By, Giwa Alex, Jos

The governorship candidate of 2019 general election under People Democratic Party (PDP) Gen.J.T Usani is coasting to the Apex court of the country Supreme Court.

This to challenge the appeal court judgement on governorship election tribunal delivered 29th Nov, 2019 in Jos the plateau state capital ,which ascribed to Simon Bako Lalong as not only qualified to contest the 2019 election, but “Eminently “qualified.

The intention of the immediate past senator of the 8th National Assembly was made known in a press release through my whatsapp message in Jos the plateau state capital.

According to the press release signed by the senator media consultant Yiljab Ibraham read that the retired general in the Nigeria Amry cannot afford to throw the towel at his critical period particarly when there are many issues that needed to be strengthened in the judgement.

“Governorship Candidate of the Plateau PDP in the 2019 election, Lt. Gen (Rtd) Sen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, has instructed his legal team to prepare and proceed to the Supreme Court immediately to challenge Friday’s judgment of the Appeal Court which affirmed the decision of the lower tribunal.”

“The decision was taken during a review meeting with the legal experts and General Useni. He praised them for holding strongly to the tenets of the profession and in bringing the issues in the petition to the forefront. He commended the lawyers for standing firmly on the side of the rule of law and democracy.”

Useni is determined that certain issues contained in the judgment must be straightened in the interest of justice, democracy and the future of Nigeria’s children.

“Our cause is the right cause. We should not make the law look as if it is not important. Let the Supreme Court declare whether lying on oath is not against the law.”

“He described the judgment of the appellate court as a surprise, especially having dismissed the two Cross Appeals of the Cross Appellants as lacking in merit and an abuse of court process.”

“Sen. Useni said he was also surprised that the judgment, delivered by Hon Justice O.A Otisi completely avoided making any pronouncement on an earlier judgment of the Supreme Court which reversed the decision of the Court of Appeal expunging the testimony of 21 of his witnesses.”

He however thanked PDP officials, stakeholders, and supporters for standing strong and united all through the period the case lasted at both the tribunal and now the Court of Appeal. He assured that the mandate of the people of Plateau State to him and the PDP is sacrosanct and will still enjoy his support and commitment.

By, Giwa Alex, Jos

President Mohammadu Buhari has urged the Governor’s under the auspices of “Progressive Governor’s Forum” to be people oriented Governors and support the fight against corruption in their various states.

President Buhari give the advice as the Forum open a parley 26th November,2019 held at the Government Banquet Hall Little Rayfield.

President Buhari represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha urged the governor to try and do anything within their human power to ensure they reduce the menace of corruption in their various states to the barest minimum, if not eradicate.

This the president said is very imperative because corruption is and enemy and a clog to the wheel of any development of a country, hence the need for it to be strangulated before it strangulate the economic ,social and cultural of our various states and country as a whole.

The event which has its Theme as “Strengthening Public Service Delivery” with a specific focus on Security, Revenue, Universal Basic Education and Health was declared opened by Mr President Mohammadu Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha.

The Chairman of the “Progressives Governors Forum”, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu who is the governor of Kebbi State, in his address commended President Buhari for allowing the various organs of government to function effectively and independently.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Federal government in the area of security, social investment programmes and economy which he said it is growing.

Earlier, the Plateau State Governor who hosted the event, Governor Simon Bako Lalong in his welcoming address urged his colleagues to be committed in their vision of providing accountable, responsible and responsive leadership to the citizens.

He added that the focus was to strengthen public service delivery in APC States and the nation at large.

Lalong reminded the governors of the last parley which took place in Kebbi State on August 1, 2017 with the Theme “Policy Synergy to Ensure Development” which focused on Finance, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Agriculture, Education and Social Investment.

He said, “Your Excellencies, as Governors under the banner of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), we are fully committed to our vision of providing accountable, responsible and responsive leadership to our citizens.

“This is in line with the promises we made while seeking votes from the electorates and the oath of office that we took to serve our people.

“We are also not unaware of the torrents of expectations from the people we were elected to serve despite the financial challenges confronting our States.

“The onus is therefore on us, to justify why we were chosen from among millions of Nigerians by devising ingenious ways of meeting the expectations of the public.

“This underscores the relevance of our meeting here today as we synergize to explore what we can do together, what we can share with each other and areas we can collaborate with one another particularly the Federal Government that has partnered with us all the way.”

He concluded that the parley was apt as “it affords us the opportunity of discussing some of our efforts through agencies such as the Plateau Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Plateau Health Insurance Scheme, Plateau Disability Rights Commission, Plateau Peace Building Agency, ICT Development Agency as well as Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency.”

While speaking, the National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomole who described Governor Lalong as “Mr Alert and Mr Peace” urged the progressives governors to work with the party. He commended President Buhari on the closure of Nigerian borders saying that our neighboring countries must respect fair trade. He urged the progressive governors to lead the way in the payment of the new minimum wage and the consequential adjustments.

