said that some of the drivers were still violating the established traffic laws by driving above the approved speed limit in spite of repeated warnings and cautions.

According to him, the unit has put in place more personnel and operational vehicles to combat envisioned traffic gridlocks arising from political activities, ahead of the general election.

I am appealing to motorists, particularly the campaign drivers in Kuje, to desist and have attitudinal change while driving throughout the campaign period.

The drivers must be conscious while driving and avoid reckless speeding, especially at crowded areas, to avoid any form of road accident.

We will continue to enlighten the campaign drivers, because the lives of our people is more important to us.

We, therefore, call on other major stakeholders to join hands with the FRSC to save lives especially throughout the campaign period, he urged. (NAN)

Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan has described as victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Supreme Court Judgement affirming him as Yobe North APC Senatorial candidate.

He stated this while briefing newsmen on Monday, in Abuja, after the judgment was delivered by Justice Centus Nweze of the apex court.

Lawan while thanking God for the victory, said: Let me start by thanking God for his blessing and of course, what had happened today in the Supreme Court.

The judgement on Yobe North particularly, is a victory for APC in Yobe and generally APC across the country.

What happened was democracy at work and the courts gave their various judgements and of course the supreme court gave the final judgement.

I want to at this point, commend the supreme court and of course, the judiciary generally for making this kind of judgment to strengthen our democracy.

This is because it is not only for politicians to work and strengthen democracy it is all of us and all the institutions have their roles to play. So I commend them.

He further thanked the APC for taking this matter to the supreme court.

So today, it is a victory for all of us involved. I am the symbol but the victory is for our party the APC and for democracy.

Lawan also thanked his colleagues in the Senate for the support, love and for the partnership.

He said: I want to recommit myself that I will lead well.

We will always be appreciative of our colleagues who gave us the mandate to lead the ninth National Assembly.

We will be looking at Feb. 25 when the Presidential and the National Assembly elections will take place.

By the Grace of God, Nigerians will vote APC once again. On the 25th, the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu will be voted in as President of Nigeria by the grace of God along side Sen. Kashim Shettima, who is the Vice Presidential candidate.

When it comes to the senatorial and House of Representatives, you know what it will be. It will be a landslide majority for the APC and the same thing for the House of Representatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the supreme court on Monday affirmed Lawan, APC senatorial candidate for Yobe North.

In a majority judgment delivered by Justice Centus Nweze, the apex court allowed the appeal filed by the APC against Bashir Machinas candidature.

NAN recalled that Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen, who presided over a three-member panel of the appellate court, gave the affirmation in an appeal by the APC challenging the decision of Justice Fadimatu Aminu of the Federal High Court Damaturu.

Justice Aminu of the Federal High Court had on Sept. 28, 2022, declared Machina as winner of the primary election organised by the party on May 28, 2022.

However, having lost the APC presidential primary to Bola Tinubu, the party opted for Lawan to replace Machina.

But Machina insisted that he would not withdraw for the Senate President.

In the face of the controversy, the APC submitted the Senate Presidents name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its senatorial candidate for Yobe North.

Not satisfied with the decision of his party, Machina headed to court to seek redress.

Specifically, Machina in his suit, asked the court to declare him as the validly elected senatorial candidate of the APC for Yobe North Senatorial District.

Justice Aminu had nullified the parallel primary election that produced Lawan on June 9, 2022, insisting that the National Working Committee of the APC conducted a valid primary election on May 28, which was won by Bashir Machina.

Consequently, the trial judge ordered the APC to forward the name of Machina to INEC as the authentic winner of the primary election for Yobe North. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News