Boko Haram: Army rescues abducted women in Madagali

The Public Relations Officer, 28 Task Force Brigade, Mubi, Adamawa State, Capt A.O. Fadare, says some of the women abducted by insurgents in Madagali have been rescued.

Fadare told the News Agency of Nigeria in a telephone interview that soldiers rescued the women while pursuing the insurgents.

Fadare, who did not give the number of the rescued women, however, said he was still trying to verify.

“I am still trying to verify from Madagali as you know, the operation is still on,” Fadare said.

About 16 women who had gone to fetch firewood in the forest around Sabongari village of Madagali on Wednesday, were kidnapped by insurgents.

Boko Haram: Army rescues abducted women in Madagali

Appeal Court quashes ex-Gov Nyako’s impeachment

YOLA—THE Yola Division of Federal Court of Appeal, Adamawa State, yesterday  nullified the impeachment of Former Governor Murtala Nyako.

The five Judges led by Justice Jumai Hannatu Sankey in a unanimous judgment, described Nyako’s impeachment as a high level of impunity, recklessness, rascality and a constituted gross of legislative powers by the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

The judges condemned in unequivocal terms the gross abuse of the legislative powers by the lawmakers to achieve orchestrated, premeditated and selfish motives.

They averred that the impeachment of the former governor was a misuse of the powers and privileges of the legislature and declaring the impeachment as null, void and of no effect.

Justice Tunde Awotoye while delivering his judgment, noted that the respondents took laws into their hands as they flagrantly abused the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to meet their whimsical and selfish desires.

Justice Jumai Hannatu Sankey, in her lead judgment noted the court as the last arbiter would not fold its arms and watch impunity being entrenched in the country.

She noted that the decison of the House of Assembly to ignore the constitutional provision of personal service of impeachment notice on the former governor was a misnomer to the constitution which must be uprooted.

The court ordered that Nyako be accorded all rights of the office of the governor of Adamawa State throughout his legally recognized period in office even as the court struck out the appeal of Nyako to be returned as governor of the state, as according to the court, the tenure of Nyako as governor had elapsed.

The court condemned in strong terms the arrogance of the lawmakers and some politicians who flagrantly refused to obey court orders stopping them from going ahead with the impeachment process despite the order of the high court in Adamawa State.

Governor Nyako was impeached by the Adamawa State House of Assembly on Tuesday July 16, 2014 following allegations of gross misconduct leveled against him by the House of Assembly. Jauro, Biobele Abraham Georgewill and O.A. Ogakwu.

Appeal Court quashes ex-Gov Nyako’s impeachment

Public Warning: Boko Haram new tactics to infiltrate populated areas

The Nigerian military has issued a warning to the general public on the new tactics being employed by the Islamic terrorists, Boko Haram to infiltrate the public for their evil act.

Suicide Bomber, Boko Haram

According to a statement issued by the Defence Headquarters, Boko Haram new tactics is to dress its suicide bombers like mad persons to gain access to crowded places before detonating bombs.

It could be recalled that two male suicide bombers dressed like mad women and carried out suicide bomb attack in Gombi, Adamawa State where five people lost their lives and several others were wounded.

In its statement, the DH said ” It has come to the notice of the Defence Headquarters that Boko Haram, in their desperation to cause colossal havoc, have now devised a new method where they dress like mad persons to gain unsuspecting access to public areas to detonate bombs.

“The 2 male suicide bombers, dressed like mad women and carried out suicide bomb attack in Gombi, Adamawa State, is instructive in this direction. Five people lost their lives and several others were wounded in the heinous attack by these ungodly people.

“The Defence Headquarters therefore urges our fellow good citizens across the country to be wary of mad persons approaching markets, public places or crowded areas so as to nip this ugly trend in the bud. Nigerians are also enjoined to be security conscious at all times and should endeavour to report any suspicious person or object to security agencies for prompt action.”

