The Kaduna State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has dismissed allegations by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai that Governor Uba Sani misappropriated local government funds for personal acquisitions abroad.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, ALGON spokesperson Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Shehu described the claims as false and misleading.

He reaffirmed Governor Sani’s commitment to financial transparency, respect for local government autonomy, and proper management of public funds.

Shehu also accused El-Rufai of imposing “Riot Damage Deductions” on local governments in Southern Kaduna during his administration, a policy he claimed deepened ethnic tensions.

He commended Governor Sani for reversing the policy and focusing on rural development, economic revitalization, and security.

ALGON further stated that monthly allocations to local governments have more than doubled under Governor Sani compared to El-Rufai’s tenure.

The association urged the public to disregard the former governor’s allegations, calling them unfounded and politically motivated.

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused his successor, Governor Uba Sani, of accepting a political “contract” from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to weaken him politically ahead of the 2027 elections.

El-Rufai made this statement while reacting to Governor Sani’s recent comments regarding the debt incurred by the former Kaduna administration.

Governor Sani had earlier claimed that the state’s debt was so massive that it could not be repaid.

Speaking during an interview with Freedom Radio Kaduna, which was later published on YouTube, El-Rufai alleged that Governor Uba Sani’s administration has failed due to a lack of knowledge and competence.

According to El-Rufai, Uba Sani accepted the “contract” because the Tinubu-led federal government fears he might oppose them in the future.

“The reason Uba Sani is making these statements is that he was given a contract. He was given a contract that says: ‘Go and tarnish, destroy, and politically cripple Nasir El-Rufai because we believe he will fight Tinubu in the future.

“They said, ‘We have wronged him, and we believe he will challenge Tinubu later, so help us weaken him politically. That’s why you should raise the issue of Kaduna’s debt, and we will support you in return.’”

The former governor further claimed that the federal government is rewarding Governor Uba Sani by providing him with financial support for projects in Kaduna State.

“They told him, ‘We will continue to give you funds to execute projects, and you can loot as much as you want, but just ensure you deal with this man because he is a threat.’ That is the contract Uba Sani accepted.”

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is set to commemorate this year’s edition of International Women’s Day with a series of strategic initiatives to celebrate and empower its womenfolk, who remain an integral part of the business.

According to the bank, as part of its ongoing commitment towards fostering gender equality and financial inclusion, it has designed some impactful programmes that will address key health, social, and economic challenges while offering tailored financial solutions to support women’s growth and successes.

With the theme: ‘Accelerate Action for Her Progress’, UBA will organise a diverse range of activities in March, including a Webinar Series, Trivia Challenges, a Business Series Live Event, Discount Offerings on Cards and Loans, and a CSR initiative providing care kits to secondary school children.

Speaking ahead of the line-up of activities planned to mark this year’s IWD, UBA’s group managing director/chief executive officer, Oliver Alawuba, explained that the plethora of initiatives is in line with UBA’s mission as the bank of choice for women in retail and business. He noted that the bank will also leverage the IWD to promote its targeted financial products, including low-interest loans tailored to female entrepreneurs and business owners.

He said, “At UBA, we recognise the invaluable contributions of women in driving economic growth and societal transformation. Our initiatives for IWD 2025 are a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering women across Africa and beyond.

“Through targeted financial products, knowledge-sharing sessions, and strategic partnerships, the bank remains dedicated to fostering an enabling environment where women can thrive in business and personal finance. By amplifying these offerings, we aim to increase the acquisition and retention of female customers, ensuring they have access to all the financial resources needed to thrive,” Alawuba stated.

Immediate-past governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has openly rejected his successor in office, Governor Uba Sani, and the National Security Officer (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, as his friends.

He said that though the duo used to be his personal buddies, they were no longer his friends.

El-Rufai, who disclosed this on Tuesday night while speaking on Arise News Channel’s PrimeTime show hosted by Charles Aniagulu, also said the next election circle in 2027 will show who is politically relevant and who is not.

He particularly accused NSA of nursing presidential ambition for 2031, hence he was allegedly hell-bent on eliminating anyone on his way.

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A group under the auspices of the Kaduna Peace and Unity Forum (KPUF) has blasted former Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai for his comment about his successor, Senator Uba Sani.

The group’s chairman, Dr David Bege Abraham, yesterday said that El-Rufai has no moral right to accuse Governor Uba Sani of working closely with the president to enjoy federal government support to provide adequate security and development in the state.

