Gombe State Governor, Muhammdu Inuwa Yahaya has congratulated the President- Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President- Elect, Sen. Kashim Shettima on their victory at the just concluded Presidential Election.
In a congratulatory message he personally signed, Governor Inuwa said, Tinubu’s victory at the polls is a manifestation of his years of personal commitment, sacrifice, tenacity, political experience and service to the nation.
He noted that the president- elect is a well groomed leader with vast wealth of experience and network as a former Governor, Senator and political leader who has the competence and character to hit the grounds running and build on the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari in all facets of human endeavour.
He added that Tinubu’s antecedents in governance and his huge political connections are a good asset for a renewed hope and expression of national unity of purpose.
Describing Tinubu as an enigmatic leader and strong pillar with immense influence, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed confidence in his acumen and sagacity to unite Nigeria having been building bridges across the length and breadth of the country which has resulted in the historic victory.
He said Senator Tinubu has proven that he is able and capable to lead the nation, having governed Lagos state with a magic wand.
While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for providing leadership and support that led to the enthronement of a sustainable democracy, Governor Inuwa urged Nigerians to rallly round the President- Elect to move Nigeria forward in leaps and bounds, in line with his ‘renewed hope’ mantra.
The Gombe State Governor, who played a significant role as the North East Coordinator of the Presidential Campaign Council, assured the President- elect of continued support, solidarity and goodwill of the people of Gombe State as he prepares to take up the responsibilities and challenges of the high office as the President and Commander -in -Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and largest democracy in Africa.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe.
…”So Far We Have Paid N7.9bn Out Of N21bn Backlog We Inherited From Last Administration”- Gombe Governor
For the fourth time in less than 4 years, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has yet again put smiles on the faces of senior citizens in Gombe State with the commencement of payment of another tranche of over 3 billion naira as backlog of gratuity to more than 5000 State and local government retirees.
With dance steps, broad smiles and songs of appreciation, the retirees received their Cheques during the flag off ceremony of the payment held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Gombe.
The payments covers retirees from both the employment of the State and the Local Governments.
In his remarks before presenting the Cheques to the beneficiaries, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, maintained that the era of civil servants working and dying without enjoying their gratuities and pensions are over.”You have laboured in the service of our dear state, you must also enjoy the fruits of your labour”, he declared.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said that notwithstanding the gloomy pictures on ground when he came to power, he has consistently kept faith with all the promises he made to the people of Gombe State.
” Our administration inherited a backlog of over N21bn gratuities for both the State and LGA retirees from the past administration. State pensions obligation was over 14bn while LGA was over 7bn bringing a total of over N21bn in 2019″.
He said that as at today, his administration has paid State Pensioners their 2014, 2015, 2016 and today 2017 entitlements, disclosing that the total payout for state retirees including today’s payment stands at N6.6bn.
” As for the LGA retirees who have not been paid in 11 years, the 11 LGA’s will today begin payment of a total of N1.3bn. Payment period ranges between 1 and 4 years depending on their financial capacities. The LGA’s will continue to reduce their backlogs as their finances improve”.
“The State retirees were last paid in 2013 while LGA retirees were last paid in 2011. This means that the last administration only paid 2 years gratuity to state workers while the LGA were only paid 6 months throughout the 8-year tenure of the last administration” .
Governor Inuwa revealed that the total gratuity payment by his administration as at today stands at N7.9bn.
” I believe this fulfils my promise that I will not owe a year of gratuity during my years as Governor. And Insha Allah, I feel fulfilled that I have kept my promise. And that this promise is being fulfilled to retirees who served diligently, loyally and meritoriously is a great joy to my conscience”, he said joyfully.
Governor Inuwa said he and his team are firm believers of integrity in governance.
” When we came to power, we promised the ordinary people; the down trodden that we will make life easier and better for them. We said we will provide quality education, good health care delivery system. We must not shy away from taking our responsibilities. The ordinary people are part of us.We must not leave anybody behind. We must work in tandem.We must all work together in collaboration”, Governor Inuwa said.
He called for the the cooperation of the citizens for his administration to be able to serve them better, even as he admonished civil servants and politicians to live a life of sacrifice and sincerity.
“When we came in in 2019, we inherited a very sad situation.But today, the remarkable progress we have been able to make is available for all to see”, he said.
