Tag: Abubakar

  • Fire: FAAN Redirects Flight Operations To MMIA Terminal 2

    Fire: FAAN Redirects Flight Operations To MMIA Terminal 2

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has redirected flight operations and processing of passengers to terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

    Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, during his maiden visit to the airport, ordered airlines to relocate to terminal 2 by Oct. 1.

    READ ALSO: PDP, Abubakar Reject Presidential Election Court Judgment, Set To Appeal

    He noted that the relocation was a necessity for the renovation and total overhaul of terminal 1.

    Yakubu-Funtua said the expedited relocation to the new terminal was deemed necessary due to the fire incident that occurred at Terminal 1 on Sept. 7.

    He appealed to travellers to arrive at the airport early in order to complete their check-in formalities. (NAN)

  • Dhul Hijja: Sultan Directs Muslim To Look Out For New Moon

    Dhul Hijja: Sultan Directs Muslim To Look Out For New Moon

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has directed Muslim Ummah to look out for the new moon of Dhul Hijja 1442AH.

    Abubakar, who is also the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made the call on Friday in a statement.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement was signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

    “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Saturday, July 10, which is equivalent to 29th day of Dhul Qadah 1442AH shall be the day to look out for the new moon of Dhul Hijja 1442AH.

    “Muslim are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon on Saturday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan,’’ he said.

    READ ALSO: Why Onochie Should Not Be Confirmed As INEC Commissioner – CUPP

    The Sultan prayed Allah to assist Muslims in the discharge of their religious duty.

    NAN reports that Dhul Hijja is the 12th month in the Islamic calendar.

    It is a sacred month in Islam, one in which Muslims perform Ḥajj (Pilgrimage) as well as the Festival of the Sacrifice. (NAN)

  • Christmas: Rededicate To God, Atiku Appeals To Nigerians

    Christmas: Rededicate To God, Atiku Appeals To Nigerians

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday urged Christians and all Nigerians to seize the opportunity of Christmas celebration to rededicate themselves to God.

    Abubakar, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Paul Ibe, in Abuja urged  Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers, which he believed have an immense impact on the peace, security, unity and stability of the nation.

    He said it was important for Nigerians to inject the healing and unifying serum of love for their neighbours into the nation’s consciousness this season.

    He urged Nigerians to think good and sow better action to make the country more desirable because restoring the country’s glory was everyone’s responsibility.

    “On this significant occasion of Christmas, I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly the Christian faithful on the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

    “Christmas is a time of love, therefore, I call on all Nigerians to emulate the essence of this season and unite for the greater good of our dear country.

    “This period reminds us of the need to uphold the virtues of love, selflessness and tolerance.

    “I call on all Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of the season, which presents an opportunity to love and share,” he said.

    The former vice president called on Nigerians to also remember their fellow citizens, the personnel of the armed forces.

    READ ALSO: Gov. Lalong Recovers From COVID-19

    This, according to him, include those who lost their lives in 2020, fighting to protect citizens from terrorist attacks, banditry, kidnapping and other threats against national security.

    “The message of Christmas, according to the Christian faith, is one of unprecedented self-sacrifice to redeem humanity, so it is the season of love, joy, generosity and forgiveness.

    “Even as we celebrate with friends and family, we should also spend time to pray for a more peaceful and prosperous nation.

    “As a nation, we can achieve more if we stay united, extend hands of fellowship to one another and be law abiding.

    “We must also rededicate ourselves to the virtues of faith in God, love for one another and make these virtues more evident and practical in our daily living”, he added.

    Abubakar wished all Christians as well as other Nigerians a merry Christmas celebration. (NAN)

     

  • Two Ex-Governors, Yuguda, Abubakar To Refund N1 Trillion To Bauchi State

    Two Ex-Governors, Yuguda, Abubakar To Refund N1 Trillion To Bauchi State

    The Assets Recovery Committee set up by the Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed has indicted two former Governors of the state and ordered them to refund N1 trillion to the state coffers.

