Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN,

The supreme court judgement today, July 11, 2024, directing the Federal Government to pay allocations due to Local Government Areas directly to their account thereby abolishing the old practices of State-Local Government Joint Account,is timely and courageous

What the judgement has done is more like interpreting section 162 of the Constitution, which provides for a joint State-Local Government Account. In which case, money is normally paid to state governors’ accounts and then for them to disburse to the local governments for them to share. But what has been happening is that, as I noted in 2020,over three years ago, the state governors, have been behaving like  ”bandits”, waylaing local governments funds along the way and thus impoverishing them leaving them with nothing to work, just a little for salary. And nothing to actually work for the people whom they represent. 

I agree totally with the judgement of the supreme court to grant full financial autonomy so that money is released and paid directly to the 774 local government councils which constitute the third-tier of government,to develop their places because the LGAs are grass rooted and nearest to the people. Rather than allow overbearing state governors throw their weight around and muzzle the local governments and seize their purse,they will now allow LGs breath some air of freedom.

If you take a look at our situation, Nigeria  is operating a very lopsided federation,more like a unitary system of government. Where the federal government is supposed to be a small government,it  is controlling 67 items on the exclusive legislative list. That is why the federal government gets the lion share of the federation account , the lion share of the money that comes to the federation account to the tune of 52.68%. The states get 26.72% while the entire 774 local government councils in Nigeria get just 20.60% of the monthly allocation by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RLASMC.

The question is, what is the federal government doing with almost 53% of the national income? That is because it is a government that is behemoth.That is elephantine. A government that intrudes and intervenes in areas that should not concern it at all.  What is the federal government’s business with licensing cars and trucks for states? What is its business with the Marriage Act, dealing with how people marry and wed in Nigeria and how they live together as husband and wife and separate or divorce?  What is the federal government’s business with unity schools? A whole FG operating  secondary schools? What is their business? Why is the FG not allowing states generate their own power, operate their own railway stations, if they have the capacity? Why should the federal government not allow states have their own police force? Even for the local governments to have their own police force as we have in the United States and other advanced countries of the world where even tertiary institutions have their own police? 

The truth is that the federal government is over bloated and over pampered. That is why it is using too much money and make the centre become too attractive,eating deep into funds that ought to be meant for the states and local government areas. The states take not only that which belongs to the states, but also waylays at source that which is meant for the local government areas. No Nation grows that way.

So, I see this judgment as epochal,having  far-reaching effect because money will now be made available directly to the local government areas who will no longer be subservient, like fawning slaves to state governors. In fact, the judgement even went further to say that no state government has the power henceforth to dissolve local government areas. This is because we have been seeing cases where in spite of the provisions of section 7 of the 1999 constitution that give autonomy to local government areas, states normally go ahead and dissolve local government areas ND appoint caretaker committees for them.This is whimsical and capricious.The Supreme Court has said this can no longer go on and that henceforth, no state government should ever be able to dissolve any local government area in Nigeria for any reason whatsoever and howsoever. 

The judgement is salutary, timely and regenerative. It should be upheld by all governments and people in Nigeria for better democratic dividends.I see this as victory for our wobbling democracy, even if we are far removed from true fiscal federalism where the federating units control and utilize their God-given resources while paying royalty or tax to the central government. This case is one big plus for tested court room gladiator, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation, who initiated the case at the apex court, invoking its original jurisdiction.Surely,to jaw-jaw is better than to war-war. God bless Nigeria.

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his warm birthday wishes to Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, National Vice Chairman (North Central) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In a congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang commended Hon. Shan’s leadership and dedication, particularly his efforts in uniting the party during the last election, which resulted in a strong performance for the PDP in Plateau State and the North Central region.

He described Hon. Shan as a humble leader who has left a lasting legacy of fairness, justice, and unwavering commitment to serving the PDP, Plateau people and Nigeria at large. Governor Mutfwang praised his kindness and visionary leadership, which have positively impacted countless lives.

On behalf of the Plateau State government and its people, Governor Mutfwang wishes Hon. Shan continued good health, longevity, and continued success in leading the party to future victories.

By Katdapba Gobum 

Ordinarily, it should have been apt using: “The challenge of being used and dumped”. I am, however, constrained not to choose that. Therefore, I shall not add anything more to the headline

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech to celebrate the recent Democracy Day speaks volumes. However, it left an area dear to many of us unanswered.

Many Nigerians who have passion for the media and its place in Nigeria’s evolution, are aware of the critical role The Nigeria Standard played in the struggle for the actualization of June 12.

Except they choose to down play its place in Nigeria’s political history, the paper was outstanding at that moment of history. To ignore it is to suggest the action could be deliberate.

After all, many who profess to hold the late Commissioner of Police, Joseph Dechi Gomwalk in ‘high esteem’ are not ready to come out publicly in defense of one of his signature institutions!

The Nigeria Standard, by the reckoning of some, is a foremost legacy project of the Gomwalk administration, which has paid its dues.

The President paid glowing tribute for the roles some “irrepressible” Nigerian journalists played in the course of the struggle. Many of us waited to know which ones would be mentioned.

Reading through the speech, I found no reference to The Nigeria Standard’s role, particularly where the media’s contributions were mentioned. None!

I don’t know if any one read where The Nigeria Standard got a mention for its role in the struggle for the actualization of June 12. We do not hold any grudge.

Perhaps, it is inadvertent slip in the President’s speech, perhaps not. Whatever it is, certain facts and parameters have to be established.

The fight for democracy couldn’t have started and ended with the Lagos -Ibadan press. Contributions also came from other zones too.

Despite being a government newspaper operating during a military era, The Nigeria Standard editorial team was bold enough, as its founder, late CP Joseph Dechi Gomwalk demonstrated throughout his leadership, to stand for the truth and sanctity of June 12, and with the masses.

He, it was, who founded the newspaper that gave the people of Middle Belt a voice, and has, since then,  been celebrated for that.

Gomwalk’s death in 1976 for alleged complicity in that year’s abortive coup is shrouded in official mystery. However, today, many remember and acknowledge, for the right reasons, thanks to Chief Anthony Goyol, whose book, Gomwalk: A Man of Vision, chronicled the works of the pathfinder of modern Plateau and champion of Middle Belt renaissance, that his era was a defining moment for the zone and indeed Nigeria.

The establishment of The Nigeria Standard group in 1972, 52 clear years in July this year was a leader (Gomwalk, a 1961 first class graduate of Nigeria’s premier University, the University of Ibadan), setting the standard he envisaged for the industry.

The newspaper went for the best hands available then in the industry. It didn’t matter where they came from, The Nigeria Standard was home to all.

The crop of editorial staff hired then (and even later), were, in more ways than one, like their medium’s founder: fearless, with an abiding love for justice and integrity in all they would do.

You couldn’t blame them. It is often said, the person who stays with the loader of cement bags becomes more like him before long. You have two choices: stay away or be a friend.

Most journalists who practiced during the military era have one interesting story or  another to relay. Over time, their experiences served to enable them make choices, either to be combative, advocating or demanding for justice or to just play along in the newsroom,  treating press releases.

The fire in the The Nigeria Standard newsroom did not burn its staff or the ideals they held dear. It enabled readers and even leaders, who appreciate the meat in the struggle, to fall in love with the newspaper (for average readers) and treat it with respect (especially for government officials and advertisers). Its reporters were aware of the general mandate of their medium, and the essence of the struggle it was involved in as a result of historical and political factors.

The Plateau Publishing Corporation ground remained fertile with ideas and other interactions, thus giving the workers latitude to be at their best, without inhibitions by the newspapers’ editors and even its proprietor, the state Government. What guided those who work or have worked there was the training one was privileged to receive everyday.

No wonder, in those good old days, the newspaper became a darling in state and national stations’ papers’ reviews, and for reading delight in offices and homes. Many will recollect that if they went to buy newspapers, they had no choice than to pick The Nigeria Standard and any other newspaper of choice

Such was the effect of the titles on their readerships and the nation’s psyche. That being the case, it spurred it’s editors and reporters to be committed to doing what was just and right.

The newspapers did not forget the ideals that gave birth to them and its staff were prepared to damn the consequences, if their actios were in tandem with those values. If you must know, they made sure they stayed committed to what their founder dreamed of, a medium always on the side of the struggle with the people.

For years, successive editors and reporters of the paper were haunted, incarcerated, or even  sacked from their duty posts for their reports and leader commentaries.

In fact, some were sacked, reinstated; and again sacked and chased to go into the ‘wild’ (if you permit the usage). Out for greener pastures, they became instant success stories in their now found homes, giving  proof of the quality stuff they are made up. The Nigeria Standard loss was always the gain of other media houses.

Some of them who are alive today, and we can mention a few names, are a reference point in the profession. They have remained consistent, mentoring many more in the profession and the struggle for a better Nigeria.

A number of them were constant guests at security agencies’ offices, yet, it did not deter them; rather, they were imbued and committed to keep faith with media practice and to give their best to the readers. Their efforts paid off in several regards.

Therefore, when the 1993 general elections were held; The Nigeria Standard, as usual, played a pivotal role right from the beginning of the transition programme to the primaries of the two political parties at the Jos Township Stadium and Portharcourt, where Chief MKO Abiola and other candidates emerged. 

The offices of the newspaper were repeatedly visited by political office seekers those years, always stretching many of us to different interview sessions, transcriptions and features for publications.

The Nigeria Standard, like many others, played a  significant role in advancing the cause of democracy. Its editorial on June 21, 1993 titled, This is our Stand, stands out. That was one of the most powerful editorials one has ever read. Published in the heat of confusion orchestrated to undermine democratic rule and prolong dictatorship, the editorial left neither readers nor government that sanity must prevail. It took on the military, judiciary, associations and the media for their dubious roles in the June 12, 1993 general elections, which Chief Abiola won.

Following “orders from above”, six of its senior editors namely, Emma Gogwim, Cyril Ogah, Gideon S Mitu, Wilson Yale, Harris Dawurang, Usman Ikpokigye Abu, resigned in protest, as they refused to retract the editorial. They resigned when government wrote, and had its own softer version of the editorial published the following day. The government editorial was titled: The need for Caution.

It must be stated here too, that one other person resigned his appointment in solidarity with The Nigeria Standard editors, Danjuma Abah, then, Deputy Chief Sub- Editor. He insisted that what his editors did was right, and chose to take the same path with them.

The editors who sacrificed their offices were without paid jobs for over a year, before being requested to return to their duty posts, with some concessions made to them. I have always wondered how they survived, but one thing I know is, they became hot cakes, than they were needed in Jos.

The fact that they stood their ground, convinced that what they did was right and timely in the struggle to enthrone democratic rule,  drew applause from various quarters, but not from the powers that be. Such power mongers have always known that ‘those boys in Jos’ were not easy to conquer.

For long, those of us that remained on ground went about with our shoulders held high, as if to tell our traducers and all who cared to listen, that if they knew anything from history, it is that the editors would not suffer shame. And so it was.

The newspaper kept faith for some time until its fortunes started to nosedive. Several governments, both military and civilian treated its concerns and operations with levity. And, because the title suffered unmerited neglect, (as its woes remained basically untreated), they festered,  placing it at a disadvantage in the competitive newspaper industry.

It appeared as if government was only interested in the payment of staff salaries, without engaging them in their statutory responsibilities. Government failed to inspire staff; thus, the tone of activities at the organisation was on the decline.

But for the ingenuity and patience of staff, The Nigeria Standard titles would have long closed shop. For one, the Goss Community printing  press bought by the founder was only being “managed”.

For another, being on the street on a consistent basis was difficult. Indeed, at its low point, editorial and advert executives suffered certain inanities whenever they went to cover events or canvass for adverts.

However, thanks to Governor Jonah David Jang, The Nigeria Standard was saved from the mockery it was being subjected to by its traducers. Before he left office, Jang bought and installed a digital printing press, which uplifted the operations of the titles.

Governor Joshua Chibi Dariye had, before then answered the prayer of  staff of the newspaper house. Before Dariye’s intervention, staff retired without pension, given paltry sums as gratuity (which could come in instalments!?

In 2005, Governor Dariye changed that story. Being an old employee himself, he knew the difficulties staff go through after their services were ended. Credit to him, came to their rescue.

In a write up authored,  former Governor Sule Lamido holds strongly that it is not possible to “deconstruct and reconstruct the narrative of the actual history of June 12”.

Titled “Hallucinating June 12: There was June 11 before June 12”, the former governor posited that the struggle as a “national sacrifice’ was hijacked by NADECO elements, so much that today, the victory has taken a different dimension.

No one can rewrite history. No amount of attempt at changing what has taken place can reduce the contributions of the media outside the Lagos -Ibadan press. While the press in that axis was haunted during the struggle, The Nigeria Standard shone brightly,  complementing their efforts and that of media elsewhere were pained by the actions that aborted June 12 .

How many young people today know the role played by Chief Solomon Daushep Lar in the struggle to birth democracy? How many youth, and the older ones are aware he sacrificed to convey the letter addressed to Abacha by G18 demanding the enthronement of democracy?

He concluded that article by stating that “all those mentioned in the President’s speech belong to the ‘Sidon look’ group! No amount of  deconstruction and reconstruction to stand history on its head can bury the truth”.

For me and many others, we still celebrate Emma  Gogwim Kayi, Cyril Ogah, Gideon S. Mitu, Wilson Yale, Harris Dawurang, Usman Ikpokigye Abu and Danjuma Abah and The Nigeria Standard for what they did and what they represent.

But these are only part of a whole. We cannot forget other staff in the editorial, advert, circulation, computer, security, printing and drivers who, collectively, made the production, circulation and reading of The Nigeria Standard a habit. Readers and other patrons of the paper also share in this glory.

Standard is a voice that remains relevant. It will be good if all of us treat it so.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

 In a demonstration of  philanthropy to the public during a heartwarming ceremony held at the 3 Division Medical Hospital and Services, 3 Division/ Operation SAFE HAVEN ((OPSH), demonstrated  profound commitment to community welfare by donating a wheelchair to Mr. Mathew Mustapha 14 years, a physically challenged secondary school student of Government Secondary School Mr Ali Jos and ordered the 3 Div Medical hospital to take up his free medical treatment. Additionally, three sewing machines were presented to beneficiaries of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MDHIP)

 The GOC/Commander OPSH, while making the presentation to the student narrated that,  he first saw Mathew  during a tree planting campaign exercise organized by Plateau Peace Building at Mr Alli area Jos and  felt compassion while noticing how he struggled with his old tricycle to get to his destination.  General Abubakar immediately ordered the student be brought to 3 Div Medical Hospital for free medical care and other assistance.  

He further noted that the presentation of the sewing machines to the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme beneficiaries is aimed at promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment. He directed that the recipients who will undergo training in tailoring at the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association Skills Acquisition Centre Jos, will have the tools needed to start their own businesses, thereby improving their livelihoods and contributing to the economy.

Witnessing the donation, the Director General Plateau Peace Building Agency, Dr Julie Sandas applauded the kind gesture of the Nigerian Army and called on organizations and individuals to emulate the kind gesture towards supporting the vulnerable members of the society. 

While appreciating the Force, the grandfather of the student Mr Thaddius M Shaibu revealed that Mathew was an orphan born with physical disabilities and  underlying health issues that required medical attention.

 He stated that, since taking over the responsibilities of caring for  Mathew and his two other siblings, nobody had come to his aid untill he was informed about the philanthropic gesture towards his grandson.

 He  said, providing Mathew with mobility and free treatment will significantly enhance his mobility and daily life, enabling him to pursue his education with greater ease and independence. He further prayed for the Military to always succeed  in their mission of securing the citizens.

On his part, the Commander  3 Division Medical Hospital and Services, Brigadier General AA Omobethai expressed gratitude for the generous contributions to the hospital. “These donations will have a lasting impact on the lives of the beneficiaries. 

The wheelchair will transform Mr. Mathew’s educational experience, while the sewing machines will provide sustainable income opportunities for the programme’s participants,” He stated.

By giwa alex Jos    

Dr Patrick Dakum has Felicitates with the Chairman of labour Party in Plateau State Honourable Grace Zamfara on her Birthday Celebration .

Dakum felicitation message is contained in a Press statement dated 9th July 2024 personally signed by him and made  available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.

The statement according to Dakum said with great pleasure on behalf of myself, family and Consolidation for Greater Plateau, felicitate with Hon. Grace Zamfara, Plateau State Labour Party, LP, chairperson as she clocks a year older today, 9th July, 2024.

He further stressed that for me to commend your contributions to the growth and stability of democracy in Plateau State and the entire country in various capacities most especially as LP chairperson, and has led the Party in securing two House of Reps seats and one House of Assembly’s.  

However said as she you celebrate, I wish you more happy and prosperous years ahead, sound health, divine knowledge and understanding as you pilot the affairs of our great party.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) in plateau State Hon.Ishaya Itse has Felicitates with Muslims Ummah in Plateau State , Nigeria at large on the occasion of the celebration of Islamic Year 1st Muharram 1446AH (equivalent to 7th July 2024).

The APC Stakeholder in the state urged Muslims to use the occasion to renew their faith and live by the good examples of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Urged Nigerians of all faith to remain steadfast and put their trust in God in face of the current economic challenges facing the country whole and plateau in particular.

Urged Nigerians and the citizens of Plateau not to loose hope on the administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu because there is light after the dark tunnel which the country is already there at better days.

Hon.ltse prayed for the Almighty Allah to lessen the burden of nigerians to ripe the dividend of better package the APC government led by Ahmed Tinubu have in stock for the citizens of plateau by extension Nigeria in general.

Signed :

Hon.lshaya Itse

Plateau APC Stakeholder In
Plateau State.

By, giwa alex, Jos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the officers of men and women of the Nigerian Army as he described them as the most Embodiment of patriotic and selfless elements of the nation which embodies with people who have volunteered, sacrificed, fought and died, so that the nation would live in peace. 

As the president said as security challenges increased in the last decade and half, the Nigerian Army has risen to the challenge to keep Nigeria safe,I am aware that you are now deployed in all states of the federation making sacrifices daily in a bid to secure Nigeria. 

The president made the commendation in his speech during the 2024 Army Day Celebration Grand Finale held at the 3 Division Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos the state capital. 

The president stressed that as  Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of the Country,his administration is committed to building a well-equipped, and truly professional army that will remain the pride of the nation.  

Further add that he is committed to provide the force with all that are needed to enable them fulfil their constitutional responsibilities which informed the federal government decision  have approved the payment of Group Life Assurance for all members of the Nigerian Army who died in the line of duty. 

The force that is today the Nigerian Army was a crucial element in the colonial era and has continued to play vital roles since post independence, Over the years, the Nigerian Army has played critical roles in the security, development and continued existence of Nigeria, lamented that never in the history of Nigeria, has so many owed so much to so few. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu further revealed in his speech that he has approved the purchase of attack helicopters and other necessary equipment to heightened the combat efficiency and dexterity,  enablers for the Army to carry out your assignments more proficiently and effectively.

“Judging from the excellent parade and the display I have watched this morning; I am convinced that the Nigerian Army has justified the trust reposed in them for the defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria. I feel proud as your Commander-In-Chief as I watch the array of equipment and your dexterity in handling them.”

In his earlier address at occasion, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja appreciated the attendance of Mr. president Ahmed Bola Tinubu ably represented by the Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar at the occasion of Grand Finale of 161 Army Day Celebration 2024 ,used the opportunity to reeled out the achievement of the Army in the period under review. 

The Chief of Army further explained that a week-long  activities heralding this year 2024 Army Day Celebration with a specific theme selected to commemorate the anniversary of the existence of the Nigerian Army,this year’s NADCEL is themed ‘Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative For Combating Contemporary Security Challenges Within a Joint Environment.

Said plateau state for this year venue is chosen  to showcase how much we can achieve when the government and the people cooperate and collaborate with the military. 

Revealed that the experience in ongoing operations nationwide has continued to highlight the importance of a whole-of-society approach to our efforts and the need to gain the buy-in of the citizenry to support our actions.

” Consequently, we have spent the last few days of the celebration mentoring the Nigerian Youth through public speaking engagements, we also awarded prizes to winners of the maiden edition of the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition organized for children in primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions across Nigeria”

The Army Chief added that In line with this year’s NADCEL theme, we had lectures on topical issues affecting all aspects of the Nigerian Army’s transformation so that, going forward, the army can better meet its constitutional obligations, as we also had an interactive session with media executives to further enlighten the public and put relevant issues in perspective.

He further revealed that the Nigerian Army used the auspicious event to offer free medical services to indigent Nigerians and commissioned several quick impact projects in communities within the host State to elicit their support and cooperation. 

“We had the opportunity to host our veterans to a happy hour, which was quite an exciting and nostalgic reunion,moreover, serving retired personnel, as well as other golf lovers, were treated to a golf tournament. “

“Today, we are gathered here to witness the crescendo, which is the Grand Finale involving a parade and presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, armament and equipment display, exhibitions on the historical transformation of the Nigerian Army, as well as display of some research and development efforts.”

And explained that Nigerian Army remains committed to its mission statement, which is ‘To Win all Land Battles in Defence of the Territorial Integrity of Nigeria, Protect Her National Interests and Accomplish other Tasks in Aid of Civil Authority.’

 He stressed that with fulfillment of this responsibility, sometimes demands that we make the ultimate sacrifice,as against these backdrops,we are continuously engaged in preparing ourselves for this onerous duty by honing our skills and competencies for this task. 

Lieutenant General Lagbaja however reeled out achievements of the Nigerian Army under his watch to committed to improving our operational effectiveness to meet the ever-changing violent and complex threats to the nation.

“In the last year, and since the last NADCEL, the Nigerian Army has acquired (2) helicopters and numerous battle enablers, some of which will be displayed in course of this occasion.  The Army has also expanded and deepened its training activities for operational effectiveness.”

The measures Lagbaja said have enabled us to successfully contain the activities of bandits in the North-West while the heinous crimes of Boko Haram Terrorists have been brought to an all-time low. 

The incidences he maintained,of farmers-herders conflict in the North-Central has equally been curtailed, and we have gained the upper hand against the criminal groups in the South East, South West as well as the South South Zones. 

“We are not oblivious to how badly our people require and demand security of their lives and properties across the nation, and we are focused on the ultimate goal of achieving the total elimination of all threats to our dear nation and its people within the shortest practicable time.”

” Recognizing that the soldier is the first weapon of war, we are committed to improving the welfare and administration of our troops at all levels, In this regard, we have launched the Affordable Housing for All (AHOOAS) scheme that would provide subsidized housing for troops when they leave the Army. “

” So far, over 500 apartments have been built for the men and women of the Nigerian Army who have subscribed to the AHOOAS scheme,we are not oblivious of the plight of soldiers who have become disabled in the course of operations to defend the nation.

 Therefore, a portion of the houses have been specifically reserved for this category of personnel.

Revealed the Nigerian Army has commenced the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries of Group Life Assurance scheme to dependents of soldiers who paid the supreme price in the defence of our dear nation as approved by Mr  President with and revealed that this gesture has greatly increased morale in our barracks throughout the country. 

“We greatly appreciate the leadership Mr President, members of the National Assembly and the Honourable Minister of Defence and his staff for their continuous support and prompt attendance to our needs. We also appreciate the support and collaboration of the Defence Headquarters under the able leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, our sister Services, and other security agencies and organizations whose collaboration and synergy has enabled the gains made so far by the Nigerian Army.”

”  As a people’s army established for the defence of Nigeria and Nigerians, we are committed to the careful adherence to the rules and boundaries that define legal and ethical conduct.”

By, Peter Ameh

In this piece, Peter Ameh examines the political marriage between the governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia and a former governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai dated back to the 2023 general election. 

In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, the people of Benue State witnessed a strange union and unholy romance between the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Reverend Hyacinth Alia, and the then governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

This union became public shortly after Hyacinth Alia,  emerged as the APC  gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 governorship election. 

In July 2023, photos of Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia and El-Rufai graced the social media. A picture of the duo was released after their closed-door. 