The Governor also encouraged the Local Governments to be creative in their respective areas, maintaining that “the state government has given them free hands to operate. But they must produce good results for the people to benefit”.
“Going forward I want to advise that all the local government should go and sit down with Nulge and NLC..and do a review of how they will survive.The public institution must work, the public schools must work the public hospitals must work. The retirees must not be allowed to suffer. When the public institutions work, you pay less and enjoy more.The public system belongs to everybody.The population is increasing by the day,the future looks bleak”.
“In Gombe State, all local government are autonomous, but administratively me must monitor. We are operating democracy but if you have local governments who will go and spend all your money how do we explain that. Election is coming I hope you will keep your eyes open and do the needful.You must work hard and sacrifice”, he concluded.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, who sharedhis experience as a retired Customs officer, praised Governor Yahaya’s sincerity of purpose in keeping his promises to the senior citizens who have served in the state.
He said that in the last three and a half years, it has been good news for retirees in the state.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo maintained that all the local government councils in Gombe state now have positive balances in their accounts which makes it possible for them to pay salaries, pensions, gratuities and other entitlements as at when due as against the ugly trend before the coming of the present administration.
He revealed that before the inception of the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, local government councils had to take bank loans to pay workers salaries.
The Chairman of Pensions and Gratuity Disbursement Committee, Muhammad Buba Gombe extolled the virtues of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, saying “that apart from being methodical in his admistrative style, the Governor is also a conscientious administrator who means well for his people and employs a good follow up mechanism to ensure that everyone gets what is due to him or her.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Yakubu Kala Hinna explained that the retirees are full of appreciation for Governor Inuwa’s faithfulness in payment of their benefits as he promised them, assuring of their unflinching support and that of their families towards his second term bid.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe.
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has commiserated with the family of elder statesman, Dr. Joshua Maina over the death of Architect Leslie Phanuel Maina, a Director in the state civil service.
In a condolence message, Governor Inuwa described the deceased as a seasoned technocrat, hard working administrator and fine gentleman who devoted his time, energy and resourcefulness to the service of his State, community and humanity in general.
He noted that the late Lesile Maina had demonstrated competence and exhibited wonderful character throughout his career in the state civil service, and in particular, the Ministry of Youths Development where he served as a Director until his demise.
The Governor enjoined Dr. Joshua Maina and through him, all members of the grieving family to take solace in the fact that the late Architect Leslie lived a life of selfless service to the State and his community worthy of emulation.
He also conveyed his commiserations to entire staff of the Ministry of Youths, the Tangale community, as well as friends and associates of the deceased, praying the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and comfort those he left behind.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, was earlier on Thursday represented by the State Commissioner of Youths Development, Abubakar Musa at the committal service for the deceased at the ECWA Gospel Galilee Church, Tunfure where he paid a glowing tribute to the late Maina.
Aged 57, the late Architect Leslie Phanuel Maina died at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe after a brief illness.
The deceased is survived by a wife, 3 children and relations; among them Dr Joshua Maina, an APC elder in the state.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has condoled with the Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rashid, CON and the entire people of the emirate over the demise of Bunun Dukku, Alhaji Usman Rashid.
The late Bunu, died yesterday at the age of 90 and has since been buried according to Islamic injunctions.
Governor Inuwa led government officials, APC stalwarts and his associates to attend the funeral prayer ( Janazah) for the deceased held at the Central Mosque, Emir’s Palace, Dukku.
While commiserating with the royal family, Governor Inuwa described the late Bunu as an illustrious son, upright father, community leader and respected elder statesman who lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
He said the death of the raditional title holder and senior emirate council member is a great loss, not only to Dukku emirate but the state and the nation in general.
The Governor, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, urging them to keep alive the wonderful legacies of dignity and honour he left behind.
He also prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.
On the Governor’s entourage were the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Director General, APC Campaign Council, Barrister Zubairu Muhammad Umar, Commissioners, party chieftains: Dr. Jamilu Isiyaka Gwamna, Dr. Bala Bello Tinka, Alh. Abubakar Sherif among others.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sworn-in Caretaker Committee Chairmen for the 11 Local Government Councils of the state to fill the leadership vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the executive chairmen on December 21, 2022.
