NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Bishop allegedly rapes assistant pastor at Lekki

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By Adenike Ayodele

A 23-year-old assistant pastor on Tuesday told an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court how a bishop, Daniel Oluwafeyiropo, allegedly raped her twice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oluwafeyiropo is standing trial on an amended three-count-charge bordering on rape and sexual assault, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The assistant pastor (name withheld) testified for the prosecution at the bishop’s trial.

She was led in evidence by Lagos State counsel, Mr Babajide Boye.

She told the court that she was an assistant pastor of 1 Reign Christian Ministry founded by the bishop.

She said that she knew the bishop on May 28, 2018, when her friend invited her for a church programme at which the bishop ministered, at Akungba, Akoko in Ondo State.

She said that the programme was tagged “Strictly Supernatural”.

According to her, she subsequently became a member of the church and rose to the position of an assistant pastor.

She said that Pastor Boluwatishe Oladejo took over from Pastor Toyosi Bamise as the Lead Pastor then.

The witness told the court that the bishop, who she regarded as her spiritual father, raped her at his residence on Ikota Villa Estate, Lekki, Lagos State, on June 21, 2020.

The witness said: “I was listening to Pastor Chris’s message when bishop came to the three-seater chair I was sitting on and told me to go naked.

“For the fear of what happened a day before, I went naked, and bishop locked the door, increased the volume of the television and went naked also.

“He pinned me to the chair and raped me. He was bigger than me.”

The witness said that she appealed to the bishop to leave her but he did not.

“He threatened that I would run mad if I should tell anyone; so, I was in the guest room till the following day.

“On June 22, I sent a message to Pastor Boluwatishe and informed him that I had been raped,” the alleged victim testified.

She also told the court that the bishop did not allow her to go out of the house after the first alleged rape.

“He sent the gateman anytime I needed anything. It was at this time that it was dawn on me that this man is a rapist.

“For my safety, I was acting stupid and acted as if I did not tell anyone.

“I was in the room when he came again and said he wanted to have sex but I refused.

“He was very angry; so, I told him I had tears from the previous sexual violation,” she testified.

The witness said that, on June 23, 2020, the bishop also told her that he wanted to have sex with her.

“He said I should count it as a privilege that he had sex with me because many people would love to have sex with him.

“I told him I had someone I was dating.

“That same morning of June 23, he took off my dress and raped me again in the sitting room.

“He told me I would die if I should tell anyone. I bled a second time because of the forceful entry,” she said.

She earlier told the court that the bishop called her on phone on June 5, 2020, saying that it was her turn to come with some other pastors to his house at Lekki, Lagos State.

She added that, on June 19, when she got to the house, the bishop came out from his room and told her that she had a query to answer.

She testified that the bishop told her that she would transcribe his message entitled “Fulfilling My Ministry”.

She said: “The following day, on June 20, only the bishop and I were left in the house after other pastors had left.

“The bishop told me to go on a three-hour prayer work around the estate but I came back 30 minutes before the three hours elapsed, due to rain.

“He questioned why I returned earlier, and I told him that it was due to rainfall.

“I was seated on a couch that same day listening to Pastor Chris’s message when the bishop walked up to me from the dining section and made comments on the teaching I was listening to.”

She testified that the bishop thereafter told her to pull off her clothe but didn’t rape her.

“He said he wanted to know my loyalty and see If I had finally submitted to him.

“I told him I could do anything for him but sex. He tried kissing me but I stopped him; then, he slapped me.

“He ordered me to wear back my clothe, saying that I disappointed him,” the witness said.

She testified that on June 24, 2020, the bishop told her to clean up the house.

“That was when Sister Faith and Pastor Toyosi came to the house.

“I tried to talk to Pastor Toyosi but bishop did not give me a breathing space until he travelled to Ghana and I went home.”

The alleged survivor also told the court that the defendant sent N5,000 to her from Ghana to treat herself because of the tears she had.

“He got back to Nigeria with his two children and wife, and when the wife asked why I could not walk well, bishop told her I contacted a disease from toilet.

“He came to meet me about 3.30 a.m. in the guest room and brought out a rod for me to swear with, that I would run mad if I should tell anyone that he raped me, which I did out of fear.

“He took me to First City Hospital, Lekki, where Dr Tina Clement, a member of the church attended to me, ran some tests, gave me drugs and sent the results to him.

“When the doctor asked what happened to me, bishop told me to tell her I was raped by my friend, and he was with me throughout the tests,” she said.