Public Warning: Boko Haram new tactics to infiltrate populated areas

Adamawa PDP rejects Gulak, backs Juta

The Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected Alhaji Ahmed Gulak as the national chairman of the party.

Ahmed Gulak

Gulak, who hails from the state, had on Wednesday stormed the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, where he declared himself as the national chairman of the former ruling party.

The former presidential aide, who arrived the secretariat with his supporter, said he had taken over the leadership of the party from its Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus.

A day after Gulak pronounced himself as the substantive chairman, governors of the party also met in Abuja and asked Secondus to hand over to the National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo.

Secondus however said he would not handover as demanded by the governors, saying that their (governors) demand had no backing in the party’s constitution.

But the Adamawa State chapter of the party said that after the meeting of its National Working Committee, it decided to support Amb. Wilberforce Juta for the exalted position.

A letter signed by the Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Joel Madaki, and addressed to Secondus said that Juta was capable of using his experience to resuscitate the party.

The letter reads in part, “The State Working Committee of the PDP, Adamawa State Chapter after due consultation with party stakeholders in the state and beyond, and having thoroughly deliberated intensively on the issue of the position of the National Chairman of  the party has resolved as follows:

“That, it is imperative the PDP resuscitates itself as a key political party for the purpose of both proffering effective opposition and an alternative platform to ruling All Progressives Congress government.

Adamawa PDP rejects Gulak, backs Juta

Bomb blast kill 15 in Adamawa State

Several people were killed in a twin bomb blast that rocked the Gombi Grain Market in Adamawa State on Friday.

An eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent said that the blast occurred around 2pm when the market was filled to the brim.

It was stated that several people are looking for their loved ones who went to the market to buy grains.

The sources said that two male suicide bombers carried out the attacks.

It was further gathered that the youths of the community arrested one of the attackers with unexploded bomb strapped to his body.

He was said to have confessed to his interrogators that five suicide bombers were deployed in the market for the operation, confessing that only two of the suicide attackers detonated their bombers, while two others were still hiding in the locality.

The source said that about 15 people were killed in the attack with several others injured.

The source said, “There was a bomb attack in Gombi Grain Market. The attack took place around 2pm when the market was filled with people.

“The casualty figure is between 12 to 15 people while several others sustained injuries. Several people are looking for their loved ones who went to the market.”

The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig. Rabe Abubakar, who confirmed the unfortunate incident, urged Nigerians to be vigilant and pay attention to the presence of mad persons in crowded areas and markets.

He said that the insurgents had devised a new means of disguising as mad people to detonate their dangerous weapons in crowded places and markets.

He said, “It is true that the incident happened. The general public should be aware of the new tactics of the Boko Haram members who have devised another strange method of disguising as mad people in order to carry out their heinous acts against the citizens. Nigeria should be wary of mad persons in markets and crowded places.”

Bomb blast kill 15 in Adamawa State

EFCC Docks Ex-Adamawa Council Boss Over N928m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, arraigned one Felix Tangwami, former chairman Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa state, before Justice Helen Nuhu Hamman Joda of Adamawa State High Court, sitting in Yola.

EFCC

According to a statement issued by the spokesman of the commission, Wilson Uwugaren, the accused was charged on a five-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretense to the tune of N981, 468, 000.00 (nine hundred and eighty one million, four hundred and sixty eight thousand Naira)

Tangwami, in his capacity as the council boss, used his position to award a a number of contracts to companies where he has interests and failed to deliver on the contract terms.

These include: Contracts for supply of cerebrospinal meningitis vaccines awarded in favour of Binam Integrated Services Ltd; supply of VVF Oral Vaccines for Immunization against typhoid in favor of Nchaloro Nigeria Ltd; supply of 500 units of motorcycles to be distributed to all the Local government Areas in Adamawa State in favor of Bange Integrated service Ltd; building of a school for technical skill acquisition in Numan in favor of Bange Company Ltd; and the supply of anti-snake venom in favor of Tafari Nigeria Ltd.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

In view of his plea, counsel to EFCC, Chris Mshelia told the court to fix a date to commence trial.