The governor also administered oath of office on two permanent secretaries and two special advisers.
He explained that the appointment of the caretaker committee chairmen for the 11 LG councils was made to bridge the leadership vacuum created and to fulfil the constitutional requirements as provided in section 9, sub-section 3 and Section 79 sub-section 3 of the state’s Local Government Council amendment law, 2013 and the state’s Independent Electoral Commission amendment law 2013 as reference for the appointment.
He said the appointment of the officials as caretaker committee chairmen was done based on the exceptional track record and performance of the appointees’ as elected chairmen in the past two years in their respective Local Governments.
He noted that over the past three and a half years, his administration has delivered on promises made and shown strong commitments towards addressing the development challenges affecting the state.
“Through innovative partnership with local government councils, we delivered people- oriented projects across all the facets of human development, cutting across road infrastructures, education, agriculture, healthcare delivery, environment etc which attracted commendation from within and outside the country. Our administration is committed to doing even more” , he assured.
Governor Inuwa charged the new appointees to bring forth their wealth of expirience and expertise in serving the people of the state, calling on them to remain prudent and God fearing in their service.
“As seasoned politicians and administrators, we are going to count on your track record of service and political experience to deliver victory to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels in the forthcoming general elections.”
He warned them against corruption, poor performance and recklessness, maintaining that his administration will not condone any behavior that could undermine its efforts to making the lives of people of the state better.
The appointed Caretaker Committee Chairmen are: Abubakar Usman Barambu – Akko LGA, Garba Umar Garus – Balanga LGA, Margret Bitrus – Billiri LGA, Jamilu Ahmed Shabewa – Dukku LGA, Ibrahim Adamu Cheldu – Funakaye LGA, Aliyu Usman Haruna – Gombe LGA, Faruk Aliyu Umar – Kaltungo LGA, Ibrahim Buba – Kwami LGA, Salisu Shu’aibu Dendele – Nafada LGA, Yohanna Nahari – Shongom LGA, Garba Usman – Yamaltu/Deba LGA.
The two permanent secretaries inaugurated are Salisu Sambo from Akko LGA and Jidaya Abba from Billiri LGA while the Special Advisers were Haruna Mohammed Samanja and Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde.
Inuwa said the appointment of the advisors comes at a time when their services are needed the most, urging them to use their political dexterity to aid the success of his administration and the APC candidates at all levels.
In the spirit of equity, fairness and political balance, the governor also sworn-in two new permanent secretaries to make up for the retired permanent secretaries in two local governments, thereby making every local government have equal representation in the top bureaucracy of the state.
The newly sworn in permanent secretaries are: Salisu Adamu Sambo from Akko Local Government and Jidaya Abba from Billiri Local Government.
The governor said the appointments of the new perm secs is informed by their dedication to service and commitment to duties, assuring that his administration will continue to improve the standard of civil service in the state.
He said, “Our Administration is committed to improving the welfare of our civil servants and this is demonstrated by our various reform policies and programmes that we initiated in order to strengthen capacity and improve productivity of our civil servants”.
The governor used the occasion to call on traditional rulers, community leaders and all stakeholders to sensitise public on the need for peaceful conduct during the 2023 general elections.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njoɗi commended the governor for his doggedness, commitment and open door policies in serving people of the state.
He described the Governor as the best gift for Gombe State, urging the people to continue to rally round him in the interest of consolidation of the gains of his stewardship.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, Speaker and members of Gombe State House of Assembly, leadership of the APC, heads of security agencies, top government functionaries, traditional rulers and religious leaders among others.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe.
…Galvanizes Standard Bearers, Party Faithful To Lead APC To Resounding Victory
…Balanga Rolls Out Drums To Welcome Governor Inuwa
It was Canival-like in Balanga Local Government Area as constituents in Balanga North and South rolled out their ancestoral drums to welcome Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya who visited the Tallasse and Bambam to present flags to the All Progressives Congress, APC candidates for the state house of assembly.
For the second time in less than one month, Governor Inuwa Yahaya was in the Local Government Area to yet again galvanise support for the APC through the presentation flags to State House of Assembly Candidates for Balanga North and South constituencies ahead of 2023 general elections.