There was technical session which included the Federal Governemnt’s briefing experiences and perspectives from APC states.

On the panel were Governors Kayode Fayemi, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Godwin Obaseki, Abdullahi Sule, and Abubakar Sani Bello.

Others were Minister for Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, State Minister for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora and State Minister for Education.

The Plateau State Governor, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong presented the emerging issues and way forward.

In attendance were governors of Kebbi, Ekiti, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, Edo, Jigawa, and Plateau states. Others were Deputy Governors of Kano and Kogi while other APC governors sent representatives.

By, Giwa Alex, Jos

The shareholders of lowland micro finance bank has been advised to plough back their share to encourage the growth of the Bank.

Wuyep give the advice at the bank 9th and 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at lowland finance bank Manbudi in lantang South local government of plateau state.

He said when the shareholders of the bank plough back their profits in form of shares to the bank ,it will encourage the board of the to do more for the uplifting the bank ,Wuyep maintained.

The branch manager of Central Bank of Nigeria plateau state branch, Mrs Tinat said the activities of micro-finance banks have been identified as one of the factors slowing down the rate of rural-urban migration, enhancing job creation and investment opportunities, ensuring growth in savings and financial literacy among rural dwellers in plateau state.

She further stressed that despite several challenges encountered in the sector, a significant achievement has been recorded in the access to finance in the rural areas and urged the bank’s shareholders to “consider strongly a remarkable increase in your authorized and paid up share capitals, which would ensure that you meet the recapitalization requirements of the CBN in order to retain your operating license.”

Earlier, the bank’s MD/CEO, Mr. Amos Balami informed shareholders of the activities of the bank saying that despite challenges, the bank has made substantial progress and needs to be encouraged, putting emphasis on the achievement of Nbol-Iram, a flagship product of the bank.

Balami stressed that the product has “continued to perform creditably with loan repayments in excess of 98% over four 8years and this has brought economic empowerment to the rural farmers who otherwise would not have been able to access any form of financing for increased agricultural activities.”

He further disclosed the bank’s future in focus is “to raise shareholders fund to the minimum of N200m to take advantage of the opportunities derivable from economies of scale as well as the new window of branchless/agency banking which has the potential to increase our reach at minimal cost.”

By, Giwa Alex, jos

Member representing Jos North-North in the Plateau State House of Assembly Hon. Baba Hassan has again triumph in the appeal tribunal.

As the Court of Appeal setting in Jos, plateau State capital has upheld the election of the three times member of the Plateau State House of Assembly ,Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the seat of Jos North- North State Constituency in Plateau State House of Assembly.

The presiding judge, Justice Moses Ugor, held that the appellant failed to proved their allegation that Hon. Hassan has forged a Diploma certificate he presented to INEC to contest the 2015 House of Assembly election.

Barr. Munir Barau, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had challenged the 2019 election of Hon. Hassan, alleging that he had presented false information to INEC by presenting, ”forged Diploma certificate from University of Jos.”

However, the trial tribunal held that Barau, did not proved his allegation beyond reasonable doubt and the tribunal held the election of Baba Hassan.

But Barau not satisfied with the judgement, appealed the matter.

The appeal court held that the lower tribunal is right to have struck out Barau’s, exhibits P7, P8 and P10, and issues 1 and 2 of his petition, having not tendered certified true documents.

Justice Ugor, further held that the tribunal was right when it held that PW2 the deputy registrar of the University of Jos, only gave an oral evidence, rather than documentary evidence.

The court held that Barau, has failed to proved his allegation beyond reasonable doubt, as required by sections 131, 132 and 133 of the evidence act.

And further held that the 2nd respondent has presented exhibits R2 being a letter signed by the registrar of the University certifying the Diploma certificate was genuinely obtained from the University, adding that Hon. Hassan has also presented a Police witness that tendered an investigation report, which also confirmed the Diploma certificate was genuine.

Justice Ugor, further held that the 2nd respondent has presented Leadership Newspaper publication from the University also confirming the eligibility of the certificate

He hed that the appellant did not presented the registrar to disapproved his signatures on all evidences presented by Hon. Hassan.

He said the issue of an alleged criminal suit pending before Federal High Court, canvassed by the appellant was; “not an issue at all.”

The court held that it resolved all issues in favour of the respondent, it upheld the judgement of the trial tribunal and further held that; “the 2nd respondent was not found to have forged the Diploma certificate and that his election is upheld.”

Hon. Baba Hassan has won the 2019 election with 41,990 votes, while Barr. Munir Barau, won 13, 383, in 3rd place.

With the appeal court ruling in favor of Baba Hassan dated 20th November, 2019, the coast is now clear for legislative business that will be for the benefit of his constituency and plateau state as a whole.

By, Our Reporter

The Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, has trained youths of Baptist extraction in the Northern part of the country on leadership.

The 3-day training was held at the First Baptist Church, Jos, the Plateau State capital. The theme for the training was “Purposeful Leadership”.