However, defence counsel, Sule J. Abdul, told the court that he had a pending application for the bail of the accused. He urged the court to admit him to bail adding that, the offence for which he is being charged is bailable.

Justice Joda, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N500million with one surety in like sum.

The surety must be a family man residing within the jurisdiction of the court. He must own a landed property worth N100million.

The case was adjourned to February 22, 2016 for hearing.

EFCC Docks Ex-Adamawa Council Boss Over N928m Fraud

Scores feared killed in Adamawa suicide attack

Scores of people were ​feared ​killed, on ​Monday, when two female suicide bombers attacked a busy motor park in Madagali town of Adamawa State.

A witness, Danladi Buba, said the two female suicide bombers detonated bombs at a mini market near a motor park around 9am, killing many people, reports Premium Times.

“About 30 people were killed with 16 others injured,” Mr. Buba said.

When contacted, the Brigade Commander of 28 Task Force Brigade, Mubi, Victor Ezugwu, confirmed the incident, saying the casualty figure was yet to be established.

“Two female suicide bombers struck at a garage in Madagali and detonated their devices, and we lost some beloved country men,” Mr. Ezugwu, a brigadier-general, said.

He said the injured had been taken to hospital while the military had cordoned off the area.

The brigade commander said the situation had been brought under control.

Scores feared killed in Adamawa suicide attack

N51.5m Scam: Adamawa Ex-Commissioner Bags 10 Years In Prison

A former Commissioner of Local Government Affairs in Adamawa State, John Elias Babani was on Friday, December 4, 2015 handed a 10 year jail term by Justice Bilkisu Bello Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Yola, Adamawa state for defrauding Adamawa State government of the sum of N51.5 million while in office.

The former commissioner was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 5, 2013 alongside two others who were discharged as well as a company owned by Elias on four count charges of fraud.

Justice Aliyu sentenced the first convict, John Babani Elias to 10 years imprisonment on counts 3 and 4 but the two sentences will run concurrently.

In addition, the first convict must return/refund the sum of N51.5 million to Adamawa state local Government joint account fund from where it was stolen.

The judge also ordered the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to wind up Al-Akim Investment Limited and have its assets forfeited to the federal government of Nigeria.

Justice Aliyu said the judgment will serve as a deterrent to public office holders who may want to divert public funds for personal benefit.

N51.5m Scam: Adamawa Ex-Commissioner Bags 10 Years In Prison

Asset Declaration Should Not Be Done Publicly - APC Rep

A House of Representatives member, Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas (Adamawa-APC), has stated that the declaration of assets by public office holders should not be done publicly.

“For me, I think it’s legal to declare, but it must not be done publicly; it’s an individual matter,” he told NAN.

“Individuals, who feel strongly about particular individual’s assets can always go to the Code of Conduct Bureau and obtain information from them.

“The law did not insist that it must be made publicly, but it is an individual’s right who chooses to show transparency and it will go a long way by making it public.

“In my own opinion, it is constitutional provision that all elected and public office holders should declare their assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau on assumption of office and even on leaving office.

“For me, it is good that every public holder officer both elected and appointed should declare his assets, but is not mandatory that these assets must be declared publicly; it should be done in line with the law.

Namdas however insisted that assets declaration by public officers on assumption of office will help check corruption.

Namdas said this in Abuja on Monday, adding that, while the law had made it mandatory for all public office holders to declare their assets, it was not compulsory for the declared assets to be made public.

The lawmaker also urged public office holders to obey the law on assets declaration to strengthen good governance.

“I think there is a misconception about Nigerians on the declaration of these assets; there is this feeling that it’s only elected members or elected officials that are to declare (assets).

“No! Every public officer, whether serving at the Local Government level, State level, Federal level – whichever level, once you are a public officer, you are expected to sign.