NAN reports that a computer printout of chats between her and the defendant was admitted in evidence.

NAN also reports that Oluwafeyiropo is also alleged to have had sexual intercourse with one other person and sexually assaulted another, aged 19 years, by forcefully sucking her breasts.

According to Lagos State Government, which is prosecuting the case, the alleged offences contravene Sections 260(2) and 263 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Justice Ramon Oshodi adjourned the case until May 24 for cross-examination of the witness and continuation of trial. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Effective implementation of Criminal Justice Act top FG’s priority – Malami

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By Ebere Agozie

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) says the effective implementation of the Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 remains one of the priorities of the Federal Government in the area of Justice delivery.

Malami said this on Wednesday at a two-day workshop on ACJA 2015 for Police Prosecutors In North Central Zone, organised by the federal ministry of Justice in Abuja.

He said the ministry as a leading stakeholder in the administration of justice will continue to support stakeholders to ensure that the reformation of the justice sector aligns with the international best practice.

“The essential elements of the ACJA 2015 focused on the abolition of stay of proceedings; effective case management by trial courts; witness protection, and sentencing guidelines among others.

“The act has added some new innovations such as the establishment of a sex offender registry in the federal capital territory.

“Upon the conviction of a sex offender, the offender’s particulars shall be entered into the sex offenders register”.

Malami noted that other innovations in the bill just passed by the senate include: abolition of trial within trial which delayed criminal proceedings, filing of witness deposition to promote speedy trial and they would help enhance criminal justice in Nigeria.

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Usman Akali in his speech have police’s commitments to the effective implementation of the Act.

The I-G who was represented by David Igbodo, the Commissioner of Police in Charge of the legal department said the police is very much committed to ensuring the effective dispensation of justice in Nigeria.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Tony Ojukwu also in his speech promised to assist the police with the necessary skills and knowledge that are aimed at promoting the rule of law. (NAN)

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

HURIWA lauds FG for protecting Nigerian employees at Seplat Energy

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By Taiye Agbaje
The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) has commended the Federal Government (FG) for protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers at Seplat Energy PLC.
HURIWA hailed the Federal Ministry of Interior for investigating and sanctioning Seplat’s Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown, over alleged racist practices, discrimination against Nigerian workers and favouring of expatriate workers, by revoking his visa, work and resident permits.
The National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated this in a statement to mark the International Workers’ Day in Abuja.
The civil rights advocacy organisation said no Nigerian should be made to suffer such humiliation on his or her own soil.
The group, however, frowned at the reported withdrawal of the four-court criminal charge against the company, Mr Brown; its Board Chairman, Mr. Basil Omiyi, and six others in relation to the alleged breach of the Nigerian Immigration Act 2015.
HURIWA said that if it was okay for the UK government to put a serving Nigerian Senator, Ike Ekweremadu, through trial without bail in a “clearly bailable offence,” there was nothing wrong in trying a UK citizen for the violation of Nigerian laws.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FG had, in March, revoked the immigration documents of Brown, citing racist practices and breach of Immigration Laws and Regulations.
The Ministry of Interior, in a letter written on March 3, read in part: “I write to inform you that the ministry is in receipt of a petition from the solicitor to the concerned workers and stakeholders of Seplat Energy PLC, accusing Mr. Rogers Thomson Brown, the CEO of the companies of various allegations.”
The company, however, announced recently that the FG had withdrawn and discontinued the charges.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TOA/SH
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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

N30bn suit: Court grants ARCON leave to serve summons on Facebook owners

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By Mufutau Ojo

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), leave to serve writ of summons on Meta Platform, social media giant and owners of Facebook.

The court gave the nod pursuant to an application by ARCON in a pending N30 billion suit against the social media giant for violation of the extant advertising laws of Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the writ is to be served at the United States corporate headquarters of Meta which also owns Instagram,  Messenger and WhatsApp social media platforms.

While Meta is the first defendant in the suit, AT3 Resources Limited is the second defendant.

ARCON is seeking a declaration that the publication  of various advertisements and marketing communications materials targeted at Nigeria through Meta’s platforms without prior vetting and approval by Advertising Standards Panel is illegal.

The regulatory body also claimed that the act disregarded Nigerian culture,  constitutional tenets, moral values and religious sensitivity of citizens.

ARCON is, therefore, seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their privies, agents, servants and associates from publishing any advertising or marketing communications materials without recourse to ARCON in line with the country’s advertising law.