Many questioned what a supposed priest was doing with a religious bigot and an extremist, a divisive figure, a man who made a mockery of Jesus Christ on his Twitter handle, and worse of it all, a security threat. The Benue people saw both of them as unequal yoking. 

Some thought that, since Alia was a novice in politics, he was probably building political alliances and synergy with party members within the northern region. However, facts later emerged that the relationship was not about the unity of the party, but the agenda of one man, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

In December 2022, Alia traveled to Kaduna State, and this time, it was alleged that he held a meeting not just with El-Rufai but groups like Miyetti Allah, brokered by Nasir El-Rufai. 

A pressure group in Benue State, the Benue Coalition for Democracy(BCD), under the leadership of Ternenge Bendega in a press statement urged Alia to withdraw from the race since it is clear that El-Rufai and leaders of Miyetti Allah organization will pilot his administration.

The Benue pressure group alleged that Alia was not fit to be governor, having collected N5 billion from the enemies of the state. 

The group in the statement condemned Alia for being too desperate to be governor of Benue state at the peril of innocent people and farmers of the state.

Part of the statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart that I write today on behalf of all lovers of democracy in Benue State. We are saddened and worried by the desperation displayed by the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC in the state, Hyacinth Alia, ahead of the 2023 elections.”

We also received some disturbing information that the APC governorship candidate in Benue State has collected a whopping sum of N5 billion from two northern Governors – Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna and Aminu Masari of Katsina to fund his campaign and numerous court cases.

“According to our informant, the deal was struck between Alia and his sponsors that if he wins the election, he will repeal the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State and cede parts of the state to Fulani pastoralists to take over and settle in,” the group disclosed. 

In a move that appeared like his (Alia’s) commitment to the deal with Governor El-Rufai, the suspended priest started telling the people of Benue State that he was going to reconcile Benue people with the Fulani herdsmen so that they could co-exist together with the herders. This campaign message didn’t go down well with some Benue citizens, and anytime the governor was asked questions bordering on security, he shied away and told the people that, security matters and strategy were not issues to be disclosed in public.

With the deal sealed between Alia and El-Rufai in Kaduna, the former governor of  Kaduna State was in Makurdi, two days before the governorship election with more financial support to see how things were going as regards the governorship election. 

Unfortunately for the APC, it was alleged that the funds from El-Rufai were directly made available to Alia and not through the party.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT. 

Shortly after Alia assumed office as governor, herdsmen started returning to the state in what seemed to be fulfilling the deal with El-Rufai. the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State was relaxed without an official pronouncement and cows were grazing everywhere. They are still grazing in Benue State today, thereby causing renewed insecurity in the state. 

Recently, Governor Hyacinth Alia attempted to repeal the law prohibiting open grazing in Benue State by conducting a public hearing in Gboko local government Area of Benue State. The people on seeing the proposed amendment openly condemned repealing of the law. 

THE PLOT TO DECAMP TO SDP AHEAD OF 2027 .

Shortly after El-Rufai fell out with the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which was occasioned by the failure of the former FCT Minister to scale through his ministerial screening, Governor Alia and the former governor of Kaduna State began to look for an alternative platform. It seems that El-Rufai has been nursing the ambition to be President even when the existing political arrangement has shifted power to the South after  Muhammadu Buhari has just completed the tenure of the north.

Alia who also has deliberately fallen out with the main APC in Benue State was left with no other option than to reunite with a former chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Barnabas Gemade, a man who has been funding the SDP in Benue State since 2018. 

Senator Gemade was also one of the three governorship aspirants on the platform of the APC that challenged Governor Alia’s nomination as APC gubernatorial candidate in Benue State to the Supreme Court. Gemade challenged the nomination of Alia and sought the outright cancellation of the primary election that gave him the ticket, a move that would have left the APC without a governorship candidate in Benue State for the 2023 election. 

All this development has shown that  APC was originally not Gov Alia’s option but since the opportunity was given to him on a platter of gold, he took advantage of it and having achieved his aim, he has decided that he will destroy the platform that couldn’t detect his hidden mischief owing to the fact that he is a priest and should be honest and gave him the ticket, just few months that he joined the party.

Surprisingly, it is Gemade who was Alia’s top political enemy that has suddenly become his political godfather. Meanwhile, everyone in all the political camps in Benue knew that Senator Akume, the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was the one who single-handled birthed the idea of the direct primaries that produced Alia, without which he could not have come close to the ticket in the indirect primaries. Akume also fought legal battles from the lower courts to the Supreme Court to ensure that Alia’s ticket was not destroyed.

 However, shortly after Alia was sworn in, he turned his heel against Akume to the utmost shock of everyone in all the parties. Gov Alia has shown that he is not someone to be trusted at all despite being a Catholic priest that is supposed to represent trust and gratitude. Governor Alia buried his differences with Gemade and both got reunited. 

Gov Alia’s hatchet men have been deriding the person of Senator Akume, the SGF, who has single-handedly funded and nurtured the APC to the current strength it possessed in Benue state by emerging victorious both at the state and federal elections in 2023.

However, as political events are developing in Benue and at the national level, it has been observed that the union between Gov Alia and El-Rufai is being reinforced. This subtle reunion was observed through the instrumentality of one Dr. Francis Terna, a former appointee of El-Rufai, whom Gov Alia appointed to head a new educational agency that the Gov created without the backing of the law.

A few months after the reunion between Governor Alia and Senator Gemade, the former governor of Kaduna State visited the National Secretariat of the SDP in Abuja, where he met with the national chairman of the SD, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam.

There was, however, a mild drama at the tail-end of the meeting shortly after a photo session when someone was heard cautioning those taking photographs against leaking the photo of the visit on social media but El-Rufa’i quickly responded, saying ‘I don’t care’.

Since the visit of El-Rufai to the National Secretariat of the SDP, the crisis rocking the APC in Benue State has taken a more dangerous dimension, with no hope in sight for peace.

The APC, after its 146th meeting of the National Working Committee, the party ordered aggrieved party members and proxies in Benue State who have individually gone to court over the leadership crisis in the state to withdraw their cases or risk facing disciplinary action.

 While Comrade Austin Agada, the authentic State Chairman of the party in Benue State who is loyal to the party withdrew his case against the suspended Welfare Secretary of the party in Benue State, Benjamin Omakolo, who has been parading as State Acting Chairman, the Benue APC faction loyal to Governor Alia refused to withdraw its plethora of cases against the party. 

They boasted that they wouldn’t withdraw their cases and nothing was going to happen to them. 

Many in Benue believe that the APC faction loyal to Governor Alia is doing everything possible to ensure that the crisis escalates beyond the level it is now, so that the party will not win any election in 2027.

 Recently, Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, a member of the House of Representatives who represents Konshisha/Federal Constituency held a Thanksgiving service in his constituency in Konshisha Local Government and the caretaker chairman, Philip Achuah and the Benue State Commisoner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, demonstrated their overzealous loyalty to Gov Alia by organising thugs that beat up the Honorable member and those who attended the occasion and dispersed them. The purpose of all these unhealthy developments is to eventually break away with large followers to the SDP and work with El-Rufai for his presidential ambition. 

They often make open provocative comments, attacking the SGF and the APC stakeholders that fought for the victory of Gov Alia at the polls. For instance, the Chief of Staff to Governor, Hon. Paul Biam, recently said that members of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) are more acceptable and valued than the original APC members who don’t belong to that faction. 

Meanwhile, Gemade who has been the financier of the SDP in Benue State since 2018 is now the leader of Governor Alia’s ‘Benue political stakeholders’ with SDP members in Benue State given recognition as Benue political stakeholders while APC leaders watch from a distance. It will also be recalled that Senator Gemade was the candidate of the SDP in 2019 for the Benue North East Senatorial election.

There are also rumors of the plan to get Governor Alia’s cronies to emerge as SDP local government chairmanship candidates, who will be declared winners, using the agency of the State Electoral body, should the governor not succeed in having his factional APC chairmanship candidates elected. 

Sources around the governor indicate that an ally of Rotimi Amaechi, who was Governor Alia’s choice for ministerial appointment, Emmanuel Jime, is also backing the plot to decamp to the SDP. On one occasion, a video that has gone viral showed Jime fuelling some violent statements that if he were the governor, he could have done worse than what Alia is doing.

A few days ago, the Omakolo faction, backed by Gov Alia of the APC in Benue State, through its Organising Secretary, James Ornguga,  announced a thank you tour across the 23 local governments of the state by Governor Alia, beginning from Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 – June 22nd, 2024.

Findings reveal that Governor Alia intends to use the tour to garner the support of the people ahead of their decamping to the SDP. They are enthused by the presidential ambition of Mallam El-Rufai on the platform of the SDP. Governor Alia will use the next 10 days to gather people who will eventually decamp with him to the SDP. 

The Alliance between Governor Alia and El-Rufai is waxing stronger on all fronts. A few days ago in Makurdi, precisely on June 12, 2024, at a Public Lecture titled, ‘‘Nigeria: 25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy: The Moral Question On Governance in Benue State,’’ the former governor of Kaduna State was represented at the event by his son, Bello Nasir El-Rufai. 

El-Rufai was represented by his son as the chief host at the launch of four books by El-Rufai’s former appointee now Alia’s appointee, Dr. Terna Francis. All these are ways of deepening the bond between Governor Alia and El-Rufai as we march towards 2027.

In Benue State, the signs are glaring that Governor Alia will contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the SDP, while El-Rufai will be the Presidential candidate. Amaechi’s loyalist, Emmanuel Jime, is also expected to be the Senatorial candidate of the SDP for Benue North West Senatorial District. 

As at the time of writing this piece, the Benue State Secretariat of the SDP in Makurdi is wearing a new befitting look for a party that intends to take over the state.

By, giwa alex, Jos

Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has expressed deep appreciation to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, for his collaboration with other security agencies in resolving conflict issues and promoting lasting peace in the state.

Governor mutfwang commendation is contained in a Press statement dated 5th July 2024 signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Gyang Ebere and made available to Gnewsreporter in Jos 

Receiving the Chief of Airforce at the New Government House Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang appealed to all stakeholders—government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community representatives—to redouble their efforts in addressing banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that in the state.

Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to returning displaced persons to their ancestral homes. He also highlighted efforts to expand the cultivation of farmland to enhance food security in the nation.

The Governor praised the Air Force for providing facilities to store palliatives and offering medical services to civilians. He acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s confidence in the Chief of Air Staff.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar described Governor Mutfwang as a visionary leader who vigorously addresses insecurity with the desired commitment. He called for collaborative efforts to end the menace in not just Plateau State, but other parts of the State.

Sympathizing with the people of Plateau State on the recent security breaches, Air Marshal Abubakar pledged to assess Air Force facilities and introduce new perspectives to tackle such challenges. 

He emphasized the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to prioritize peace and security in Plateau State.

By, Our Reporter

Following  recent mayhem launched on Ukum local government of Benue state which led to lose of lives and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed by suspected bandits the governor of Benue state Hyaincent Alia has address the citizens of the state.

In his state broadcast he said he is  deeply saddened by the recent events in Ukum Local Government Area. The unprovoked and senseless killing of 6 (Six) innocent lives by bandits on Tuesday night has left us all in mourning.

 Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time

Since the advent of our administration, several efforts have been put in place to eliminate the activities of bandits. Consequently, the combined efforts of our security agencies push back some bandits from their handouts and subsequently neutralized two bandits, recovered seven motorcycles, two English pistols, a Toyota Camry, and commercial tricycle and lots of charms. As a reprisal, some bandits hit some soft target and killed the earlier aforementioned six civilians at Ayati, believing that the members of the Ayati community were responsible for giving information on their operations and locations and handouts.

This led to an initial protest of anger and frustration of family members and women regarding the killings of their loved ones on the Ayati-Sai road down to Sankera, understandably. Regrettably, these peaceful protests were hijacked by bandits and miscreants who had carefully planned to undertake and unleash mayhem on businesses and peace-loving people of Sankera.

I assure you that I have listened. The mayhem caused by these heinous acts of violence has not gone unnoticed and I stand with you in condemning these atrocities. Full military intervention has been ordered. My heart goes out to the three soldiers and two police officers who were wounded in the line of duty protecting lives and properties of citizens in Sankera.

 They have all been treated and discharged. I had earlier in the day directed the Deputy Governor, who had visited and carried out on-the-spot assessment of the scenes of these devastating destructions.

However, let me make it clear that while we empathize with the pain and frustration felt, we must channel our energies towards constructive actions. Destruction of public property and chaos only serve to compound our challenges and divert resources that could be better used to address the root causes of these issues.

​ Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Benue State. We are intensifying our efforts in collaborating with the security agencies to bring the perpetrators of these violent and criminal acts to justice. Already, we have started getting positive results. We are also working on preventive measures to ensure such incidents does not reoccur, now or in future.

Development remains at the forefront of our agenda. Despite the challenges we face, we are committed to attracting and bringing forth development to all parts of Benue State. We understand that peace and security are the bedrock of development and we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of a safe and prosperous Benue State.

 To our dedicated workers, your welfare remains a top priority of our administration. We recognize the sacrifices you make daily and we are committed to ensuring that your rights and well-being are protected. We will continue to implement policies that support your growth, development and overall welfare.

I appeal to the good people of Sankera and its environs to remain calm and exercise restraint. Let us work together to rebuild our communities and restore peace. Your government is here for you and we are committed to addressing your concerns with urgency and diligence.

Let me for the last time extend our hands of fellowship to all our youths who have chosen to reside in the forests and continually launch attacks on innocent citizens that our administration may no longer guarantee the olive branch extended to them.

Let us not allow the actions of a few to destabilize us. We will not sit back and allow anyone or a group to frustrate the peace of the State and destabilize the government of Benue State. 

To this end, our government will in the next few days, set up a commission of enquiry to investigate the remote and immediate causes of this mayhem. Additionally, more actions will be taken to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to bringing these retrogressive activities to a total end.

By, giwa alex, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Thursday held a productive meeting with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja. The discussion focused on improving road infrastructure, health, education, and the agricultural sectors in the state.

Governor Mutfwang, who was received by the Minister Counsellor, Zhang Yi, highlighted the presence of Chinese construction companies in Plateau State and emphasized that the government has created a conducive environment for their business operations.

The Governor stated that his visit to the Embassy was aimed at familiarizing himself and exploring potential partnerships and financial support for road infrastructure projects, as well as the training of Plateau youths in ICT.

Governor Mutfwang noted that he has engaged with several Chinese construction companies in the state and will continue to do so to foster economic growth in Plateau State.

Minister Counsellor Zhang Yi welcomed Governor Mutfwang and assured him of the unwavering support of the Chinese government. 

He emphasized the strong, cordial relationship between China and Nigeria and reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening these ties for the mutual benefit of both nations.

By, giwa alex, Jos

Jos Metropolitan Development Board JMDB is to Commence the state executive order 003 8th July 2024 for the Control of indiscriminate erections of buildings in Jos/Bukuru master plans. 

As against this backdrop, the officials of JMDB will be coming out to verify Processing/Approval for ongoing buildings.

This announcement is contained in a press statement dated 4th July 2024 signed by the General Manager Jos Metropolitan Development Board JMDB Arch. Hart Bankat and made available to this medium in Jos. 

According to the statement, owners of demolished buildings will bear the cost that falls within the greater Jos Master plan.

The statement further said those that shall be liable will be fined accordingly.

The General Manager advised the general public to adhere strictly with the stipulations on the government Executive Order, and cooperate with the officials from the board.

The statement further said for those that are yet to comply should endeavor to come to the board office for verification and Regularization of their building.

By, giwa alex Jos

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive atmosphere for personnel of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities of ensuring peace and security in the state. 

He saluted the courage and determination of the Nigerian Army personnel who have made huge sacrifices to keep Nigeria as a united nation.

Governor Mutfwang made these remarks on Tuesday while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos. The Chief of Army Staff was in Jos for the 2024 Nigerian Army Day celebration.

Mutfwang praised the Nigerian Army for choosing Jos to celebrate years of steadfastness and resilience in combating external and internal aggressions, identifying Jos as a testament to their unwavering commitment to peace.

“We are glad that you chose Plateau State this year as the venue for the Army Day celebrations. To us, it is an honor. It is a sign of the confidence you have in Plateau State, that at least in the last one year, you have done remarkably well.

“This is not surprising because I would recall that when the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs were appointed last year, there was some sort of celebration across the nation. This was not only because the security architecture was being done to reflect our federal character as a country, but of course, because a cream of very competent officers were chosen.

“I am sure that Mr President’s confidence in you has not been misplaced and the Nigerian people are also happy that you have served distinguished as Chief of Army Staff since the coming on board of this administration,” he stated.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, said he was in Jos for the 2024 Nigerian Army Day celebration and highlighted that it would help cement the relationship and deepen collaboration with the state by learning from past experiences with the hope of achieving more.

Gen. Lagbaja appreciated the Governor for supporting all military formations in the state and promised to give their best in safeguarding lives and property.

He intimated the governor that as part of the celebration, the Nigerian Army has initiated some projects with direct benefits to the people.

“I am in Plateau to take part in the activities lined up for the Nigerian Army Day celebration, 2024, and I want to seize this opportunity to proficiently thank you for receiving my team and I at the Government House.

“The platform of the NADA 2024 has afforded us the opportunity to bring a large number of Nigerian Army personnel and our equipment to Plateau. This will go a long way to cement the friendship, the understanding, and the cordial relationship that exists between the Nigerian Army, the government, and the good people of Plateau State.

“We commissioned some special intervention projects, renovation of schools, and provision of some critical infrastructures in some communities in Plateau State. Five of these intervention projects will be commissioned as part of Nigerian Army Day 2024.”

The Army Day celebration 2024, with the theme “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment,” has a series of activities from the first to sixth of July.

Hon .Ishaya Itse one of the stakeholders of APC in plateau state has commended Former Governor of Plateau state and senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 9th Assembly Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye aka Kwao Mushere Ahmed Idris Maje Suleh Abdullahi ,   Dame Pauline Tallen,  Sen.Bako Lalong and other APC Stakeholders  for their desirous efforts in reconciling aggrived members of the party ahead local and general election 2027.

Hon.itse  specifically thanked the former governor of plateau state Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye the Kwao Mushere Hon.Ahmed Wase Honorable John Dafaan, Abdullahi Suleh and APC Stakeholders for their desirous efforts to reconcile aggrieved members of the party that will act as litmus test in local government elections which is just around the corner and ultimately 2027 general election.

He stressed  the reconciliation of the aggrived members of the party will help to facilitate in repositioning the party towards testing it political potency on the forthcoming Local Government Elections which is just around the corner and the 2027 general elections in the country.

Honourable Itse further add that the reconciliation process will help in great measures to check anti party activities which characterized the 2023 general election occasioned by aggrieved members of our great party.  

However encouraged perceived aggrived members to resprocate the good intentions of senator Dariye’s and other leaders of the party who initiated the reconciliation process and  give them the benefits of doubt of reconciliation and embrace the process .

Thank Senator Dariye for his leadership role he is always known for to bring back the already disunited party back on track of unity commended honourable Ahmed Idris Maje for agree in chairing the process of reconciling the party.

Itse who was the only candidate that was the only candidate of the Party who picked  nomination form of the party for the position of Chairmanship in Plateau State and was allegedly robbed by the cabals  of the party extended his commendation to the governor of Nasarawa State ,His Excellency Abdullahi Suleh for hosting the reconciliation meetings in Nasarawa State ,and other stakeholders of the party including the immediate past Minister of women Affairs and social development Dame Pauline Tallen hope the meeting will bring an end to  Sharp division currently tearing the party apart.

He further adviced theleadership of the party to ensure that at the end of the deliberation those to be rebuked are rebuked and the aggrived are compensated if the need be which will portrail a true reconcilation he maintained.

By giwa alex Jos 

Ahead of the   Plateau State Independence  Electoral Commission,PLASIEC , Local Government Councils Election ,the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters Group have urged voters to vote massively for the candidate  of Hon. Shehu Bala Usman as the sole endorse aspirant for the seat of Jos North Local Government Council of the state.

The  concerned APC supporters ,Hon.John Yakubu  as the Chairman , Abubakar Muhammad the Secretary of the group said they have endorsed Shehu Bala  as the flag bearers of the party in Jos North , urging Plateau citizens to reap bountifully in the area of peaceful coexistence amongst the diverse group of the council. 

Hon Bala Shehu has demonstrated capacity in managing the fragile peace in Jos North LGA when he  organized Christmas Carol ,constructed road network within the major town under his stewardship so he deserve a second chance.

Since 2001 the state was engulfed in incessant crises were the situation was brought under control,if given the mandate the atmosphere business would improve as he  is an astute leader who has restored love  ,unite leaders of various ethnic groups to speak in harmony by playing key role in rebuilding process.

In Plateau State,Hon . Shehu Bala  has shown that the APC is a party to be trusted in the North Central region and elsewhere in the country. The infrastructure renewal, massive empowerment of youths and women are all clear signal that hope abounds in Jos North LGA .

“His legacies as Executive Chairman of Jos North are still there for all to see, a capacity which he equally demonstrated to ensure that the state enjoyed peace throughout the 8 years of Governor Simon Lalong regime 

 The positive impact of his administration was organizing Christmas Carol and Carol Christmas lightening and Ramadan festival celebration which is first of it kind with equality and good governance exhibited.

Hon Bala Shehu ensured that all the ethnic groups were carry alone,no religious discrimination and building of police outposts across the council and roads construction .

The administration harped on the education infrastructural of public schools were desks, teaching equipments and construction of PHCs including boreholes, support to religious organizations both Muslims and Christians benefited immensely through the evangelism outreach .

The installation of streets light , provision of effective security network to safeguard lives and properties of Nigerian with the contribution of drainages , culverts towards easing waterway in vulnerable communities.

The peace building, confidence constant religious interface with the Stakeholders meeting and the traditional rulers to support government effort.

By, giwa alex, jos

Dr. Patrick Dakum has Condoles with the family of Pa Jonah Ropshak Dashom  who passed away on June 27, 2024 after a prolong ailment. 

Dakum condolences is contained in a press statement dated 30th June 2024 personally signed by him and made available to this medium in Jos, state capital. 

Dakum said Pa Jonah has paid his dues in service to humanity in the education sector where he taught profuse number of scholars at the primary school level, actively worked as member of Teachers Registration Council, Supervisor, Primary Schools Education and Deputy Director at Plateau State Universal Basic Education where he retired in 2008.

He groomed his children very well who also are serving humanity with great passion and patriotism of which is Pharmacist Manji Dashom a staff of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN. 

I hereby on behalf of myself, family, friends, associates and Consolidation for Greater Plateau, commiserate with the Dashoms; May the Almighty God comfort you at this moment of grief, and grant you the grace to bear the irreparable loss of your dearly beloved husband, father, uncle and grandfather. 

Take solace in the Lord as he promise never to leave or forsake us in our moments of sorrows, pain and needs. 

Be comforted with the legacies of good grooming your patriarch gave you and the exemplary life he set for you and others to follow.

May his soul rest in peace in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, amen. 

  By giwa alex Jos  

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, along with numerous of his well-wishers and political associates, has extended heartfelt congratulations to former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Isaac Kwallu, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a heartfelt congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang described Hon. Kwallu as a beacon of hope and a refined legislator whose enduring impact on his constituents remains immeasurable. 

He praised Kwallu’s commitment to redefining the status of his constituency and changing the poverty narrative through the empowerment of youths and women during his tenure in the House of Representatives.

Governor Mutfwang congratulated Hon. Kwallu on this milestone and saluted his administrative prowess, marked by resilience, integrity, and commitment to excellence.

He noted that Hon. Kwallu embodies humility, selflessness, and kindness to the less privileged in society. His enduring legacy of love, justice, fairness, and peaceful co-existence, the Govermor said, has remained a source of inspiration and hope to many.

While wishing him a memorable birthday, Governor Mutfwang, on behalf of the good people of Plateau State, prayed that God will bless him with sound health and the strength to continue championing the cause of his people.