“And corruption does not just stop among those that are elected, it goes around even those that are appointed, so when you falsely declare your assets, be it whether elected or appointed, the bureau will follow due process.

“But I think this idea of people looking as if it is only elected individuals that should declare, I think it is not true, it is for everybody and I expect that everybody should subject himself to the law.

“It is not something we are negotiating on this matter, it is a constitutional requirement. So people should adhere to it.”

The APC lawmaker, however, said that misconception was largely responsible for the insistence that an individual’s assets be made public by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

Asset Declaration Should Not Be Done Publicly - APC Rep

Replace your commissioner - Aisha Buhari tells Adamawa Governor

Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, on Friday called on Governor Muhammed Bindow Jibrilla of Adamawa State to swap his male Commissioner for Women Affairs, Alhaji Aliyu Tola, with a woman.

Hajiya Buhari made the call in Yola, the capital, while inaugurating a free medical check-up for 2,000 women in the state under her pet project, the Aisha Buhari Women Health Initiative.

She said women in the state were protesting the appointment of a man as commissioner and appealed to the governor to appoint a woman in that office instead.

She said, “The women are protesting. They asked me to pass their wishes to have a woman as their commissioner for women affairs.”

Tola, who was asked to deliver his speech before that of the wife of the president, seemed to have sensed the women’s countenance, tactically uttering a few words before inviting the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hajiya Maisaratu Bello, a woman, to address the gathering.

The appointment of Tola as the first male Commissioner of Women Affairs in Adamawa has sparked debate in the state with some criticising it and others supporting it.

Those against it argued that the ministry was meant to carry women along hence the need to make it exclusively for them, while those in support said the full name of the ministry is Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development making it open for male and female to be made commissioners.

There are four female commissioners in Adamawa. They are Dr. Fatima Atiku Abubakar (Health), Barrister Lilian Kayode (Works), Mrs. Victoria Sashi (Mineral Resources) and Dr. Kaleptawa Farauta (Education).

Replace your commissioner - Aisha Buhari tells Adamawa Governor

Boko Haram kills another 5 in Adamawa State

Daji Sani in Yola

The Executive Secretary of Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) Haruna Furo has confirmed that five persons were killed in another bomb blast in Madagali town of Madagali Local Government Area of the state leaving several people injured.

Abubakar Shekau

He said the bomb was detonated by a female suicide bomber, resulting in killing herself and 4 others while several people sustained various degrees of injurious.

Furo explained on a telephone chat with THISDAY that the incident occurred in the morning of Friday almost the same time with the Malkohi bomb blast, adding that he perceived that the same group would have  masterminded the second bomb blasts in the state.

Adamawa state commissioner of Information, Ahmed Sajoh has also confirmed the bomb blast in Madagali Local government area of Adamawa state as he said the casualties are yet to be ascertained .

He disclosed this to journalists in Yola , Adamawa state capital on Friday as he said the bomb blast occurred in the morning hours of yesterday (today) adding that the government was working with some humanitarian agencies in the area to get the details.

Boko Haram kills another 5 in Adamawa State

Atiku’s daughter sworn in as commissioner

Yola – Dr Fatima Atiku, daughter of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and newly appointed Adamawa Commissioner of Health has forfeited her salary and allowances for use in revitalizing the health sector in the state.

Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

Fielding questions from newsmen in Yola on Friday after being sworn –in along with 21 other commissioners, Fatima, a Consultant, said she was making the sacrifice because of the numerous challenges in the health sector.

“I am very grateful to the governor for appointing me to head the Health Ministry.

“The ministry is the most challenging because of the insurgency problem that had caused some damage to the health system in the state.

“For this reason, I shall be donating my salary and allowances for use in enhancing the delivery of healthcare service in the state,’’ Fatima said.’’

Speaking earlier while administering the oath of office on the Commissioners, Gov. Bindow Jubrilla said that their appointment was based on merit.

