News
Gombe Farmers Demand Transparency in Fertilizer Distribution
Farmers in Gombe State are calling for transparency regarding the whereabouts of 2,000 tonnes of fertiliser that was reportedly donated by the Federal Government to support food security in the state.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya had announced the fertiliser donation during the flag-off ceremony in June 2024, which was intended to assist farmers during the wet season. However, frustrated farmers are now claiming that the fertiliser remains undistributed and has been diverted to “political farmers” instead.
These farmers are urging the governor to ensure that the Federal Government’s free fertiliser is fairly distributed to genuine farmers, especially as they prepare for the dry season.
Esther Bitrus, a rice and maize farmer from Dadin Kowa, expressed her disappointment, noting that only the state-subsidised fertiliser, priced at N22,000 per bag, was available, and even that was distributed selectively. “I had to buy my fertiliser at market rates because I couldn’t access either the federal or state-provided supplies,” Bitrus said. “It’s disheartening that despite the Federal Government’s goodwill, we’re left to fend for ourselves.”
Sarah Yakubu, another farmer, echoed these concerns, warning that neglecting farmers in Gombe could worsen food scarcity and deepen rural poverty. “If farmers in Kano and Nasarawa receive fertiliser for free, why should Gombe State be different?” she asked.
For Umar Hamisu, a Nafada farmer, the lack of affordable fertiliser has hindered his ability to plant sorghum and wheat adequately in 2024. “We heard that President Tinubu supported us with fertiliser, but nothing reached our villages,” Hamisu complained.
Grain farmer Aliyu Kashere also voiced his frustrations, stating that farmers in Gombe need real support, like other farmers across the country. “The government should ensure proper distribution for the dry season,” Kashere said.
In response to the allegations, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Malle, dismissed the claims of diversion, insisting that the fertilisers were allocated to “real farmers” and not political affiliates. “There were efforts by some to secure fertiliser for resale, but Governor Yahaya’s stringent oversight prevented this,” Malle stated.
Both federal and state-provided fertilisers, totaling 4,000 tonnes, had been distributed to cooperatives and individual farmers at subsidised rates, according to Malle.
Barrister Abdullahi Jalo, Chairman of the Fertiliser Distribution Committee, also denied the mismanagement accusations. He clarified that although he had chaired the committee since 2023, he had joined after the federal fertiliser distribution had begun. “Governor Yahaya distributed federal fertiliser free multiple times before I joined the committee,” Jalo explained.
When asked about the exact timing of the Federal Government’s fertiliser delivery, Jalo remarked, “That’s a question for the governor. Currently, we’re finalising distribution records for the state’s fertiliser, which was sold to farmers at N22,000 per bag.”
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden, marking another step in his efforts to target political opponents.
In a post on his Truth Social platform Tuesday, Trump criticized what he called an excessive security detail for Hunter Biden, claiming he had up to 18 agents protecting him. He also announced that Ashley Biden’s security detail, reportedly consisting of 13 agents, would be withdrawn.
“Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden… will be taken off the list,” Trump wrote.
Federal law grants lifelong Secret Service protection to former presidents and their spouses, while their children receive coverage only until age 16. However, adult children of presidents often receive extended protection for a period of time.
A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed Trump’s directive, stating, “We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden. The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.”
Hunter Biden has long been a focal point of Republican criticism, with attacks intensifying after his father pardoned his tax and gun-related convictions before leaving office in January. On Monday, Trump declared that those pardons were void, a move with unclear legal standing.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has also revoked security clearances for Joe Biden, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the country’s COVID-19 response.
The White House defended the decision, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating in January that individuals are “not entitled to security protection and clearances for life.”
During his first presidency, Trump extended Secret Service protection for six months to his four adult children and several senior officials, a move that cost taxpayers $1.7 million, according to The Washington Post.
The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 188, details the process for the impeachment of a state governor, requiring a structured legal framework that ensures due process and fairness.
According to the provision, impeachment begins when at least one-third of the members of the State House of Assembly sign a written notice accusing the governor of gross misconduct. The allegations must be clear, specific, and detailed to avoid ambiguity.
Once the notice is received, the Speaker of the House has seven days to serve a copy to the governor and distribute the governor’s response to all assembly members.
Within 14 days, the House must vote on whether to investigate the allegations. This decision is made by motion without debate and requires a two-thirds majority to proceed. If passed, the Chief Judge of the state is mandated to appoint a seven-member panel within seven days to investigate the allegations. This panel must be composed of individuals who are not members of a legislative house, public service, or political party.
During the investigation, the governor has the right to defend himself personally or through legal representation. The panel has three months to complete its inquiry and submit its findings to the assembly.
If the panel concludes that the allegations lack proof, the impeachment process is terminated. However, if the panel finds the allegations proven, the assembly must, within 14 days, vote on the report. A two-thirds majority vote in favor results in the governor’s immediate removal from office.
This process ensures that impeachment is not arbitrary but follows a clear legal and procedural path, reinforcing democratic accountability in governance.
Asaba, Nigeria – Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed four suspected kidnappers in a gunfight and recovered an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, according to a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.
Edafe said the police had earlier arrested a suspect on March 9, 2025, while he was attempting to buy ammunition for an AK-47 rifle. During interrogation, the suspect revealed the rifle’s location, leading the police to a bush along the railway line in Agbarho. Upon arrival, the gang engaged the police in a fierce shootout, leaving four suspects with fatal gunshot wounds.
The injured suspects were taken to the General Hospital in Ughelli, where they were later confirmed dead. Their bodies have been deposited in the morgue as police intensify efforts to track down other fleeing gang members.
In a separate operation, police operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Edafe revealed that on March 12, 2025, a resident of Ibusa reported to the police that his friend’s wife had been kidnapped on March 7, 2025, and a ransom was paid. He also disclosed that he was responsible for delivering the ransom and food items to the kidnappers.
Acting on this information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ibusa mobilized a team alongside local vigilantes and stormed a bush hideout, leading to the arrest of Abdulahi Isah, a suspected member of the gang.
The suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
Trump revokes security details for Biden’s children
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