                       

By giwa alex Jos

Member Representing Pankshin,  Kanke and Kanam at the Federal House of Representatives Rt.honourable Adamu Gagdi, has again come hard on the Federal government over unabated insecurity in country that is being handled with levity.

Dr. Gagdi said this is because the people of plateau and by extension the country as a whole have not wake from their slumber on the need to hold the Federal Government saddled with the responsibility of providing security that is under his constitutional purview for it citizenry whom they sworn an oath to protect both thick and thin  are being abandoned to the risk of insecurity in the country. 

Gagdi who is the Chairman House committee  on Navy at the Federal House of Representatives was speaking  during the launching of Peace and Security Magazine with the Theme fighting insecurity with held at  Crispan Hotel and suites Along Rayfield Road on Friday 28th June 2024 .

 He harped his indictment on the Federal Government on obvious grounds that as law makers is his duty and responsibility to strive and make law for the advancement and development of his constituent in particular and the entire country as a whole. 

Having these at the back of our mind and guided by the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria,  we at that committee proposed that committee be set up which will comprise the federal ,state and local government level to enhance information flows regarding insecurity that have been incurable illness in the country, that has claimed many lives and unquantified properties destroyed.

Lamented that the government for reasons best know to them flagrantly  refused to implement the committees report while lives and properties of innocent citizens are being wasted daily by different classes of insecurity with different acronyms  ranging from Armed banditry ,kidnappers ,Boko Haram, Farmers Herders Clashes and other insecurities satanic vices.

 Hon.Gagdi who is one of the  award recipient at the event  flanked by his wife Hajiah Laya Adamu Gagdi further added that his understanding of the gathering at the event is all about ways to address the problems of insecurity bedeviling plateau state in particular and the entire country as a whole.

Stressed that security isn’t only limited to the use of guns, bombing of bandits and Boko Haram which i have Said loud and clear in several fora.

Add that the constitution donates power to the parliament to make law for peace and order and the maintenance of Peace was the first thing that was mentioned in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in any other nations constitution 

 The second timer in the House Of Representative, Representing  Pankshin  Kanke and Kanam at the National Assembly further revealed that even the Holy Bible for the Christians and Koran for the Muslims which were the first constitution before man-made constitution of the  Federal Republic of Nigeria  make security as bedrock for any meaningful development.

He however reiterate that if this gathering at this event is all about   security of the country, you should expect me to be at the event as one of the most qualified security experts in Nigeria, and the Representatives of the people of plateau by extension Nigeria in general what other gatherings would I attend order than security of this country he questioned.

 He narrated how not only  himself impacting on the lives of the citizens  of his constituent but his wife Layla passion to compliment his efforts without my knowledge selected 33 women 11 from each  of the local governments  , trained them on different skills ranging from tailoring and other skills ,  bought complete working tools  for them to start with each of the numbers of trained women .

 I am not the one that cultivated the idea both revealed that he have  foundation inherited from the family,the platform she is currently using to  impact positively on the lives of the downtrodden in the society like the Thirteen Three Women she  just graduated from the foundation and about to face life. 

He challenged politicians and financially placed  individual in the society to develop same mindset that will help significantly in reducing poverty in our various Constituencies in the state and Nigeria as a whole which in turn will help in reducing insecurity in the country because as the popular adage goes An Idle Mind Is  Devil Workshops.

By, giwa alex, Jos

Sequel to the recent demolition of shops and shanties within Jos North and Bukuru Metropolis to bring back the lost of  serene beauty of the State and its environs ,the affected traders  of the demolition exercise has drawn legal battle with government and its agency Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) saddled with the responsibility of controlling illegal structures in the State.

As the chairman of Kugiya Market, one Mr Emma debunked the insinuation by the government that they have notified the Market management severally over the demolition to give way for  free operation of rail services and Tin City Metro Buses recently brought by the government as palliatives to subsidize the removal of petroleum subsidy by the federal government.

The Chairman of the market, Emma whose  second name is not know as at the time of this report, debunked the insinuation in an interview via phone call with this medium in Bukuru , Jos South Local Government , plateau State 12th May 2024.

He vehemently denied that no time he was approached let alone having meetings with the government or it officials relating to the relocation and demolition of the market, add that the authority of Nigeria Railway have even contacted me on clarification over the matter , which I also explained to them the way i am doing now. 

He further added that the Chairman of Market  Association Isa Abba has also debunked claim of the knowledge  that the government would demolition all shops in Kugiya,what I am privy of ,is that JMDB would dislodge traders who are trading along  roadside around Kugiya Market.

The Chairman said his close relationship with the authority of local Government make me privy to get immediate information of any eventuality.

 “And he has a branches under him, when Government called me for the Inauguration of the committee, if Government called for a meeting, I will be the first to called the chairman of Kugiya market, Emma and he always came along with Gali.”

” Sometimes we  go together, if I was alone immediately I came back, they are the one I use as informat first of anything we had discussed.”

The government  embarked on Tv, Radio and Public  Address System that the government would commence demolition  of all illegal structures in the Metropolis and its environ.

By alex giwa Jos 

The plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) is a regulatory body established by the Plateau State Environmental Protection Law of 2001, with amendments in 2003. PEPSA is responsible for overseeing and enforcing environmental regulations, waste management practices, and sanitation standards within Plateau State, Nigeria.

With a mandate to ensure public health and cleanliness, PEPSA plays a critical        in maintaining the environmental integrity of Plateau State. The agency’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities, including:

i. Implementing regulations pertaining to waste disposal, cleanliness of tenements, and proper maintenance of drainage systems.

ii. Conducting inspections of tenements to ensure compliance with sanitation regulations.

iii. Enforcing prohibitions against activities detrimental to public health and sanitation, such as indiscriminate waste dumping, burning of refuse, street hawking, and unauthorized parking.

iv. Designating and managing refuse disposal sites, issuing permits for waste disposal, and regulating the transportation of refuse.

v. Collaborating with other government agencies, local authorities, and stakeholders to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices.

vi. Setting up enforcement bodies, making regulations, and conducting regular inspections to ensure adherence to environmental laws.

vii. Impounding vehicles, issuing fines, and prosecuting offenders who violate environmental regulations.

PEPSA operates under the supervision of the Plateau State Government’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development and works closely with relevant stakeholders to achieve its objectives. Committed to safeguarding public health and preserving the environment, PEPSA plays a vital role in promoting a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Plateau State and its residents.

VISION:

Our vision is for Plateau State to become a model of environmental sustainability, where every individual enjoys a clean and healthy living environment.

MISSION:

PEPSA is committed to realizing this vision by proactively enforcing environmental regulations, promoting responsible waste management, and fostering partnerships with communities and stakeholders. Through education, advocacy, and innovation, we strive to protect public health, preserve natural resources, and enhance the quality of life for all residents of Plateau State.       

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Bako Lalong has mourned the death of veteran broadcaster Nanyak Tyem Miner who passed unto glory recently at the age of 69. 

Senator Lalong said he received the news of the former Director News at the Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) with shock and sadness.

Senator Lalong condolence Message is contained in a Press statement dated 26th June 2024 signed by his Special Adviser on Media Dr. Makut Macham and made available to this medium electronically. 

He said the late Nanyak Miner was a household name in the media landscape of Plateau State and Nigeria during his years of practice where he contributed significantly to the development of the media profession, Plateau State and Nigeria at large. 

Senator Lalong said he has lost a worthy constituent whose passion for development, peace and harmony was very high having spent many years using his career as a journalist to promote unity in the Senatorial District and State as a whole. 

He also recalled that the late Nanyak Miner trained and mentored many younger journalists who have grown to take strategic spaces in the media industry and are equally involved in promoting the development of the State and the nation. 

While controlling his family, the Tarok nation, PRTVC and the media industry in general, Lalong said no one can question God who gives and takes life.

However, he expressed optimism that the legacies of the deceased will continue to be remembered for many years to come as he left behind good records of service, patriotism and sacrifice.

Our Reporter 

A High Court sitting in Sokoto  presided over by the Honourable Justice Kabiru I. Ahmed, on the 13th of June, 2024, granted in favour of the Plaintiffs/Applicants ( District Heads ), exparte applications for the maintenance of status quo ante bellum in Suit Nos: SS/M.290/2024 and SS/M.293/2024 , between Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal and Alhaji Abubakar Kassim (the Plaintiffs/Applicants) V. the Governor of Sokoto State, Attorney General of Sokoto State and the Sokoto Sultanate Council the Defendants/Respondents. 

The maintenance of status quo ante bellum order further directed, amongst others, a stay of all actions and or further actions in connection with all matters dealing with and or pertaining to the removal and or enthronement of District Heads in Sokoto State particularly the 1st and 2nd Plaintiffs/Applicants, as the District Heads of Tambuwal in Tambuwal LGA of Sokoto State and the District Head of Kebbe in Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State, respectively.

The injunctive relief is to operate against the Governor of Sokoto State, the Attorney General of Sokoto State and the Sokoto Sultanate Council pending the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction filed before the same court and fixed for 23rd of July, 2024,for hearing.

The court went through the affidavit evidence and the written addresses of counsel attached to the motions and stated in its ruling that it found merits in the applications and therefore granted the orders. One Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal and Alhaji Abubakar Kassim deposed to the affidavits attached to their respective motions. 

Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal stated that he had learnt through the media that a Committee was set up  to investigate the appointment of District Heads made by the erstwhile Governor of Sokoto State, including his and he subsequently heard on April 23, 2024, that he had been removed as the District Head of Tambuwal without any formal communication or opportunity to be heard to present his case.

He deposed further that on April 29, 2024, based on the purported Committee’s recommendations, he received his termination letter from the Sokoto Sultanate Council, but was not given any fair hearing before this termination, violating his right to due process. The termination, according to him appeared punitive, capricious, and a gross abuse of power, especially since some other District Heads appointed with him were not so removed.

He further deposed that due to the actions of the Defendants/Respondents, he has faced significant prejudice, anguish, embarrassment, financial loss, and had not received his monthly salary of N81,000 since his removal; and that despite these breaches, the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, went ahead and set up another Committee to draft a White Paper, further indicating a malicious intent.

On the part of Alhaji Abubakar Kassim, the purported allegations he was confronted with parole by the Committee set up by the Governor of Sokoto State and which he responded to parole was done without having the opportunity to see his purported accusers nor allowed to ask them questions. Similarly, the allegations which formed the basis of the  Committee’s  recommendations to the Governor of Sokoto State were allegations that he was never confronted with. 

The Committee’s recommendations  ventured into criminal allegations and or findings for which he was neither confronted  nor given the opportunity to be heard on these novel allegations.

The court considered the Applicants’ argument that the Respondents’ attempt to appoint a new District Head during the ongoing legal process, would cause irreparable harm if not restrained and therefore granted the interim injunction to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing of the substantive application for interlocutory injunction.

 The Hon. Justice K. I. Ahmad, in his ruling agreed with the written address of Counsel to the Plaintiffs/Applicants, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN and Prof Ibrahim Abdullahi, SAN,who argued the application,and granted the order of maintenance of status quo ante bellum and stay of all actions and or further actions in connection with all matters dealing with and or appertaining to the removal and all enthronement of District Heads in Sokoto State..”.

The District Heads positively affected by the court’s interim order of maintenance of status quo ante bellum (injunction ) are:

1. Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal – District Head of Tambuwal in Tambuwal Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.

2. Alhaji Buhari Muhammad Abdulrahman – District Head of Illela in Illela Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.

3. Alhaji Nasiru Shehu Umar – District Head of Dogondaji  in Tambuwal Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.

4. Alhaji Aliyu Barade  – District Head of Wamakko in Wamakko Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.

5. Alhaji Atiku Bello Ayama – District Head of Gongono in Tangaza Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.

6. Alhaji Sule Ajiya Kalambaina – District Head of Kalambaina in Wamakko Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.

7. Alhaji Abubakar Kassim – District Head of Kebbe in Kebbe Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.

8. Alhaji Ibrahim Bello Dansarki – District Head of Tangaza in Tangaza Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.

9. Hon. Kabiru Marafa Acida- District Head of Alkammu in Wurno Local Govt Area of Sokoto State and;

10. Alhaji Usman Abdullahi  – District Head of Talluwa in Bodinga Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.

By this development, the Honorable Court has mandated the Defendants/Respondents and their representatives, agents, servants and or privies (by whatever name called) to maintain  status quo ante bellum and halt any actions related to the removal or enthronement of District Heads in Sokoto State.

 These orders are effective pending the hearing and determination of the motions for interlocutory injunctions already filed before the court and which have been adjourned to  the 23rd of July 2024,for hearing.

By ,Golu Timothy 

More accolades have continued to trail the Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as Forbes, the leading global media group has honoured him as one of the three best Nigerian governors providing good governance. 

 Alongside his Bayelsa  and Osun State counterparts,  Senators Diri Douye and Ademola Adeleke respectively,  all of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the global media company has rated the performances of the three governors as worthy of world recognition and commendation.

While Diri of Bayelsa state is a two-term governor who just kick started his second term in February 2024,  Ademola and Mutfwang are first term governors. Ademola is getting to three years in office while Mutfwang  is barely a year in office. The Plateau governor effectively assumed office in January 2024 after a protracted legal battle over the 2023 governorship tussle which ended early 2024.

The letter addressed to the Governor dated …… and signed by Mark A Furlong,  reads, “It is with great pleasure that Forbes Media and the creators of Forbes Best of Africa from America 

wish to inform you that you have been nominated for the FORBES BEST OF AFRICA 

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AWARD”.

For years Forbes has been monitoring and assessing governments across the globe as a way of encouraging good governance and through its awards, Forbes acknowledges and celebrates exemplary leaders, top businessmen, 

political leaders and dynamic personalities with records of making far-reaching impacts and 

positive contributions to the development of their respective countries, sectors and industries. 

The letters adds,” Since your appointment( election emphasis mine)into office, you have exemplified exceptional leadership in managing the 

state of affairs in Plateau State. Your strategic vision has not only fostered significant development 

within the state but has also set a benchmark for good governance in Nigeria. 

 Implementation of significant 

reforms and policies that has positively impacted the socio-economic landscape of Plateau State. 

  Demonstrating transparency, accountability, and good governance 

practices, thereby fostering a culture of integrity and ensuring the effective use of public resources. 

Successfully attracting domestic and foreign investments into 

Plateau State, contributing to job creation and economic growth. 

 Significant contributions to the development of critical 

infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals, which has enhanced the quality of 

life for the citizens. 

Community Programs and projects aimed at improving the living standards 

of the people, especially in rural areas including your efforts in poverty alleviation, youth 

empowerment, and social welfare. 

  Enhancing access to quality education and healthcare services, 

which are fundamental for sustainable development. 

 Conflict Resolution and Effective measures to address and mitigate conflicts within Plateau 

State, promoting peace and stability. 

  Strengthening security infrastructure and strategies to ensure the 

safety of residents, thereby creating a secure environment conducive to growth and development. 

 Demonstrating a clear vision for the future development of Plateau 

State and implementing innovative solutions to address challenges. 

  Promoting environmental sustainability through policies and 

projects that protect natural resources and promote green energy. 

Previous awards and recognitions from reputable 

organizations, which signify Governor Mutfwang’s contributions and impact, and many more, has provided a strong foundation for your consideration for the 

Forbes Best of Africa Visionary Award. 

For these reasons, the Forbes Best of Africa Award committee has decided to honour you with the 

above mentioned award. The award would be conferred on you during the FIN annual International 

Business Round Table and Forbes Best of Africa Award Ceremony.

 This prestigious event will be 

held on the 28th of June 2024 ( Friday)at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal”.

The strategic essence and significance of this event cannot be overemphasised. It serves as a platform for global leaders, 

industry titans, and visionaries to converge, exchange insights, and foster collaborations that drive 

meaningful economic growth across continents. 

According to Forbes, “Our aim is to facilitate strategic alliances that not 

only benefit individual businesses but also contribute to the socio-economic development of 

diverse regions”.

Previous recipients of this prestigious award includes; H.E Sam Matekane the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, MD of First Bank Nigeria, Paul Adefarasin, and many more. 

Also to receive the Forbes African awards are the Senate President Godswills Akpabio, a former governor, foreign affaits Minister Tuggar Maitama Sule and other eminent leaders across the country.

 It is on record that only few Nigerian leaders have qualified for the Forbes global recognition so far, making it a great and lofty height for whoever has attained the feat.

Those invited at the global media event include:  policy makers, 

entrepreneurs, politicians, opinion leaders, the media partners, religious leaders and international 

investors.

Dr Golu Timothy Is

Special Adviser To Governor Caleb Mutfwang On Strategic Communications

By, giwa alex, Jos 

In a bid to elevate the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, to a cargo airport and eventually an international airport, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has hosted the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubumi Kuku, in a strategic meeting aimed at enhancing the airport’s status.

Governor Mutfwang welcomed the first female Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FAAN to Plateau State, expressing profound appreciation for the Airport Authority’s dedication and selfless service at the Jos Airport. He expressed confidence in the leadership capacity of the Managing Director to transform the airport’s fortunes.

He told his guest that Plateau State is blessed with agricultural produce in high demand worldwide, particularly vegetables, and pointed out that enhancing the airport’s status would significantly aid in exporting these products.

Governor Mutfwang disclosed that his administration has inaugurated a committee comprising former aviation staff to develop a blueprint for improving the existing infrastructure to ensure effective services at the airport.

He said the visit of the Managing Director has sparked hope and confidence that the Jos Airport will receive the necessary intervention for its upgrade. He assured that the state government would provide the necessary cooperation and intensify its efforts to ensure the airport receives a new lease on life.

FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubumi Kuku, acknowledged the strategic location of the Jos Airport within the aviation industry and assured that it would receive the required attention. She noted that the airport was designated a cargo airport due to Plateau’s centrality in Nigeria and promised to ensure that it is upgraded.

Mrs. Kuku emphasized the need for major infrastructure improvements at the Jos Airport to enhance its operations to meet international standards.

A committee comprising members from the Plateau State Government and the Airport Authority was mandated to meet and develop a plan for upgrading the Jos Airport.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has commended the Nigerian Immigration Service for implementing effective frameworks to monitor and control the influx of people who pose security threats to the state and the nation.

Governor Mutfwang made the remarks on Monday while hosting the State Commandant of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Grace Nkangwung, at Government House Rayfield, Jos.

He praised the valuable contributions of the Service during State Security Council Meetings and expressed confidence in Commandant Nkangwung’s ability to surpass her predecessor in enhancing the security of Plateau State.

Governor Mutfwang emphasized the critical role of the Immigration Service in regulating the migration of people in and out of the country. He stressed the need for collaboration to eliminate criminal elements within the state. 

He explained that while the state is open to visitors, they must adhere to the laws to maintain order. He urged the Immigration Service to work closely with the government to minimize criminality in the state.

Grace Nkangwung, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Immigration Service, highlighted her extensive experience in various northern commands, including land and air border patrol and migration management. She assured that she would leverage her expertise to provide quality service in Plateau State.

In a related development, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has shown a keen interest in partnering with the private sector to develop the value chain in the mining industry for revenue generation.

The Governor made this commitment during a meeting with an international conglomerate, Bisy Group from Australia, at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

Welcoming the Chief Executive Officer of Bisy Group, Raven Bi, and the Management of Plateau Minerals Development Company, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the vast potential of mineral deposits in the state.

 He recalled the significant contribution of the state’s extractive industry to Nigeria’s GDP in the 1960s.

Governor Mutfwang criticized the rampant surface mining activities in the state, which generate minimal revenue, and called for the adoption of technology in mineral exploration. 

He expressed a strong political will to collaborate with the private sector to add value to the state’s mineral deposits for the benefit of the people, adding that revitalizing the mineral sector is central to his policy agenda.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Bisy Group, Raven Bi told the Governor that his company which is a world-class partner in strategic mining consultancy, is in the state to explore the possibility of mining Lithium in the state, using technology.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

The Commissioner for Women Affairs And Social Development in plateau state Mrs Caroline planglang Dafur  has strongly advised parents  to always observe  behavior of their children/wards to detect early involvement in Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The observation according to the commissioner will assist affected parents the opportunity  to nip the negative behavioural tendencies of the child/wards and to  tackled it on time and avoid escalation to unimaginable  stage.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and social development in the State gives the advice today 26th June 2024 during her address to mark this Year International Day Against Drugs Abuse And Illicit Trafficking , held at the New Government House Little Rayfield in Jos-South local government , plateau state.

She said as the Theme of this Year International Day Against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking suggested,”The Evidence Is Clear Invest In Prevention”, parents are suppose to watchout for strange behaviors of their children/wards who don’t love using the house toilet and other facilities in the house , particularly when they are present in the house.

Added that the parents should also watch their children when they keep to themselves and avoid everybody and remain inside the room when all the others families are in the sitting room ,such child is definitely up to  something suspicious that the parents needed to find out without delay.

She advised parents who loss hope on their children/wards simply because he/she indulged in Drugs Abuse should  not, instead involve the services of pastor that can given them spiritual advice and counseling , alternatively they can be rehabilitated with the assistance of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), saddled with the responsibility of counseling the children and rehabilitating them, however advised parents to take the children to such places for rehabilitation. 

The Commissioner revealed that  the sensitization against drugs abuse will definitely water down the grassroots, this informed the presence of the 17 Local Governments Transition Implementation Chairmen’s wives in attendance who are going to take this campaign to their various local council to replicate same sensitization that is  taken place today at the state level.

.

Stressed that we deliberately make all the Chairpersons at the LG in the state to attend the event for them to go and replicate same in their various local governments enable them know the danger of drugs abuse, and it inherent consequences . The commissioner maintained. 

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have arrested alleged notorious gunrunners, bandits, arms couriers and recovered arms as well as ammunition in several intelligence-driven operations carried out in Plateau and Kaduna States within the last one week.  

The arrest is contained in statement dated 24th June 2024 signed by  Media information officer to OPSH Major Samson Natip Zhakom and made available to this medium  in jos, plateau state capital. 

.

 According to the statement, on the 21st June 2024, troops conducted operation to flush out armed militias and other criminals in suspected bandit’s hideout at Pandam forest in Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, troops recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 magazines and 75 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

 As combined operation with a sister security agency on 21 June 2024, troops tracked and arrested a notorious gunrunner along Riyom-Abuja Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The suspect was arrested while on his way to supply 35 AK-47 magazines to another gunrunner who, unknown to the first gunrunner, had earlier been tracked and arrested in Kano State on 20 June 2024.   

Further information obtained from the arrested suspect led to the immediate arrest of the major arms supplier at Manchok in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna, while making efforts to receive the 35 AK-47 magazines from the first gunrunner for onward delivery to bandits in Zamfara State. Troops proceeded for search operation in the home of the major gunrunner and recovered the 35 AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), 3 Bajaj motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and items suspected to be local charms.

 The general public is appreciated for furnishing security agencies with credible information leading to the massive recovery.  

The populace is further urged to continue to cooperate with security agencies in ensuring a crime-free environment.

By, Shabu Mazadu 

It is a fact that ideologies rule the world, emanating from people who understood the essence of their existence and curved a niche of guiding principles to direct their sojourn upon the earth. 

Their principles and philosophies serve as guide to others especially if they are progressive. Dr. Nnnamdi Azikiwe said, “Life is an odyssey, Man comes into this world and while he lives, he embarks upon a series of travels, gaining experience which enables him to formulate a philosophy of life.” So is Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum.

Dakum, a multidimensional careerist of humanitarian services has advanced practical norms which exquisitely guided him into extraordinary successes in all his fields of endeavours medically, spiritually and politically; thus making him a trailblazer in diverse and multiple fronts.

Politically which is the centre of concentration of this piece, Dakum’s philosophies toe the path of Zikism and Awoism that served as guides to Africa and Nigeria in particular. Though Zikism is not revered and taken as prototype by the Eastern Region where he hailed from, Awoism is very much in effect in the South West, and is used as political and developmental template.

Dakum did not write a memoir on his political belief, but his submissions and postulations in many fora, electioneering campaigns and interviews on media outlets, likewise walking the talk, gave rise to the ideology, “DAKUMISM.”

From the outset of the Fourth Republic, he was a Commissioner of Information and Health whose performance was remarkable and his legacies highly contemporarily and excellently effective to this very day. 