The Director, Youth, and Students Ministry, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr S.A.K Olaleye opened the first session with “Getting Started (Purposeful Leadership)”. He gave insight into the theme and enjoined the delegates to be purposeful leaders saying that, “a leader without purpose is a leader without direction who does not know the reason for his position.”

He gave the example of purposeful leadership in the Bible to include Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and Nehemiah among others. He identified the qualities of purposeful leadership as preparation, vision, planning, focus, perseverance, courage, influence and sacrifice.

The guest speaker for the training was Rev Japhlet Kyenlong who facilitated sessions on “Building Spiritual Leaders 1 (Leaders and Personality) and Building Spiritual Leaders 2 (Leaders and Personality)”.

The National Coordinator, Youth Ministries Division of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, Rev Joshua IbukunOluwa facilitated workshop session 1 on “Communication Strategies for Effective Leadership” while Rev Sam Alabi of the same Ministry took the workshop 2 session on “Leadership and Learning.”

Addressing journalists in Jos during the leadership training conference, the National President, Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, NBCYC, Pastor Enunuaye Onajite thanked the Nigerian Baptist Convention for organising the training aimed at building leaders among the youths. He expressed confidence that the “conference will mark a new beginning in our leadership strides as we will be better equipped for the task ahead”.

He said, “No organisation is better than her leadership. The height of progress this fellowship will ever make; is dependent on our leadership. Let us, therefore, take advantage of this conference to increase our knowledge about leadership. Leadership is purpose-driven, hence, it must involve adequate knowledge to operate. When followers know better than the leaders, leadership purpose has been abused. The leader must know the way, lead and goes the way.”

He urged youths at the training conference to make judicious use of what they have learned so as to be purposeful leaders.

On the state of the nation, Onajite noted that all is not well with the country as Nigeria has become poverty capital of the world coupled with the myriad of challenges in the area unemployment capitalised and dwindling education standard, worsening infrastructure, banditry, kidnapping, and killings; high inflation, unstable political and economic environment, corruption and epileptic power among others.

He, however, expressed optimism in the country praying that God would raise leaders like Nehemiah to rebuild the broken walls of the nation. He urged leaders at all levels to rise up to the occasion and squarely face the task of leading Nigeria out of the doldrums. He added that the Church would continue to pray for a better Nigeria as we have no other Jerusalem than Nigeria.

The youth leader tasked Nigerian youths to brace up for leadership roles stressing that “we need to bring our youthful energy and 21st Century technological advancement into governance.”

By, Our Reporter

The Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, has trained youths of Baptist extraction in the Northern part of the country on leadership.

The 3-day training was held at the First Baptist Church, Jos, the Plateau State capital. The theme for the training was “Purposeful Leadership”.

The Director, Youth, and Students Ministry, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr S.A.K Olaleye opened the first session with “Getting Started (Purposeful Leadership)”. He gave insight into the theme and enjoined the delegates to be purposeful leaders saying that, “a leader without purpose is a leader without direction who does not know the reason for his position.”

He gave the example of purposeful leadership in the Bible to include Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and Nehemiah among others. He identified the qualities of purposeful leadership as preparation, vision, planning, focus, perseverance, courage, influence and sacrifice.

The guest speaker for the training was Rev Japhlet Kyenlong who facilitated sessions on “Building Spiritual Leaders 1 (Leaders and Personality) and Building Spiritual Leaders 2 (Leaders and Personality)”.

The National Coordinator, Youth Ministries Division of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, Rev Joshua IbukunOluwa facilitated workshop session 1 on “Communication Strategies for Effective Leadership” while Rev Sam Alabi of the same Ministry took the workshop 2 session on “Leadership and Learning.”

Addressing journalists in Jos during the leadership training conference, the National President, Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, NBCYC, Pastor Enunuaye Onajite thanked the Nigerian Baptist Convention for organising the training aimed at building leaders among the youths. He expressed confidence that the “conference will mark a new beginning in our leadership strides as we will be better equipped for the task ahead”.

He said, “No organisation is better than her leadership. The height of progress this fellowship will ever make; is dependent on our leadership. Let us, therefore, take advantage of this conference to increase our knowledge about leadership. Leadership is purpose-driven, hence, it must involve adequate knowledge to operate. When followers know better than the leaders, leadership purpose has been abused. The leader must know the way, lead and goes the way.”

He urged youths at the training conference to make judicious use of what they have learned so as to be purposeful leaders.

On the state of the nation, Onajite noted that all is not well with the country as Nigeria has become poverty capital of the world coupled with the myriad of challenges in the area unemployment capitalised and dwindling education standard, worsening infrastructure, banditry, kidnapping, and killings; high inflation, unstable political and economic environment, corruption and epileptic power among others.