    The former governors are; Isa Yuguda and Mohammed Abubakar and their associates whom the committee accused of looting during their tenures as governors in the State.

    A member of the committee, Mr. Lawal Husseini Ibrahim, who fielded questions from journalists in Bauchi on Saturday alleged that items belonging to the State Government were found in the House of former Governor Abubakar.

    According to him, the committee was tipped off concerning the items in the ex-governor’s home by a whistleblower.

    His words: “As the committee was rounding up its activities it received a whistleblower tip of items being carted away and transferred outside the state by the family of former governor Abubakar.

    “The committee visited the House of the former governor at Fadaman Mada and was able to recover only a few items, like 105 Pasta making machines, 10 sewing machines, a carton of surgical hand gloves and several office furniture belonging to the Bauchi State Government.

    “The committee had earlier recovered four tractors, a luxury bus and a house belonging to the state government which Abubakar sold to himself. The house is located opposite Government House adjacent to Wikki Hotel.”

    READ ALSO: Mismanagement of N2tn: Bauchi Gov. Indicts Yuguda, Abubakar

    Lawal who revealed that the committee will submit its report soon, also disclosed that the committee discovered a lot of Bauchi Government properties and resources frittered away by the two former governors and their associates.

    He said the committee traced over 16 different plots of lands, building and property at different locations in Kaduna State with C of O belonging to the Bauchi government while various contracts awarded by the two previous administrations, like the purchase of 500 tractors, of which 40 was delivered were investigated.

    Lawal also mentioned the ecological funds, Paris Club refund and various loans taken by the former governors.

    He expressed optimism that if the recommendations of the committee are implemented the two former governors and their associates will refund over one trillion naira to the state government.

    Commenting on the suit filed by the two former governors challenging the activities of the committee, Lawal said the committee was handling the issue.

    He said: “Yes, the former governors Abubakar and Yuguda took the committee before the Federal High Courts in Abuja and Bauchi State High Court. But the committee is responding adequately to the suits and will submit its report without hitches.”

  • BREAKING: Adoke Freed From EFCC Custody

    BREAKING: Adoke Freed From EFCC Custody

    The immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), has regained his freedom.
    The ex-AGF has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after he was arrested upon his return from a self-exile, on December 19, 2019.
    He regained his freedom on Monday shortly after he was granted bail in the fresh money laundering charges instituted against him by the EFCC.
    He and his co-accused, Aliyu Abubakar, earlier on Monday, pleaded not guilty to the seven counts instituted against them.
    Shortly after they took their pleas, their lawyers argued their bail applications, which were opposed by the EFCC, through its lawyer, Bala Sanga.
    About two hours after the hearing, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted him bail in the same terms and conditions of the bail earlier granted him on January 30 by the Gwagwalada Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
    Adoke’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and that of Abubakar, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), who argued the bail applications earlier on Monday, said their clients had already met the bail conditions.
    Adoke departed the court premises in Ozekhome’s car at about 3.15pm on Monday, The PUNCH reports.
  • Mismanagement of N2tn: Bauchi Gov. Indicts Yuguda, Abubakar

    Mismanagement of N2tn: Bauchi Gov. Indicts Yuguda, Abubakar

    Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Friday indicted two of his predecessors for squandering over N2tn which accrued to the state between May 2007 and May 2019.

    According to the governor, though the state received such an amount from the federal government within the period in focus, there was nothing on ground in the state to show such money entered its coffers.

    Isa Yuguda was the governor of the state from May 2007 to May 2015 while Mohammed Abubakar held sway from May 2015 to May 2019.

    Speaking at the inauguration of a panel to recover money and assets allegedly diverted by the Yuguda and Abubakar’s administrations at Government House, Bauchi, on Friday, Mohammed, said the immediate past governor received over N400bn during his tenure.

    “I am not unaware of the debate and passionate conversation, some perhaps, negative on why we set up this committee. This fact may suffice to allay the fears of anybody that between May 2007 and May 2019, Bauchi State received more than N2tn from the federation account in form of allocation and intervention.