As his contemporaries divorced their professions and career and stick to political prostitution since 1999 to date in different administrations without mentorship of upcoming youth, he wasn’t cajoled to toe such path by the juicy privileges of being in the corridor of power, but went ahead to start the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, with five persons using his profession as Public Health Doctor to liberate the country and grant it health security. This depicts his mentality of bettering the lives of the people in every way he finds himself. 

His vision has yielded results of expanding IHVN with the workforce of over a thousand employees, covering 23 states of the Federation; and with over four hundred thousand HIV/AIDS patients receiving free medical treatment from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, which he oversees in Nigeria.

While most of his contemporaries as commissioners and other political appointees since 1999 are being recycled as old cargoes as LG chairmen and political advisers, and like crabs in a can, domiciled in Plateau and gasping for survival through political patronage and best described as fish in well, Dakum is hitting the limelight both nationally and international touching lives, making his tribe, Plateau State and Nigeria proud.

Dakum who values family life trained his children with his profession without seeking to be in the corridor of power first to send them overseas for studies and making them rich  with public funds as a then governor whose son celebrated being a billionaire in his father’s first year in office. 

Amazingly, a Public Health Doctor exhibits political awareness and expertise in words and practice on and above most of the best political scientists. His guru in politics was bred from the inbuilt passion of replicating the developmental strides of developed countries in his third world country, Nigeria, starting from his state, Plateau.

Dakum is of the school of thought like Zik and Awolowo who postulated that the first prerequisite of joining politics is preparedness excluding self-centered and the greed for wealth, but a call to service. In view of this, he criticized the mentality of envisage politics as monetary conduit pipe saying, “The mentality of being rich as a result of being in politics is a huge problem that must change.” And further calls for the advancement of political offices synonymous to civil service. He said, “The less financially beneficial the job of the politician is, the better for democracy. And when I said less financially, I mean let’s put the politicians on salary scale and subject them to the civil service rules.”

This clarion call was born out of Dakum’s desire for rapid development of the country which cannot be achieved by spending hugely out of the meager resources of the nation on political office holders instead of on infrastructures.  

Dakum doesn’t see winning elections as the ultimate participation in democracy, and losing as inferiority, and shamefacedly. He believes that every participant in the game is heavily contributing to its success including the voters, the umpire (INEC), the judiciary, aspirants and candidates, campaigners and all others. 

He said, “Many politicians don’t understand that the democratic journey requires participation and not only winning elections. If I don’t win, it doesn’t mean that I did not contribute with a vital role. We are not in one party state. 

And any country that moves into one party state, its development will go down because nobody will ask critical questions that need to be asked.

 But if there is healthy competition between the political parties, and at the end of it, you didn’t win; it doesn’t mean you have not contributed.” In essence he is saying that the people should partake in building a viable and virile democracy and not necessarily joining the game to win elective positions.

While most politicians use defamation to win elections, Dakum doesn’t believe in that. He is not a coward, as only cowards use such approach. Chief Obafemi Awolowo said, “But it is mean and cowardly, and an evidence of weakness and utter demerit, for any group of people to attempt to commend themselves to the public by the negative process of belittling and condemning others. Strong, courageous, resourceful and self-confident people are never afraid of rivals or competitors.”

Dakum’s campaign hinged on what Awolowo said, “What our people want to know above all things else is not the defect or incapacity of this or that organization, but the plans and programmes which we have for improving their lots and the relative merits of such plans and programmes.”

His belief is also in line with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s postulation which says, “I will not score an off-side goal; I will not hit below the belt; I will not beat the gun in order to become the Executive President of Nigeria.” Dakum said you cannot win an election through fraudulent means and attribute it to God, adding that God will judge whoever does that.

Such spirit hamstrung him from deploying thugs in his campaign and character assassination. Other things he frowns at are the use of ethnicity, religion and money and the involvement of god-fathers. He said, “As a politician I must campaign based on issues.”

 He added, “The unifying factor should be the desire to move the state forward and consider candidates vying for elective positions based on their antecedents and capacity to deliver good leadership.”

This pragmatic approach earned him the European Union Observers applauds in the 2023 general elections and declaration  as the best and cleanest campaigner in Plateau. 

 Dakum wants elections to be cleanly and keenly contested, adding that using criminality in politics will barricade the defeat of crime in the society and frustrate the rule of law which is recipe for lawlessness. 

Dakum believes in party democracy on a clean sheet before the secondary elections. He said, “My personal opinion is that there has to be democracy within political parties, otherwise the occupiers of parties will be decision makers. And whoever wants to run in an election must be elected.

 So, if there is no democracy in the party, general elections will be null and void.”

Contrary to non-sportsmanship exhibited by losers in elections, and sabotage to governance instead of concrete criticism, Dakum believes in defeat acceptance, support for good governance he said, “We have a government, we should work towards making it succeed because it will be for our good. But it doesn’t mean that when it comes to elections we do not have our opinion that someone else will do better.”

He believes in advising the incumbents and holding them to account. He said, “To you journalists, do you have the pamphlets given to you during elections? 

If you do, then begin to read and challenge the winners.” “I will advise that whatever it is you have as advice, rally round and give the governor. Never should you wrongfully fight to occupy an office whether in Plateau or at the Federal level, but do it in the fear of God and integrity.”

On the role of opposition in politics, Dakum believes that they must be active as Awolowo said, “It is the duty of the opposition to express its views candidly in opposition to any government measure which in its view is not in the best interest of the people.”

On the prevailing winner takes all, Dakum believes in bringing capable hands irrespective of their affiliations to achieve results in government since the essence of governance is to better the welfare of the governed and to develop the society.

On court litigations, Dakum believes the defeated should go to court and all court verdicts should be obeyed. And in the case of dissatisfaction with court’s judgment aspersion and attacks should not be options; instead, concerted efforts should be made to correct all ills.

There are so much to talk about on Dakumism which will run into volumes, however this summary should draw every Plateau citizen to reason and reminisce whether the political cliché has impacted positively on the state and developed it infrastructural wise, enhanced unity amongst the ethnic blocs, eradicated corruption, boosted the economy and harnessed human resources for greater productivity and survival.

  If the old way isn’t working, and our democracy is endangered, then we must do as Tupac Shakur said, “It’s time for us as people to start making some changes… you see the old way wasn’t working so it’s on us to do what we gotta do to survive.” And the way out is new ideology which is DAKUMISM.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

In his determination to foster a robust economy for the benefit of Plateau citizens, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has held talks with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The talks focused on enhancing security, economic prosperity, and the standard of living in Plateau.

During a visit to UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah and her team at the UN House in Abuja, Governor Mutfwang highlighted the state’s potential for economic prosperity and sought UNDP’s support in enhancing local capacities to achieve these goals.

He requested a partnership with the UNDP to establish a lasting security network, develop agricultural value chains, and revitalize mining and tourism sectors to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their significant interventions, such as the robust initiatives at the Police Staff College in Jos, and said that the state would greatly benefit from the continued support.

He informed the Country Representative that his administration inherited substantial security challenges but has revitalized the state-owned security outfit “Operation Rainbow” to aid in intelligence gathering and support conventional security measures.

“We are here to explore ways to deepen collaboration between the UNDP and Plateau State to advance the cause of improving humanity in Plateau State. We commend the UNDP for their major project at the Police Staff College, which will benefit the state,” Governor Mutfwang stated.

He also sought UNDP’s cooperation in capacity building to equip security personnel with the necessary knowledge to address the state’s security issues.

Governor Mutfwang identified poverty as a fundamental challenge and solicited partnership to build a sustainable economy by addressing the basic needs of the people. He outlined agriculture, mining, and tourism as key economic drivers and announced plans for an Economic Summit. He sought UNDP’s support to promote these opportunities.

The Governor told his host that the state Government has established the Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission to address gender issues such as violence against women and rape. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in governance, by ensuring the deployment of resources to benefit the people.

UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah congratulated Governor Mutfwang on his election and leadership over the past year. She expressed enthusiasm to collaborate with him to advance humanitarian efforts in Plateau State.

Attafuah said the UNDP would develop a template to assist states like Plateau in building resilience in agriculture, economy, and health sectors to enable them to withstand unforseen situations. She also emphasized the UNDP’s focus on good governance, climate change, inclusive growth, and agricultural value chains and expressed the desire to transform Plateau State.

By, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN)

Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN)  has again floored the federal government owned anti corruption agency (EFCC) saddled with the responsibility of charging and prosecuting anybody including government officials that alleged to have involve in money related fraud. 

The recent case is the human rights actives Mike Ozekhome against EFCC is among the numerous judicial victories he had recorded against the Agency since it was set up. 

The recent victory against the government is the case of Mr Abiodun Agbele ordeal of nearly (8) years tortuous trial came to an abrupt end on Friday,21st June, 2024, when a Federal High Court presided over by the Honourable Justice Nnamdi Dimgba ruled that Abiodun Agbele had no case to answer in a 24-count amended charge bordering on alleged money laundering of #1.219 billion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Abiodun Agbele and three others.

The EFCC had accused Abiodun Agbele and three others of indirectly accepting #1.219 billion in cash through an official of Zenith Bank in Akure, Ondo State, from the then minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, on behalf of Ayodele Fayose in June 2014. Agbele was alleged to have carried out this act without going through a financial institution contrary to te provisions of section 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. 

MeThe EFCC also accused Agbele of aiding a company called De Privateer Ltd to take possession of #200 million which was allegedly part of the #1.219 billion, on behalf of Fayose, contrary to section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. Honourable Justice Dimgba found no proof of any of the essential ingredients of these counts such as to call on Abiodun Agbele to stand full trial.

Mr. Abiodun Agbele along with 3 other Defendants were initially arraigned before the Federal High Court on an eleven-count charge (which later had one court struck out), to which they had pleaded not guilty. The charge dated 26th July, 2016, filed by Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Wahab Shittu, SAN, had accused Agbele of some alleged offences said to be contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended in 2012) (MLA). 

Mr. Agbele in the initial charge was alleged, amongst others, between 4th April, 2014 and 13th November, 2014, to have conspired with others who are at large to commit illegal act to wit: laundering the sum of N4,685,723,000,000.00 being sum transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser with Central Bank of Nigeria by Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd), which he knew or reasonably ought to have know that the said funds formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) the then National Security Adviser, and thereby committed the offence said to be contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering Act, 2011.

The EFCC also alleged that Mr. Agbele with others now at large, on or about the 17th day of June, 2015, directly took possession of the sum of N1,219,000,000.00 (One Billion, Two Hundred and Nineteen Million, Naira) being part of the N4,685,723,000,000.00 transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser with Central Bank of Nigeria, when he knew or ought reasonably to know that the funds formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki the then National Security Adviser, and Musiliu Obanikoro (the then Minister of Defence for State) to wit: theft and corruption and thereby committed the offence said to be contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering Act, 2011.

All the Defendants had pleaded not guilty to all the counts and the matter proceeded to trial.  In the course of trial however, the Complainant vide an Amended Charge filed on 7th March, 2024, after calling a total number of 8 witnesses,amended the charge to 24 counts, to which the Defendants equally pleaded not guilty to all 24 counts. 

The prosecution in proof of its case against the Defendants through its counsel,Mr Wahab Shittu, SAN, called a total of 16 witnesses. Upon EFCC concluding its case, Mr. Agbele, instead of opening his defence, filed through his counsel, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, a no-case submission, praying the court to discharge and acquit him of those offences as the prosecution had failed to establish any of the essential elements of the offences he was charged with,such as to require him to open a defence in the matter. The prosecution through its counsel,Mr Shittu, joined issues with Prof Ozekhome, lead counsel to Mr. Agbele, insisting that Agbele had a case to answer.

In his well-considered ruling delivered on the 21st day of June, 2024, Hon Justice   Dimgba, ruled that the prosecutor had failed to prove the essential elements of the offences with which Mr. Abiodun Agbele was charged. The Court found that the case, as put forward by the prosecution, was simply a case of cash-in-transit between bank officials.

He found that notwithstanding that Agbele, the 1st Defendant, was physically present when the cash was being moved in Akure, Ondo, State, there was no scintilla of evidence to show that he knew that the cash was tainted with alleged illegality. The court also found that none of the witnesses called by the prosecution knew the source of the fund. Indeed, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro whose name appeared on the charge and who testified for the prosecution,testified in favour of the Defence when he stated emphatically that only the then National Security Adviser ( NSA ),Col. Sambo Dassuki and Mr Ayodele Fayose ( the Ekiti State Governor),could speak about the source of the cash.

 The court found  that Mr. Adiodun Agbele and the three other Defendants were not privy to the source of the funds.It therefore held that before the court can ask Agbede to enter his defence in the matter, the prosecutor must prove that the source of the fund was tainted with illegality and that the Defendant knew or ought to know about that. In this wise, the court held that the prosecutor ought to have subpoenaed  two vital witnesses in the persons of Ayodele Fayose and Sambo Dasuki, to testify as to the source of the fund as stated by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. 

The prosecution’s failure to do this was fatal to its case. The court clarified that merely being in possession of cash alone, no matter how huge, without more, cannot sustain those charges. There must be evidence that the cash formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity and that Ayodele Fayose and the 1st Defendant knew and benefitted from such proceeds. 

The court therefore discharged Abiodun Agbele of the 23 counts he was charged with. It however called on the second Defendant company, Silver McNamara,to enter its defence on the remaining count as it did not file a no cases submission.

By, giwa alex ,Jos 

Plateau State Governorship Candidate on the platform of Labour Party, LP, in 2023 General Election, professor Patrick Dakum has advocated for salary scale for all the serving and would be politicians in the state which will be in line with the country civil service rules.

The advocacy if implemented will ease financial pressure on the country democracy which is at the verge of being financially suffocated by the politicians financial entitlement.

The CEO of Institute Of Human Virology said the less financially beneficial the job of the politician is, the better for democracy.

Dr. Dakum was speaking recently over the hardship the citizens are currently going through as they can no longer afford one square meal a day, while politicians are swimming in millions.

He said “when I said less financially, I mean let’s put the politicians on salary scale and   subject them to civil service rules.”

”  Of course, they will not be 35

 years in service or whatever, they should have more allowances to cover up for the pensions of four years they will be in office   

Dakum who has be very passionate over the welfare of the citizens of the country stressed that “let us further institute a lifestyle audit that will lead to investigation particularly  the politicians and their flamboyant life at the detriment of the  impoverished classless citizens of the country. 

By, giwa alex, Jos 

In his determination to foster a robust economy for the benefit of Plateau citizens, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has held talks with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The talks focused on enhancing security, economic prosperity, and the standard of living in Plateau.

During a visit to UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah and her team at the UN House in Abuja, Governor Mutfwang highlighted the state’s potential for economic prosperity and sought UNDP’s support in enhancing local capacities to achieve these goals.

He requested a partnership with the UNDP to establish a lasting security network, develop agricultural value chains, and revitalize mining and tourism sectors to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their significant interventions, such as the robust initiatives at the Police Staff College in Jos, and said that the state would greatly benefit from the continued support.

He informed the Country Representative that his administration inherited substantial security challenges but has revitalized the state-owned security outfit “Operation Rainbow” to aid in intelligence gathering and support conventional security measures.

“We are here to explore ways to deepen collaboration between the UNDP and Plateau State to advance the cause of improving humanity in Plateau State. We commend the UNDP for their major project at the Police Staff College, which will benefit the state,” Governor Mutfwang stated.

He also sought UNDP’s cooperation in capacity building to equip security personnel with the necessary knowledge to address the state’s security issues.

Governor Mutfwang identified poverty as a fundamental challenge and solicited partnership to build a sustainable economy by addressing the basic needs of the people. He outlined agriculture, mining, and tourism as key economic drivers and announced plans for an Economic Summit. He sought UNDP’s support to promote these opportunities.

The Governor told his host that the state Government has established the Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission to address gender issues such as violence against women and rape. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in governance, by ensuring the deployment of resources to benefit the people.

UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah congratulated Governor Mutfwang on his election and leadership over the past year. She expressed enthusiasm to collaborate with him to advance humanitarian efforts in Plateau State.

Attafuah said the UNDP would develop a template to assist states like Plateau in building resilience in agriculture, economy, and health sectors to enable them to withstand unforseen situations. She also emphasized the UNDP’s focus on good governance, climate change, inclusive growth, and agricultural value chains and expressed the desire to transform Plateau State.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The Nigerian Army (NA) has taken a significant step in enhancing its operational capabilities with the delivery of the first batch of new aircrafts. 

The berthing of the aircrafts marks a significant milestone in the development of the Nigerian Army Aviation’s capacity to provide air support for ground operations. The aircraft BELL UH-1H (HUEY) helicopters, were formally received by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in a brief ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Thursday 20 June, 2024.

This cheering news is contained in a Press statement dated 20th June 2024 signed by Director Army Relations  Major General ONYEMA NWACHUKWU and made available to  this medium  electronically. 

According to the statement, receiving the aircrafts, General Lagbaja, noted that the renewed drive to establish an NA Aviation wing was conceived by the then-former COAS, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah (rtd), in 2014, with a three-phase ten-year implementation plan. 

The COAS extolled former Chiefs of Army Staff, maintaining, that their tenacity and drive, along with the collective efforts of personnel and Nigerian Government’s political will, have been instrumental in realizing the fruition of NA Aviation.

Gen Lagbaja appreciated the various successive administrations for their support in training NA Pilots and Ground Crews as well as putting in place requisite structures. The COAS profoundly expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to fund the acquisition of NA platforms and providing all support to actualize the dream.

The BELL UH-1H Helicopters are equipped with advanced sensors and enablers to conduct a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, rescue, logistics, transportation, and medical evacuation.

The  Army Chief also appreciated the forerunners, particularly the sister services and the Nigerian Police Force Aviation wing, for their support and encouragement. He noted that the NA is spurred to serve the nation better with the acquisition of the new platforms and provide Nigerians, an enabling environment for economic prosperity.

In his remarks, the Coordinator, NA Aviation, Brigadier General Musa Alkali, stated that the arrival of the NA Aviation vanguard platforms is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of the NA Aviation, in line with the COAS’s Command Philosophy.

Brig Gen Alkali stressed that the acquisition of the platforms is a clear demonstration of the NA’s aviation resolve, which started 40 years ago to continuously improve and adapt in the face of an evolving security landscape, adding that this will boost the NA’s reconnaissance, surveillance, and air mobility capabilities.    

The Coordinator acknowledged the tireless efforts of those involved in the execution of the NA Aviation plan, as well as the international partners.

Earlier, a Consultant for the Nigerian Army Aviation, Major General Emeka Onwuamaegbu (retired) who is also a trained Helicopter Pilot, lauded the Nigerian Army  for sustaining the vision over the years that saw to the  actualization of the Nigerian Army aviation.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

The immediate Deputy Speaker in the house of representative , and member Representing Wase Federal Constituency in the house of Representative Honorable Ahmed Idris Maje has hosted the All  Progressive Congress APC Stakeholders of the Party with the need to reposition the party in the state ahead  the next election.          Honorable Idris Ahmed  hosted group comprised the stakeholders  of APC party to celebrate Eid-EL-Kabir 2024 sallah  celebration which coincides  with the honorable Maje’s birthday.  

The gathering of the party’s stakeholders can  best be described as tripartite celebrations because it also involves  the   warming of house  which  which  can be best  referred to Sallah celebration, his birthday held in Abuja.

The event was attended by several prominent figures of the party, including two former Governors of Plateau State , Simon  Bako Lalong  Joshua Chibi Dariye former Senators,  Deputy Governor and a Minister.

Others Notable attendees included,  Dame Pauline Tallen and others.

The event also saw the presence of serving and former Senators of the house of Representatives , State Assembly members and elders of the party.

 The relaxed atmosphere created conducive environment  for  discussions on national issues geared towards fostering progress for of the nation.

Hon. Idris  Wase used the opportunity to advocate for peaceful coexistence and  promotion of diversity for the common good of the APC  on the plateau  and Nigeria in general. 

 

Hon.   Ishaya Itse of the All Progressive Congress APC in plateau state has commended the Former Deputy Speaker House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly Hon Ahmed Idris Maje ,member Representing Wase Federal Constituency in the House of Representative for accepting  the responsibilities to be among those nominated by the party hierarchy to reposition the party , reconcile aggrieved member ahead coming local government election  other subsequent selections in the state.

 Itse  also congratulate the  honorable member for his birthday celebration as he  described him as bridge builder who has used his position as politician  likeable by the people of his Constituency bring them together under one ambrella which  has facilities bound of unity among them .

 

 

Itse    commended the Honorable member Ahmed Idris Wase for accepting to reposition the party to reclaim the seats in the coming elections in the state is a testament that he believed that APC still have more  dividend of democracy to offer to the people of plateau despite the temporary set back in the 2023 General election.

He further said that the members of APC in the state without menacing words has undiluted support  for Hon. Idris Maje, and assured to queue behind him in his quest for the repositioning  the party in the state that would be envy of all.

Called on the Hon. member  to try his  possible best by bringing        the member of the party into one ambrella  hitherto factionalize occasion by  misunderstanding within the party  .  

Hon. Itse called on the members of the party to give honorable Wase the maximum support to do his best to reposition party to be litmus test in the forthcoming local government election in the state when the councils electioneering campaign eventually flag off in the state.

Wished him happy birthday celebration prayed as God add year to his age, Almighty Allah Wil also increase him in wisdom to the benefits of his constituent, plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

Happy Birthday

By, giwa alex, Jos

As Governor vows not to discriminate against anyone

The Muslim Ummah in Plateau State, led by the State Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), on Wednesday, paid the traditional Eid-el-Kabir Sallah Homage to the Executive Governor of Plateau State at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos.

The congregation, comprising clerics, community leaders, women, youths, and the elderly, expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for his generosity, kindness, and support towards Muslims in the state.

Delivering the Sallah message, Alh. Dr. Haruna Muhammad Sambo, the JNI Chairman and Emir of Wase, conveyed deep appreciation to Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State Government for their developmental efforts which have benefited the Muslim community and the entire state.

He highlighted the Governor’s commendable initiatives, including the rehabilitation of road networks around masallacin Juma’a, Zololo Junction, Mango street, Delimi Street, Bauchi road and Rikkos main road among several others and support provided for the 2024 Hajj logistics and mobilization.

Alh. Sambo praised Governor Mutfwang for introducing metro buses and revitalizing the railway, which he said have gone a long way to alleviating transportation challenges for citizens.

Expressing concern over recent incidents involving enforcement of Executive Order 003 by a Task Force, he called for enhanced collaboration to ensure smooth implementation for sustainable peace and cleanliness in Jos under the Greater Jos Master Plan.

Governor Mutfwang, in his address, thanked the Muslim Ummah for their steadfast support since the beginning of his administration. He acknowledged their unwavering commitment to justice and fairness during challenging times.

“I know many of you stood for justice when we faced adversity. This support has given me the strength and confidence to lead a government that prioritizes fairness, justice, and equality, without any form of discrimination,” Governor Mutfwang affirmed.

He emphasized, “Our policies aim to benefit all citizens and create a conducive environment for visitors to Plateau state. I appreciate the cooperation of Islamic clerics, particularly during our efforts in Terminus, and sincerely thank you for it.”

Governor Mutfwang assured continued openness to advice and collaboration from individuals and groups dedicated to Plateau State’s growth and development.

Our Reporter 

– He created Yobe state, 

– He created Katsina state,

– He created Taraba state,

– He created  Jigawa state, 

– He created Kebbi state

– He created Enugu state,

– He created Edo state,

– He created Delta state,

– He created Osun state.

– He created Akwa Ibom state, 

– He created Federal Road Safety Corps 

– He created State Security Service (SSS)

– He created National Intelligence Agency (NIA)

– He created Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). 

– He built Asorock Villa. 

– He built Third Mainland Bridge, the largest bridge on the continent at the time. 

– He completed the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station. 

– He constructed Toja Bridge in Kebbi.

– He  created the Jibia Water Treatment Plant.

-He built Challawa Cenga Dam in Kano. 