In Bambam, where the APC train first berthed, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in company of his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, top officials of the APC in the state, presented the flag to the standard bearer of the Party for Balanga South Constituency, Isa’ac Lamido.
Speaking shortly after the presentation ceremony, the Governor told the mammoth crowd of party faithful and well wishers in Bambam that the symbolic exercise involving State Assembly candidates is in fulfilment of a directive of the national leadership of the of the APC that leaders of the party in each of the states carry out such mandate.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya charged the candidate, APC stakeholders and supporters of the party in Balanga South Constituency to be resolute in canvassing for votes and goodwill from the electorate for an across the board victory of the APC.
The Governor assured the people of his administration’s commitment to continue to improve on their living standards through policies and programmes that have direct bearing on their lives.
He said his administration has done so much across all sectors, hence he stressed the need for more support to consolidate on the gains so far recorded by the APC led government in the state.
In Talasse, the headquarters of Balanga Local Government Area, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in like manner, presented the party’s flag to Comrade Musa Buba, the APC standard bearer for Balanga North State Constituency.
The Governor challenged Hon. Buba to lead the APC’s political battle in the Constituency to victory from the front in view of the party’s credentials and pedigree in social, economic and infrastructural development.
He also promised more people- oriented projects and directed the immediate rehabilitation of Bambam Central Primary and Junior Secondary Schools which are in a dilapidated state.
The Governor and his campaign team who were received in both Bambam and Tallasse towns by mammoth crowds of supporters also had consultative interactions with stakeholders in the areas.
In their separate remarks, the flag bearer of Balanga South Isa’ac Lamido and his counterpart in the Balanga North, Comrade Musa Buba assured Governor Inuwa Yahaya of their unwavering commitment to ensure that the APC emerges victorious at the end of the electioneering exercise.
They cited numerous projects executed by Governor Inuwa in Balanga LGA, especially the Reme- Dong road, healthcare facilities, blocks of classrooms among others, saying “we must reciprocate this gesture with our votes “.
Like the Governor, the candidates appealed to their constituents to ensure the collection of their permanent voters register without which they cannot exercise their franchise.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe.
The Secretary to the State Government SSG,Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi has enjoined staff under his office to work assiduously towards achieving set objectives of Government.
The SSG stated when he led staff of his office to a brief but historic farewell ceremony for Muhammed Umar who retired recently after 35 years of meticulous service as a Permanent Secretary Special Services and Political matters in Gombe State Civil Service.
Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi congratulated the retired Permanent Secretary for his unspoted record of service calling on staff to emulate his discreet and prudent human and resource management acumen.
He called on Muhammed Umar to consider giving him and other staff he left behind support in terms of administrative assistance whenever the need arises given his depository wealth of experience.
Professor Ibrahim Njodi who described Muhammed Umar as humble, dedicated, committed and hardworking man with a sense of team work further prayed Allah to fully restore his health and the family the grace to continue supporting him as always.
In his response, Muhammed Umar appreciated the SSG and the entire office staff for according him the needed support and encouragement in the course of his service years.
He thanked the Almighty Allah for the enablement to work for the mandatory 35 years with unblemished record and called on workers in the state Civil service to imbibe the culture of hard-work and prudent management of resources under their care.
The farewell ceremony which took place at the former Permanent Secretary’s residence in Federal Low-cost Gombe was witnessed by Senior Special Assistant Media Mr. Jack A. Tasha and his counterpart on Women Mobilization Finney David directors, deputy directors and staff of SSGs office.
The ceremony featured presentation of gifts to the celebrant and his family in appreciation of the retirees enormous contribution to the development of his state and country.
Joshua Danmalam information officer SSGs office. 16/1/23
It was a moment of fun and excitement when graduands of Set 84 of Central Primary School Gombe now, Hassan Central Primary school met for the first time after close to four decades in a convergence tagged “Reunion/Annual general meeting” held at the school premises Monday 27/12/22.
Organisers of the meeting say the convergence was put together to thank God for keeping them this far, exchange pleasantries while recalling the good old days as pupils.
In an address of welcome, the Acting chairman of set ’84 Alhaji Adamu Isa said the leadership deem it necessary to organized the reunion Dinner/ Annual general meeting in order bring its classmates under one canopy to equally offer prayers for deceased teachers and its members and to thank God for keeping them alive.