It is also seeking N30 billion in fines  and sanctions for the continued violations and infractions of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Coy seeks compensation over alleged N86m car supply deal

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By Taiye Agbaje
A company, Tripple C Motors Nigeria Ltd, has sued Pagmat Oil and Gas Nig. Ltd, Prudential Steps Savings & Loan and a new generation bank over allegations bordering on N86 million car supply deal.
A writ of summons issued by the company’s lawyer, Ojonimi Apeh, against the defendants was filed pursuant to Order 2, Rule 2(6) of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja (Civil Procedure Rules) 2018.
The plaintiff sought compensation in respect of the N86 million car supply deal.
The matter which came up for mention at the High Court of the FCT, Kuje, on Thursday, was adjourned until June 21 for hearing.
The trial Judge, Justice C. E. Nwecheonwu, adjourned the matter having discovered that Pagmat Oil and Gas Nig. Ltd (the 2nd defendant) had not been served with the court processes.
However, Apeh, who appeared for the plaintiff, assured the court that he would file an ex parte application for the defendant to be served by substituted means.
The matter was consequently adjourned for continuation of hearing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiff, a Kano-based car dealer, is claiming against the defendants jointly and severally, the sum of over N40 million as compensation for unlawful withholding of its money for a period of 43 months.
Tripple-C Motors wants the court to declare that “the refusal and failure of the defendants to pay it the sum of ₦86million for supply of cars it made at the instance of the defendants.
The company alleged that the deal resulted in the loss of profits/earnings to the claimant in the sum of at least N4.3million per month for a period of 43 months cumulating loss of at least N34,400,000.00 (Thirty-Four Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira) only for that period and thereby rendering the defendants liable to the claimant in damages.
“An order directing the defendant to pay the claimant the sum of N34,400,000.00 (Thirty-Four Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira) only as projected returns and/or loss of anticipated profits/earnings. 20 percent interest on the judgment sum per month from the date of judgment until the judgment debt is fully liquidated.
“An order directing the defendants to pay the claimant the sum of ₦6,000,000.00 (Six Million Naira) only as cost of this suit,” among others..
In a statement of claims, the claimant averred that the vehicles were only delivered based on the fact that the Block Funds/Irrevocable Standing Order, dated Dec. 20, 2018 was issued by the bank’s Utako branch manager and handed to Dr. Adamu Kukuri, the claimant’s director.
The claimant further averred that upon the expiration of 30 banking days after delivery of the seven vehicles, no money was paid into her account with Zenith Bank Plc as agreed to and undertaken in the Block Funds/Irrevocable Standing Order.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Judge didn’t order retrial of Fani-Kayode in Abuja court, lawyer clarifies

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By Taiye Agbaje
Mrs Patience Omoike-Mark, counsel to former Minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, on Thursday stated that a Federal High Court (FHC) sitting in Lagos did not order the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to file fresh charges against him and others.
Omoike-Mark said that Justice Daniel Osiagor, instead, declared that the suit no longer had life before the court following a Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal’s judgment quashing the case.
The lawyer, who gave the clarification in a statement she signed on Thursday in Abuja, also made available to newsmen a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling delivered by the judge to that effect.
Media reports had claimed that a FHC in Lagos had ordered that exhibits and documents in a suit marked: FHC/L/251C/16, filed by the EFCC against former Minister of State for Finance, Nenandi Usman, Fani-Kayode and others be released back to the commission to enable it file fresh charges against the defendants in the Abuja division of the court.
But reacting, Omoike-Mark refuted the media reports, saying that the court only directed that documents and exhibits filed in the course of the trial be returned to parties in the case.
“We refer to case number FHC/L/251C/16, FRN vs NENADI ESTHER USMAN & 3 ORS.
“The matter, wherein we represent the 2nd defendant (Fani-Kayode), came up on the 25th of April, 2023.
“The court was informed of the judgment of the Court of Appeal quashing the charge in the Federal High Court, Lagos over lack of jurisdiction.
“And after counsel applied for their documents in the matter, the court, in abiding by the decision of the Court of Appeal, ordered that documents belonging to parties in the suit be released to them.
“What this implied is that all parties, including Chief Fani-Kayode, should have access to their documents.
“The court struck out the suit from its own docket since it no longer has jurisdiction to hear it,” she said.
The lawyer said that the clarification became necessary to let the Nigerian public know the truth.
“As at today, there is no case in respect of these charges in the court against our client and after seven years of prosecution.
We are not only grateful to the courts for administering justice in a fair and just manner, but we are also overjoyed at the fact that what can only be described as yet another seven-year ordeal has been brought to an end.
“Despite their loss at the Court of Appeal last week and the decision of the Court of Appeal Judges to quash all the charges, if the EFCC deems it fit to go to an Abuja court after seven years of unsuccessfully prosecuting the same matter in Lagos, that is their prerogative.
“Whatever they choose to do, as at now, the matter is completely dead. They have lost the case; the charges have been quashed and the matter has been thrown out,” she said.
She said that the team had applied for the CTC of the Appeal Court judgement and that this would be made available to the public as soon as it is received.
Meanwhile, a CTC of Justice Osiagor’s ruling marked: FHC/L/251C/16 delivered on Tuesday but made available to newsmen by the lawyer on Thursday reads in part:
“The court, having noted that the Court of Appeal has announced the death of this case in this jurisdiction.
“It is hereby ordered that all exhibits or documents of the parties be returned to them.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Court of Appeal in Lagos had, on April 20, quashed charges of misappropriation of N4.6 billion and money laundering brought against Mrs Usman, alongside Fani-Kayode, a former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Yusuf Danjuma, and a company, Jointrust Dimensions Nigeria Ltd.
The decision followed an appeal filed by Mrs Usman against the lower court on jurisdictional grounds.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Court declares Ararume’s sack as NNPCL chairman illegal