– Kano – Abuja Dual Carriageway FCT, Abuja.

–  Dam in Kano Others includes: 

1. ECOWAS Headquarters Secretariat Abuja.

2. He constructed International Conference Centre Abuja. 

3. Constructed FHA Estates Nationwide.

4. Constructed High Court Buildings in the States. 

5. Constructed Fed Secretariat in 36 States/Abuja.

6. Constructed 2 Political Party Office in 36 States. 

7. Constructed the 4 Divisional Headquarters, Nigeria Army.

8. Constructed Military Barracks in Abuja.

9. Constructed Army School of Armour Bauchi.

10. Nigeria Army Amphibious school Calabar.

11. Constructed Quarters for the 4 GOCs 

12. Constructed Nigerian Navy Dockyard. 

13. Constructed Nigeria Dockyard Snake Island. 

14. Constructed Estate for workers of Federal Ministry of Works Housing & FMWH) Nationwide + FCT & Gwagwalada. 

15. Constructed Site & SVC’s Satellite towns of 20. Constructed Federal Supreme 

Isheri, Lagos, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Prototype Housing Schemes. 

16. Constructed FEPA Hdqrt, Abuja. 

17. FEPA Zonal Offices Nationwide & Central Laboratory, Yaba Lagos. 

18. Constructed National Eye Centre, Kaduna. 

19. Aluminium Smelter Company Ikot Abasi. 

20. Constructed Federal Supreme Court, Abuja. 

21. Constructed the Ajaokuta Steel Project Engineering Works. 

22. Constructed Abuja International Airport Phase 1&2.

23. Constructed the National Assembly Abuja. 

24. Constructed the Presidential Villa Abuja. 

25. National Intelligence Agency(NIA) Headquarters.

26. State Security Services(SSS) Abuja.

27. Constructed Federal Mortgage Bank Hqrtr, Lagos.

 29. Federal Mortgage Bank branches nationwide. 

30. Constructed CBN Headquarters Abuja. 

31. Security & Minting Hdqters Abuja.

32. Constructed Jabi District Abuja.

33. Abuja Central Area Phase 1&2. 

34. Constructed Asokoro Area. 

35. Constructed Secretariat Buildings for States created in 1991.

36. Houses of Assembly Complex for each States created in 1991. 

37. Judiciary Buildings for States created in 1991.

38. Constructed Maitama Gen Hospital Abuja. 

39. Wuse Gen Hospital Abuja. 

40. State House Hospital Abuja. 

41. National Hospital in the States. 

42. Gusau Water Supply Scheme. 

43. Asokoro Water Supply. 

44. Kubwa Water Supply. 

45. Abuja Municipal Water supply.

46. Gboko-Yandev Water Works. 

47. Boreholes for 1004 Housing. 

And one school of thought will want me to believe that the worst civilian rule is better than the best military regime

He did all these in 8 years, paid fuel subsidy, maintained a good dollar to Naira exchange and paid pension/ salary to workers. 

But after 24 years of democracy, we are a disaster and worst of as a nation. 

Our Reporter

Staff of industrial Training Fund(ITF), plateau state, Isah Dimlong is currently at the eyes of storm as his wife Nyirot Dimlong has dragged him before  High Court sitting in Jos for abuse/attempted murder.

The defendants Isah Dimlong from Pankshin local government got married few years back the  marriage that has produced two children a boy and girl.

The case which came up for mention, the complaints  Nyirot (Mrs) is urged the court to dissolve the marriage which has broken down irretrievably that can no longer Savage.

The complaints accused the defendants of constant abuse which in most cases has landed her in the hospital bed on admission.

She accused the Defendant of being temperamental who flamed up in any slightest provocation.She said the relief being sort is for her best interest to walk away from the marriage peacefully than die, as the defendant has attempted to kill her on several occasions.

The complaints also among other relief sort Urged the court to grant her the custody of the two  children which she promised to always made them available when he (Defendant) wish to see them.

The Defendant was in court . Having listening to all reliefs sort by the complaints, the presiding judge adjourned the matter till 21st July 2024 for continuation of hearing. 

The Factional Chairman of APC on the plateau Honorable Ishaya Itse has Condemned in Strong term the attack by some miscreants on the Task Force carring out the directive of the government in implementing order 003 of decongesting Jos and Bukuru Metropolis of street trading and illegal structures.

The Factional Chairman of APC in State described those behind the attack as enemies of the State who never wish the well only to take the state back to dark days of blood bath occasion by those who never want to see the state move forward Economically and other sphere of development now the citizens are getting over those days.

He commensurate with  those who loss love ones ,and those who loss properties for Almighty God to comfort them, and the injured for God to grant them speedy recovery.

Itse called on governor Mutfwang to set up investigation of enquiry to unravel the remote cause of the attack and ensure those behind the callous attack are brought to book.

The honorable Chairman use the press statement to commensurate with the Executive Governor Caleb Mutfwang and those directly and indirectly affected by the senseless attack.

Our Reporter

Staff of industrial Training Fund(ITF), plateau state, Ishaya Dimlong is currently at the eyes of storm as his wife has dragged him before  High Court sitting in Jos for abuse/attempted murder.

The defendants Ishaya Dimlong from Pankshin local government got married to her beloved  wife Mrs Nyirot Dimlong few years back in christian wedding  that has produced two children a boy and girl.

The case which came up for mention, Mrs Nyirot  urged the court to dissolve the marriage which has broken down irretrievably that can no longer savage.

The complaints accused the defendants of constant abuse which in most cases has landed her in the hospital bed on admission.

She accused the Defendant of being temperamental who flamed up in any slightest provocation.She said the relief being sort is for her best interest to walk away from the marriage peacefully than die in it as the defendant has attempted to kill her on several occasions.

The complaints also among other relief sort Urged the court to grant her the custody of the two  children which she promised to always made them available when he (Defendant) wish to see them.

The Defendant Mr Dimlong was in court . Having listening to all reliefs sort by the complaints, the presiding judge adjourned the matter till 21st July 2024 for continuation of hearing. 

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has Condemned in Strong term the unfortunate attacks on the Task Force responsible for enforcing Executive order 003 by some criminal elements in Bukuru Jos South Local Government.

The Task Force is mandated to regulate buildings and vehicular traffic within the Greater Jos master plan in Jos Bukuru Metropolis.

The governor’s condemnation is contained in a Press statement dated 17th June 2024 signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor Gyang Ebere and made available to this medium in jos.

He said the condemnable sad  incident occurred on Monday 17th June  2024 at the Bukuru market in Jos South Local Government Area, where lawless individuals brazenly assaulted members of the joint Task Force.

Governor Mutfwang expressed deep regret over the shameful actions of these miscreants, who not only targeted the Task Force but also endangered the lives of traders. 

He emphasized that the market was designated by the government to accommodate lawful business activities with an appeal to street vendors to relocate accordingly.

The Governor lamented the reckless behavior of the attackers, who wielded dangerous weapons to inflict harm and loot shops, resulting in the destruction of vehicles owned by innocent traders. Tragically, one of the suspects fatally shot his accomplice during the chaos.

Governor Mutfwang condemned the incident as entirely avoidable, questioning the motives of those who flouted Executive Order 003 and resorted to violence against law-abiding citizens. 

He called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend all perpetrators and ensure that they face justice without delay. He reiterated the State government’s unwavering resolve to confront troublemakers decisively.

Highlighting the broader purpose of Executive Order 003, Governor Mutfwang clarified that its intent is to safeguard Jos from deterioration into a slum and a haven for criminal activities. 

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with law-abiding citizens across all divides to foster peace and unity in the state.

Governor Mutfwang appealed  to religious and community leaders in the affected area, to guide their followers against unlawful conducts and implement measures to thwart criminal elements who may exploit the situation to cause disorder.

Governor Mutfwang expressed appreciation to all security agencies for their dedication and urged them to intensify efforts to restore calm amidst the current challenges. He sympathize with members of the public whose vehicles and other properties were vandalized as a result of the incident.

Our, Reporter 

The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, EAPEAN, has felicitates Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-Al-Adha.

In a statement signed by the President of the Association, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo said it was a significant moment of sacrifice and love.

The statement read:

“The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) wishes to felicitate with all Muslims in Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-Al-Adha.

“This auspicious celebration is a significant moment for our Muslim brothers and sisters to reflect on the values of sacrifice, obedience, and devotion to faith.

“As an organization that represents the interests of private employment agencies in Nigeria, we recognize the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our workforce.

 We acknowledge the significant contributions that Muslim employees make to our industries and communities.

“On this special day, we join Muslims across the country in celebrating the spirit of Eid-Al-Adha.

“We pray that the blessings of Allah be upon us all and that this occasion brings us closer to peace, harmony, and prosperity. We wish all Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-Al-Adha celebration.”

Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) formerly known as Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN) is the umbrella organization of licenced Private Employment Agencies (PEAs) also known as recruiters in Nigeria.

EAPEAN provides a platform for Private Employment Agencies to interact with the regulatory body (government), labour communities, and other relevant institutions within and outside Nigeria to develop and promote International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards and ethical practices in the recruitment, deployment, and management of outsourced personnel in Nigeria.

By, giwa alex, Jos

Member Representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in House of Representatives Honourable Daniel Asama has commended  governor Caleb Mutfwang for his outstanding leadership and vision on his recent signing of memorandum of understanding (Mou) for the establishment of international Hospital in Bomo in Bassa local government. 

This initiative is a testament to your commitment to the development of Plateau state and to transform the state as Hub for medical tourism.

This commendation is contained in a statement dated 14th June 2024 personally signed by the honorable member and made available to this medium in Jos . 

The statement which reads in parts said:

I wish to express my utmost appreciation for your outstanding leadership and vision. Your recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of the Bomo International Hospital in Bassa LGA is a testament to your commitment to the development of Plateau State.

The $500 million initiative to transform Jos into a hub for medical tourism is a remarkable step forward for our healthcare sector. This project will provide top-notch healthcare services and position our state as a leading medical destination in the country.

Your dedication to the well-being of Plateau State’s residents is truly commendable. The establishment of Bomo International Hospital will attract patients from far and wide, boosting our healthcare industry and economy by creating jobs and stimulating local businesses. This initiative will enhance Plateau State’s reputation as the Home of Peace and Tourism.

On behalf of the residents of the Bomo community, Bassa LGA, and the entire Plateau State, I extend my sincere appreciation for your visionary leadership. We look forward to the fruition of the Bomo International Hospital with great anticipation.

By, giwa alex, Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has admonished the Muslims in plateau  not only allow their celebration marking this year Eid-EL-Kabir centred on merry making, but should be used as spiritual sobre reflection and pray to Almighty Allah to intervene on Nigeria current situation.

This  Governor Mutfwang said is very important considering the plethora of challenges currently bedeviling the country Nigeria ranging from starvation, insecurity and other unpleasant vices in some parts of the state and Nigeria at large.

Mutfwang represented  by the Commissioner for Sport and Youths development Hon. Lanwadi Dati give the admonishment during the Eid-EL-Kabir prayers to mark this year 2024 celebration held at Jos Central Mosque 16th June 2024.

He Felicitates with  Muslims Ummah in the state , by extension Nigeria in general for peaceful celebration but however enjoined them as they celebrate to remember and pray for the state and the nation as a whole for Allah to take control of the current challenges that is gradually engulfing the whole nation.

However encouraged them not to loose hope for the country as these present challenges, with fervent prayer will definitely come to pass and become history by the Grace of Almighty Allah.

In another similar development, Senior adviser on Religious Affairs to the immediate past governor of Plateau State Alh. Sani Mudi decried the high cost of living which has hampered this year celebration of  Eid -El-Kabir.

Mudi said despite the various challenges the Muslims where able to meet with the obligations of ldi like the sacrifices of Ram for those who could afford it.

They have been able to meet with the high cost of Ram and skyrocket of prices of food stuffs in the market, they have been able to meet up with the necessary things that make the celebration  worthwhile. 

He stressed that lslam is religion of peace, and   Muslims Ummah are peace loving adherence to the Islamic teachings ,thank  Almighty Allah that this year Eid-EL-Kabir Celebration like the previous ones is celebrated peacefully devoid of rancor. 

But quick to lament the current economic challenges in the country that has incapacitated must families from carrying out the celebration the way it should .

Appeal to the government at all  levels , Federal , State possibly local government to prioritize the welfare of the citizens to feel the impacts of the dividends of democracy.

Admonished the people of the state and Nigeria to pray without seasons for their leaders in the positions of authority for the success of the state and country.

Sued the two religion ,Muslims and Christians to embrace peaceful Coexistence with one another that will enthroned viral development in all levels of government in the State  and the country at large.

However wish Governor Caleb Mutfwang and president Bola Ahmed Tinubu well ,prayed that Allah will guard and protect them in their respectives endeavors as they pilot the affairs of the state and the Nation in separate capacities. 

By, Peter Ameh

In this piece, Peter Ameh examines the political marriage between the governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia and a former governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai dated back to the 2023 general election. 

In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, the people of Benue State witnessed a strange union and unholy romance between the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Reverend Hyacinth Alia, and the then governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

This union became public shortly after Hyacinth Alia,  emerged as the APC  gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 governorship election. 

In July 2023, photos of Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia and El-Rufai graced the social media. A picture of the duo was released after their closed-door. 

Many questioned what a supposed priest was doing with a religious bigot and an extremist, a divisive figure, a man who made a mockery of Jesus Christ on his Twitter handle, and worse of it all, a security threat. The Benue people saw both of them as unequal yoking. 

Some thought that, since Alia was a novice in politics, he was probably building political alliances and synergy with party members within the northern region. However, facts later emerged that the relationship was not about the unity of the party, but the agenda of one man, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

In December 2022, Alia traveled to Kaduna State, and this time, it was alleged that he held a meeting not just with El-Rufai but groups like Miyetti Allah, brokered by Nasir El-Rufai. 

A pressure group in Benue State, the Benue Coalition for Democracy(BCD), under the leadership of Ternenge Bendega in a press statement urged Alia to withdraw from the race since it is clear that El-Rufai and leaders of Miyetti Allah organization will pilot his administration.

The Benue pressure group alleged that Alia was not fit to be governor, having collected N5 billion from the enemies of the state. 

The group in the statement condemned Alia for being too desperate to be governor of Benue state at the peril of innocent people and farmers of the state.

Part of the statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart that I write today on behalf of all lovers of democracy in Benue State. We are saddened and worried by the desperation displayed by the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC in the state, Hyacinth Alia, ahead of the 2023 elections.”

We also received some disturbing information that the APC governorship candidate in Benue State has collected a whopping sum of N5 billion from two northern Governors – Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna and Aminu Masari of Katsina to fund his campaign and numerous court cases.

“According to our informant, the deal was struck between Alia and his sponsors that if he wins the election, he will repeal the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State and cede parts of the state to Fulani pastoralists to take over and settle in,” the group disclosed. 

In a move that appeared like his (Alia’s) commitment to the deal with Governor El-Rufai, the suspended priest started telling the people of Benue State that he was going to reconcile Benue people with the Fulani herdsmen so that they could co-exist together with the herders. This campaign message didn’t go down well with some Benue citizens, and anytime the governor was asked questions bordering on security, he shied away and told the people that, security matters and strategy were not issues to be disclosed in public.

With the deal sealed between Alia and El-Rufai in Kaduna, the former governor of  Kaduna State was in Makurdi, two days before the governorship election with more financial support to see how things were going as regards the governorship election. 

Unfortunately for the APC, it was alleged that the funds from El-Rufai were directly made available to Alia and not through the party.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT. 

Shortly after Alia assumed office as governor, herdsmen started returning to the state in what seemed to be fulfilling the deal with El-Rufai. the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State was relaxed without an official pronouncement and cows were grazing everywhere. They are still grazing in Benue State today, thereby causing renewed insecurity in the state. 

Recently, Governor Hyacinth Alia attempted to repeal the law prohibiting open grazing in Benue State by conducting a public hearing in Gboko local government Area of Benue State. The people on seeing the proposed amendment openly condemned repealing of the law. 

THE PLOT TO DECAMP TO SDP AHEAD OF 2027 .

Shortly after El-Rufai fell out with the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which was occasioned by the failure of the former FCT Minister to scale through his ministerial screening, Governor Alia and the former governor of Kaduna State began to look for an alternative platform. It seems that El-Rufai has been nursing the ambition to be President even when the existing political arrangement has shifted power to the South after  Muhammadu Buhari has just completed the tenure of the north.

Alia who also has deliberately fallen out with the main APC in Benue State was left with no other option than to reunite with a former chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Barnabas Gemade, a man who has been funding the SDP in Benue State since 2018. 

Senator Gemade was also one of the three governorship aspirants on the platform of the APC that challenged Governor Alia’s nomination as APC gubernatorial candidate in Benue State to the Supreme Court. Gemade challenged the nomination of Alia and sought the outright cancellation of the primary election that gave him the ticket, a move that would have left the APC without a governorship candidate in Benue State for the 2023 election. 

All this development has shown that  APC was originally not Gov Alia’s option but since the opportunity was given to him on a platter of gold, he took advantage of it and having achieved his aim, he has decided that he will destroy the platform that couldn’t detect his hidden mischief owing to the fact that he is a priest and should be honest and gave him the ticket, just few months that he joined the party.

Surprisingly, it is Gemade who was Alia’s top political enemy that has suddenly become his political godfather. Meanwhile, everyone in all the political camps in Benue knew that Senator Akume, the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was the one who single-handled birthed the idea of the direct primaries that produced Alia, without which he could not have come close to the ticket in the indirect primaries. Akume also fought legal battles from the lower courts to the Supreme Court to ensure that Alia’s ticket was not destroyed.

 However, shortly after Alia was sworn in, he turned his heel against Akume to the utmost shock of everyone in all the parties. Gov Alia has shown that he is not someone to be trusted at all despite being a Catholic priest that is supposed to represent trust and gratitude. Governor Alia buried his differences with Gemade and both got reunited. 

Gov Alia’s hatchet men have been deriding the person of Senator Akume, the SGF, who has single-handedly funded and nurtured the APC to the current strength it possessed in Benue state by emerging victorious both at the state and federal elections in 2023.

However, as political events are developing in Benue and at the national level, it has been observed that the union between Gov Alia and El-Rufai is being reinforced. This subtle reunion was observed through the instrumentality of one Dr. Francis Terna, a former appointee of El-Rufai, whom Gov Alia appointed to head a new educational agency that the Gov created without the backing of the law.

A few months after the reunion between Governor Alia and Senator Gemade, the former governor of Kaduna State visited the National Secretariat of the SDP in Abuja, where he met with the national chairman of the SD, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam.

There was, however, a mild drama at the tail-end of the meeting shortly after a photo session when someone was heard cautioning those taking photographs against leaking the photo of the visit on social media but El-Rufa’i quickly responded, saying ‘I don’t care’.

Since the visit of El-Rufai to the National Secretariat of the SDP, the crisis rocking the APC in Benue State has taken a more dangerous dimension, with no hope in sight for peace.

The APC, after its 146th meeting of the National Working Committee, the party ordered aggrieved party members and proxies in Benue State who have individually gone to court over the leadership crisis in the state to withdraw their cases or risk facing disciplinary action.

 While Comrade Austin Agada, the authentic State Chairman of the party in Benue State who is loyal to the party withdrew his case against the suspended Welfare Secretary of the party in Benue State, Benjamin Omakolo, who has been parading as State Acting Chairman, the Benue APC faction loyal to Governor Alia refused to withdraw its plethora of cases against the party. 

They boasted that they wouldn’t withdraw their cases and nothing was going to happen to them. 

Many in Benue believe that the APC faction loyal to Governor Alia is doing everything possible to ensure that the crisis escalates beyond the level it is now, so that the party will not win any election in 2027.

 Recently, Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, a member of the House of Representatives who represents Konshisha/Federal Constituency held a Thanksgiving service in his constituency in Konshisha Local Government and the caretaker chairman, Philip Achuah and the Benue State Commisoner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, demonstrated their overzealous loyalty to Gov Alia by organising thugs that beat up the Honorable member and those who attended the occasion and dispersed them. The purpose of all these unhealthy developments is to eventually break away with large followers to the SDP and work with El-Rufai for his presidential ambition. 

They often make open provocative comments, attacking the SGF and the APC stakeholders that fought for the victory of Gov Alia at the polls. For instance, the Chief of Staff to Governor, Hon. Paul Biam, recently said that members of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) are more acceptable and valued than the original APC members who don’t belong to that faction. 

Meanwhile, Gemade who has been the financier of the SDP in Benue State since 2018 is now the leader of Governor Alia’s ‘Benue political stakeholders’ with SDP members in Benue State given recognition as Benue political stakeholders while APC leaders watch from a distance. It will also be recalled that Senator Gemade was the candidate of the SDP in 2019 for the Benue North East Senatorial election.

There are also rumors of the plan to get Governor Alia’s cronies to emerge as SDP local government chairmanship candidates, who will be declared winners, using the agency of the State Electoral body, should the governor not succeed in having his factional APC chairmanship candidates elected. 

Sources around the governor indicate that an ally of Rotimi Amaechi, who was Governor Alia’s choice for ministerial appointment, Emmanuel Jime, is also backing the plot to decamp to the SDP. On one occasion, a video that has gone viral showed Jime fuelling some violent statements that if he were the governor, he could have done worse than what Alia is doing.

A few days ago, the Omakolo faction, backed by Gov Alia of the APC in Benue State, through its Organising Secretary, James Ornguga,  announced a thank you tour across the 23 local governments of the state by Governor Alia, beginning from Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 – June 22nd, 2024.

Findings reveal that Governor Alia intends to use the tour to garner the support of the people ahead of their decamping to the SDP. They are enthused by the presidential ambition of Mallam El-Rufai on the platform of the SDP. Governor Alia will use the next 10 days to gather people who will eventually decamp with him to the SDP. 

The Alliance between Governor Alia and El-Rufai is waxing stronger on all fronts. A few days ago in Makurdi, precisely on June 12, 2024, at a Public Lecture titled, ‘‘Nigeria: 25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy: The Moral Question On Governance in Benue State,’’ the former governor of Kaduna State was represented at the event by his son, Bello Nasir El-Rufai. 

El-Rufai was represented by his son as the chief host at the launch of four books by El-Rufai’s former appointee now Alia’s appointee, Dr. Terna Francis. All these are ways of deepening the bond between Governor Alia and El-Rufai as we march towards 2027.

In Benue State, the signs are glaring that Governor Alia will contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the SDP, while El-Rufai will be the Presidential candidate. Amaechi’s loyalist, Emmanuel Jime, is also expected to be the Senatorial candidate of the SDP for Benue North West Senatorial District. 

As at the time of writing this piece, the Benue State Secretariat of the SDP in Makurdi is wearing a new befitting look for a party that intends to take over the state.

By, Julianna Olajide , jos

The leadership of Unijos Staff Multipurpose cooperative society limited UJSMCSL has finally off-Set over Forty families of the deceased members benefits following the release  the long awaiting third party remittance from the integrated  personnel and payroll Information System (IPPIS). 

President UJSMCSL Ukpo G Aondohemba made  this known in an emergency congress meeting occasioned by the appointment of an external auditor for  the society on Thursday,13th June,2024.

At the  historic event which took place at the faculty of management Sciences of the University, the EXCO activated for the first time in the history of UJSMCSL,the power of congress to appoint external auditor for the cooperative.

Recall that in the past EXCO interview professionals and board of trustees appoint external auditors, however article 32 item 6 on page 20 in the amended bye law which states that :

The external auditors shall be appointed by the general meeting following a recommendation and submission of three candidates from the Executive Committee to audit all the accounts of the society and produce audited reports in accordance with accounting standard, was activated by the Aondohemba led administration.

The congress who chose based on merit went for Martins Kutus Oloruntoba and co chattered accountants who scored highest,a total of 81.8% in the interview now appointed by congress as the new external auditor for the cooperative.

The president who responded to questions filled in by cooperators subjected the second item of the agenda which is the proposal by management for the cooperative to invest 30 million in the Unijos micro finance bank,to the investment committee for further scrutiny and action based on congress decision.

By, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN)

The unfortunate misstep and subsequent fall of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during this year’s Democracy Day celebrations ( which he has since humorously dismissed as a form of Yoruba “dobale” -genuflection )-quickly swirled around and became the stuff of internet gossip and street-corner small-talk. 

Reactions varied widely but, many tended to make light of it, while others (the usual suspects?) saw it as evidence of the President’s physical incapacity to cope with the tedious demands of his office. Political opportunism also set in, with yet others seeing the mishap as an “I-told you-so moment”, openly voicing their belief that the President’s main opponents in the last election – Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi (particularly the latter) – would not have suffered that fate, given their presumed better physical fitness. 

Some of these remarks were, undoubtedly, uncharitable – especially in the lead-up to the Muslim festival of Id-el-Adha (or Sallah) just a few days away. President Tinubu is, of course, a Muslim. As a fellow human being, he deserves our sympathy and prayers for sound health – an indispensable requirement for the rigours of that job, popularly believed to be one of the most demanding and powerful in the world.

 With power surely comes huge responsibility and citizens’ expectations for performance. Whether the President scores a pass mark or not in terms of job approval rating is for history (or posterity) to judge. One year is certainly too short to make the conclusion that he has failed. So, let us collectively hold our fire and bid our time. But even at that, no one can deny the fact that Nigerians are in theirs worst years, dying of hunger,squalor and wretchedness.

 The middle class has been wiped out with less than one percent of state captors enjoying national largesse.Perhaps, the second year in office would be a more appropriate time to asseess him to determine whether the IMF and World Bank-induced economic policies will boost production, create jobs,bring down prices and alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian masses. Suffice it to say that to me,it is yet still early in the day and the jury is still out.

This is all the more so, in my opinion, because, history is replete with world leaders who put a physical foot (or both feet) wrong (some more than once) and got up, dusted themselves and forged ahead, stamping their feet (pun intended!) on the sands of time, leaving indelible footprints and track records of achievement and performance on the job and in history.The following are a few examples: 

I. President Joe Biden: 

He has famously stumbled on the steps of Air-Force One on at least three occasions, getting back on his feet each time, unassisted and moving on. He is 81 and warming up to run for a second term against maverick Donald Trump.

II. Former President Gerald Ford:

 One of the most accident-prone world leaders ever , dead or alive,was former US President Gerald Ford. His catalogue of falls spanned virtually every surface, including aircraft steps (again!) while on a visit to Austria in 1975 when his bum knee gave way. He even fell on the stairs of the White House. Though the official reason for this was a bad knee gave way, this did not stop cynics from tagging him as something of a bumbling klutz! Yet, Ford is remembered for managing the worst economy in the four decades after the great depression augmented by spiralling inflation and recession.

III. Ronald Reagan: 

Yet another former American President, he also endured a similar indignity in 1984 in Seattle, Washington. Luckily for him, it was not captured on video and only still images thereof exist of his so-called pratfall. But he went on to impact on America with his Reaganomics,overhauling the income tax code exempted millions of low income earners.

His charm, eloquence and courage after the assassination attempt on him remarkably revived America’s pride in the presidency and the nation. 

IV. Barack Obama:

 This first black

 American President whose grandfather was a Kenyan cattle rearer also came a-cropper when, sometime in 2015, his trademark sprightly confident jaunt failed him while disembarking from Air Force One. He ended up in a heap, needing no less than 12 stitches to his hip.

V. Hillary Clinton: 

While the husband of the former First Lady was dodged more by salacious ex-marital stories than physical falls, his wife probably took ‘the Fall’ (pun intended!) when, as Secretary of State to former President Obama, she stumbled while on her way to her car at the State Department, fracturing her elbow in the process.

VI. Robert Mugabe:

 Sometime in 2015, the former Zimbabwean President Mugabe was famously captured prostrate on a red carpet following a fall at a public event.

VII. Margaret Thatcher:

 Britain’s first female Prime Minister ( “iron lady” ) also came  ‘crashing down’ sometime in 1982 while on a trip to China, as she made her way out of a Town Hall (no pun intended!).

VIII. Thorning-Schmidt:

 Also in 2015, the then Prime Minister of Denmark (also female) lost her footing and landed on her knees as she disembarked the stairs of the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. 

IX. Xi Jinping: 

the incumbent President of China, came close to falling down during the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg in Russia in 2019, but for eagle-eyed aides who stepped in at the last moment. 

X. Boris Johnson: 

Another former British Prime Minister, he also lost his balance when he tripped and fell during a military commemorative event in 2015.

XI. Vladimir Putin:

 Russia’s long-reigning president also fell during a game of ice hockey in Moscow in 2019 when he (ironically) tried to applaud spectators.

Even former Vice President Mike Pence tripped while running up the steps of Air Force One in a remarkably similar circumstances as President Joe Biden. In July, 2023,Fiji Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka,was forced to cancel an official visit to China after falling and hurting his head.

The foregoing shows that President Tinubu is in good company when it comes to presidential falls and that, as stated by a famous sage, it is not falling that matters, but rising each time you fall. 

However, beyond merely getting up and forging ahead, it is the kind of legacy one lives behind – what one will be remembered for-that counts. Therefore, let us all collectively and individually join hands in the spirit of goodwill echoed by the words of our old (now new) national anthem, in wishing the President a successful (and accident-free!) tenure. 

We cannot afford for him to fall and fail because we shall be the worse for it and bear the brunt together. The circumstances of his fall, are, however, reminders of the labors of our heroes past (a verse from our now discarded national anthem!) – this time the presumed winner of the June 1993 President, Chief M.K.O. Abiola,who was matyred in redemptive messianism.

In this connection, I commend former President Muhammadu Buhari ( as I did in 2018,even though he was not my idea of a good president) for ensuring that the National Assembly passed the requisite law, by which June 12 of every year ( rather than May 29) is marked as a public holiday. I recall my remarks on this issue 6 years ago, on the passage of that law, when I observed as follows;  

“On June 12, 2014, I moved a motion at the National Conference that, not only should June 12 be declared a national holiday and the real Democracy day, but that Chief M.K.O. Abiola and all the souls of the faithful departed of those who gallantly lost their lives fighting for the realization of June 12, be remembered and immortalized.

 I demanded for one minute’s silence for those heroes. The leadership of the Conference led by Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi agreed with me and a minute silence was accordingly observed. To me, it is not the right argument that PMB, did it for political reasons. Yes, he may very well have done it to shore up his battered political image and fast dwindling democratic credentials. But, the inescapable fact is that he has done the right thing for which history will remember him.

 This is the more reason, I believe the argument should now go, why he should retire quietly to his Daura home, having done one great thing for which he would be remembered.”

 ( see https//:diplomaticwatch.com,june-12-as-nigeria’s-democracy-day-president-buhari-has-done-the-right-thing-for-which-hhistory-will-remember-him-ozekhomee-san , june 8,2012).

Lessons of June 2012

I believe that the best way President Tinubu can demonstrate that he has learned the lesson of the tragic events in our national history which that day represents is captured in my advice a year ago. As they it still very pertinent, I would like to reiterate it here: 

“What this present government led by President Bola Tinubu should borrow from the June 12 lesson, is good governance of peoples’ policy and not anti-people’s that will further impoverish the already beleaguered people, who are already prostrate on their bellies. Policies that will make life better for the people. But, most importantly, Tinubu must listen to this, even if it is few things he can do. He must take steps to give Nigerians, a peoples’ Constitution, people-driven Constitution made by the people themselves, subjected to a referendum.

 You cannot amend the present Constitution which is a schedule actually attached to Decree 24 of 1999. It’s a militarily imposed Constitution. No amount of amendment can cure it of its original sin for being made by the military and not by Nigerian people. Even the preamble that says we the peoples of Nigeria do hereby give to ourselves the following Constitutions tells a lie about itself. Therefore, Tinubu must take deliberate steps, to ensure that the Constitution drafting committee, through a constituent assembly of the people, is established and the product that will emerge from it will give Nigeria a true federal system, not the present unitary system where the Federal government controls 67 items on the exclusive legislative list up to how you conduct your marriage through the marriage Act. 

Until he (Tinubu) makes a people’s Constitution subjected to referendum which will enjoy peoples’ legitimacy as was done in Iraq, Iran, Eritrea, South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, Kenya,until he takes that deliberate step, Nigeria will continue to suffer of perpetual motion on its axis without progress.”

 ( see https://www.naijanews.com/2023/06/12/democracy-day-what-tinubu-govt-should-borrow-from-june-12-lesson-ozekhome,12th June,2023). It is clear to me therefore that there is no nexus between the falling of a President and his failure or success. We have all,at one point in time or the other tripped and fallen. It has nothing to do with age-whether old or young. It is just a natural phenomenon to lose balance and fall. 

Isaac Newton’s Law of Motion regarding gravitational force teaches us that much. It is therefore unhelpful to make a big issue of Tinubu ‘s misstep and fall on June 12,Democracy Day. Given the excruciatingly difficult times we are in,we appear to have completely lost our decency, humanity and sense of empathy,care and affection one for the other.It does not matter whether it is the President or the common man.

We must desist from this ungodly trajectory and allow our religious teachings temper our political cravings for blood and vendetta with Godliness.God bless Nigeria.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

As parts of proactive measures to combat crime, ensure public safety, and address security concerns within the State, the Plateau State Police Command has made available active response phone numbers for residents of the State and the general public to use in case of emergencies.

Please take note of the following active response phone numbers for each Area Command, Tactical Team and Division:

DC ADMIN

08035508819

DC STATE CID

08033036061

DC OPERATIONS

09025911911

AC ADMIN

08032923978

AC OPERATIONS

0803044224

COMMANDER, 66 PMF

08033565847

COMMANDER, 8 PMF

08035645797

AREA COMMAND METRO 

08061674202

AREA COMMAND BUKURU 

08034519400

AREA COMMAND LANGTANG 

08036160804

AREA COMMAND PANKSHIN

08037766903

‘A’ DIVISION

08036980132

KADUNA-VOM DIVISION

08039648676

SHENDAM DIVISION

08036478012

WASE DIVISION

08036329749

LARANTO DIVISION

08036482647

MANGU DIVISION

08039434834

BASHAR DIVISION

08035926002

BASSA DIVISION

08036010545

ANGWARE DIVISION

08032497734

BARKIN LADI DIVISION

08036703619

ANGLO–JOS DIVISION

08033397853

QUA’ANPAN DIVISION

08063606182

‘C’ DIVISION

07089798032

NASSARAWA GWONG DIVISION

08031191828

KANKE DIVISION

08034435573

LANGTANG NORTH DIVISION 

07064531974

GINDIRI DIVISION

08106103983

RANTYA DIVISION

08032696568

BUKURU DIVISION

08036361916

BOKKOS DIVISION

07035574082

RIYOM DIVISION

08060212171

MIKANG DIVISION

07031930300

NAMU DIVISION

08039746131

JENGRE DIVISION

08065389669

LANGTANG SOUTH DIVISION

08022243691

PANKSHIN DIVISION

08037730787

DENGI KANAM DIVISION

07036109523

MAIJUJU DIVISION

07033412971

ANGWAN ROGO DIVISION

07047114444

SWAT

08084666282

ANTI BOMB SQUAD

007034197120

ANTI KIDNAPPING

08032225570

ANTI CULTISM

07037526620

ANTI CYBER CRIME

08128855155

EAGLE EYE

08136676023

PPRO

08060545670

COMPLAINT RESPONSE UNIT

08067884627

In addition, the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc* encourages the general public to report any unethical conduct by Police personnel during their duties to the office of the PPRO or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) using the following phone numbers: 

08060545670 *PPRO*

08037681026

08067884627

08069638786

08066709795.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

In view of the complementary roles played by both the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in maintaining law and order, protecting National security and ensuring the effective management of Nigeria’s borders and immigration systems, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police,  Emmanuel Olugbemiga Asesina today received the Plateau State Comptroller of Immigrations, Mrs Grace Cyrus Nkangwung, (PCC).

In her remarks, Comptroller Grace Cyrus stated that the aim of the visit is to familiarise with the Commissioner of Police, as well as discuss ways through which the two agencies can interrelate in terms of intelligence sharing and possible training of their personnel to ensure Border Security, combat Human Trafficking and other Transnational crimes within the State. She went on to highlight some of the immigration services offered by the State Command, and some of the ways through which the Police can come into play for better productivity. 

The Comptroller of Immigrations commended the CP for his unflinching willingness to work in synergy with all sister security agencies on the Plateau, which has contributed immensely to the peace currently being enjoyed in the State. She therefore solicited for the support of the Command going forward.

The Plateau State Commissioner of Police in his response, assured the Comptroller that the Plateau State Police Command under his leadership will continue to work together with the Nigerian Immigration Service on the Plateau in a coordinated and cooperative manner to the end that the two agencies maximize their strength, resources and expertise to effectively address the complex challenges of border security and transnational crimes within the State.

By,Mike Ozekhome, SAN 

As far back as December 29, 1987  37 years ago,Prof Mike Ozekhome, had already taken on the Federal Government of Nigeria on behalf of the Nigerian masses regarding the issue of subsidy removal on petroleum products. 

Ozekhome had sued the then military dictator, President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, joining the then  Ahmed Forces Ruling Council  AFRC,and the Attorney General of the Federation, against removal of petroleum subsidy.This is a matter that is still generating ripples across Nigeria till date, as it is the like wire,heart and soul of the Nigerian economy.

 Ozekhome had argued that it was a misnomer for Government to talk about removing oil or petroleum subsidy since no one can subsidize his God-given natural product. He had posited that the government did not take cognizance of the fact that oil was produced in Nigeria as against the countries copiously cited by the government where oil was supposedly cheaper. 

He had also argued that government’s position was akin to a farmer measuring his piece of yam before eating it by comparing its worth or price with what it is sold to people who do not themselves produce yams.

 He further argued that government’s argument as put forth in the media was not enough to warrant any sudden or gradual withdrawal of petroleum subsidy. The Honourable Justice  Idowu Agoro, then of the High Court of Lagos State, disagreed with Ozekhome in his ruling on the preliminary objection filed by late  Moshood Adio ,the then Director of Civil litigation ( later Chief Judge of Oyo State and Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia).He struck out the suit on 29th December,1987. 

The government through Adio had argued that Ozekhome lacked the locus standi to institute the action; that the action was speculative; and that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case. The court agreed with him and held that no citizen could question or prevent “the merit,desirability or expediency” of anything done or planned to be by the country’s president or the Ahmed Forces Ruling Council ( AFRC ).

 The court also ruled that the decision “whether or not to to remove subsidy on petroleum is a matter within the absolute power of the AFRC which no court could dabble into”. 

He however ended by assuring the plaintiff ( Ozekhome) that all hope was not lost “since the record of the present military regime showed that it was a listening government”; and that he believed “all shades of opinion would be considered and evaluated before taking a decision on whether or not to remove the subsidy on petroleum”.

That optimism was apparently not shared by the IBB regime  as the government went ahead anyway to remove the subsidy and hike prices of petroleum products on four different consecutive occasions-1986-from 20k to 39.5k per littre; 1988,from 39.5k to 42k); 1989,from 42k to 60k; and 1991,from 60k to 70k ). 

These increases in the fuel price per littre triggered mass protests across the streets by Nigerians who kicked against the IMF-dictated economic policy. A littre today sells anything between N620 and N850. Had the then government up to the present one listened,Nigeria would not be in her dire straits today. 

Thus, what Prof Ozekhome saw and fought for in 1987 ,37 years ago,has come to hunt us ever since and even till date.

 This is  like the case of a motion for  return to the old more meaningful and aggregative National Anthem which he had also championed and won by the  consensus of the 492 delegates on the 2nd of July, 2014,at the 2014 National Confab. This eventually came to pass ten  years later on 28th May,2024,when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to a bill that returned the old National anthem.

Surely,some patriots sit down, think and plan ahead for the good of the Nigerian nation.Following is the National Concord newspaper report of the story as published on December 30, 1987.

By,Mike Ozekhome, SAN 

As far back as December 29, 1987  37 years ago,Prof Mike Ozekhome, had already taken on the Federal Government of Nigeria on behalf of the Nigerian masses regarding the issue of subsidy removal on petroleum products. 

Ozekhome had sued the then military dictator, President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, joining the then  Ahmed Forces Ruling Council  AFRC,and the Attorney General of the Federation, against removal of petroleum subsidy.This is a matter that is still generating ripples across Nigeria till date, as it is the like wire,heart and soul of the Nigerian economy.

 Ozekhome had argued that it was a misnomer for Government to talk about removing oil or petroleum subsidy since no one can subsidize his God-given natural product. He had posited that the government did not take cognizance of the fact that oil was produced in Nigeria as against the countries copiously cited by the government where oil was supposedly cheaper. 

He had also argued that government’s position was akin to a farmer measuring his piece of yam before eating it by comparing its worth or price with what it is sold to people who do not themselves produce yams.

 He further argued that government’s argument as put forth in the media was not enough to warrant any sudden or gradual withdrawal of petroleum subsidy. The Honourable Justice  Idowu Agoro, then of the High Court of Lagos State, disagreed with Ozekhome in his ruling on the preliminary objection filed by late  Moshood Adio ,the then Director of Civil litigation ( later Chief Judge of Oyo State and Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia).He struck out the suit on 29th December,1987. 

The government through Adio had argued that Ozekhome lacked the locus standi to institute the action; that the action was speculative; and that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case. The court agreed with him and held that no citizen could question or prevent “the merit,desirability or expediency” of anything done or planned to be by the country’s president or the Ahmed Forces Ruling Council ( AFRC ).

 The court also ruled that the decision “whether or not to to remove subsidy on petroleum is a matter within the absolute power of the AFRC which no court could dabble into”. 

He however ended by assuring the plaintiff ( Ozekhome) that all hope was not lost “since the record of the present military regime showed that it was a listening government”; and that he believed “all shades of opinion would be considered and evaluated before taking a decision on whether or not to remove the subsidy on petroleum”.

That optimism was apparently not shared by the IBB regime  as the government went ahead anyway to remove the subsidy and hike prices of petroleum products on four different consecutive occasions-1986-from 20k to 39.5k per littre; 1988,from 39.5k to 42k); 1989,from 42k to 60k; and 1991,from 60k to 70k ). 

These increases in the fuel price per littre triggered mass protests across the streets by Nigerians who kicked against the IMF-dictated economic policy. A littre today sells anything between N620 and N850. Had the then government up to the present one listened,Nigeria would not be in her dire straits today. 

Thus, what Prof Ozekhome saw and fought for in 1987 ,37 years ago,has come to hunt us ever since and even till date.

 This is  like the case of a motion for  return to the old more meaningful and aggregative National Anthem which he had also championed and won by the  consensus of the 492 delegates on the 2nd of July, 2014,at the 2014 National Confab. This eventually came to pass ten  years later on 28th May,2024,when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to a bill that returned the old National anthem.

Surely,some patriots sit down, think and plan ahead for the good of the Nigerian nation.Following is the National Concord newspaper report of the story as published on December 30, 1987.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his heartfelt condolences to Senator ID Gyang over the demise of his younger brother, Ishaku Dung Gyang.

As Governor Mutfwang described Ishaku as a community leader who dedicated his life for the promotion of peace and unity within his community. 

Mutfwang condolence message is contained in a Press statement dated 13th June 2024 signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor Gyang Ebere and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.

He highlighted Ishaku’s selfless life which was committed to fostering family harmony and moral values among siblings.

Governor Mutfwang emphasized Ishaku’s profound impact on his community and beyond, noting that his demise has left a void that will be hard to fill.

The Governor prayed for God to grant Senator ID Gyang and his family the fortitude to bear irreplaceable  loss and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

By: Joseph A. Adudu

I had cause to present my view in several fora on the way and manner Nigerians and indeed, Africans approach issues as they relate to democracy and good governance. The blackman is always in the habit of swallowing hook line and sinker anything that emanates from the western world, most especially from America without necessarily subjecting it to critical analysis and amendment to suit his peculiar environment. 

For instance, it is often said that “The worst democracy is still better than the benevolent military regime”. This phrase emanated from the west but the blackman has already swallowed it. For me, it is a phrase I cannot fully understand or come to mental accommodation with. 

Upon what rationale or logic is the saying based? Whatever that is, I find the above reasoning absurd. 

Some of the reasons why a government is in place are to keep law and order and to provide basic amenities to its people. However, the above saying is suggesting that a military regime that has been able to secure the lives of the citizens, provide good road networks, constant power supply, quality and affordable health care system and qualitative education to them is still worse than a democracy that has failed to provide same.

Some people have argued, referring to free speech as one of the tenets of democracy, saying that citizens in a democracy are free to hold and express their opinions on issues that affect them. They also argued that the judiciary in a democracy ensures that this basic freedom is protected.

 But as a matter of fact, we have not really seen this work in the past 25 years of democracy in our country as almost all our leaders, both past and present are guilty at one time or the other of emasculating the media, the judiciary and institutionalized a culture of impunity.

Ironically, it is within this democratic dispensation from 1999 that court orders have been flagrantly abused more than any other time in our history and successive administrations stained by many acts of corruption and inefficiency. 

In a democracy, constitution making and reform are very important because they contain rules convention and other practices by which any society can be effectively governed. History shows that Nigeria has been ruled for over 30 years by the military out of the almost 64 years of post-independent Nigeria. 

As a result, all the constitutions apart from that of 1960 and 1963 are creations of the military -1999 constitution inclusive. The 1999 document was promulgated into law by the then General Abdulsalami Abubakar regime and approved by the Armed Forces Ruling Council after the Justice Nikki Tobi Committee’s Report which took them just two months to consult Nigerians before the presentation of the draft to the military for approval. No wonder, the 1999 constitution has been criticized by all and sundry as a military imposition. 

Now looking at the constitution beyond the process of making it which is essentially faulty, the content of the document is not suited for building and deepening of democracy.

 Peculiar circumstances were not taken into account before coming up with the document. For instance, the constitution has no provisions for traditional rulers and for the independence of the electoral commission as well as adequate protection of the girl child and women rights. 

The constitution also has no provision for the autonomy of local government which is the third tier system of government and the closest to the people at the grassroots.

Consequently, after 25 years of democracy, corruption remains entrenched, the roads are still impassable, the railway has since been certified dead, education is out of the reach of the common man, public institutions have collapsed, the naira continues to emaciate at the international market, darkness continues to cover our land as all sort of crimes continue to soar higher.

The whole thing has made life in Nigeria meaningless and also made nonsense of a country once looked upon as the pride of the black race.

The political system has only succeeded in producing and breeding rapacious, parasitic and unfocused leaders. Nigeria operates a federal constitution. leaders, most especially those at the centre are in the habit of deepening and centralizing the power around the Presidency with attendant consequences of weakening of control of the most prominent and important agencies. A good example is the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

As it is obtainable in countries where despots are in charge, the Presidency is a dominant avenue of decision making in spite of the fact that we are supposed to be running a democracy that is the presidential type. Most governors shudder when summoned by the president. The presidency is a state within a state.

The political parties, most especially the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC) that have been ruling for the past 25 years have not helped matters. Both political parties have failed to perform one of the major functions of a political party which is;  political recruitment of our future leaders, training and equipping them with skills for a prosperous country. It is a fact that democracy as is currently practiced in Nigeria has only produced unpalatable result associated with the Nigerian state and the character of our elites. 

Our democracy has thus far, only succeeded in promoting inequality rather than equality. Consequently, there cannot be genuine democracy in a country where citizens are grossly unequal in wealth and the poor who are invariably the majority are dependent on the wealthy. 

In the light of these, good governance is absolutely imperative for social and economic progress. Good governance involves justice, equality, protection of lives and property, preservation of the rule of law and improved living standard of citizens. Also, for good governance to be achieved there is a dire need for the entrenchment of internal democracy and adequate funding of political parties being stake holders. 

Above all, sound anti corruption policies devoid of mere speeches or lip service must be put in place. There also have to exist a functional legislature, a viable and independent judiciary as well as attitudinal transformation on the part of our political elite, the absence of which good governance and development will continue to be a mirage.