    “Between 2015 and 2019 alone, the state’s total revenue collection stood at over N400bn. The most rudimentary audit will show how these funds were scandalously mismanaged with little or nothing to show for it.

    “Bauchi State has more than 1.3 million children out of school and another 1.3 million unemployed. Our resources were clearly diverted or squandered while our citizens grappled with poverty and squalor.

    “For example, the first four years of the Buhari administration, the state government got N47bn as bailouts from the Federal Government, mainly to offset salaries, gratuities and pensions. We also got N17bn as Paris Club refunds amounting to N62bn as intervention, apart from the statutory monthly federal allocations.

    “It is embarrassing today, that we have N27bn unpaid gratuities and pensions, it’s sad, very sad indeed. If this state of financial profligacy is allowed to go unchecked, we may wake up one day to have our state reduced to a status of glorified or amplified local government. These glaring facts, clearly showed how serious the business of government in Bauchi State was conducted with reckless abandon, corruption and impunity.”

    The governor insisted that the probe was not a witch-hunt or meant to settle some old scores, but rather, was “meant to recover the misappropriated commonwealth and reset the baton, so that integrity, probity and accountability will henceforth remain the guiding principles as well as an article of faith in the conduct of government business.”
    He charged the committee headed by Isa Misau to be focused in the discharge of its responsibilities.

  • Osinbajo, Abubakar Call for Unity Among Nigerians

    Osinbajo, Abubakar Call for Unity Among Nigerians

    Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday urged Nigerians to join hands to build the country.

    In their separate remarks at the public presentation of a book authored by Segun Osoba, both said Nigerians should see their diversity as their strength rather than as a dividing factor.

    The presentation of the book titled “BATTLELINES: Adventures in Journalism and Politics, at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, was part of events marking Osoba’s 80th birthday.

    Gen. Abubakar, who chaired the occasion, said Nigerians must work together to ensure peace and stability in the country.

    Using his longtime friendship with Osoba to represent the many different shades of people in the country, the retired general said; “Notwithstanding the many differences between us, there are also unifying factors.

    Both of us want the best for Nigeria and Nigerians. Both of us want Nigeria to be a blessing to Nigerians and Africa; we want Nigerians to walk tall in any country, to be proud of themselves and Nigeria and all these are achievable if Nigerians will put the interest of the country first.”

    He praised Osoba for being able to articulate his journey in the book which he described as “readable, interesting and educative.”

    In his own comments, Vice President Osinbajo urged Nigerians to recognize evil for what it was and form alliances across all divides to fight it.

    He said Nigerians should stop seeing themselves along the lines of religion and ethnicity.

    Osinbajo described Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa PROVINCE, ISWA, as expansionist ideologies that feed on hate with “satanic desire to control others, “ adding that anybody who did not share their ideology irrespective of religion and race would fall victim in their hand.

    “Unity can defeat any evil that threatens the country. We are stronger united, “ he said.

    He congratulated Osoba on his birthday describing him as a bridge builder.

    The event drew the crème-de-la-crème in the country with the old and young in journalism and politics represented.

  • Silent Diplomatic Efforts Aided Zainab, Abubakar’s Release by Saudi – Ministry

    Silent Diplomatic Efforts Aided Zainab, Abubakar’s Release by Saudi – Ministry

    Foreign Affairs Ministry says its silent diplomatic efforts in the past few weeks culminated in the release of Zainab Aliyu and Ibrahim Abubakar arrested by Saudi authority for drug related offence.

    The ministry said this in a statement by its Acting Spokesperson, Mr Friday Akpan, on Thursday in Abuja

    “Zainab Aliyu, a Nigerian student who travelled for Lesser Hajj with her mother was arrested by Saudi Security Officials on Dec. 26, 2018, in a hotel in Madinah.

    “She was accused of possessing a bag containing illicit drugs purportedly bearing a tag with her name.

