Headlines
FRSC denies producing ‘Chip Whip’ number plate, launches probe
By Nazifi Dawud
The Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) has denied producing an absurd number plate that mis-spelt Chief Whip as ‘Chip Whip’, which was found on a vehicle believed to be owned by Hon. Ayuba Labaran Durum–Chief Whip of the Kano State House of Assembly.
Kano Focus reports that an image of the comical number plate, which was first shared by Jaafar Jaafar, publisher of Daily Nigerian newspaper, has caused uproar and derision, since it emerged on Saturday.
Many social media users have blamed the FRSC, the only government agency with a mandate to produce number plates, for the blunder.
However, in a statement on Sunday, the FRSC promptly denied manufacturing the ludicrous number plate, blaming impostors.
“The attention of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has been drawn to the existence of a number plate issued with the wrong spelling of “CHIP WHIP” instead of the correct spelling of CHIEF WHIP to the Kano State House of Assembly.
“We wish to state categorically that the said number plate did not originate from any of the FRSC Number Plate production centres, neither was it issued by the Corps,” read the statement, signed by Bisi Kazeem, Corps Public Education Officer of the FRSC.
“We are therefore making it abundantly clear to members of the public that FRSC as the lead agency in road traffic management and safety administration in the country has nothing to do with the said number plate as some people are insinuating on some social media platforms.
“For the avoidance of doubt, FRSC with its International Quality Management certification (ISO 9001: 2008) has rigorous quality procedures for producing and issuing any of its security documents which makes the possibility of such obvious grammatical errors on any of its licences an impossibility”.
The FRSC also said it has launched an investigation in order to identify and arrest the manufacturer of the ‘Chip Whip’ number plate.
“Consequently, the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi has ordered the Sector Commander of Kano State to investigate the origin of the purported number plate with a view to bringing the perpetrators of the illegal act to book.
“Furthermore, he has directed all field commands across the country to be on vigilance and clampdown on producers and issuers of fake number plates.
“To this end, he calls on members of the public to immediately report any act of such illegality against all FRSC security documents, while assuring of the competence and diligence of the Corps in carrying out all its assignments geared toward ensuring safer road environments for safety and security of all Nigerians,” the statement added.
Nasiru Yusuf
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Saturday grilled former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over allegations of abuse of office, diversion of public funds and fraudulent allocation of government properties to cronies.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, was first invited by the EFCC in September but failed to honour the invitation as reported by Channels TV.
An associate of the politician informed Channels Television that Kwankwanso may have been invited in relation to a petition by some retired employees of the Kano State Government.
The retired employees had told the EFCC that the former governor mismanaged pension remittances to the tune of N10 billion between 2011 and 2015, to fund a housing project for his cronies.
EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren did not comment on the interrogation of the former governor when contacted on Saturday.
Aminu Abdullahi
Crisis rocked Kano chapter of All Progressive Congress (APC), as Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and faction loyal to former governor of Kano and serving Senator Ibrahim Shekarau held parallel state congress.
KANO FOCUS reports that while Ganduje group held their congress at Sani Abacha stadium, faction loyal to Shekarau had their own at Janguza town, Tofa local government area.
Ganduje’s led group endorsed Abdullahi Abbas as state chairman of APC for a second term in a consensus arrangement, while the faction loyal to Shekarau announced Ahmadu Haruna Zago as newly elected chairman of APC in Kano state.
Reports shows that the security have earlier disrupted Shekarau’s camp congress at Sani Abacha youth centre and sealed the premises before they moved to Janguza where they held the election.
Below are some pictures of the parallel Congress.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje while voting at Sani Abacha stadium
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje with APC chieftains
Delegates at Sani Abacha stadium
Ballot box
Factional chairman of Kano APC Ahmadu Haruna Zago
Ahmadu Haruna Zago and Abdilkadir Jobe
APC factional congress at Janguza
Headlines
NCC moves to address poor network service at densely populated Kano markets – Prof Danbatta.
Nasiru Yusuf
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) Umar Garba Danbatta says the commission will address the poor network at Kantin Kwari, Sabongari Singer and Kurmi markets.
KANO FOCUS reports that Danbatta announced revealed this while responding to complaint raised by a participant at a two day stakeholders consultative meeting tagged ‘talk to the regulator’ organised by Nigerian Communications Commission in Kano.
The complainer noted that that there is poor telecommunications service in Kantin Kwari, Sabongari, Singer and Kurmi markets in Kano metropolitan area.
Danbatta responded that the commission will deploy investigative team to determine the nature of the problem and proffer solution.
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta
“We have the capacity to monitor the performance of MNOs, that is the most important thing. Because of this valid observation by our stakeholder, we are going to direct our searchlight in those areas where we think the quality of service needs to improve.
“And if it is necessary, we will send the investigative team what is the nature of the quality of service in such places with a view to improve the quality of the service,” Danbatta said.
The Executive Vice Chairman explained that the commission considers stakeholder feedback “as a critical component of our forward – looking regulatory model.”
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta with senior management staff of NCC
“Hence, the overarching objective of this forum is to get direct feedback from our licensees on how we, as a regulator, are meeting your expectations, and on areas where we can improve our regulatory service, particularly those that have to do with licensing.
“We also intend to use this forum to seek your support for the several initiatives that the commission has carefully developed in our quest to enhance market opportunities for all our licensees.”
Danbatta added that the commission will focus it’s energies for the next five years on five strategic pillars.
Participants
The pillars according to him include “organisational renewal for operational efficiency and regulatory excellence.
“Facilitate the provision of infrastructure for a digital economy which fosters national development.
“Improve quality service (QoS) for enhanced consumer quality of experience (QoE).
“Promote fair competition, inclusive growth, increased investment and innovative services as well facilitate strategic collaboration and partnership.”
Participants
He disclosed that the federal government has articulated a number of critical policy objectives for the sector such as those articulated in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025), the Revised National Digital Identity Policy for SIM Registration among others.
He added that the instruments require the full and unalloyed commitment of all stakeholders to ensure their successful implementation, and the meeting in Kano would provide a veritable channel for licensees’ buy-in.
Participants
In his address the Director of Licensing and Authorisation Department, Mohammed Babajika, said the commission is further liberalising the telecoms industry by finalising the framework for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and is currently reviewing existing regulations.
“The Commission is also finalising the Information Memorandum (IM) for 5G deployment, emerging trends like Internet of Things (loT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Over The Top (OTT) Services and Big Data Analytics, all aimed at initiating strategies to improve service delivery that is accessible and affordable.
EFCC Grills Rabiu Kwankwaso
Crisis rocks Kano APC as Ganduje, Shekarau hold parallel Congress
NCC moves to address poor network service at densely populated Kano markets – Prof Danbatta.
NCC upbeat on plans for 5G deployment
Photo News: NCC holds Stakeholders Consultative Forum in Kano
Breaking: EFCC Arrests Ganduje’s Wife
Emir’s Rolls Royce: Kano Emrate refutes story linking purchase to BUA
Kano approves N48m contract for drainages in Kano Emir’s Palace
Aminu Ado Bayero appointed chancellor of Al-Istikama University