Recall that El-Rufai, in a post on his X on Tuesday titled Kaduna Update, tackled Sani, saying the governor is “embarrassingly and sycophantically rambling” every day.

“I used to wonder why. However, confirming that Federal Government ‘reimbursements, interventions and grants’ in excess of N150bn have been given selectively to Kaduna by Tinubu, in the last 18 months, now explains everything.”

“By all means, defend Asiwaju for the conditional cash transfer. Asiwaju has earned it, and it is coming from you. The people of Kaduna State will judge at the right time and place. Have a nice day. – #ConcernedKadunaCitizen”.

The criticism followed Governor Uba Sani’s remarks during a TVC News interview on Monday, where the governor expressed surprise at the growing criticism of Tinubu’s administration from some founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the group, the huge debt left by El-Rufai’s administration is one reason the Governor is having difficulty raising funds for development and working around the clock to close gaps in the harsh economy.
The group chairman, however, explained that friction with superior leaders such as a President cannot yield growth and development anywhere in the world, adding that this is part of the reason Governor Uba Sani’s support is apt and proper.

It said El-Rufai’s recent comments on Uba Sani are unwarranted, especially since the governor didn’t abuse him on the live TV programme.

“We can all testify to the commitments of the Governor to provide security, which has created an enabling environment for the citizens, residents, and business people today.

“This was the case in the days of Mal Nasir El-Rufai. We can argue that he supported the governor to win, but he should allow him to govern the State without distractions.

“What we want in Kaduna now is peace and unity and not political fights. Anything short of this would be resisted by the good citizens of the state,” it said.

Following the tax reforms in the country, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is set to host a Knowledge Series webinar specifically dedicated towards informing and educating small and medium business owners on the 2024 withholding tax regulations recently implemented by the federal government.

The webinar themed “2024 Withholding Tax Regulations, Specific Emphasis on How They Affect SMEs” is aimed at educating business owners on the implications of the new tax regulations and how UBA’s offerings can effectively support their growth.

The knowledge Series is a regular seminar/workshop organised by the bank as part of its capacity-building initiatives, where leading business leaders and professionals share well-researched insights on relevant topics and best practices for running successful businesses.

UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola who spoke ahead of the webinar emphasised the importance of this edition, noting that it will provide a platform for businesses, especially SMEs, to learn more about the new tax regime, implications for their business and attendant benefits for them and the economy at large.

He said, “Getting first -hand knowledge from experts on this important subject, as put together by UBA, will be invaluable for any business owner looking to build a lasting enterprise”

Also speaking on the upcoming workshop, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo noted that the sessions frequently organised by the bank, continues to resonate with SME’s and business owners, and has in more ways than one, helped them take major leaps that has helped engender success.

Ladipo said, “At UBA, we remain resolute in our commitment to empowering businesses of all sizes, and that is why we have decided that we will help guide our customers towards making better business decisions and embracing more opportunities in 2025” that will take them to new highs.

“We have assembled an esteemed panel of speakers who will do justice to this topic by sharing their vast wealth of experience and insights on how best to navigate the new tax regime,” she noted, adding that “this is a must-attend event for anyone serious about the long-term success of their enterprise.”

Speakers at the webinar including UBA’s Head, SME Banking, Babatunde Ajayi as well as Financial Analysts with Anderson Consulting, Adeyemi Adediran and Vincent Okoukoni are expected to share their rich insights and explain how businesses can thrive in the new tax regime.

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has distributed over N41.8m in prizes to over 100 lucky customers in its just concluded UBA Legacy Promo series.

The promo which began last year, was specially designed by the bank to celebrate UBA’s rich legacy spanning over 75 years, as well as its long-standing commitment towards rewarding its loyal customers in a grand style.

The campaign, which was opened to several categories of Account holders including Bumper Account holders, Savings account, Kiddies & Teens Account holders as well as Nextgen account holders, also saw lucky customers winning other consolidation prizes including educational grants.

The winners were announced during the Grand Finale draw of the promo which was held at the UBA Head-office, Marina, Lagos last Thursday and was witnessed by members journalists and representatives of relevant regulatory bodies including the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), among other stakeholders.

In the Savings Account category, ten loyal customers walked away with N1,000,000 each. The lucky winners are: Olonade Funmilayo, Abdullahi Yunusa, Anibueze Augustine Chidozie, Ibironke Adedayo, Gilbert Godswill Pepple, Ekonmene Daniel Leghemo, Oligbo Francis Azuka, Liafeez Adebowale, Abiodun Bolanle Felicia, and Adamu Bappayo.