    “Another passenger, Ibrahim Abubakar, unrelated to Zainab who also travelled on the same aircraft, was also arrested on the same day,” it stated.

    The ministry explained that Zainab Aliyu was released on April 30, while Ibrahim Abubakar was released on May 1.

    It also stressed that the intervention by President Muhammadu Buhari directing that all efforts be exerted to secure their release facilitated the expedited final favourable resolution of the matter.

    While explaining further its efforts on the release of the two Nigerians, the ministry stated that on receipt of the information on their arrest, the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah intervened.

    It stated that Nigerian Mission in Saudi then requested for full investigation to ascertain the innocence of Zainab Aliyu and Ibrahim Abubakar.

    “Investigations conducted by the Airport Authorities and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano discovered a drug cartel at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, that specialises in planting illicit drugs on innocent travellers without their knowledge.

    “It was also discovered that the bag tagged in Zainab’s name was planted by the cartel without her knowledge.

    “Following the arrest of members of the cartel, the Federal Government is currently prosecuting the suspects in the Federal High Court, Kano.

    “The outcome of the investigation and subsequent trial of the suspects confirmed the innocence of the two Nigerians.

    “The Consulate General of Nigeria in Jeddah, upon instruction from Headquarters, therefore sent series of Diplomatic Notes to the Saudi Foreign Ministry informing of the arrest of members of the syndicate in Kano and forwarding the report of the NDLEA investigation and court proceeding.”

    It stated that investigation documents were forwarded to the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah to further support the innocence of the two Nigerians and also resolve the issue of luggage tag numbers.

    READ ALSO: Gunmen storm government school, abduct caterers, children

    According to the ministry, following these efforts, officials in the Consulate secured appointment and met with the Director General of the Saudi Foreign Ministry, Jeddah.

    It said that the DG then requested the official in the consulate to forward the NDLEA report to all concerned Saudi agencies with a view to releasing Zainab Aliyu and Ibrahim Abubakar.

    “All these processes followed were consistent with the usual diplomatic channel of engagement.

    “To maintain the diplomatic pressure, another Note was sent by our Embassy in Riyadh conveying the same message to the Saudi Authorities.

    “On April 26, a Note was also sent to both the Saudi Embassy in Abuja and its Consulate in Kano, forwarding court documents relating to the trial of members of the Kano syndicate,” it stated.

    It added that the Legal Adviser of the Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed that relevant agencies and departments in Saudi Arabia were going to meet to consider all the Notes Verbal and reports submitted by Nigeria.

    This, it stated, was to facilitate early resolution of the case of Zainab Aliyu and Ibrahim Abubakar.

    The ministry added that the judicial and legal process in Nigeria alos provided the critical documentation that aided the diplomatic efforts to establish the innocence of both Zainab Aliyu and Ibrahim Abubakar.

    It stated that the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jeddah is currently processing travel documents for the two individuals to facilitate their return to Nigeria.

    The Ministry commended the Saudi Government, through its Embassy in Abuja and officials of Saudi Foreign Ministry, for cooperating with Nigeria in the eventual resolution of the matter.

    NAN

  • Bauchi Govt battles Type 2 Polio virus

    Bauchi Govt battles Type 2 Polio virus

    The Bauchi State Government says it has intensified efforts on surveillance system to tackle type 2 Polio virus which has been found in the state.

    Dr. Zuwaira Hassan, the State Commissioner for Health, who disclosed this to journalists in Bauchi on Saturday, stated that the state government has embarked on active surveillance system to rid the state of the polio virus.

    According to her, government will embark on an intensive campaign and awareness programme across the state in order to get rid of the type 2 Polio virus found in the state metropolis.

    Hassan disclosed that the type 2 Polio virus was first discovered in Jigawa, Yobe, Katsina States in the north and Niger Republic noting however that the virus was only discovered on ponds, drainages and refuse in the communities and not on a human beings.

    She said that the state government was committed to eradicating polio in the state, “with the Basket fund MOU between Bill and Millinda Gate, Aliko Dangote and the state government on polio and immunization.”