Adudu is the Publisher of African Drum Magazine, a Jos based Publication and can be reached on ayiki2014@gmail.com

 The Factional Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC in Plateau  State,Hon Ishaya Itse has Salutes Nigerians  on the occasion of 2024 Democracy Day as being observed in Nigeria  and Plateau in particular.

The Factional  Opposition leader in Plateau ,Ishaya Itse commended  The governor  of for his developmental strives and infrastructural growth in the state within one year as governor of the state.

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The APC Chairman in the State further state in his Goodwill message,acknowledged the patriotic and industrious disposition of the Governor,urged him to remain focus and don’t allow any distractions from any quarters.

He said “Despite all the challenges bedeviling the  State ranging from insecurity, economic hardships and others mirage of problems, I urge all the citizens of the state to remain patriotic and optimistic of a better and greater State.

Hon.itse further said “May l also call on the citizens of Plateau state and  Nigeria at large to continue to contribute their quota to peace, unity and development of the state and the nation as a whole. 

While our democracy may have not grown to where we all expected, all hands must be on deck if the prosperity of the state most  be attained”

He congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  on the remarkable celebration urging him  to work in the best interest of the  Nation . 

While wishing the citizens a successful Democracy Day celebration, he admonished them to eschew bitterness, ethnic/religious chauvinism and other unhealthy tendencies capable of threatening the peace and development of the State.

Happy Democracy Day Plateau. 

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Nigerians for accepting democracy as the best model of governance in the nation and called for its sustainability for the development and progress of the country.

Governor Mutfwang’s heartfelt felicitation is Contained in a Press Statement dated 12th June 2024 signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Gyang Ebere and made available to this medium in Jos. 

He described Democracy Day Celebration as a landmark moment for Nigeria: “It was on that day in 1993 that Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional divides came together to vote, symbolizing a collective desire for democratic leadership.”

June 12, the Governor said, also honours the memory of the 1993 Presidential elections which were regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history.

He further said democracy remains the best form of governance where the people have the power to decide who governs them.

“As we commemorate this day, we should also acknowledge the strides we have made in establishing democracy as Nigeria’s governance model. In that regard, political stakeholders must uphold fairness, equity, justice, and the rule of law in our electoral process.”

He paid glowing tributes to the nation’s patriots who struggled, and even paid supreme sacrifice, for Nigeria to return to democratic rule, pointing out that through their relentless efforts, Nigeria has experienced 25 years of uninterrupted transformative leadership since the inception of the current democratic dispensation. 

Governor Mutwang called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare and security of the people as well as work towards safeguarding the country’s unity.

Acknowledging the security and economic hardships the citizens are going through, the Governor appealed for patience, pledging his administration’s commitment to transparent, accountable and inclusive governance.

Our Reporter 

The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria has felicitates with Nigerians on the celebration of the 25th unbroken democratic governance in the country.

The felicitation message was contained in a statement released in Lagos on Wednesday, June 12, and signed by the Executive Secretary of the Association, Mr. Jide Afolabi on behalf of the President, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo.

Ogunlowo noted that June 12 is a reminder of the strength, resilience, and determination of the Nigerian people in their quest for democratic governance and progress.

The statement reads:

“The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) would like to extend its warmest congratulations to all Nigerians as they celebrate Democracy Day today. This significant occasion serves as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and determination of the Nigerian people in their quest for democratic governance and progress.

“As the leading association representing private employment agencies in Nigeria, EAPEAN acknowledges the importance of this day and its significance in our nation’s history. It serves as a reminder of our collective efforts toward achieving a stable and prosperous society.

“Democracy Day serves as a reminder of the importance of democratic principles and values in our society. It emphasizes the importance of equal rights, freedom of speech, and active participation in decision-making processes. By embracing democracy, we empower our citizens and enable them to shape their future.

“Private employment agencies play a vital role in fostering economic growth and development, particularly during times of change and uncertainty. EAPEAN members adhere to strict ethical standards and regulations, ensuring that both job seekers and employers have access to reliable and transparent recruitment processes. 

“On this auspicious occasion, EAPEAN joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating Democracy Day. It is a time to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation and to recommit ourselves to the task of building a stronger and more equitable society.

“On behalf of EAPEAN and its members, we would like to express our heartfelt congratulations to all Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day. May this occasion inspire a renewal of our collective commitment to democracy, peace, and unity.”

Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) formerly known as Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN) is the umbrella organization of licenced Private Employment Agencies (PEAs) also known as recruiters in Nigeria.

EAPEAN provides a platform for Private Employment Agencies to interact with the regulatory body (government), labour communities, and other relevant institutions within and outside Nigeria to develop and promote International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards and ethical practices in the recruitment, deployment, and management of outsourced personnel in Nigeria.

Happy Democracy Day!

On behalf of the Mangu/Bokkos community residing in Enugu and its environs, I, Amb. Dr. Mark Adams Maimako, extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Nigerians as we celebrate the milestone of uninterrupted democracy in our beloved nation.

This achievement is a testament to our collective commitment to democratic values, unity, and the pursuit of progress. It reflects the resilience and determination of every Nigerian, from all walks of life, who has contributed to the stability and growth of our democracy.

As we continue to uphold the principles of freedom, justice, and equality, let us remain steadfast in our efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria for future generations.

Congratulations to us all!

Amb. Dr. Mark Adams Maimako

*Chairman,* Mangu/Bokkos Welfare Association in Enugu and Environs

By, giwa alex, Jos

The High Court sitting in Jos, the plateau state Capital has dismissed the suit filed by the 17 Local Government Chairmen of Plateau State challenging their suspension from office by Barrister Caleb Mutfwang in their respectives Local Government over alleged misappropriation. 

As court  described the suit filed by the 17 local government Chairmen in conjunction with council’s  counselors of the affected LGCs challenging their suspension as Hypothetical, Speculative  and to State the obvious Frivolous.

The case which come up today Monday 11th June 2024 was on the last adjourned date slated for judgement which the court said will be communicated to parties involved in the matter.

The  Case is in respect to   suspension from office the 17 local government Chairmen and their counselors by PDP governor Mutfwang led government which is predicated on the ground that the Governor lack the power in law to remove them from office as a democratically elected Chairmen.

Kekemeke, the counsel representing the Claimants cited various relevance sections of the constitution to back his argument, including citing the case of Oyo and Ekiti state local government stagger.

Why the Defendants counsel representing the state government from the ministry of justice  barrister Caleb Mutfwang and Orders argued that  the defendants action by suspending the Claimants from their various offices as Local governments Chairmen for alleged misappropriation and abuse of office is in consonance with the constitution  that set up the local government as the 3rd tier of government .So the governor is still within the constitutional provisions as against the insinuations of the Claimants.

Delivery the judgement, Hon.justice Samchi said the Claimants are just afraid of the unknown because there is no places in the constitution that give the governor the enabling power to sack democratically elected local government Chairmen from office which in this case the government has not done ,but only suspend the claimants from office following alleged misappropriation and abuse of office to pave way for transparent investigation deviod of interference. 

Stressed  that in this  case, they were not Sacked from office by  governor Caleb Mutfwang, but  suspended which is in line with the constitutional power of the executive governor of the state when occasion such as this warrants . 

Justice Samichi further explained that section 95 subsection (1) of the local government law of 2016 did not create the ample right for the governor to sack local government Chairmen from office,more so that they were democratically elected as chairmen  of their various LGA’s by the citizens through democratic means .

He however resolved that the claimants where unable to prove beyond reasonable doubt their cases which  the trial judge described  as Hypothetical, Speculative and above all Frivolous.

The over five hours Judgement,  the judge said is predicated  on the facts before the court ,as against the backdrop,the court  will be left with no option than to  strike out the matter and advise Parties to bear their respective cost. 

Earlier, the preliminary objection raised by the objectors challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter was resolved in favor of the Claimants as the court ruled that High Court has the jurisdiction to rule on the case contrary to the claim of the defendants. 

Speaking in an interview with Journalists, Barr. Kekemeke , counsel  to the claimants commended the industry of judge over what  he described as meticulous judgement which lasted for over five hours.

However quick  to add that as rules of the court, even when you’re not satisfied with judgement, it still behoved on you to commend the industry  put by the presiding judge in drafting  the judgement. 

Barrister Kekemeke further revealed that he is only a counsel, he have to receive  directives from his client of the next line of action, whether to Challenge the  judgement in an Appeal Court that would be determined by the Claimants.He maintained.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has inaugurated the Chairman and members of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), tasking them to ensure the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive Local Government elections in the state.

Governor Mutfwang, while inaugurating officials of the Electoral body on Monday at the New Government House Little Rayfield, emphasized his administration’s mission to rectify past mistakes and ensure genuine grassroots governance in Plateau State.

“We have come with a mission of correcting the mistakes of the past and ensuring that the people of Plateau State truly elect those who will govern them at the grassroots,” said Governor Mutfwang.

He underscored the careful selection of the appointees, stressing that they were chosen based on their track records and experience in public service, following due screening by the Plateau State House of Assembly.

“The last two local government elections in the state were misfits and undemocratic, dragging the name of the state into disrepute among the community of states in Nigeria,” remarked Governor Mutfwang.

“This is an important and significant exercise for us because today marks a new dawn in the annals of PLASIEC. We have carefully selected these calibers of persons, particularly the Chairman, who has been in the business of conducting elections for years,” he added.

Governor Mutfwang charged the appointees to uphold the tenets of democracy through the conduct of free and fair elections, pledging that his administration would not interfere in the affairs of PLASIEC.

“I am a firm believer in the efficacy and effectiveness of local government administration, and so we will allow the people to elect those who they want to lead them. Since we came on board, we have not misused local government funds because we believe in having credible leadership at the local levels.”

“I want to assure Plateau people that we will raise the bar of credible and reputable local government elections. We will ensure true democracy takes place at the local levels. You are coming at a time when the Commission has trust deficit, and I, therefore, charge you to conduct local government elections in line with best global practices,” he affirmed.

The Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Plangji Daniel Chishak, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the appointments and pledged to rebuild the confidence of Plateau residents in the Commission.

“We receive these appointments with every sense of responsibility and humility. I want to assure you that, by the special grace of God, we will ensure credible elections in the local governments.”

Other members of the Commission are Theresa Kaze, Deborah Akanle, Waziri Kwande, Ado Adare, Audu Dorzhi, and Dr. Longman Pensiwan, while Pam Davou serves as the Secretary of the commission.

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By, giwa alex, Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called on the people of plateau state to stop  the habit of casting blame on political office holders without  recourse to respect which helps in deeping hatred and disunity.

As he Called on politicians on the plateau  to stop  casting Aspersions on one another anytime there is political misfortune irrespective of tribal , ethnic,and political differences which  is capable of deeping political hatred and promotes disunity.

The Governor made the call during the Thanksgiving Celebration organized by member Representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives to thank God over his victory in the rerun election that declared him winner held 8th June 2024 at ECWA Church Tuduwada in Jos North local government of  Plateau state.

Mutfwang said he is not perturbe 

the religion you profess, the political party you belong to , as long as you are from plateau , you are brothers and sisters.

He revealed that Hon. Daniel Asama of the Labour Party, Pam  Dachungyang , were not voted became member of PDP,he was at the time under review  ADP, as that time , the political atmosphere was tense, some people have already literally make themselves Demi -God, Who want things to be done in their own ways or heaven fall.

He stressed that the duos where voted because it’s plateau projects, we gave directives to the people of plateau , which they graciously adhere to, and they followed respectfully when some forces in the state were at the verge of masculating democratic will of the people of plateau,which at that time will feit we cannot fold our arms doing nothing and let things go their way  which  if argent steps is not taken, it would be very disastrous for the state.

He corrected the insinuation by his predecessor Hon. Simon Bako Lalong over the on going projects in the state, Mutfwang stressed that is not who started the projects that matters, but at the end let the projects  be executed to the Glory of God and to the service of humanity.

He frowned at the call from some people from separate quarters to investigate the administration of the immediate past Governor of the state now Senator representing southern zones in the Senate Barr Bako Lalong Over alleged corruption when he he head sway as the time of the state.

Mutfwang said he is interested in probing anybody including the immediate past Governor of the state Bako Lalong , but quick to add the era of washing our dirty linen in the public is gone, in will not be a part to any call for probing anybody including former Governor Simon Bako Lalong. 

He thank the state lawmakers for their efforts so far in making people’s orientated legislation which has so far stabilized the state and it environ, charged them to sustained the temple.

He caution against any impeachment what so ever as is no longer fashionable in the modern democracy, stressed that under his watch as the governor of plateau state, he hope to raise standard that will become the best in Nigeria. 

In their separate goodwill messages, the immediate past governor of plateau state Hon. Simon Bako Lalong warned the supporters of politicians in the state not going in killing themselves because of any politicians, revealed  what they are seen in the open among them is just a decoy, revealed that they are united more than ever irrespective of party difference at national assembly even the state house of assembly. 

Thank Governor Caleb Mutfwang for continuing the projects his administration left behind unfinished, said wether they like it or not some body most lay foundation.

The former Governor of the state popularly  referred to “Man With Nine Life” Chief  Joshua Chibi Dariye quoted copiously the Book of John Chapter 6v6 said like Jesus in the bible who was abandoned by his followers, the politicians will at a point be abandoned when the cheeps are down.

Dariye Charged Asama start learning because National Assembly is a place for learning, but quick to add that if he refused to learn because of pride he will land himself in trouble.

He advised the celebrant to draw nearer closer to God for him to succeed, and warned against any impeachment in the National assembly . 

The Speaker House of Representatives Rt.Hon.Tajudee Abas called for  unity amongst the members of the Representatives and by extension Senate.

The speaker charged the people to always pray for their leaders because they are human because no Human is Infallible.

The speaker represented by David Lalu,said “Pray for us, we are human beings , we can run Short , and commit errors in the process. 

The speaker described Asama as Child of Grace and necessity”. 

B, giwa alex, Jos.

His Royal Majesty Ujah Anaguta , who doubled as the Chairman Traditional Council in Jos North, LGC ,Jauro Johnson Magaji II , has sued for unalloyed support for barrister Caleb Mutfwang’s government in view of what he is doing in plateau.

 Is obvious that the governor is ready to move the State out of wood consider his level of achievements within one year on assumption of office as the Executive Governor of Plateau State.

The Ujah made the appeal to Anaguta Nation during the celebration of Anaguta festival  tag Ishonkori 2024 held at Rwang Pam Township Stadium on 8th June 2024.

The Royal Father said governor Mutfwang’s achievements within One year in office, is a clear indication that the people’s governor  Caleb Mutfwang’s has come to rescue the state hitherto grappling with infrastructure deficit and other developmental projects in the state.

Magaji stressed that  the call is imperactive as he is  repositioning the state for economic, social and all sphere of development . 

In his historical background of Anaguta according to Ujah is dated back to the stone age in which we were made to understand that at one point iron were melted and used as farm implement. 

He traced the history  of Anaguta to the reign of Pozoh Gbau and his council since time immemorial with  the coming of colonial masters in 1927,when Anaguta district was created after prolonged negotiations conducted with mr Matthew..

Stressed that the people of Anaguta are virtually found everywhere, this is why in Gwong, the former Naraguta District now known as Anaguta Chieftain in jos North and has been in existence since time immemorial .

High point of the event is the  endowment fund for  building of Multipurpose that will serve as center for skills Acquisitions for the teeming youths of Anaguta Nation.

The center shall also serves as a place for the preservation of  Arts and Culture of Anaguta Nation. 

Those  who distinguished themselves in their area of assignment  were were give awards.

Our Reporter

The Factional Chairman of APC in plateau state Hon. Ishaya Itse has congratulates the Ujah Anaguta Jauro Johnson MagajII for the successful celebration of Ishonkori Cultural Festival.

The Factional Chairman APC in the state,Ishaya Itse said the successful celebration of the festival by HRM Ujah Anaguta Jauro Johnson MagajII held 8th June 2024 at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos North local government by Anaguta Nation is testament that the reign of His Royal Majesty is desirous to unite his people through culture irrespective of where they resident in any part of the country.

The Chairman further said the Royal Majesty’s successful celebration of the festival has also added credence to the Successes recorded since assension of throne as the 9th Ujah.

He stressed with the purposeful focus of Traditional Ruler of Anaguta Nation l am not skeptical that in few years from now, the Anaguta Nation will be an envey of all the state, and Nigeria in general.

Itse however urged the Anaguta Nation to harnace the leadership qualities of Ujah for the development of the community.

He used the congratulatory message to appeal to the Anaguta sons and daughters both at home and in diaspora to join hands and support Governor Caleb Mutfwang administration who is ready to work with Ujah for the development of Anaguta in particular and the state as a whole.

By, giwa alex, Jos

In line with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s commitment to revitalizing legacy projects, the Plateau Investment and Property Development Company (PIPC) has entered a head of term agreement with Strom Infrastructure Investment and Management Limited to refurbish Hill Station Hotel Jos to a standard establishment with world-class management.

Governor Mutfwang, personally supervised the process with the Managing Director of PIPC, Hon. Danlami Jelka, signing on behalf of the shareholders of Hill Station Hotel. This initiative aligns with the Governor’s directive to breathe new life into dormant enterprises under PIPC’s purview.

Hon. Jelka emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for private investors to rejuvenate inactive businesses for the benefit of the state’s populace. The agreement entails the leasing, rehabilitation, and operation of Hill Station Hotel by the investor for an initial 20-year period, renewable by mutual consent.

The rehabilitation cost is estimated at N8.5 billion, as assessed by consultants engaged by PIPC. The project is expected to have a significant economic impact, including the direct employment of approximately 160 citizens, engagement of unskilled workers during the hotel’s refurbishment, and an estimated boost of N8.6 billion to the state’s income through the investment’s multiplier effect.

 Additionally, it will generate indirect employment opportunities in service provision and supplies to the hotel.

The Managing Director of PIPC expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his support and dedication to fostering an investor-friendly environment in the state. 

Responding, Kolapo Joseph, CEO of Strom Infrastructure Investment and Management Limited, thanked the Plateau State government for the opportunity to contribute and pledged the company’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations with integrity.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The industrial court sitting in Jos, Plateau State has adjourned the cases of the Sacked Plateau  State Tertiary Institutions employed by  immediate past administration of Simon Bako Lalong by governor Caleb Mutfwang government for lack of due process of employment.

The case is slated today 7th June  2024 for adoption of final written address, but the counsel to the defendants  ,the government of Plateau State was conspicuously absent in court but only send in a letter  read to the hearing of the entire court.

According to the letter sign by one of the counsel in the state ministry of Justice  said defendants could not come to court due to the burial ceremony of Late Justice Gabriel Adamu Sha slated to hold 7th June 2024.

The letter further read that as long standing traditional ritual of the court, the professional colleagues of the  deceased most be in attendance to pay their last respects.

As against this background, the letter add the defendants are humbly seeking for an adjourned date that would be convenient with this honorable court.

In a quick reaction, the counsel to the Claimants barrister Nantok Dashwar vehemently opposed the application brought by the defendants, transmitted through letter writing  seeking for adjournment because of the burial of late justice Adamu Sha .

The counsel to the Claimants barrister  Dashwar who was visibly annoyed  told the court that its ridiculous that all the entire staff of ministry of justice could not have anybody in the ministry to represent them in the court because they are all going for burial .

He further pointed out that not too long ago a case was called , a counsel from the  ministry of justice was on ground to represent the government , questioned why the case of the Sacked workers different.

Nantok cited copiously from  similar case to back his argument,  to convince the court why the application seeking for an adjournment brought  by the defendants is grossly incompetent, should not allowed to see the light of the day, be thrown into trash can the right place it belongs.

The Claimants counsel further revealed to the court that the issue of   burial  the legal officer is taking as excuses,the NBA has issued circular to that effect that the burial has being put on hold till further notice.

In his ruling, the presiding judge ruled that he is not in position to hold brief for the defendants, but for fair hearing, and interest of justice,the claimants should allow the application for  benefit of doubt and concede to their adjournment plea.

As against this backdrop, the matter was however adjourned to 15th July for final written address. 

In an interview with Journalists, the counsel to Claimants Barr. Dashwar said they are only postponing the evil day stressed that at the end justice shall surely prevail . 

By, giwa alex, Jos 

CASS Educational Foundation has launched The Interfaith Alliance for SDG Action Plan (Project IASAP), In Plateau State, a collaborative effort that seeks to empower students for sustainable development through interfaith dialogue and action, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals in their communities.

The call for mutual respect and understanding of each other’s faith irrespective of religion, in the achievement of the United Nations SDG Agenda 2030 was advocated during a one-day workshop organized by CASS Educational Foundation with support from the United Religious Initiative in partnership with the Nigerian Youth SDGS Network held 3rd June 2024 at RUNIICON Hotel along Rayfield Road Jos, Plateau state. Research revealed that most of the crises that have engulfed the Plateau in the time past have religious coloration largely because of interfaith misunderstandings.

Speaking in an interview with Journalists, the Program Director of CASSEF Godwin Lasisi said the workshop is primarily focused on secondary school students for Interfaith Collaboration to allow youths at their younger stage to come together towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

He stated the aim of project IASAP is to educate young people across all educational institutions students across primary, secondary, and university levels on the importance of respecting one another Faith while working on the United Nations’ efforts for sustainable development through integration and incorporation of the SDGs in their school clubs and societies particularly SDG 3, 4, 13, 16 &17 which focuses on Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Climate Action, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and Partnership for the Goals.

Lasisi explained further that the initiative was inspired by a successful pilot implementation of the project he had executed during his NYSC program in FCT Abuja. He emphasized that basically, the training harped on the different aspects of promoting interfaith dialogue with one another to achieve sustainable development.

He pointed out that during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in FCT Abuja the project which focused on SDG 3, 4, and 13 the project secured seed grant funding from URI as well as got recognition and commendation from the distinguished office of the Senator FCT, Abuja and the Sustainable Development Goals Support Services of FCT, Abuja.

Ambassador Salika stressed that the major problem that spurs religious disharmony in our society is a lack of deep knowledge and understanding of inter-religious issues.

‘It’s on this premise we felt is imperative to take the sensitization down to the grassroots in the society which are the young ones at the primary and secondary schools to equip our future leaders.’’

The CEO further said the Non-Governmental Organization has to put the responsibility of sensitization upon itself as the government at all levels is yet to include the teachings of Inter-Faith dialogue and the SDGS in the school curriculum, so we on our part, through Project IASAP are trying to promote interfaith harmony and peace for Achievement of Agenda 2030.

Prince Dr. Charles Dickson, one of the facilitators at the workshop, focused on Interfaith Collaboration and understanding among young people in educational institutions during his session.

Dr. Dickson said the location for the workshop is apt for the organizer to kick start it in plateau state which is known as the epicenter of religious crisis in Nigeria, as the program will help to educate them on the need to respect each other’s faith which will help to control religious crisis occasioned from disrespect for each other Faith.

Charles Dickson a Public analyst, further stressed for the youths, they must know the differences of each other’s Faith, as it would help to stem the tide of incessant crisis occasioned by misunderstandings in faith belief systems.

The schools who took part during the Interfaith Alliance for SDG Action Plan Workshop were Government Secondary School Jarawa, High Ground International School, De African Child and Mohammed Abdullahi schools all in plateau state.

By, giwa alex, jos

To curtail the proliferations of motor park in Jos Bukuru master plans and create easy traffic in Jos city center,the plateau state government has make good her plans by relocating one of the popular illegal  NTA park in jos metropolis.

The Park has now moved to the New motor recently Commissioned along Bukuru Express Way in Jos South Local Government,Named after the wife of the former governor of the state Ngo Talau Jang. 

The decision to relocate  the park may not be unconnected to the removal of illegal shops within Jos city center to give the state it original beauty which has been distorted by proliferations of motor parks and erections of l shops in areas not approved by  Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB).

 The new relocated park has all the facilities that make it qualified as park which includes, toilet, and stores in the park.

In an interview with the Director of Transport in Plateau State, Mr. Samuel Mofat, highlighted the advantages of the new Park named after the former first Lady “Ngo Talatu Jang .