He, however, expressed optimism in the country praying that God would raise leaders like Nehemiah to rebuild the broken walls of the nation. He urged leaders at all levels to rise up to the occasion and squarely face the task of leading Nigeria out of the doldrums. He added that the Church would continue to pray for a better Nigeria as we have no other Jerusalem than Nigeria.

The youth leader tasked Nigerian youths to brace up for leadership roles stressing that “we need to bring our youthful energy and 21st Century technological advancement into governance.”

By, Giwa Alex, jos

B

y, Our Reporter

The High Court Sitting in jos the plateau state capital has discharged and acquit Dr. Michael Odeh over police allegations.

The Plateau State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Daniel Longji, has discharged and acquitted Dr. Michael Owoicho Odeh, in Suit No. PLD/j75/2016, filed by the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, against one, Orji Ifeoma Sharon Stella and himself (Dr. Odeh), owing to the inability of the Prosecution to establish a prima facie case against Dr. Michael Owoicho Odeh.

You would recall that, the Prosecution with the leave of Court, preferred a Nine (9) Count charge, ranging from Criminal Conspiracy, Theft, Misappropriation, Criminal Breach of Trust, Received Stolen Property and Concealment of Stolen Property against Orji Ifeoma Sharon Stella and Dr, Odeh, punishable under sections 97, 309, 312, 287, 289, 317, 319, 323, and 364 of the Penal Code Laws respectively.

However, throughout the hearing of the case, the Police called 14 witnesses and tendered Exhibits P1 to P41 and admitted in evidence, while evidence from the accused persons were, Exhibits D1 to D5. In the hearing process, the Bank Account of Dr. Odeh and that of his Hospital El-Roi, were also frozen.
At the end of the hearing of the Prosecution’s case, the Counsel to the accused persons (1st and 2nd) made a No Case Submissions, to which the Prosecution made a joint reply to the No Case Submissions.

Danboyi (Esq), of Shanding, Danboyi & Co. 7a Suzi Garden Tafawa Balewa Street Jos, Plateau State, Counsel to the 2nd Defendant in his No Case Submissions relating to the Charge No. PLD/J75C/2017, submitted in part that:
“The entire allegations of conspiracy is totally founded on unsubstantial suspicion of the nominal complainant, and totally not supported by any evidence.

“Throughout the length and breadth of the nominal complainant’s evidence, he never linked the 2nd Accused person (Dr. Odeh) with the alleged diversion of funds from Choco Condiments Nig. Ltd.
“To further show that this Count of Conspiracy, just like all the other Counts proffered against the 2nd Accused person (Dr. Odeh), are just based solely on the figments of the PW13’s imagination and baseless suspicion, PW6, who is one of the IPO in his evidence”.
However, Hon. Justice Longji, in his Ruling, dated 7th November, 2019, held that, “A No Case Submission may be upheld where:-
a. There is no evidence to prove an essential element of the alleged offence.
b. The evidence adduced has been so discredited as a result of cross-examination, and
c. The evidence is so manifestly unreliable that no reasonable Tribunal or Court can safely convict.
In the case of TANGO vs. C.O.P (2007) 12 NWLR (part 2049) p-the Supreme Court held thus:
“Therefore when a submission of no prima facie case is made on behalf of an accused person the trial court is not thereby called upon at that stage to express any opinion on the evidence before it. The Court is only called upon to take note to rule accordingly that there is before the Court no legally admissible evidence linking the accused person with the commission of the offence with which he is charged”.
And in the case of Okafor vs. State (2016) LPELR—26064 (SC) Sanusi JSC had this to say:
It also must be pointed out at the stage of “No Case Submission” is made, all that the trial Court is supposed to consider is not whether the evidence so far adduced by the Prosecution is sufficient to justify conviction but simply whether the prosecution has made out a prima facie case requiring some explanation from the accused person as regards his conduct or otherwise.

“Accordingly, it is my holding that Counts l, ll, lll, lV, Vl and Vll of the charge no prima facie case had made out to warrant him (Dr. Odeh) to be called to enter his defence.

From the Ruling of the Court dated 07/11/2019 obtained by REALITY, it is expected that his Bank Accounts would be made active, wherever they may be domiciled.

By, Our Reporter

The state owned university,kogi state university has been renamed after the former governor of the State and political sage Prince Abubakar Audu.

As the political followers of Audu ,under the auspices of Abubakar Audu political family expresses their gratitude to the sitting governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello for keeping the name of the late political sage alive by naming the state citadel of learning after him.

In a statement jointly signed by the spokesman of the Audu political family, Dr. Odekina Abutu and Chief David Dare Olatunde, the Maiyegun of Isanlu and made available to journalists in Jos on Sunday, the biological and political family fulsomely thank the governor for his kind gesture and applaud his courage and wisdom which led him to so doing.

In the same vein, the Audu family urges the public to translate the event as nothing but a kind gesture of goodwill from the Governor.

The statement reads:

“The Audu biological and political family express their profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello for the honor done to our late leader. It is a gesture that no doubt, gladdens our hearts.

