The paramount king of the Hong in Adamawa State, the Tol Huba, Alheri Bulus Nyako has spoken of a resolve by his people to stand up against any further attacks by insurgents.

The royal father, fielding questions from newsmen who called at his palace over recent attacks by Boko Haram in communities around his chiefdom, said his people have decided that running from the terrorists is unhelpful.

Speaking with particular reference to an attack in 2023 involving abduction of 53 people, 40 of who are yet to return home, he said such would not be repeated.

The Tol Huba whose coronation as the paramount ruler of Hong was done in February this year, said attackers of whatever calling will no longer have it easy anywhere around his domain.

“We have sent signals to the insurgents that Hong LGA is no-go area now. When there was a threat of attack last month, the way we mobilised ourselves was unprecedented,” the king said.

Noting that he was working with the security agencies to ensure that his domain is safe, the king said, “We have resolved not to run away from insurgents any more. We will henceforth be standing up to fight back. Historically, we are warriors who never lost any battle. We are determined to live true to that reputation going forward.”

The Hong king’s assertions rhyme with the opinion of many security specialists who have maintained that Boko Haram have become ineffective in many parts of the North-East because people in such areas dared to mobilise and fight back.

The Jigawa State government has responded to recent criticisms by opposition parties regarding its Citizens’ Engagement Programme, designed to foster direct communication between the government and its people.

Speaking during an interview with journalists at the Citizens’ Engagement Programme held in Birniwa Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa Ahmed, addressed the concerns raised by the opposition.

Governor Umar Namadi launched the initiative, locally known as “Gwamnati da Jama’a”, to provide residents across the 27 local government areas an opportunity to voice their needs and grievances directly to government officials.

The programme also allows the government to share information on its ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ lives.

However, opposition parties, including the NNPP and PDP, have criticized the initiative.

They argued that the programme has deviated from its intended purpose and that citizens, regardless of political affiliation, are not being given adequate opportunity to express their views.

In response, Sagir said the state government is not seeking validation from opposition parties but is focused on addressing the genuine needs and aspirations of the people.

“The government isn’t expecting praises from the opposition. What matters most to us is meeting the expectations of our citizens,” he stated.

He explained that the programme ensures broad representation, including delegates from every political ward, civil society organizations, NURTW, NATO, farmers’ groups, and other development associations within each local government.

“I don’t think it’s necessary to dwell on what the oppositions are saying. In anything you do, there will always be critics. But what’s important is that, for the first time in Jigawa’s history, the Governor, along with members of the executive, judiciary, and legislature, are coming together to engage directly with the people and seek their input,” he added.

Sagir further emphasized that the government is committed to serving the people of Jigawa State.

“We are focused on the good people of the state, and we’re pleased to see that they are happy and satisfied with what the government is doing. Everyone is entitled to their opinion — this is a democracy.”

Wanderimam Tenyang, Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Taraba State Chapter, has called on the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, John Kizito Bonzena, to fast-track the passage of the Disability Commission Bill.

The call was made on Sunday via an open letter addressed to the Speaker.

The bill, which has passed through a second reading, as noticed by Daily Post, is a legislative effort aimed at promoting inclusivity and protecting the rights of persons living with disabilities across the state.

In the letter, Tenyang commended the lawmakers for advancing the bill through its second reading but urged them to accelerate the process to ensure its prompt passage into law.

Highlighting the daily struggles of the disabled community, Tenyang described the situation as dire, with many individuals forced into street begging due to a lack of employment and support.

“Many are unemployed and are left to beg in the streets, churches, mosques, and offices just to survive.

“The establishment of a Disability Commission will create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and tackle critical issues such as accessibility, education, and social inclusion.”

The proposed Taraba State Disability Commission is expected to serve as a dedicated institution that will implement policies, promote rights, and support people with disabilities across various sectors of society,” Tenyang said.

He also stressed that the bill’s passage would not only transform lives but also contribute significantly to the broader development goals of the state.

“The passage of this bill will not only improve the lives of persons with disabilities but also boost the overall development of Taraba State,” he stated, calling on the House to prioritize the legislation.

He added that the disability community in Taraba continues to await the creation of the commission with high hopes, believing it will signal a long-overdue step toward equality and social justice.