LETTERS

NNN pensioners send kudos to Sambo

Posted: Monday, September 6, 2010

Kindly allow me a space in your widely read newspaper to send my profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Arch. Mohammed Namadi ,Sambo on behalf of the New Nigerian Newspapers’ Pensioners for his humane approach to our plight.
New Nigerian Newspapers Pensioners’ non-payment of their gratuity and pension after 10 years of retirement seems to have defied all solutions but a ray of hope began the very day you were pronounced the Vice­ President of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
We therefore leapt-up for joy in a high and exciting ‘spirit as our hope was rekindled by that appointment. It was quite c1ear to us that God has answered our prayers.
One reason was adduced to our joy. That you were one of the Northern Governors who was, with all sense of commitment, sincerity and with genuine approach to seeing to the lasting solutions to the protracted and lingering crisis of New Nigerian Newspapers.
The gladdening report in New Nigerian on Wednesday September 1st, 2010 in the front page that “NNN Liabilities Federal Government raises panel to resolve crisis” did not come to us as a surprise because given you an opportunity, you will do what is just and right. This is exactly what has happened. By this singular act, you have stamped an indelible mark positively in our hearts. You have raised thanksgiving to God in our hearts and in our mouths because we firmly believe that _you will not relent on your effort until this laudable project of repositioning this important Sardauna legacy is achieved.
While expressing our profound appreciation, we quickly and sincerely wish to inform you that, not only the pensioners of New Nigerian Newspapers but the entire staff will not only vote for your success coming 2011 but with all our weights, we shall go out to campaign for your success.
Your consciousness and rugged determination to address the yearnings and aspirations of the common people in this country has already won our hearts.
Enjoy God’s total protection.

DAVID ABU on behalf of the NNN pensioners, Kaduna.

Re: Can we trust Mrs Nenadi Usman?

Permit me a space in your widely read newspaper that portrays the greatest weapon, which is “The Truth.”
Let me first of all commend Lawrence Stephen Manya for his findings, and as a voice to Barnawa Youths, which is in Kaduna Central Senatorial District and not Southern Kaduna Senatorial District. He rightly commended my two well respected elders from Southern Kaduna. The distinguished Senator Isaiah Chawai Balat and Mr. Hassan Hyet.
On the distinguished Senator Isaiah Chawai Balat he said that, when he was a minister, he facilitated the repair of our roads, that is not disputable, he even did not say all about “the bulldozer of Southern Kaduna politics.”
On Mr. Hassan Hyet he said he created job opportunities for our youths who are now working in Abuja and Lagos airports which is far less than what the minister did during his tenure in office as a minister of Aviation.
On Nenadi Esther Usman who he said did not do any thing only shuning people who wanted to see her.
When Mrs Nenadi Esther Usman was a Minister of Finance, she fast-tracted the increament of federal allocation to our local governments through the Fiscal Revenue Mobilization, she also created employment in the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, she created employment in the office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
When Mrs Nenadi Esther Usman was a minister, she created employment in the Nigerian Customs Service, there are just few to mention for fear of space. She promoted poverty eradication, she bought cars for people who most likely may have not have the privilege or financial capability of purchasing such cars, their number is countless.
Let me now talk of Mr. Manya of Barnawa’s insensitivity concerning Mrs Nenadi Esther Usman’s in-accessibility as he portrays her.
If there is any person either elected or appointed from Southern Kaduna is as accessible as Mrs Nenadi Esther Usman please, let me be challenged.
Mrs Nenadi Esther Usman is the first person I have seen among Southern Kaduna elite, that at every festivity, be it Sallah, Chrismas or Easter that you will see people from all works of life troop to her house to wine and dine with her freely, and the gate of her house remains open all through the festive period and you will always see her welcoming guests, both low and high profile guests.
It was in Mrs Nenadi Esther Usman’s house that I first met a diplomatic corp (High Commissioner of an European country) and we exchanged telephone numbers.
So what is Mr. Manya of Barnawa talking about.
Anytime you go to Mrs Nenadi Esther Usman’s house you may be mistaking her house for that of Senator Olusola Saraki “the icon of Kwara politics.” Where the poor masses feast at will.
Please, Mr. Manya of Barnawa, Southern Kaduna is too small to be fighting people we should use on top.
Mrs Nenadi Esther Usman is one person in our zone (zone 3) that should be encouraged to work hard as a woman, mother and sister.
How many women in Nigeria can keep their heads high like her, we have very few of her type, and so we should celebrate her and not castigate her.
We should not use our Southern Kaduna PHD system (PULL HIM DOWN) syndrome on her.
Mr. Manya of Barnawa may not like Mrs Nenadi Esther Usman, but I assure you she is an eye to many in Nigeria and beyond. Check out the permanent employment opportunity she has brought to Southern Kaduna (PLUSTEAD INVESTMENT) along Kafanchan-Kagarko Road.
We should imbibe the culture of respecting those God has blessed to be on top and not destroying them. An edage says that, “IF YOU DESTROY SOMEBODY TO SUCCEED” you should expect “DESTRUCTION” at the door post of your SUCCESS.