“The late Prince Abubakar Audu was a leader who never relented on his quest to bring excellence to Kogi State. His was a great service to us all and immortalising his name is a right step in the right direction by Governor Bello.

As regards the whisperings going on in certain quarters, renaming of Kogi State University (KSU) to Prince Abubakar Abubakar University (PAAU), we wish to make it clear that it is not a political event, neither is it couched in a political charade. It is a profound kind gesture aimed at extending honor to whom it is due, or in this case, immortalization to whom it is deserving of it.

“We beseech our people not to give it unintended undertones in a bid to push distorted narratives and remove from the lustre of the occasion. Governor Yahaya Bello renamed the university out of his own volition in good faith, and not to seek political favours.

“Our late leader deserves this honor and more for his humongous and incredible service to our beloved state. Those who see and contend otherwise are just playing the ostrich. We should not interpret every occasion as mere politics simply because politicians are involved. Renaming KSU to PAAU is a serious event that should not be politicized but appreciated as such. A gesture of goodwill may cost very little, but its true value can be incalculable.

“By and large, we implore you all to please, out of respect for our late leader and hero, desist and cease from running political commentaries regarding the renaming of the state’s institution by the governor”, the statement reads.

The Audu biological and political family opined they remain eternally appreciative of governor Yahaya Bello’s immense goodwill gesture, adding that it is an august phenomenon that will not be forgotten in a hurry.

By, Giwa Alex, jos

The Court of Appeal Jos sitting in jos the plateau state capital has Friday, reaffirmed the election of Hon. Haruna Maitala, of the All progressives Congress(APC),into the seat of Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, of Plateau State, at the House of Representatives.

The court in consensus judgement led by Justice Habib Abiru, delivered by Justice, Mudaseer Oniyangi, held that the election tribunal was right to held that Maitala, was returned in compliance with the provisions of the electoral act.

Hon. Jonathan Dabo, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has in appeal No.CA/J/EPT/PL /NA/HR/381/2019, challenged the election of Maitala, alleging that he did not won with lawful number of votes.

He alledged that there was valid election at Tudun Wada/Kabong ward, on 23 February, 2019, but was wrongly cancelled by the collation officer of Jos North LGA, but that supplementary election was held on the 9th of March, 2019.

The court held that based on the provision of section 53 of the electoral act, the tribunal was right to declared that the Jos North INEC collation officer has no powers to cancelled the election.

However, the court held that the trial tribunal was right to held that the petitioner has failed to proved that there was valid election on the 23rd of February.

Justice Abiru, further held that the tribunal was right to have held that the result of the rerun election held on the 9th of March, 2019 stand, and the winner of the election was duly returned.

“I hold that the appellant did not protest the conduct of the rerun, and had duly participated, the results stand,” he judged.

Justice Abiru, held that the claim of the petitioner must failed and the; “decision of the tribunal was right, the appellate court cannot dismissed the decision of the tribunal.”

He upheld the judgement of the tribunal and the election of Hon. Haruna Maitala.

By, Giwa Alex, jos

The Court of Appeal Jos sitting in jos the plateau state capital has Friday, reaffirmed the election of Hon. Haruna Maitala, of the All progressives Congress(APC),into the seat of Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, of Plateau State, at the House of Representatives.

The court in consensus judgement led by Justice Habib Abiru, delivered by Justice, Mudaseer Oniyangi, held that the election tribunal was right to held that Maitala, was returned in compliance with the provisions of the electoral act.

Hon. Jonathan Dabo, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has in appeal No.CA/J/EPT/PL /NA/HR/381/2019, challenged the election of Maitala, alleging that he did not won with lawful number of votes.

He alledged that there was valid election at Tudun Wada/Kabong ward, on 23 February, 2019, but was wrongly cancelled by the collation officer of Jos North LGA, but that supplementary election was held on the 9th of March, 2019.

The court held that based on the provision of section 53 of the electoral act, the tribunal was right to declared that the Jos North INEC collation officer has no powers to cancelled the election.

However, the court held that the trial tribunal was right to held that the petitioner has failed to proved that there was valid election on the 23rd of February.

Justice Abiru, further held that the tribunal was right to have held that the result of the rerun election held on the 9th of March, 2019 stand, and the winner of the election was duly returned.

“I hold that the appellant did not protest the conduct of the rerun, and had duly participated, the results stand,” he judged.

Justice Abiru, held that the claim of the petitioner must failed and the; “decision of the tribunal was right, the appellate court cannot dismissed the decision of the tribunal.”

He upheld the judgement of the tribunal and the election of Hon. Haruna Maitala.

By, Giwa Alex, jos

Sen. Dahiru jika has floor Hon. Bappa Missy as the Court of Appeal sitting in jos, the plateau state capital has upheld the election of Senator Dahiru Dauda Jika, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into Bauchi Senatorial district of Bauchi State.