    She spoke further, “I am confident that we have done well in trying to eradicate polio. Therefore there is need to improve access to information to health workers who are stationed at different health facilities. This would help the state government know the rate of frequency of a particular disease in a community and prevent its spread.”

    READ ALSO: Flood: VP Osinbajo visits IDP camp in Rivers, calls for immediate intervention

    The commissioner said the surveillance system would be conducted across the 20 local government areas of the state even as she restated the commitment of government to continue organising supplementary and routine immunisation days in all health facilities and outreach centres in the state.

    She admonished the secondary and tertiary healthcare providers to be innovative in making sure that diseases are promptly reported to bridge the gap and urged families to continue to immunise their children and prevent a resurgence of the disease.

    Circulating Vaccine-Derived Polio Virus Type 2 (cVDPV2) was discovered at Gwallaga mosque area linking three wards of Makama B, Hardo and Dankade areas of Bauchi Local Government Area through samples collected from various locations on a monthly basis.

  • I would have become president if… – Atiku

    I would have become president if… – Atiku

    I would have become the president of Nigeria in 1993 if I did not step down for the late Moshood Abiola if I was desperate to become the president of Nigeria.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar made this declaration on Tuesday in Benin.

    Atiku who spoke with journalist said he had the interest of the country at heart and not desperate to become president.

    He said he had the right to contest election as many times as he could but that did not mean that he was desperate.

    He said however that he would not leave the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in case he did not win the presidential ticket.

    READ ALSO: INEC registers 23 new parties, extends voters registration

    “What do you expect my critics to say. I can run as many times as I want. I am fit and qualified and I still have ideas to put this country on the right path. What is wrong in trying again and again?

     “I am not desperate to become President. If I were desperate, I would have taken the presidency in 2003. If I were desperate, I would not have stepped down for Abiola. I have the interest of this country.”

    In Atiku’s company was the Director General of his campaign organisation, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

    He was in Benin as part of his campaign to win the PDP presidential ticket.

  • Bauchi:  Abubakar signs 2018 budget of consolidation into law

    Bauchi: Abubakar signs 2018 budget of consolidation into law

    Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State has signed the 2018 Appropriation Bill of the state into law.

    Tagged Budget of Consolidation, it was signed on Thursday at the Bauchi State Government House with all the commissioners in attendance.

    A breakdown of the document showed a total budget of N167 billion with 40% going to Recurrent Expenditure and 60% to Capital Expenditure.

    The Education sector received the lion share of 19.22%.

    Health was next with 15.23%.

    READ ALSO: El-Rufai Shuns Funeral Ceremonies of Fiery Kaduna Catholic Bishop

    During the signing of the budget, the governor promised to complete all existing roads and ongoing projects in the state.

    He said no project would be left uncompleted.

    He also stressed that his government would ensure the diversification of the economy of the state with emphasis on agriculture.

    Attention, he said, would also be given to solid mineral development and tourism.

    The governor who thanked the people of the state for their cooperation gave the assurance that they would continue to enjoy the dividend of democracy.

  • Bauchi:  Abubakar swears in new commissioners

    Bauchi: Abubakar swears in new commissioners

    Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi State has sworn in 19 commissioners.

    The swearing in took place on Wednesday, six months after he dissolved the state cabinet.

    Speaking at the inauguration, the governor, called on the new commissioners to be committed and show exemplary leadership qualities in the running of the affairs of the government.

    Stressing that they were chosen based on merit, the governor warned them against indolence and the temptation to embezzle public funds.

    He said anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.

    He said they should also be fair to the people of the state in their activities.

    He advised them to be prudent especially in view of the lean resources available to the state.