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By Wandoo Sombo

The Federal High Court, Abuja has declared the sack of Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume by the Federal Government as Non-Executive Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as illegal and unlawful.

Delivering judgment in the matter on Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo, said that his removal was unconstitutional and as such the court restored him as the Non- Executive Chairman of the company with full benefits.

The judge also awarded N5 billion against the federal government and NNPCL in favour of Ararume as damages for what he suffered on account of the wrongful sack and disruption of his appointment.

Justice Ekwo ordered that Ararume be immediately restored to office as non Executive Chairman of the NNPCL.

The court also declared as null and void and set aside all decisions that were taken by the Board of Directors of the NNPCL after Ararume’s sack.

The court said that the government acted ultra vires, wrongful, illegal, null and void in the way and manner Ararume was sacked after using his name to register the company.

Justice Ekwo in the judgment agreed that under Section 63 of the Company and Allied Matters Act, (CAMA), the president was vested with powers to remove directors of the organization but held that the powers were not at large.

The judge said that the law clearly stipulated conditions under which directors of the NNPCL could be sacked, adding that a breach of the stipulated conditions would automatically make any purported sack unlawful.

In the instant case, the judge said that the federal government’s letter of Jan. 17, 2022 signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), did not give any reason why Ararume was removed.

The court said that the issue of contract fraud raised in the processes filed by the NNPCL casting doubts on the character, integrity and reputation of Ararume was an afterthought as such facts were not adduced in the letter that removed him.

Justice Ekwo said it was bad enough that the NNPCL claimed to have obtained the alleged contract fraud against Ararume from an on-line media, adding that no probate value could be attached to such information by any court.

The judge said even if the allegations were to be made in the proper way, the plaintiff would have been confronted with same and be allowed to defend himself as required by law.

He added that anything short of that amounted to denial of fair hearing which he said was against natural justice.

The judge restrained the government from removing Ararume as a director of the NNPCL and that his name must also not be removed as Non- Executive Chairman of the organisation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ararume dragged the federal government to court praying it to declare his removal as NNPCL chairman illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.

He also asked the court to declare that it was a total breach of the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) under which NNPCL was incorporated.

Besides asking the court to issue an order to return him to office, Ararume demanded N100 billion as compensation for the damages he suffered nationally and internationally by the unlawful way and manner he was sacked.

The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/691/2022 was instituted on his behalf by a group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) comprising Messrs Chris Uche, Ahmed Raji, Mahmud Magaji, James Onoja, K.C Nwufor and Gordy Uche.

Ararume had prayed for an order of the court setting aside his removal vide a letter of Jan. 17, 2022 with reference number SGF.3V111/86.

He also sought an order of court reinstating him and restoring him to office with all the appurtenant rights and privileges of the office of the NNPC non Executive Chairman.

He further demanded for the nullification and setting aside of all decisions and resolutions of the NNPC Board made in his absence from Jan. 17, 2022 till date and another order restraining the defendants from removing his name as director of the company.

NAN reports that earlier, the judge refused to acknowledge the presence of Mr Ibrahim Shafi who announced his appearance on behalf of NNPCL.