In a concensus led judgement, by Justice Mudaseer Oniyangi, the court dismissed appeal No. CA/J/ETP/NASE/BA/367/2019, filed by Hon. Bappa Aliyu Misau, of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

He said the tribunal erred to have held that grounds 1 and 2 of the petitioner/appellant, were preelection matters, going by section 138 of the electoral act.

However, justice Oniyangi, held that the appellant, has failed to proved that in either of the dates of birth presented to INEC by Senator Jika, was below the required age of 35 years.

Justice Oniyangi, further held that since there is no evidence that proved Senator Jika’s, diploma certificate of Kaduna polytechnic, was forge , nither did the school has disowned the certificate.

He disallowed the appeal, upheld the election of Senator Dahiru Jika, into Bauchi Central Senatorial district.

“This appeal is bound to fail for lacking in merit, and it has failed,” he judged.

Our Reporter

Uneasy calm greets the 9th plateau state House of Assembly, as the speaker plateau state House of Assembly Abok Ayuba is said to be in the eyes of the Storm over refurbished vehicles for the Assembly members.

The affected members who are not happy with speaker over the action of the 33 year old lawmaker are currently making underground plan to kick him out as the speaker of the 9th Assembly as 16 members out of 24 which makeup the state House of Assembly already have their signature handy for the impeachment of the speaker.

According to our informant who don’t want his name on social media, alleged that the speaker was given a matching order for the supply of official vehicles to all members but information reaching this medium show that some of them are yet to enjoy their cars which are fairly use .

Speaking with some of the members who didn’t want their names mention ,expressed dismay that since these cars were supply to them within one week they became visitors to garage owning to one default to another .

They decry shady deal by the speaker Rt. Hon. Ayuba and promise to stop at nothing until they get to the bottom of the unhealthy transaction which the speaker will definitely pay for if found culpable.

It was gathered that he handle the contract for the supply of vehicles himself and the substandard quality is what gave them serious concern .

Information also available to our correspondent is that ,if Rt. Hon. Ayuba Musa Abok is not been careful to engage some of his members from APC, PDP the board might likely crash half way into his leadership who now is the majority in the leadership will speak doom .

Our Reporter, Jos

Umah Literary Contest was founded to improve reading, leadership and communication skills in students. The content was targeted at students from JS 1 – SS 3 with the aim to forster reading, improve literary learning, pronunciation, accurate use of words, improve on the student’s vocabulary stock and much more.

Plateau State has concluded arrangement to herald the maiden edition of the National Secondary Schools literary contest which will give students in public and private secondary schools equal chances of participation. The contest will be kicking off with Plateau State and will be conducted throughout the 36 states including FCT before progressing to zonal level and the winners from the zonal level would compete against themselves at the grand finale which will produce the national champions.

The State Ministry of Education has called on the Principals of schools to wave in on the contest by putting their office into good use to ensure registration of the students as key to successful conduct of the contest.

The ADS to the Permanent Secretary, Mr Nuwatta M. Kangrusa in a replied letter dated 30-09-2019 had directed all DES, ADO and Principals of public and private schools to ensure active participation of the students.

The statement encouraged schools competition by calling on Principals of public and private schools to see the exercise as fighting illiteracy in sub sahara Africa where the record for poor reading and learning is on the high rate.

Meanwhile, the Media Director of Umah Publishers Nigeria Limited, Israel Olatunji Tijani says they have received the State Ministry of Education approval to commence the literary contest in the state as talent hunt to improve and boost reading.

In a press statement released to Newsmen in Jos, Tijani disclosed that one of their corporate responsibility is giving back to the society by promoting reading culture and improve learning skills in schools

He said, Plateau State is one of the pilot states and government has indicated interest towards encouraging students learning literature in English which saw Prof Wole Soyinka won a Nobel Prize.

Tijani called on Local Government Chairmen to key into the project by sponsoring more indigent students who can not afford the cost of literary books that would be use for the upcoming contest.

According to him, in other to promote reading culture in schools and to improve students communication skills with good comprehension, so many novels have been outline and design to be used as guide for the contest.

He maintained that the program is aim at guiding students in their future endeavour and character of learning in developing them to become leaders.

The Jos division of the Court of Appeal, has reserved judgement into the appeal of, Faruk Mustapha, against the Bauchi State, National and State Assembly election petition tribunal, in favour of Senator, Adamu Bulkachuwa.

The appeal pending before panel of judges, led byJustice, Mrs Azira Mshilia, came up Friday, with the adoption of the substantive appeal, among three other processes by the petitioners Counsel, Joe Dappap.

The 1st and 2nd respondent counsels, Sunday Ameh SAN, for Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa, and M.A Abubakar, ex Bauchi Governor, for the APC, aslo adopted their motions of Preliminary Objections (PO), as well as other responses to the appel respectively.

Alhaji Faruk Mustapha, of the NNPP, is challenging the declaration and returned of Senator, Adamu Bulkachuwa, as winner of the Bauchi North Senatorial District of Bauchi State, on the grounds of violations of electoral acts.