DODOS LUCAS NWUANMAGHYI, National President, Southern Kaduna Youths Progressive Minds (SKYProM) writes from Kogum River.

Governor Shema: Salute to humility, service

The efforts of Governor Shema of Katsina State at uplifting the socio- economic status of his people have made him a great pillar of the state. Without doubt, the giant stride of this amiable, committed and determined leader is making a mark on all development indices, has caught the attention of not only Katsina people but all Nigerians as well.
The leadership style of Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema can be clearly illustrated with the level of quantitative and qualitative projects-executed in all sectors in the state. This has placed Katsina to be among the fastest growing states in Nigeria. Undoubtedly, this has created an atmosphere of political, social and economic development. This, in turn, has endeared Shema's administration to people and brought magnetic support from people from all walks of life and across all strata.
The governor, as part of his concrete and positive role towards re-orientating people, boosting their level of human potentials and protecting their human dignity, came up with alot of initiatives. All these have bolstered peace and led to positive changes in peoples' attitudes. All issues that lead to development at grassroots level are being articulated and pursued.
Education as a tool of both national and societal development, is given top most priority by Governor shema. Concerted efforts at giving higher premium for qualitative education to teeming youths in the state have led to the fulfillment of the governor's pronouncement in this all important sector. This resulted in Governor Shema getting recognition and bagging meritorious awards for the state. Based on the state's sterling performance, the Universal Basic Education Commission awarded Governor Shema with national award for the best state in implementation of UBE projects, with cash reward of N700m last year. In 2010, Katsina State Universal Basic Education under the chairmanship of Alhaji Suleiman Nuhu Kuki, also won awards and cash rewards totaling N650m. All these, demonstrate the commitment and vigour with which the Shema administration has given prominence to education at all levels.
As the c1amour for general election gathers momentum, the people of Katsina State, especially those concerned with educational development wish Governor Shema to continue in office beyond 2011. Through all the efforts of the Governor, coupled with his genuine interaction with all and sundry and his simple disposition, the people are quite appreciative of the governor's leadership style. We can clearly see that the Governor is a very humble leader who does not only make himself available to his people but also applies himself for deep understanding of his peoples' problems and needs.
Governor Shema's foresight and vision have led to the completion of all inherited projects across the state. He has also continued with all legacies bequeathed by his predecessor the late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'adua.
Apart from this, the governor made numerous attempts to rehabilitate the deplorable conditions of the people in a number of ways. He has started construction of ring road, three-lane road in Katsina and has dualised township roads in Malumfashi, Dutsin-ma, Kankia, Daura, Mani and Ingawa road which in no small measure help to reduce accidents, congestions, and provide rapid development for the smooth conduct of transport business. Even to the most cynical observer, this is highly commendable.
This is besides the other numerous road projects dotted all over the state. For people of Malumfashi, Kafur, Bakori and Danja local government areas for instance, they cannot forget the new Karfi­Kuringafa-Tsiga-Yar'kasuwa road. Ditto other beneficiaries.
Back to the issue of continuity. late President Umar Musa Yar'adua achieved so much when he was governor in Katsina state for 8 years. Aside the issue of prudence and accountability for which he was reputed, the second term mandate given to him by the electorate, assisted greatly to ensure continuity and engender development.
Now that people of Katsina State are showing appreciation over Governor Shema's giant strides, in all sectors, we are also clamoring for continuity in 2011 to enable Shema consolidate on the gains so far. This way. Katsina state will continue t.o witness accelerated development and its people continue to prosper.

ABUBAKAR MAGAJI SAlAHU K.C.K (SENIOR) 080-67127520

Open letter to Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida

IBB, you were the president of Nigeria some years ago, when you overthrew Buhari and Idiagbon. These people threw the issue of IMF to the public for discussion, but as soon as you overthrow them, you went on without any public opinion to collect IMF loan. It caused Nigerians a lot of hardship until during the time of Obasanjo when all debts were offsetted. You caused all sorts of hardships for Nigerians. I want to ask you one question. Who when he wants to leave the presidency said that: “I am the most ridiculed president in Nigeria?” There was a time you said that you will celebrate 70 years birthday in 2011, and that it will not be possible for you to vie for the post of president. Why are you trying to change your mind again? Do you want to go for another Maradona at 78 years of age?
It is good for you to retire from politics and start thanking God for sparing your life till this time and start praying for forgiveness of any sin you might have committed both known and unknown.
I plead also with you and all those who have taken posts like president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors before to please give other people chance. Give the middle aged and youths chance because you are not the only knowledgeable persons in Nigeria. Let the national cake go round other intelligent people because we have many well educated and intelligent people in Nigerian.

MUHAMMAD INUSA.