” I will not record your appearance because you walked out of the court.

“I will only record your appearance by leave of court because the court is not a market place where you walk out and return at will,” the judge said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Court remands man for alleged attempt to kill his sister

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By Emmanuel Antswen

A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi on Thursday ordered that a 59-year-old man, Kelvin Iorfa, be remanded in a correction centre, pending legal advice.

The police charged Iorfa with assault and attempted culpable homicide.

The Magistrate, Mrs Roseline Iyorshe, did not take the plea of Iorfa for  want in jurisdiction.

Iyorshe ordered the police to return the case file to the Benue Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

She adjourned the case until June 8, for further mention.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Godwin Ato told the court that the case was reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Makurdi by Jenkies Shade of KM 4 Gboko Road, Makurdi on April 11.

Ato alleged that on April 10,  Shade reported that Iorfa ruthlessly brutalised his older sister,  Nguwasen of Clerk Quarters, Makurdi.
“He hit her with an object on her head and other sensitive parts of her body until she became unconscious,” the prosecutor said.
Following the petition, the prosecutor told the court that police detectives arrested Iorfa and he confessed to the crime.
He said the offence contravenes the provisions of Sections 266 and 230 of the Penal Code Law of Benue State 2004.
The prosecutor, who said investigation into the matter was still ongoing, prayed for an adjournment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Sadiya Hamza

Driver docked over alleged manslaughter

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By Moronke Boboye

A 45- year-old man, Bayo Oluyomi, on Tuesday appeared in an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court charged with manslaughter.

Oluyomi, a driver who resides at 48, Dipo Akindele Street, Otta, Ogun, is facing a one-count charge of manslaughter.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Rapheal Donny told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 6, along Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.

Donny said that the defendant drove in a reckless manner and knocked down a pedestrian, Miss Tolulope Ogunkorede who died on the spot.

He said that the offence contravened Section 52 of the Road Traffic Laws of Lagos State, 2018.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. A. Odubayo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Odubayo adjourned the case until April 26 for mention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Azubuike Okeh/Ejike Obeta

Katsina senator-elect, Yar’Adua promises to deliver on campaign promises

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By Taiye Agbaje

Abdul’aziz Yar’Adua, the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Senator-elect for Katsina Central Senatorial District, has promised to deliver his campaign promises to the people of the zone.

Yar’Adua, who toured the 11 local government areas that constitute his senatorial district, said the visit was to thank them for the election victory.

The statement was made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja by Mr Abubakar Umar, a legal practitioner and member of the APC in the state.

Yar’Adua said the visit was to show appreciation to the people on behalf of the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu; Katsina State Governor-elect, Dr Dikko Radda and his humble self.

“The tour, which started on Tuesday, 28th of March to Saturday, 1st of April, 2023 across the local governments, was to express gratitude and appreciation to the people who stood firm to see that the APC emerged victorious in the just-concluded elections and to assure them of our commitments in making sure that the campaign promises are prioritised.

“The tour involved meeting with traditional rulers, party EXCOS and stakeholders from each local government,” he said.

The senator-elect, a retired Lt.-Col. in the army and younger brother to late President Umaru Yar’Adua, said it was imperative for him to visit his constituents just as he did before the elections to let them know that they had made the right choice.

“We will do everything within our capacity to see that your concerns are taken care of, especially the issue of banditry that has destabilised the peace in the state.

“The President-elect Alhaji Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Katsina Governor-elect Dr. Dıkko Umar Radda and myself have Issue of insecurity as one of our top most priorities,” he said.

On his part, Umar said the visit was a tip of the iceberg out of what the lawmaker-elect had in store for the people.

According to him, hopefully, this practice of holding townhall meetings will be a continuous one as it afford the people the opportunity to interact with their elected representatives and voice their concerns.

Sani Baba, a resident of Batsari Local Government in the state, thanked the senator-elect for the engagement.

Baba, a 45-year-old farmer, said Yar’Adua’s visit was the first time any elected official would ever embarked on such a tour to show appreciation to the electorate.

“This shows that the newly elected government is serious with its campaign promises and the people can count on them,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senatör-elect was awarded a certificate of merit at Kaita Local Government Area by representative of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Aliyu Kaita.

Other party members in company of Yar’Adua include Mr Usman Banye, member-elect representing Rimi, Batagarawa and Charanchi; Hon. Mu’azu Tsagero; Alhaji Tanimu Gwarzo and Alhaji Abdullahi Moda. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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