He urged them to join hands with him in bringing the desired change in the state, adding that their loyalty should be to the people, and not him.

“Your loyalty is to the people of Adamawa, whom you represent, and not to me”, Jibrilla said.

Responding on behalf of the commissioners, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Kaletapwa Farauta, thanked the governor for the appointment, assuring that they would not betray the confidence reposed in them.

 

Atiku’s daughter sworn in as commissioner

Boko Haram: Adamawa varsity reopens, employs 80 hunters

The authorities of Adamawa State University, Mubi, have recruited 80 hunters to ensure the security of the university community.

Boko haram in Borno

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Joshua Shall, disclosed this to newsmen in Mubi on Thursday, just as the institution resumes academic activities.

Shall said that the institution was aware of the complementary role played by the vigilante groups and the hunters when the military recaptured Mubi town after it was overrun by insurgents in October 2014. This, he said, informed the decision of the university to recruit the hunters to boost security in the institution.

Shall, who said that 95 per cent of the students had resumed for classes, stated that the institution lost 11 members of staff and three students, while property worth N5bn were destroyed by the insurgents.

“They (insurgents) broke into all offices, staff quarters, hostels, laboratories, stores and looted property,” he said.

The vice chancellor said that the school managed to reopen following the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, which he said, supported the institution with N250m.

He said that TETFund also approved a substantial amount of money for the institution which his management was now trying to access to sustain the ongoing rehabilitation work in the university.

While lauding TETFund for the support, Shall also commended the national body of Academic Staff Union of Universities, for donating N21m to its members in the university.

He said the university had also compiled the lists of damages incurred by its wrkers and submitted same to the Victims Support Fund, for possible assistance.

“We hope that when the fund commence rendering assistance to victims of insurgency, we will be remembered,” Shall said.

Boko Haram: Adamawa varsity reopens, employs 80 hunters

Nyako threatens to sue EFCC for libel

A former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, who is being prosecuted along with his son, Abdul-Aziz, and others  for N29bn fraud charges, has threatened to sue the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for defaming his character while opposing his application for bail on July 8.

Nyako, who spoke through one of his lawyers, Mohammed Bakari, in a statement on Wednesday, said the anti-graft agency had defamed his character by imputing that he had a hand in the death of two of its witnesses.

Bakari said it was untrue that the witnesses died mysteriously, describing the claim by EFCC’s prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), and the deposition in the commission’s counter-affidavit as “baseless, wicked and unfounded allegation.”

He explained that contrary to EFCC’s insinuation, two out of  the 31 persons lined up as prosecution witnesses died in hospitals after battling with certain known ailments.

He said, “They neither died at the same time nor slumped and died as insinuated by the EFCC.

“While one died in a hospital in Abuja, the other died in a hospital in Yola shortly after he returned from a complicated medical treatment abroad.

“It is therefore unfair, unjust and uncharitable to accuse Nyako and his son of the death of the two persons, who as every human being has a sure date with death.

“This is totally unethical and Admiral Nyako has already decided to sue both the EFCC and their lawyer for defamation of character.”

Nyako threatens to sue EFCC for libel

Nyako, son get N1.4bn bail over N29bn fraud charges

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to a former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, and his son, Abdul-Aziz, and others being prosecuted along with him for about N29bn fraud charges.

Governor Nyako

The bail was granted to the four accused persons in the sum of N350m each with each of the four accused persons required to produce two sureties each or one surety who must be a serving director in any Federal Government establishment.

The sureties to be produced must also have landed property in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, which the court ordered must be verified by the court bailiff.

The sureties are also expected to swear an affidavit of means.

Justice Evoh Chukwu, who in a ruling dismissed the objection of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday, also ordered the accused persons to deposit their passport and other travel documents with the court registrar.

The judge had on Wednesday remanded the accused persons in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission upon their arraignment on 34 counts of money laundering and fraud instituted against them‎.

