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Katsina State Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, has said Nigerians are not in support of the people trying to sabotage President Muhammadu Buhari’s strategies to correct the wrongs committed by the previous administration in the country.

Governor Masari made the comment while speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Daura Senatorial Zone mega rally held at Dutsi town to receive about 11, 000 supporters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties who defected to APC.

He expressed dismay that the impatience or selfish interest of some Nigerians would not allow them to appreciate efforts of the Buhari administration.

The governor pointed out that the country under the watch of the President had overcome insurgency and insecurity, adding that things have started changing for the better as part of the change promised the APC government.

He assured those who defected to APC that both federal and the state government would continue to promote the well being of all citizenry and guarantee fairness and equity.

In its remarks, the Katsina caucus in the National Assembly promised to rally behind the President and the governor to improve on the socio-economic well being of all.

The caucus attributed the increasing popularity and support the party had been enjoying in the state and across the country to the good leadership being provided by the two leaders.

Earlier, in welcome address, the Daura Zonal Vice Chairman of the party, Alhaji Mohammed Usman, stressed that the largest rally of APC faithful in recent times marked a milestone in the history of APC in the state.

According to him, the presence of all members of the National Assembly from the state and other elected politicians among other stakeholders in the party at the rally had shown that APC remained a strong and united party.

Erstwhile chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has joined some politicians claiming that herdsmen allegedly murdering other Nigerians are foreigners.

He stated this on Friday, while speaking to journalists on the incessant herdsmen conflict at his residence in Yola.

Tukur also urged Nigerians to investigate deeply before drawing conclusions on the matter.

He said: “Nigerians must ask serious questions and stop looking at this at the surface. To the Fulani man, his cattle is life’s worth, so he will never drive his cattle into someone’s farm because that will breed trouble and it would cost him his cows. There are people dressing up like Fulani going about killing, maiming and wreaking havoc on the Nigerian people

Katsina state government has signed two memorandum of understanding-MOU  for the provision of solar powered electricity projects in the state.

Governor Aminu Bello Masari signed one of the MOU  for the project to supply 75 megawatts to be located in kankiya while a Director of a foreign firm,”the Pan Africa Solar”,Mr Jim Howlett signed on behalf of the company.

The state commissioner of Resources Development, Alhaji Muhammad Mahmoud Kanti signed the second MOU , which is for the supply of electricity through solar diesel hybrid project to Umar Musa Yar’adua ,Hassan Usman Polytechnic and Orthopaedic hospital and again Mr Jim Howlett signed on behalf of the company.

Briefing journalist after the signing ceremony, the commissioner said the second MOU was for the supply of 5 megawatts of solar powered electricity projects to the three institutions.

He announced that the construction work on the two projects are expected to commence by the middle of this year.

On his part, the Director of Pan Africa Solar, Mr Jim Howlett revealed that the solar powered electricity project at kankiya would cost over 140 million dollars.

He expressed gratitude to the state government for finding their company worthy of executing the two projects in the state.

KATSINA STATE PRESIDENTIAL LODGE, KATSINA on 29TH JANUARY 2017,

BACKGROUND

1.  In line with article 13.4 of our great Party’s constitution which empowers the Zonal Executive Committee to amongst other duties; coordinate party activities in the zone, guide and advise the State Executive Committees on ways and means of strengthening the Party within the zone, this meeting was called as the first of a series of meetings that will be held in each of the States in the North West Zone.

2.  The meeting chaired by the National Vice Chairman, North-West had in attendance; Governor of Katsina State, Deputy Governor, Katsina State, Members of the National Assembly from Katsina State, the Hon. Minister of State Aviation, the Heads of Federal Government Agencies from Katsina State, Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker and Members of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Secretary to the Government of Katsina State, Members of the Katsina State Executive Council,  National officers of the party from the Zone, Zonal party officers, State Chairmen of the party from the Zone, Local Government Party Chairmen from Katsina State and other stakeholders of the party from Katsina State.

OBJECTIVES

3.  The meeting sought to provide an avenue where stakeholders can interact and share ideas on how to assist the three tiers of government in delivering on the various campaign promises, party manifesto and disseminating information on governance.

4.  The meeting called for strengthening of internal democratic processes, party unity and cohesion with a view to expanding and solidifying the party base.