He also stressed the need for members of set 84 to be their brothers keeper by supporting one another especially the needy ones among them as well as giving back to their almamata by supporting the school where necessary so that the younger generation will get better education which is the bedrock of any society.
The meeting which unanimously endorsed the continuity of the care taker committee officials also resolved to be supportive to the School and also to members wherever the need arises.
In their separate goodwill messages some teachers present at the meeting express gratitude to the Almighty God and organisers of the reunion meeting for deeming it necessary to create a platform where set 84 of Hassan Central Primary school met after 37 years.
They equally thanked the Almighty God for sparing the lives of many members of set 84 in which most of them have excel in their different field of endeavours.
Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of gifts to the teachers in appreciation of their tutelage.
In the spirit of the Christmas season the Secretary to the Gombe State Government Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi has distributed bags of rice to APC leaders and support groups in Gombe South Senatorial District.
According to Njodi the gesture is aimed at extending Love and Sacrifice for which Christmas Examplifies.
Speaking at the distribution exercise which took place at the country home of the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, the APC Zonal chairman South Musa Wali observed that the gesture is a personification of Professor Njodi’s magnanimity to supporters of the party in particular and humanity in General.
Musa Wali called on politicians within his sphere of influence to emulate the generosity of Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi so that party leaders and supporters will not have to pile unnecessary pressure on the giving few.
The Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC in Balanga Local Government Area Ali Kachalla said the gesture will go a long way to cushion the effect out of pocket spending for many who inundated by the harsh economic reality.
He then commended Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi for his milk of human kindness.
Some women group leaders say the gesture could not have come at a time when the prices of food especially rice is way beyond the reach of the common man.
Joshua Danmalam information officer SSGs Office. 24/12/22
…Gombe Governor Promises Consolidation Of Democracy Dividends, As Party Stalwarts, Others Remain Upbeat Of Resounding Victory
…APC Receives Thousands of Defectors From PDP, NNPP, Others
Ahead of the 2023 general election, the campaign train of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya was at the savannah plains of Kwami East to canvas for support from voters in the area.
Kwami East comprises of Doho, Malam Sidi, Kwami, Malleri, Jurara and Daban Fulani wards.
The Governor’s campaign train was greeted by jubilant crowd in all the areas visited as APC supporters and defectors from the PDP remained upbeat in the ability of the ruling party in state to deliver a resounding victory for all APC candidates.
Addressing APC supporters in the 6 wards visited, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said he has substantially delivered on campaign promises made to the people while seeking their mandate in 2019.
The Governor noted that the Kwami Local Government Area fell into the fold of his administration’s efforts to deliver on projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people.
He therefore called on the people of Kwami East to vote for all aspirants of the All Progressive Congress in the forthcoming general election from top to bottom in the interest of continuity in the provision of the dividends of democracy.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya was equally at the Palace of the Senior District Head of Kwami where he made with district and ward heads. Elder Statesman and Sarkin Bai of Gombe presided over the session.
He praised the Governor for his cosmopolitan approach to issues regarding the social, economic and infrastructural development of the State.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya had earlier intimated the traditional leadership in Kwami District and party faithful that his administration is more than ever poised to continue to churn out policies, programmes and projects that will better the lots of the people. He said despite some challenges, his administration was able to execute numerous projects in Kwami LGA and other parts of the state, to include construction of roads, hospitals, schools among others.
The Senator Representing Gombe North Senatorial District, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, while speaking at the rally, explained that Governor Inuwa Yahaya have done marvelously in advancing the course of the people of the state through execution of quality projects that encourage human capital development.
He said a renewed mandate for the All Progressive Congress APC in the state and country is by no less a mandate for sustainable economic growth and development.
The campaign coordinator of Tinubu/Shettima in Gombe State, Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna appealed to voters to elect the APC from top to bottom so that the bounties associated with oil exploitation in the state and Governor Inuwa’s landmark initiatives cannot be truncated.
Other speakers who shared same sentiment with previous speakers included the Director-General of the APC campaign Council, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar, Dr Bala Bello Tinka, a leading figure in Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s march to victory among others.
At all the wards visited, thousands of PDP members and some NNPP supporters who defected to the APC were formally received.
Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House Gombe
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