Nyako, who was removed as Adamawa State Governor by the state House of Assembly on July 15, 2014, was arraigned along with his son, Abdul-Aziz, and others comprising, Zulkifikk Abba, Abubakar Aliyu as well as five firms.

Abdul-Aziz is the senator representing Adamawa Central in the National Assembly.

They were arraigned before Justice Evoh Chukwu for fraud amounting to N29,099,430,879.92.

Other firms arraigned along with Nyako and his son were Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms and Extension Limited, Pagoda Fortunes Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited and Crust Energy Limited.

 

Nyako, son get N1.4bn bail over N29bn fraud charges

EFCC continues Nyako"s interrogation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has continued the interrogation of former Adamawa State Governor, Adm. Murtala Nyako(retd.).

Nyako, who was impeached last year by the state House of assembly, surrendered himself to the ‎commissionon Monday and was grilled by operatives for eight hours and thirty minutes.

The ex-governor, who arrived the EFCC headquarters on Monday by 10am, was asked to go after a grueling process ‎of interrogation that was suspended by 6.30pm.

However, the commission resumed the interrogation today with Nyako’s arrival at the EFCC at 10am.

Investigation revealed that operatives are still interrogating him almost ‎three hours after his arrival at the EFCC on Tuesday.

The Head‎ of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, told our correspondent on the telephone that the former governor is a guest of the EFCC today.

He said, “I can confirm that Nyako is at the commission.”

EFCC continues Nyako"s interrogation

Nigerians reacts over Nyako resurface after Buhari sworn-in

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

Nigerians have reacted to the show displayed by the anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC towards the former governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako.

Nyako as at yesterday submitted himself to the EFCC who had declared him wanted almost a year ago over allegation on money laundry to the amount of N15bn.

Nyako outsmarted the EFCC after plans to bring him in was concluded and hid in a country in Europe until few days ago.

Many Nigerians believe that Nyako returned to Nigeria after negotiating with top APC members who may have assured him of his safety.

Nyako who stormed EFCC around 8 o’clock in the morning on Monday was detained and questioned for 10 hours.

Some Nigerians who expressed their worries to NAIJA CENTER NEWS said they are still waiting for the change promised by Muhammadu Buhari.

President Buhari during his campaign promised Nigerians several things including fighting corruption and Boko Haram.

A Nigerian with a nickname, Sunshine said “EFCC grilling Nyako is no news. Nyako will be free in the next 24 hours.”

Another Nigerian, Oromilla who equally expressed his opinion on the development said “Grill for 10 hours only , clap for change, Nyako submitted himself after some negotiations through Atiku and co, do not be deceived by the window dressing 10 hours stay at EFCC, he was there to know when and how the case would be dropped like that of Silver, he probably stayed long because maybe he had wanted his own to be sharp, sharp as that of Silver.

omoagbala60 said “One of the soldiers of fortune that terrorized the nation in the 60’s,70’s, 80’s, 90’s. Hopefully, they will just go away. The looted wealth, to their unknowing, brought them misery through spell and curses from Nigerians that died of deprivation”

Eric said ” It’s a embarrassing that our supposed leaders do not have shame. You disappeared immediately you were impeached to tin air, immediately PMB was sworn in, you took the next available flight back to surrender your self to the same EFCC that declared you wanted almost a year ago, if you were actually innocent, you wouldn’t have fled the country.. The fight against corruption starts now and we all are watching to see the change”

Nigerians reacts over Nyako resurface after Buhari sworn-in

Self Exiled Nyako Returns To Nigeria After Buhari Sworn-In

A former governor of Adamawa state, Murtala Nyako, who was impeached by the state Assembly for gross financial fraud, has returned to Nigeria from a self-imposed exile.

Governor Nyako

Mr. Nyako and his deputy, Bala Ngilari, were impeached by the Assembly under Speaker Ahmadu Fintiri.