OUTCOMES

1.  The Party leadership and all stakeholders reiterate their support to the 7 State Governors in the North West region in their effort towards economic integration of the region within the context of the North West Economic Cooperation and Integration Framework.

2.  The meeting appreciated the efforts of the 7 State Governors in the North West region in addressing the security challenges especially in the areas of cattle rustling, armed banditry and kidnapping. This effort has resulted in the region being one of the most peaceful region in the country.

3.  The meeting further appreciated the 7 States of the North West regions’ initiative in identifying high development priority areas like education, healthcare, agriculture, water resources, energy, solid minerals and industrialisation. It further appreciated that these initiatives have started to yield some positive results.

4.  The meeting appreciated the importance of a strong and cohesive party that will meet the aspirations of Nigerians. In line with this, there is the need to adhere to the Party’s constitution through continued membership registration and ensuring that vacancies in the various party structures are filled.

5.  The meeting emphasised the need for elected and appointed public office holders to undertake periodic consultations with the constituents to enlighten them on government policies and programs at the same time receive feedbacks from same for effective service delivery;

6.  The meeting also called on the leadership of the party at all levels to provide additional avenues upon which party members can make their suggestions, advice and or grievances that will ensure party affairs are operated seamlessly;

7.  The meeting emphasized the need for members of the National Assembly from the North West Zone to fully support the President in his effort to provide responsive leadership to Nigeria;

8.  The meeting called on the North West Zonal Leadership of the Party to engage the members of the National Assembly, Ministers, Heads of Agencies of Government to ensure policies and programs fall in line with the party manifesto;

9.  The meeting expressed disgust at the callous, sadistic and inhumane politicisation of the routine annual vacation of our dear President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, by unscrupulous and unpatriotic opposition leaders. This unfortunate episode is a pointer to the extent of decadence and desperation that has overcome the opposition in Nigeria;

10.              The meeting also calls on party members to rise in the defence of the hard won but overwhelming mandate of the majority of Nigerians by eschewing all forms of internal conflict and division. We should appreciate the need to rally round our leaders and for the leaders to carry all members along in flying the flag of progressive APC governance;

11.              The meeting wishes to express profound gratitude to His Excellency, the Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Governor of Katsina State, the Party Leadership and other stakeholders for making the meeting a success.

12.              Finally, the meeting prayed for the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari at the end of his well deserved annual vacation and for him to continue to enjoy good health by the special grace of God Almighty.

Inuwa Abdul-kadir, Esq

(Magatakarda Babba)

National Vice – Chairman (North-West)

PREAMBLE:

1.1 The Administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, fnim in Katsina State came on board with a philosophical foundation anchored on a well articulated Restoration Agenda aimed at restoring the State to its lost glory.  Coming half way into its First Term, the Administration found it desirous for Stakeholders to undertake a critical assessment of the journey so far regarding the progress recorded and challenges met on the path of attaining its set goals and objectives, with a view to tackling them so as to effectively prepare for a successful outing against the second lap of the First Term.

1.2 It was on this premise, that this Retreat was organized with the theme “A Robust Public Service – Key to Rapid Societal Development” which took place from 23rd – 27th January, 2017 at the 5th Chukker Resort, Jos Road, Kaduna.  The Retreat essentially aimed at repositioning Public Office Holders both elected and appointed towards further imbibing the virtues of good governance for effective service delivery and rapid development of Katsina State as targeted by the Restoration Agenda.
 
2.0 OPENING CEREMONY:

2.1 The Retreat was formally declared open by His Excellency, the Governor, who also personally and humbly chaired proceedings as a mark of his commitment towards its successful conduct.  Similarly, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor also chaired sessions in the absence of His Excellency, the Governor.  The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Deputy Speaker and other Hon. Members also participated actively in the Retreat.

2.2 In his Keynote Address, His Excellency, the Governor emphasized that manpower training and development is an integral part of the policy thrust of his Administration, hence the series of trainings conducted for or attended by Executive Council Members, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and other cadres in the State Public Service, both locally and internationally.