    READ ALSO: Recalled NHIS boss, Yusuf resumes work

    Below is the list of all the commissioners:

    1.  Engr. Nuhu Gidado – Works and Transport
    1. Ruqayya Ibrahim Kewa – Women Affairs
    1. Haruna Deke Mohammed – Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
    1. Hon. Rifkatu Samson Danna – Environment
    1. Magaji Abubakar Dambam – Budget and Economic Planning
    1. Umar Ibrahim Sade – Information, Culture and Tourism
    1. Muhammad Sani Bashir – Power, Science and Technology
    1. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed – Housing
    1. Abubakar Gazali – Commerce
    1. Babangida Nasiru Giade – Cooperatives and SME Development
    1. Pharm. Ibrahim Madaki Saleh – Youths and Sports
    1. Muhammad Mahmud Abubakar – Rural and Community Development
    1. Yakubu Kirfi Esq – Agriculture
    1. Garba Muhammad Sarki Akuyam – Finance
    1. Danwanka Haruna Abdullahi – Education
    1. Ado Sarkin Aska Zigau – Religious Affairs and Community Relations
    1. Nasiruddeen Muhammad Esq – Local Government Affairs
    1. Dr. Zuwaira Hassan Ibrahim – Health
    1. Musa Kaila Baima – Solid Minerals
    1. Ibrahim Ayuba Suleiman – Water Resources
  • What Presidency says about new NIA DG, Abubakar

    What Presidency says about new NIA DG, Abubakar

    The Presidency on Sunday rose in stout defence of the new Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Mr. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

    Abubakar replaces Ambassador Ayo Oke who was fired as the NIA boss over alleged involvement in the financial scam where about N13 billion was discovered to have been stashed away in a flat in Osborne Tower, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Almost immediately after Abubakar’s appointment, critics have described him unfit for the job, saying he held dual citizenship.

    According to the critics, some of his shortcomings included that his wife was from Morocco.

    But in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, none of the claims against Abubakar was true.

    Adesina said neither was Abubakar a Chadian nor his wife from Morocco.

    He said contrary to the claim that he retired from the services of NIA as an Assistant Director because he failed promotion examinations twice, and had to quit, willy-nilly, Abubakar was a merit award winner while in the service.

    “The new NIA DG retired from Foreign Service as Deputy Director (not Assistant Director) and three times during his career, had won Merit Award for competence and meritorious service,” he said.

    He added that the news that Abubakar failed examination was only the imagination of his critics.

    Adesina also pointed out that Abubakar never at any time held Chadian nationality.

    He said his only wife is from Katsina State, and indeed, from the same community as the husband.

    “The story of being married to a Moroccan can only be tale by moonlight, concocted by people who love a fib,” he said.

    The statement reads:  “A lot of half-truths, misinformation, and outright falsehood have attended the announcement of a new Director-General for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), in the person of Mr Ahmed Rufai Abubakar .

    “Some of such unfounded stories include that Abubakar had retired from the services of NIA as an Assistant Director, because he failed promotion examinations twice, and had to quit, willy-nilly.

    “Others claim he is married to a Moroccan, and so cannot hold such sensitive security position, while others say he was born and bred in Chad, and he holds dual nationality.

    “All these have been widely disseminated on the social, and some mainstream media.

    READ ALSO: Ayo Olugbode is Navy’s new spokesman

    “With the formal assumption of office by Mr Abubakar, it is now necessary to set the facts straight.

    “The new NIA DG retired from Foreign Service as Deputy Director (not Assistant Director) and three times during his career, had won Merit Award for competence and meritorious service.

    “Failing promotion examination can only exist in the fecund minds of fiction writers.

    “His last position before the new appointment was as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs/International Affairs where again he quietly proved himself.

    “Abubakar’s parents hailed from Katsina State, and had settled in Chad at a point in their lifetime.

    “The new DG did his primary school in Ndjamena (then Fort-Lamy), but returned to Nigeria for his secondary and University education.

    “He never at any time held Chadian nationality.

    “Mr. Abubakar’s only wife hails from Katsina State, indeed, from the same community as the husband.

    “The story of being married to a Moroccan can only be tale by moonlight, concocted by people who love a fib.

    “The President appointed the new DG because he had worked closely with him in the past two years, and sincerely believes that he would add value to the NIA.”