When contacted over the phone, one of the winners, Oligbo Francis Azuka, who won N1,000,000 in the savings account category expressed his surprise and excitement, stating that it was totally unexpected. He was however grateful to the bank for the gesture, adding: “I am deeply grateful and surprised by this reward from UBA. I honestly didn’t expect this. I really appreciate the fact that UBA recognizes me. I am very grateful,” he stated.

The Bumper Category saw 10 people who emerged winners of N1,000,000 each. They are: Emem Christian Thompson, Lateefat Omotayo Waheed, Victoria Oluwaferanmi Adebusoye, Nkechinyere Agnes Okolo, Ibrahim Rabiu, Hammed Akande Idowu, Modester Chiadikobi Nwoke, Ajisafe Folashade Success, Thelma Ndubisi Enajiyerin, and Sunday Obaje.

20 lucky customers also received N500,000 each. They are: Ojo Goroye Banjo, Sandra Christopher Effiong, Femi Henry Idehen, Rashida Oiza Momohjimoh, Umar Usman, Joshua Chidera Nweke, Racheal Erhieyovwe, and Fatima Muhammed. Others include Ogbonna Edward, Eziuche Goodluck Chinyere, Lydia Bawa, Obiajulu Augustine Agwazia, Sale Barde, and Sikiru Morakinyo; Tajudeen Kareem Opeloyeru, Regina Queen Abeekaa, Isaac M. Ponfa, Mary Amos, Emmanuel Isa, and Amaechi Okoro.

Also in the bumper category another twenty customers got N250,000 each, while 10 lucky customers each won N100,000 each during the live draws.

In the NextGen category, Emmanuel Olakotan Oke, Sharon Oluwafunmilayo Ibitoye, Fortunate Izegboya Ijewemen, Anozie Janerose Chinelo, Maryam Zaharaddeen, Oluwakamikun Faidat Taiwo, Daniel Ayomikun Olawale, Ayomide Goodness Olowodara, Dennis Ogina Gbele, and Ofeoritse Jessica Waya each received N180,000 pocket money for a year.

The Kiddies and Teens category also saw 20 young customers receiving N200,000 each in educational grants.

UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, who spoke at the event, emphasised the significance of the promotion in strengthening the relationship between the bank and its community.

He said, “UBA Legacy Promo is our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers who have trusted us over the years. As we celebrate 75 years of impact, we remain committed to deepening financial inclusion and providing innovative and customer-focused products and services. Our goal is to make banking more rewarding and life-changing, improving lives and building stronger communities.”

Over the past six months, from July till December 2024, UBA has through a series of draws; cluster, monthly, and quarterly draws, rewarded over 600 customers with prizes totaling more than N200 million. This remarkable initiative has created over 60 millionaires, highlighting the bank’s commitment to enriching the lives of its customers and promoting savings culture, as UBA continues to reaffirm its dedication to launching more impactful initiatives, ensuring customer satisfaction and financial well-being remain at the forefront of its operations.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

A notable Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has felicitated Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State on his 54th birthday celebration.

In a statement, the ATT Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, described Governor Sani as a leader with a big heart for inclusive governance, where the people feel they belong in government.

The group further noted that Governor Sani is a transformative leader who has united the diverse people of Kaduna State.

“We at Arewa Think Tank wish to join other well-wishers in celebrating with you on this special occasion of your life. Many people continue to benefit from you since your activities as a human rights crusader through to your days at the 9th Senate.

“We believe that Governor Uba Sani deserves to be celebrated as he marks his 54th birthday because he is a transformative leader who has performed creditably well in rural and urban development.

“We have watched with keen interest the leadership style of Governor Uba Sani, and we are excited as he carries all sections of Kaduna State along irrespective of ethnic and religious diversity.

“We have also noted the significant impacts of Governor Uba Sani’s Rural Transformation Agenda on the development of the predominantly agrarian rural communities of Kaduna State.

“Arewa Think Tank has equally noted the commitment of Governor Uba Sani’s administration to addressing the challenge of out-of-school children through massive investment in school infrastructures, school feeding and teachers training.

“We have also noted his massive investment in skill acquisition through the establishment of three Skills Acquisition Cities in Igabi, Zango-Kataf, and Soba Local government areas, which is a testament to his desire to empower the youth.

“We pray to Allah to continue to give you divine blessings for good health and service to humanity as your 54th birthday celebration is not just a festivity but a reflection of your enduring legacy of service, love, and unity to the people,” the statement said.