3.0 PRESENTATIONS:

3.1 The Retreat witnessed the presentation of 10 papers that were carefully selected to position the participants on a sound pedestal towards the realization of the aspirations and objectives of the Restoration Agenda of the State Administration. The distinguished personalities who served as Resource Persons comprised of seasoned past and serving Public Servants, Political Icons and scholars who shared their fountain of knowledge, specialization and professional experiences with the participants on a variety of topical issues pertaining to the policies, programmes and governmental processes and procedures. The papers presented included:

Muhinmanchin Rikon Amana Ga Aikin Gwamnati “the Importance of Trustworthiness in Public Service” by Prof. Arsalam Muhammad, ABU, Zaria.

LEAD PAPER: Restoration Agenda as a Vehicle for Rapid Transformation of Katsina State: Issues and Challenges by Alh. Muntari Lawal, SA/PS Government House.

Structure and Role of the State Executive Council in Katsina State: Understanding the Code of Ethics, the Workings and the Role of the State EXCO by Mallam Abidu R. Yazid.

Good Governance through Restructured and Harmonious working Relationship between Politicians and Civil Servants by Prof. Saddiq I. Ridda.

Effective Preparation and Presentation of Council Memos and Executive Bills by Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, mai.

Public Procurement Policies and New Zero Base Budgetary Process by DFID Representative.

Dialogue on the Economics of Effective and Efficient Public Financial Management by Prof. Shehu Dalhatu, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.

Harmonization of Youth and Women Empowerment Programs for Effective Grassroots Development by Maj. (Dr) A.S Imam (NDA Kaduna).

Executive Stress Management in the Public Sector by Alh Ibrahim S. Othman (ELCS).

A syndicate presentation on Executive-Legislature Relationship was equally made, led by His Excellency, the Governor with inputs by Rt. Hon. Speaker and former and serving Legislators at State and Federal levels.

Having painstakingly and successfully digested the issues raised in the presentations on the one hand, and the elaborate comments, observations and suggestions by the participants during the question and answer sessions, the Retreat was able to arrive at some far reaching resolutions.

RESOLUTIONS:

4.1 The Retreat affirmed the sanctity of public trust guided by the fear of Allah.  To achieve this, merit, motivation and sanctions should be applied justly in the conduct of Government business;

4.2 The Retreat considered the philosophy espoused by the Restoration Agenda and expressed confidence on the level of adherence and attainment so far and therefore urged sustenance of the momentum to guard against inertia and lethargy.  It was also recognized that the Government has accorded MDAs due leverage to perform their statutory functions, hence the implementers should have the courage to do the right thing in the implementation of Government policies and programmes;

4.3 The Retreat recognized the fundamental role of the State Executive Council as the highest policy making organ of the State Government.  Accordingly, the importance of observing and respecting the basic ethics, norms and conduct as driving principles of an effective and efficient Executive Council were analyzed and upheld;

4.4 The primacy of synergy between the Legislature and Executive, Politicians, Civil Servants and between and within MDAs, should be promoted in the conduct of Governmental affairs.  In particular it was resolved that harmonious working relationship between Legislature and Executive Arm is critical in bringing about rapid transformation/development. Thus, both Arms of Government need to emphasize, promote and sustain the idea of mutual respect, noble virtues and tolerance;

4.5 The proceedings of the Retreat brought out the preponderance of empowerment programmes being handled by various MDAs, as a result of which a recommendation was proffered for the establishment of a Standing Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate and synchronize these programmes;

4.6 The importance of training and re-training was emphasized for the purpose of updating knowledge, expanding policy makers/implementers mental horizons with the aim of developing capacity and enhancement of productivity;

4.7 With deference to the universal trends in handling public finances, the need to depart from the conventional trends and practices of preparing budget has become obvious.  In view of this, the Retreat recognized the need to key into the emerging trend in view of its appeal, transparency and universalism;

4.8 While both classical and modern roles of Taxation as an instrument of regulating fiscal policy was acknowledged, however, in cognizance of environmental factors, emphasis on taxation was shifted to established enterprises, factories and corporate bodies in the State in order to lessen taxation burden on individuals;

4.9 The Retreat accepted in unison that the State should be up and doing in generating its data on all activities and not to be reliant on figures generated by extraneous bodies.  To this end, the Retreat acknowledged the effort of the State House of Assembly regarding the Bill on establishment of State Bureau of Statistics;

4.10 The Retreat noted the increasing complexity of running governmental affairs with inefficient time management as a major causative factor for stressful conditions to public servants.  It was resolved that conduct of routine exercise, strict adherence to annual leave calendar and observance of approved work hours should be encouraged;

4.11 The fundamental role of good leadership as a catalyst for mobilizing human and material resources of society was duly acknowledged by the Retreat.  A consensus was therefore reached on the need for all and sundry to rally round His Excellency, the Governor whose major traits of humility, compassion and fairness to all are common knowledge, for the rapid development of Katsina State.
 