The appalant counsel, Joe Dappap, urged the court to identify the evidence of PW 5, that was dismissed by the trial tribunal in its judgement of 6th September, 2019.

He further urged the court to; “allow the appeal and grant all the relief soughts by the appellant.”

However, 1st respondent counsel, Joe Dappap, urged the court to strike out all of the appalent grounds of arguments, for lacking in merit.

Similarly, Counsel to 2nd responden, M.A Abubakar, urged the court to dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit. Likewise, the 3rd respondent counsel, K.B. Yakunat, urged the court to dismissed the appeal.

filed brief of argument dated 4th October, we so adopt and urged the court to dismissed the appeal being lacking in merit.

The 3rd respondent counsel filed respond on 4th October and also adopt it, urginging the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit.

Justice Mrs, Azira Mshilia, flanked by Justices Mrs, Ukechuku Onyemenam, and Tani Yusuf Hassan, adjourned and reserved judgement in the suit.

By, Giwa Alex, jos
The Governorship Election Tribunal Sitting in Jos the plateau state capital has uphold the election of governor Bako Lalong of the All progressive Congress (APC).

Hon. Abubakar Kabiru Garuba of the African Democratic Congress(ADC)has put smiles on the faces of not fewer than twenty students who are beneficiary of scholarship.

The philanthropic who contested for the Jos North/Bassa Federal House of Representative seat under the platform of(ADC) in 2019 general elections in Plateau State, Kabiru Garba give out twenty (20)scholarship made up of 17 males and 3 females.

The beneficiaries of the kind gesture of Kabiru cut across primary and secondary school students.

In an interview with Journalist, Hon. Garba urgue Nigerian to be their brothers keeper by sponsoring children of the less privilege in the society so as to promote peaceful coexistence .

He said ,as a businessman ,he has observed the high rates of school dropouts which is on the increase in Jos North Local Government Council ,not to allow them be roaming the streets I feel this would be necessary for me to provide them with tools that they can be productive to themselves and the parents.

According to him ,this gesture was just burned out of my desire towards promoting learning and empowerment of people to be responsible members of the state and Nigeria in general because given them education would transform their mind .

Kabiru Garba stressed the need for public and private partnership including spirited individuals to come to the rescue of vulnerable children whose parents are death especially those affected by internal crises which had ravage the state in the past.

He added that apart from these 20 beneficiaries that I’m now giving them the opportunity to acquire knowledge to be useful to themselves and the community ,I have almost 50 others to carter for them with the meagre resources on ground .

However, today I call on Plateau state government under the amiable leadership Governor Simon Lalong to assist these children for them to go back to school ,we are now face with so many challenges of insecurity owning the problem of youths causing civil unrest .

Some beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the assistance they enjoy courtesy of Abubakar Kabiru Garba good gesture by praying to Almighty Allah to reward him .

We thank God that our children can now go back to school and read so as that he can be ambassador of the state and Nigeria in general ,we appreciate his contributions to education .

The people Democratic party(PDP) in plateau state,has raise an alarm over Governor Lalong desperate move to use court process to delay the court of appeal electoral victory of Hon.Ubandoma Joshua Laven as the chairman lantang North local government .

By, Giwa Alex, jos

Governor Lalong of plateau state has been urge to direct the Chairman lantang North local government of plateau state Hon. Nanlok Amos to obey Appeal court judgement and vacate the Chairmanship seat of lantang North

LG for the rightful winner of 2018 local government election Ubandoma Joshua Laven.

Youth under the auspices of “Taroh Concern Youths For Justice And Good Governance”made the call today 4th August, 2019 in a press conference held in Jos, the plateau state capital.

The press statement signed by it president and its Secretary Comrade Manasseh Nimkur Telzing and Barr. Sunday Durshin National Secretary respectively.

The group said despite the time it takes in conducting the local government election in the State, thus denying the people at the grassroot the opportunity and democratic rights to choose their leaders, wonder why governor Lalong led administration always choose the part of ignoble democratic perdition.

“The Taro Concern Youths for justice and Good Governance recall how we massively mobilize people to come out and exercise their franchise in the last Local Government election which many have described as a Democratic rape and disgrace,more worrying is the the fact that some contestants at the elections who lost out heard their names announced as winners in Jos, the state capital,as they describe the last local government election was the height of theft, shame and injustice of the Lalong led APC administration in plateau State, history would always be unfair to Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

“Our kind plea is to our father, the Executive Govemor of Plateau State Rt. Hon.Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, a quintessential Bar man, a grassroot emancipator and a large hearted democrat to prevail on Hon. Nanlok Amos Kpamim and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to accept the decision of the Plateau State Election Petition Appeal Tribunal which is the highest adjudicating body or apex court was regards local government elections in Plateau State, delivered on l9th July 2019 which declared and returned Ubandoma Joshua Laven as the duly elected chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council by taking on the path of honour in discontinuing the certiorari proceedings instituted at the high court of justice Jos. lost at the lower trial tribunal but won at the Appeal Tribunal which by law remains the final adjudicating body or apex court as regards local government elections petition in Plateau State.