Shortly after his removal, Mr. Nyako fled Nigeria amid speculation​s​ he was to be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Mr. Nyako’s supporters believed the impeachment was orchestrated by the Presidency as it came shortly after the governor wrote a scathing letter accusing former President Goodluck Jonathan of carrying out genocide against the people of the north east.

The former governor left Nigeria for Germany, then England, where he had been since July 2014.

Although his deputy, Mr. Ngilari, succeeded ​in upturnimg his impeachment in court, Mr. Nyako was not so lucky as a Federal High Court sitting in Yola last week dismissed his suit challenging his ouster.

Mr. Nyako returned to Nigeria Saturday afternoon and was received by friends and associates at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja. Some of those who received the former governor were​ Senators Binta Garba, Abdullahi Adamu and Danjuma Goje.

Mr. Nyako played a prominent role in the emergence of the new governor of Adamawa ​S​tate, Umaru Jibrilla.

He directed his supporters who formed the majority of the membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Adamawa State to vote for Mr. Jibrilla in the two primary elections held in the state; first during the bye election (before it was cancelled by the court), and in the run-up to the 2015 election.

After his victory in the April 11 election, Governor Jibrilla said he remained loyal to Mr. Nyako. To prove his loyalty, he appointed three core loyalists of Mr. Nyako as part of the five appointments he made shortly after he was sworn in Friday.

Mr. Jibrilla announced the appointment of Umar Bindir as the Secretary to the government, SSG, Abdulrahman Jimeta, as Chief of Staff, Abdullahi Bakari as Principal Private Secretary, and Ahmed Mahmood as the Director of Protocol, while Yohanna Mathias was appointed as the Chief press Secretary.

Self Exiled Nyako Returns To Nigeria After Buhari Sworn-In

Breaking: Suicide bomber kills nine, militants attack Adamawa communities

A suicide bomber has killed nine persons in Garkida in Adamawa State while Boko Haram terrorists have attacked the Madagali area in the state in a renewed offensive by the insurgents in the liberated areas.

Details of the attack remained sketchy at the time of filing this report but our correspondent reports that troops have engaged the militants in a fierce gun battle to flush them out of the embattled communities.

Details later…

Breaking: Suicide bomber kills nine, militants attack Adamawa communities

PDP chief calls on party leaders to resign over election failure

A former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in Adamawa State, Dr. Umar Ardo, has called on party leaders at national level to resign.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ardo described as disastrous the party’s outing at the just-concluded general elections, adding that the resignation of the party leaders would enable it to be better structured.

He said, “Against the backdrop of the disastrous performance of the PDP in the 2015 general elections, both at the national and state levels, it is my view that the PDP national leadership must take full responsibility and consequently resign their offices forthwith, if the party is to reposition itself and recapture power in the nearest future.

“Although the candidacy of (President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu) Buhari was seemingly unassailable in the circumstances of the 2015 national politics, it is clear to all discerning pundits that the actions, inactions and choices of the party’s national leaderships were mainly responsible for the creation of these unfavourable political circumstances.

“To this extent, the party leaderships can be said to be mainly responsible for the party’s defeat. To this end, therefore, I call upon all members of the National Working Committee and the leadership of the Board of Trustees to honourably resign their offices.”

Ardo, who had challenged President Goodluck Jonathan’s candidacy in December 2014, said the President, as the leader of the party, should appoint an interim committee comprising distinguished members with a high degree of honesty, integrity and justice and with good knowledge and understanding of Nigeria’s politics and history.

According to the PDP stalwart, the interim committee would sustain the party for at least three months to conduct free, fair and credible elections that would usher in responsible and credible party leaderships across the country.

“The President has saved the nation by accepting defeat with equanimity. It is now for him to save the party by accepting this advice, thereby leaving behind a solid base of internal democracy in the PDP. This is a duty the President owes the party and the nation,” he added.

PDP chief calls on party leaders to resign over election failure