5.0 CONCLUSION:

5.1 In conclusion, it was generally recognized that the REREAT was a huge success.  Participants were not only engaged but mentally aroused. The ideas generated, observations made and recommendations proffered will provide the fulcrum of raising the banner of Katsina State in the comity of States within the Nigerian Federation.  Katsina State Government therefore thanks all persons, groups and institutions that in one way or the other contributed to the success achieved.

Signed and issued at Kaduna on 27th of January, 2017

———————————————–
Secretary to the Government of the State

katsina state Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari has described legislature as the backbone of attaining success under Democratic setting.

Governor Masari was speaking during an interactive session held at fifth chukker Resort in Mararrabar Jos Kaduna.

The Governor was sharing his experience as a member of house of representative  and later Speaker in the same assembly between 1999 to 2007.

According to him, without the necessary cooperation from the legislature, executive policies and programmes could not be successfully executed in the state.

The Governor revealed that part of the legislative functions include budget consideration, oversight and representation functions.

Governor Masari revealed that former president obasanjo misunderstood and underestimated the power of the Parliament, which he said caused friction and resulted into two attempts to impeach  him.

He therefore stressed the need for good understanding between the legislature and the executive to achieve the desired objective.

Also contributing ,the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu maintained that good governance would be attained through cordial relationship between the legislature and the executive.

Alhaji Mannir Yakubu therefore described the retreat as timely as its input would add value in attaining the objectives and goals of the restoration agenda of Governor Aminu Bello Masari led administration.
In his contribution during the interactive session, the secretary to the state government, Dr.Mustapha Inuwa called for sincere understanding of the role of legislature and the executive to make the retreat to have the desired impact in the state.

He pointed out the need to adjust existing laws in an effort to meet people needs to avoid unnecessary controversy and friction between the two arms.

Similarly, a former speaker of katsina state House of assembly and special Advisor on political Affairs, Alhaji Usman Bala Zango spoke at length on the prospect and challenges of being a lawmaker.

According to him, age is not a barrier in leadership, adding that he was below 30 years when he became the speaker but was able to achieve successful stewardship.

Katsina State Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari has enjoined teachers, parents and community leaders to inculcate good morals and discipline in children.

Masari gave the task at the graduation ceremony of 82 Islamiyya  students that have successfully memorised the Holy Qur’an held  at Madarasatul Hidayatul Islam Wa Tahfizul Qur’an in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.

The governor was represented by the Chairman, Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KATSIEC), Alhaji Ibrahim Bako.

Masari emphasised the significance of both modern education and religious knowledge in the overall development of children in the society.

The governor also called for the establishment of more faith-based schools for the purpose of imparting both religious knowledge and teaching modern education simultaneously in the society.

According to him, such schools enhance moral training of the youths who will shun social vices and contribute meaningfully towards rapid development of their immediate environment.

Masari appealed to wealthy individuals to support the efforts aimed at bringing up morally sound youth and children while commending the contributions of individuals such as Malam Nuhu Maiwada, Alhaji Jibrin Jibson, Malam Muntari Sagir and Malam Abubakar Murtala.

The governor urged school teachers and other stakeholders to redouble their efforts at producing children with all round development, describing education as pivot of development in every community.

He stressed the need for monitoring and evaluation in ensuring that quality education is provided at all times.

In his remarks, Justice Mamman Nasir, retired President of Appeal Court of Appeal and District Head of Malumfashi, called on government to give priority attention to Islamiyya schools at the grassroots in view of their importance in promoting a morally upright society.

Represented by Alhaji Bello Sada, Nasir pledged the continued support of the traditional institution to all efforts geared towards propagating Islam and promoting discipline among the youth and children in the community.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that N1.2 million was contributed at the launching of an appeal fund for the construction of the permanent site for the school and public presentation of the school’s almanac.