“It is said that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. However, some very recent decisions of the election petition tribunal with due respect questioned that nobility,”

We still believe strongly that there are men of integrity whose conscience is the highest

authority in the Plateau State judiciary.

Our kind plea is to our father, the Executive Govemor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, a quintessential Bar man, a grassroot emancipator and a large hearted democrat to prevail on Hon. Nanlok Amos Kpamim and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to accept the decision of the Plateau State Election Petition Appeal Tribunal which is the highest adjudicating body or apex court was regards local government elections in Plateau State, delivered on 9th July 2019 which declared and returbed Ubandoma Joshua Laven as the duly elected chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council by taking on the path of honour in discontinuing the certiorari proceedings instituted at the high court of justice Jos.

This is in view of the fact that election is only 3 medium; political party an emblem and; politics a means to an end for the common good of all and not for personal ego.

They thank the concerned youth for maintaining peace in the face of all provocation.

“We salute the good people of Langtang North Local Government Council for keeping the peace and not taking the law into their hands in this difficulties time.”

By,giwa alex,

Jos

The Afizere Youth Movement(YAM)in Jos East Local government area of plateau state has elect it Executive body to pilot the affairs of the movement for the next three years.

The Movement new Exco was inauguration Sunday 31st, August, 2019 held at the Hill Station Conference Hall in Jos the plateau state capital.

The chairman of the occasion who is the vice- Chancellor of plateau state university Bokkos prof Yohanna Izang in his open remark ,urge the new exco to adjust the constitution of the association to accommodate the elderly who they can consult from time to time to avoid making the mistakes of their predecessor during their tenure in office.

The VC who was 30 years when he was the president of the movement(AYM) urge the exco to use this opportunity given to them to serve the people of lzere land in the best of their capacity.

In his address, the outgoing president of the group who was the immediate past Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Joshua Madaki said it has been a memorable three years which extended to five years following unresolved crisis that hit the movement at a point in time and thank God and those who made it possible for the amicable resolution of the movement crisis which led to the successful conduct of the election into the various positions of the movement hitherto suspended.

“We created a platform where we invited all party candidates in the general elections for discussions. We also set-up a feedback mechanism where elected leaders and youths had the opportunity for serious engagement” He said.

He stated further that the executive mobilised members to clear the movement’s permanent site. He said that the monthly congress of AYM has improved significantly.

“We visited crisis-affected areas; renewed AYM registration; organised our annual festival; ensuring the cordial working relationship with Abuja and Lagos branches and built bridges of harmony with other ethnic nationalities” He concluded.

While delivering his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof Yohanna Izam urged the newly elected executive members to create a social re-engineering and continue to defend the Izere culture saying that the Izere youths would depend on them.

He said “The expectation on you is very high, you cannot afford to fail. I’m happy the exco is truly a youth exco. I was 30 years old when I was the President of this movement. I hope you would create a platform where some of us can deliver lectures to add value to Izere nation.”

The newly sworn-in Chairman of AYM, Barrister Zachariah Aware in his acceptance speech promised that AYM would be ‘resuscitated, rebranded and maintain some levels of independence’.

Aware used the opportunity to introduce his 3-pillar policy which includes “Unity, Education, and Empowerment”.

He commended the state governor, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong for appointing sons and daughters of Izere into key positions in the state. He, however, noted that the group would serve as a watchdog to the society and would not condone underperformance.

He appealed to all to forget the past and join hands with him to move the movement forward noting that “No victor, no vanquished. Together, we shall make the Izere nation great”. The new Secretary-General of the movement, Vincent Nyam Vincent and other newly elected executives were as well sworn-in.

There were goodwill messages from the new Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof Danladi Abok Atu, Jos North Local Government Chairman, Hon Dr Philip Nyam, Chairman of traditional leaders in Jos South LGA, and Afizere Community Development Chairman among others.

The occasion had in attendance, great sons and daughters of the Izere nation and other nationalities including the new Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof Danladi Atu, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abok Ayuba, Member Representing Jos South/Jos East in the House of Representatives, Hon Dachung Bagos and his Jos North/Bassa counterpart, Hon Haruna Maitala, former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Joshua Izang Madaki, and Members Representing Jos North-North and Jos North-West in the Plateau State House of Assembly, and Hon Ibarahim Baba Hassan respectively.

Other dignitaries at the occasion were Chairmen, Jos North, and Jos East Local Government Areas, Hon Dr Philip Nyam and Hon Ibrahim Abok respectively, Hon Esther Dusu who served as the Chairlady, Hon Theresa Azi, Plateau State Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries, Traditional leaders and leaders of other ethnic nationalities among others.