The highest personal donation of N500,000 cash came from Masari, while Sada gave N50,000 for the almanac.

katsina state Governor, Rt. Hon.Aminu Bello Masari has declared opened a one week long strategic retreat for government functionaries at fifth chukka ,Kaduna.

Declaring the retreat opened, Governor Aminu Bello Masari said it was one of the major policy thrust of The present APC administration in the state with the implementation of restoration agenda which had since commenced.

Governor Masari explained that from the inception of the present administration in 2015 to date, so many civil servants were sponsored for various in-service trainings , seminars and workshops both locally and internationally.

These, the Governor said include long and senior courses at the National Institute for policy and strategic studies, kuru in Jos.
He said the retreat organised by Express Lead Consultant services ltd with the support of katsina state government was intended to develop strategies to be adopted for the formulation of appropriate policies in line with the restoration agenda of the APC administration to restore the lost glory of the state.

The Governor said the retreat is also designed to educate the top policy makers of katsina state on the concept, objectives, implications constitution, direction and advantages of the restoration agenda in the process of rapid development of the state in all fields of human endeavor

Alhaji Aminu Masari therefore said the retreat would review the journey so far and look into the next two years, adding that the mid term pause is expected to assess critically the performance in the priority sectors of the restoration agenda.
The Governor spoke at length on the performance of 2016 budget and the way forward in the implementation of 2017 estimates.

He therefore urged participants to put in their best contributions for the success of the retreat for the benefit of the government and people of katsina state.
Earlier in a welcome address, the secretary to the government of katsina state, Dr.Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa told the gathering that the retreat is aimed at rejuvenating public office Holders both elected and appointed towards effective service delivery for rapid development of katsina state.

Dr.Mustapha Inuwa revealed that the main focus of Masari led administration is to restore the hope of the electorate through the execution of viable projects that have direct impact on the socioeconomic wellbeing of citizens of the state.

He announced that personalities chosen to serve as resource persons comprised past and serving public servants, political icons and the academicians .

Various papers are expected to be delivered during the retreat.

katsina state Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari has expressed satisfaction with the performance of security personnel in the promotion of peaceful coexistence in the state.

Alhaji Aminu Masari was speaking when he received the Commanding officer of third Brigade, kano, Brigadier S. O. Olabanji who paid him a farewell visit at government house, katsina.

The Governor expressed gratitude to the outgoing commanding officer for the cooperation in the fight against cattle rustlers and other forms of criminality in the state.

Earlier, the outgoing commanding officer, Brigadier General S. O.Olabanji told the Governor that he was in his office on a farewell visit as he had been transferred to another military formation.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the support and assistance rendered to the Brigade during his tenure.
This, he said made the military to contribute their quota towards the maintainance of law and order in the state..
The outgoing commanding officer was accompanied during the visit by the commanding officer of thirty five battalion of the Nigerian Army in katsina, lieutenant colonel S.Ahmed.

The two dams are located in Daberam of Daura local government and Ruwan sanyi in Malumfashi local council.

The special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr.Abba Abdullahi disclosed this at the end of executive council meeting presided over by Governor Aminu Masari at Muhammad Buhari house, katsina.

Dr Abba explained that the two dams require desalting and repair of embankments among others to provide water for human and animals consumption as well as irrigation.

On her part, the commissioner for women affairs, Hajiya Badiyya Hassan Mashi announced that the council meeting approved contract for the construction of a new Jumma’at mosque worth over sixty four million naira at Hassan Usman katsina polytechnic.

Hajiya Badiyya explained that the old Jumma’at mosque in the institution could not accommodate the ever growing number of worshippers in the polytechnic.
The special Adviser on Youths, Alhaji Ibrahim Khaliel told newsmen that the council meeting approved contract for the maintainance of new Government House at the cost of seventy eight million naira for one year to mothercat plc.

Alhaji Ibrahim Khaliel however announced the revocation of contract for the maintainance of horticulture in the new government house by Leeds plc.

At the news briefing the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Alhaji Abdulkadir zakka spoke at length on the repentant cattle rustlers and the amnesty to be granted to them.

Similarly the permanent secretary in the ministry of information, Alhaji Musa Rabiu Mahuta show case trophies won by Katsina state History and culture Bureau to journalists at the occasion.