However, reactions has started trailing the relocation of the park from the old place adjacent Nigeria Television Authority (NTA)

Efforts are being made to inform the public about the new location and to assist transport operators in transitioning to the Ngo Talatu Jang Motor Park. The government has assured residents that measures are in place to ensure minimal disruption during this period.

This move marks a new chapter in the urban development of Jos and reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the city’s infrastructure and services.

By, giwa alex, jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has called for the Immortalization of late justice Gabriel Adamu Sha that Will preserve the foot print he left in the  judiciary and other human endeavors during his life time.

This will keep his memory alive and served as symbol for the remembrance of judicial icon who has left his foot prints on the law practice not just in plateau state the entire Nigeria as a whole.

Governor mutfwang stated this today Thursday 6th June 2024 during the Valedictory court session of Late Justice Gabriel Adamu Sha (rtd), who is Gwom Rwei Kabong held at the High Court Conference Hall , Hill Station junction Jos, plateau state.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang represented by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Philimon Daffi said  the judiciary in the State should synergize and come up with any status ,Building, Road or anything that will make us to keep the memories of the judicial icon alive.

He said there is nothing too much to ensure that the memories of justice Sha remain reference center for young lawyers in the profession to serve as research archives for law profession not just in the state but Nigeria as whole.

Governor mutfwang use the occasion to Sue for unity between the bar and the bench for viral and undiluted justice delivery system for the interest of the state in particular and Nigeria at large.

He enjoined the citizens of plateau State to unite, as the popular adage goes, unity we stand , divided we fall. Stressed that nothing can be achieved under the atmosphere of rancor and division , rather it would be easier for enemies to capitalize on it to  create havoc between the citizens of the state. 

Urged all to live life of transparency because on the last day ,all that  have been silent about you when you were alive will be exposed  before public  as some of the silent things of the late justice Sha like involved in farming and hunting and other good things about him are today  disclosed to us in his absence. 

Further admonished all to be mindful of the way they live  life on earth to avoid being ridiculed in a time  like this when they are no more.

Speaking on behalf of the inner Bar , P.A Akubo (SAN), described death as cruel for taking away a well breed Justice like Sha when his wealth of experience were still very much needed.

However anchored his consolation on the fact that Sha dead in the Lord because he has giving his life to the service of God  long time before his demise.

In another twist of events, the traditional council in Plateau State has announced the postponement of Late  Justice Sha who till his death was  Paramount Ruler of Kabong in jos North Local Government.

The Prosponement of his burial billed to hold on Friday 7th June 2024 is contained in a Press statement dated  6th June 2024 signed by Berom Youth Movement (BYM),National Publicity Secretary Rwang Tengwong and made available to this to this medium electronically. 

The statement  which reads in part said, the Burial arrangement of our father, Late Gwom Kabong. Hon. Justice Gabriel Adamu Sha OFR has been postponed. 

According to a directive from the Palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba CFR, people are advised to still away from the palace of the Gwom Kabong and wait for the communication of a new date.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has extended his heart warm felicitations to Mrs. Stella Din Jacob on her appointment by TVC Communications as Editor-in-Chief.

The letter of celebration of the appointment of Stella Din is contained in a Press statement dated 6th June 2024 signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Mutfwang, Gyang Ebere and made available to this medium in Jos. 

 Governor Mutfwang described Mrs. Jacob as a seasoned broadcaster with extensive expertise in the media industry, trusting God that she would bring to bear, her wealth of experience to drive positive narratives for the development of the nation.

 Mutfwang was delighted that Mrs Stella Din Jacob, an indigene of Plateau State, commands high respect in the media industry, inview of her impactful leadership marked by dedication and commitment to excellence.

He expressed confidence in the leadership capacity of  Mrs Jacob whose career spans several decades in the broadcast industry, and hoped she will introduce refreshing contents that will rebrand the image of the country before the international community.

Governor Mutfwang said as a good Ambassador of Plateau State, Mrs Jacob will bring on board innovations and purpose driven initiatives that will place the media outfit as the most competent and reliable broadcast station in the country and beyond.

On behalf of the government and people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang prayed God to grant Mrs. Jacob sound health, more wisdom and the strength to discharge her mandate meritoriously.

By, giwa alex, Jos

CASS Educational Foundation has sued for mutual respect and understand of others religion practices in the country that will enthroned peace and harmony between those practicing them .

As research revealed that most of the crisis that have engulfed plateau in the time past have religious colouration largely because the adherence to the different  religion in most cases fragrantly  disrespected one another Faith and believes which often times results to unwarranted religious crisis.

The call for mutual respect and understanding of each others religion irrespective of which religion ,Islam, Christianity, idol worshippers was advocated during one day workshop organized by CASS Foundation a non Governmental Organization held 3rd June 2024  at Runiicon Hotel along Rayfield Road Jos , plateau state.

Speaking in an interview with Journalists, the Program Director of CASSEF Godwin Lasis said the workshop is targeted on secondary school students for Interfaith Collaboration to allow  youths mostly in their youthful stage in  lives come together towards the achievement of Sustainable  Development Goals(SDG).

The Program Officer Ambassador Godwin further revealed that the aim of the Program is to train the young ones in  primary , secondary and  Universities to know what the Sustainable Development Goals(SDG),is all about, to see how we can champion this collaboration to allow these young youths come together.

On his part the Chief Executive  Director of CASSEF Educational Foundation in plateau state His Grace ,Dasa Salika said CASS is a non Governmental Organization whose focus is on education , targeted majorly on  children looking at the present society ,often times we say children is the future of the society. 

Mr Dasa stressed that the major problems that spurred up religious disharmony in our society is lack of deep knowledge of understanding  inter- religious issues.

It’s on this premise we felt is imperative to take the sensitization down to the lowest ebb of the society which are the young ones at the primary and secondary schools with the aim of equipping our future leaders. 

So the aim is to educate the students from primary, secondary and universities level the importance of respecting one another Faith, and the United Nation efforts through the SDG in Chapter 14&16 charter which focuses on education and religion where outlined.

The Director further said the non Governmental Organization have to put the responsibility of sensitization  upon itself as the government at all levels is yet to include the teachings of Inter-Faith dialogue in the school curriculum, so we on our part through the United Nation are trying to see on how we can stem religion disharmony occasion by mostly lack of disrespect for each others Faith.

Prince Dr. Charles Dickson who is one of the facilitators said the entirety of the workshop is Interfaith Collaboration, Interfaith understanding especially among the young kids in the Primary,Secondary and the Universities.

Dr. Dickson said the venue for the workshop is apt for the organizer to kick start it in plateau state which is know as epicenter of religious crisis in Nigeria, as the program will help to educate them the need to respect  each others religion which will help to control religion crisis occasioned from disrespect for each other  Faith.

Charles Dickson  a Public analyst, further stressed for the kids ,its important that they know the differences of each others Faith when  is done, it would help to stem the tide of incessant crisis occasion by religion misunderstanding crisis.

The schools who took part on the  One Day Interfaith Collaboration Workshop were Government Secondary School Jarawa, High Ground International School And De African Child Mohammed Abdullahi.

All in plateau state. 

Our Reporter

The Member Representing  Jos North/Bassa Constituency  in House of Representatives  Hon. Daniel Asama has  condemned the recent attack on the peace loving people of Kimapka, Kwal of Bassa LGA which led to the dead of five innocent people by arm militias.

 The heinous event which occurred on Sunday evening, 2nd June, 2024 is highly regrettable and uncalled for  thorough investigation by the security agent saddled with the responsibility of Security in the state. 

The condenmation of the honorable member is contained in a Press statement dated 5th June 2024 signed by the honorable media term and made available to this medium in Jos. 

According to the honorable member he expressed concern over the worrisome act of some people taking up arms against innocent people that are predominantly farmers. He frowned at the activities of those scrupulous  blood sucking individuals whose activities are aimed at disturbing the fragile peace in the state.

Hon Asama appeals for the people of Kimapka to be calm and never take the law into their hands as security personnels are on top of the situation. He further calls on them to remain vigilant while calling on the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book in other to build up people’s confidence on their service delivery.

In conclusion, he sympathizes with Kimapka community and the family of those who lost their loved ones while praying for the repose of their souls. 

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Gnewsreporter, blogger in plateau state on behalf of chief Executive Director and teeming reporter scattered across the state and beyond, wish to Felicitates with the Director of Press to the plateau State government Gyang Ebere for yet another birthday celebration. 

For you to witness another birthday is not by mistake but by God’s well constructed designs, because is already Program by God who state expressly that my thought towards my children is for good and not evil. 

As against this background, you have paid your dues  irrespective how short, as you add another year, our farvent prayer is that God will continue to guard you on your endeavors.

Happy birthday to communicator emeritus 🙏

By, giwa alex, Jos

The Chief Executive Officer CEO of Institutions of Human Virology Dr . Patrick Sunday Dakum has frowned on the delay by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint and swear in Minister from Plateau the vacant slot created following dumping of ministerial slot from the state as minister of labour and employment for Senatorial position.

As the vacuum created for the state not being represented in the Executive council is not only detrimental to the state, but to say the least is like proverbial barbering ones hair in his absence as most of the decisions taking from the executive level the state is conspicuously absence.

This observations was made during an exclusive interview with Journalists in his residence by Shabu Mazadu the publisher of Becon Newspaper on the plateau.

Dakum who was  Plateau State Governorship Candidate on the platform of Labor Party (LP) in 2023 general election lamented what the state have missed because of the president  deliberate refusal to appoint and swore in Minister that would be the eyes and the voice of the state when matter affecting them is to be deliberated upon. 

Dakum also frowned at the undemocratic behavior currently going on in plateau State House of Assembly where the speaker Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dawan have unilaterally refused to swear in 7 members of the state House of assembly following Appeal Court Judgement that pordered the speaker to swear in the members without delay to enable their respectives constituencies to start enjoying the dividend of representative in the house. 

According to him, it’s totally unfair to deny Plateau participation in the Federal Executive Council, FEC, for over six months for not having a minister which is not the state’s fault.  This action he went on, excludes Plateau in the running of the country’s affairs in the capacity of ministerial activities as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic and is undemocratic. 

“Democracy entails carrying everyone along, following due process, observing the rule of law and dispensing justice to all without delay. There is no genuine reason for Plateau to be without a minister for this long which denies it participation in decisions making for good governance in the country. There are capable and eligible hands in the state that can handle any ministry, so why delaying the appointment,” Dakum said. 

On issue of the lingering non-swearing of the remaining seven members-elect to participate in the state assembly’s legislation, Dakum said for democracy to thrive, court orders must be obeyed whether palatable or unpalatable. He said, “There is absolutely no reason why the members-elect the Court of Appeal declared winners should not be in the House working. It doesn’t make sense. 

I don’t understand why and how because it is the same judiciary that said the governor is PDP, and the House is APC, so, what’s the rocket science in that? The court has already taken its decision and there is nothing anyone can do about it, but to obey the court’s decisions. It is democracy to obey court order whether in our favour or not.” 

The former Commissioner of Health and Information, said that it’s abuse of democracy to procrastinate swearing in of the members-elect because is nothing short of  denying their constituents the right of being represented in the House, thereby making the government incomplete; adding that everyone should be carried along and no Constituency should be left behind in the interest of democracy, good governance, progress and justice.

By, giwa alex,Jos 

Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) today, 4 June 2024 organised a seminar for critical stakeholders towards achieving a successful farming season in its Joint Operations Area (JOA) cutting across the entire Plateau State, 5 LGAs of Southern Kaduna and 2 LGAs of Bauchi State. 

The seminar with the theme “Peaceful Coexistence: Panacea for a Successful Farming Season” was held at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos. The event which is part of OPSH’s non-kinetic approach towards ensuring peaceful coexistence in the JOA, drew critical stakeholders from all sides of the divide across all parts of the JOA. 

In his welcome address, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN and GOC 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major General AE Abubakar, stressed the importance of the seminar which would facilitate a hitch-free farming season and also highlighted the crucial role played by the Agricultural Sector in the overall development of any nation. He also highlighted the nexus between food security and national security and therefore urged the stakeholders to create an enabling environment for farming and herding activities to be carried out side by side without fear or conflict. 

The Commander also warned misguided persons who may wish to disrupt farming activities this year to have a rethink as OPSH will not hesitate to decisively deal with such criminals in line with extant laws. He decried the spate of farm destructions and attack on cattle in the past 2 months which have further aggravated tension in the affected communities.

On their parts, the resource persons who spoke on the theme emphasized the need for upholding the sanctity of human lives by desisting from indiscriminate attacks. They also collectively urged the participants to tolerate one another and learn to forgive grievances from the past as reprisals would only lead to further losses which would further aggravate poverty.

 They also pointed out that a successful farming season is only possible in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect for one another. The resource persons also endorsed the Bottom-Top Crisis Resolution Mechanism of OPSH which ensures that all peace efforts are transmitted to the lowest echelon and consequently advised the participants to use all avenues to pass the message of peace to their followers and wards. They further urged the participants to create an enabling environment for both farming and herding activities to thrive.

Delivering their remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Governor of Plateau State, Barrister  Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General GG Shippi (Rtd), as well as the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani represented by his Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr Atiku Sankey, the governors lauded the efforts of OPSH in bringing peace to the 3 states in the JOA. They promised to continually support security agencies with critical enablers within the States’ resources to carry out their responsibilities.

Present at the seminar were top government officials, heads of security agencies, serving and retired senior military officers, traditional rulers, farmers/herders, youth and women leaders as well as civil society organizations. 

Highpoint of the seminar was the interactive session during which participants lauded the initiative of Operation SAFE HAVEN and promised to do their best to ensure peaceful coexistence towards attaining a successful farming season in their communities.

At the end of the seminar, patrol motorcycles were presented to  Neighborhood Watches by OPSH for anti-farm destruction patrols in areas with high incidents of farm destruction to complement the efforts of security agencies.

By, giwa alex, jos

The Plateau State Police Command has repelled Kidnapping attempt and neutralized two alleged kidnappers in Jos Plateau State Capital.

This is contained in a Press statement dated 3rd June 2024 signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),Of the command DSP Alfred Alabo and made available to journalists electronically in Jos.

According to the statement said the force  commitment in  protection of lives and properties of all residents of Plateau State as the new strategies implemented by the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina,  upon assumption of duty in April, 2024 has been yielding laudable results.  

 Further said ee are pleased to inform the good citizens of the State of our recent operational breakthroughs in Bokkos Local Government Area of the State

On  3rd June 2024 at about 5:30am, we received a distress call from a patriotic citizen who reported that, some hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers were operating in Fangha area of Daffo District, Bokkos LGA. 

Upon receipt of the tip-off, a team of Policemen and other security help groups led by the DPO Bokkos Division swiftly rushed to the scene of the incident where they engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel and two (2) of the hoodlums were neutralized in the process, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Exhibits recovered from the hoodlums include, one (1) locally fabricated revolver gun loaded with four (4) 7.62MM ammunition, two (2) Phones, one (1) Dagger and one (1) Knife.

In view of this development, the Plateau State Police Chief assures the good and peace loving people of Plateau State, that the Police under his leadership remains resolute in its fight against crime and criminality, and will continue to do everything within its constitutional mandate to ensure that Plateau State is habitable for all residents and visitors. 

The case is still under Investigation while efforts are been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.

The  Plateau State Commissioner of Police also urges all residents to go about their lawful businesses without apprehension and report any suspicious activities to the following GSM numbers: 

POLICE CONTROL ROOM EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

07059473022

08038907662

08075391844

09053872296

Members of the general public are also advised to report any misconduct of our officers within the State through the following numbers:

PLATEAU STATE COMPLAINT RESPONSE UNIT (CRU) NUMBERS:

08060545670 (PPRO)

08037681026

08067884627

08069638786

08066709795.

By, giwa alex, jos

The Plateau State Police Command has repelled Kidnapping attempt and neutralized two alleged kidnappers in Jos Plateau State Capital.

This is contained in a Press statement dated 3rd June 2024 signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),Of the command DSP Alfred Alabo and made available to journalists electronically in Jos.

According to the statement said the force  commitment in  protection of lives and properties of all residents of Plateau State as the new strategies implemented by the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina,  upon assumption of duty in April, 2024 has been yielding laudable results.  

 Further said ee are pleased to inform the good citizens of the State of our recent operational breakthroughs in Bokkos Local Government Area of the State

On  3rd June 2024 at about 5:30am, we received a distress call from a patriotic citizen who reported that, some hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers were operating in Fangha area of Daffo District, Bokkos LGA. 

Upon receipt of the tip-off, a team of Policemen and other security help groups led by the DPO Bokkos Division swiftly rushed to the scene of the incident where they engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel and two (2) of the hoodlums were neutralized in the process, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Exhibits recovered from the hoodlums include, one (1) locally fabricated revolver gun loaded with four (4) 7.62MM ammunition, two (2) Phones, one (1) Dagger and one (1) Knife.

In view of this development, the Plateau State Police Chief assures the good and peace loving people of Plateau State, that the Police under his leadership remains resolute in its fight against crime and criminality, and will continue to do everything within its constitutional mandate to ensure that Plateau State is habitable for all residents and visitors. 

The case is still under Investigation while efforts are been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.

The  Plateau State Commissioner of Police also urges all residents to go about their lawful businesses without apprehension and report any suspicious activities to the following GSM numbers: 

POLICE CONTROL ROOM EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

07059473022

08038907662

08075391844

09053872296

Members of the general public are also advised to report any misconduct of our officers within the State through the following numbers:

PLATEAU STATE COMPLAINT RESPONSE UNIT (CRU) NUMBERS:

08060545670 (PPRO)

08037681026

08067884627

08069638786

08066709795.

By, giwa alex, jos

The Plateau State Police Command has repelled Kidnapping attempt and neutralized two alleged kidnappers in Jos Plateau State Capital.

This is contained in a Press statement dated 3rd June 2024 signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),Of the command DSP Alfred Alabo and made available to journalists electronically in Jos.

According to the statement said the force  commitment in  protection of lives and properties of all residents of Plateau State as the new strategies implemented by the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina,  upon assumption of duty in April, 2024 has been yielding laudable results.  

 Further said ee are pleased to inform the good citizens of the State of our recent operational breakthroughs in Bokkos Local Government Area of the State

On  3rd June 2024 at about 5:30am, we received a distress call from a patriotic citizen who reported that, some hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers were operating in Fangha area of Daffo District, Bokkos LGA. 

Upon receipt of the tip-off, a team of Policemen and other security help groups led by the DPO Bokkos Division swiftly rushed to the scene of the incident where they engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel and two (2) of the hoodlums were neutralized in the process, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Exhibits recovered from the hoodlums include, one (1) locally fabricated revolver gun loaded with four (4) 7.62MM ammunition, two (2) Phones, one (1) Dagger and one (1) Knife.

In view of this development, the Plateau State Police Chief assures the good and peace loving people of Plateau State, that the Police under his leadership remains resolute in its fight against crime and criminality, and will continue to do everything within its constitutional mandate to ensure that Plateau State is habitable for all residents and visitors. 

The case is still under Investigation while efforts are been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.

The  Plateau State Commissioner of Police also urges all residents to go about their lawful businesses without apprehension and report any suspicious activities to the following GSM numbers: 

POLICE CONTROL ROOM EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

07059473022

08038907662

08075391844

09053872296

Members of the general public are also advised to report any misconduct of our officers within the State through the following numbers:

PLATEAU STATE COMPLAINT RESPONSE UNIT (CRU) NUMBERS:

08060545670 (PPRO)

08037681026

08067884627

08069638786

08066709795.

By, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN

If there is one person who has defined avant-garde nightclubbing in Nigeria, it is the one and only Ken-Calebs Olumese, known to his legion of fans and admirers as ‘The Guv’nor’, Nigeria’s unofficial 38th 

Governor. Not of a State, no; nor of our apex bank,The CBN.

 It is his own nom de guerre conferred on him by popular public acclamation and 

consensus, albeit informally. How did this come about? How did one 

man transcend the statutory (and indeed, constitutional) strictures to 

appropriate to himself so effortlessly what so many have deployed life 

and limb (not to mention financial fortunes) to acquire: the ‘right’ or –

more correctly, privilege of being addressed as a ‘Governor’ (even if, 

in his case, it is stylized as ‘Guv’nor’v)? 

It is a long and interesting 

story, but the occasion of his eightieth birthday is as good an opportunity 

as any for a historical excursion, a trip down memory lane, into the 

remarkable life and times of Chief Olumese.

Our celebrant made his earthly debut on the 27th day of May 1944. 

From his relatively humble beginning (his father was a priest) in the sleepy town of Ekpoma, in Edo State, his initial inclination was to follow his father’s footsteps into priesthood. This was sequel to his 

education, first at Western Boys Highschool, Benin City,followed by 

Hussy College, warri. He subsequently worked with the Federal Ministry of Information from where he was seconded to become the Personal Assistant to the Executive Director of FESTAC 77. 

Thereafter, he became a Medical Visitor with a Paris-based international pharmaceutical firm. He then transitioned, to becoming,first, a Medical 

Representative of the firm, then its Marketing Co-ordinator; then 

Manager, Finance and Administration, and finally, as Executive Director. 

Having reached the zenith of a reputable corporate organization (Roussel Nigeria), Mr. Guv’nor bowed out gracefully and left to pursue his long held dreams and his desire for self-actualization: to establish his pet project a nightclub and corporate events centre. 

This was what prompted him to launch the Night Shift Club at Opebi, Road, Lagos, in 

1988. The first of its kind then in Nigeria and the West African sub

region, it boasted of all the facilities and ambience of similar leisure and recreation centres anywhere in the world. 

This was deliberate, as Chief 

Olumese set out to target the creme de la creme of the society the best of the best and, he succeeded. They came in droves, deserting older, more established nightclubs. The Coliseum (as it was later known) became the nightclub to beat. It set the bar and No. 34 Salvation Road, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos –its address –became the entertainment capital of 

Nigeria, not just Lagos.

 This remained so even after the country’s capital was moved to Abuja in 1991. It was not uncommon to find scores of 

businessmen (and women) and others trooping from Abuja on Fridays to spend their weekends in Lagos, just because a non-political,non institutional Chief Executive, our very own Guv’nor, had a “jam” or two (events or programmes) planned at the Club/Coliseum. So famous was 

he that he became synonymous with first-rate entertainment, event 

hosting and nightclubbing. 

To be sure, Olumese did not invent night life or night clubbing in Lagos; but for over three decades, he shaped it 

and accorded it its gravitas. 

His Coliseum outfit became the place to see and be seen. Presidents 

(including jerry John Rawlings),State Governors (real 

Governors!), Captains of Industry, name it: they all flocked to Night Shift and the Coliseum.

 Very few of them, however, knew the amount of 

industry, hard work, dedication, commitment, sacrifice and benevolence (of friends and well-wishers), which contributed to making the club the success it was.

 From an isolated, lonely, decrepit marshland, the

Guv’nor spent a fortune (five times the cost of  the land itself)sand filling 

it alone. 

This was followed by the colossal cost of erecting the physical 

structure and ancillary works which is the imposing edifice that we all 

recognize today. 

The choice of the name of the club’s make-over (from Night Shift to the 

Coliseum) was deliberate: a brilliant stroke of marketing ingenuity of a 

genius as it echoed a cavernous structure in Ancient Rome.

 Even though 

its Nigerian ‘replica’ doesn’t match its famous namesake in size, it 

arguably rivals it in style, grandeur, panache and appointment. Standing 

on a mere six pillars (just like that of Rome), its uniqueness is all

embracing: from the designation of its attendants (called ‘hosts’, not

‘waiters’ or ‘waitresses’), to its patrons (called ‘guests’); to disc jockeys 

(called ‘music presenters’); to its restrooms (called ‘vanities’); and 

finally, its door-keepers (normally called bouncers, but whom it calls 

‘first men’).

Talking about appellations, Olumese’s moniker of ‘Guv’nor’ was also 

deliberate: it was, by his own admission, self-chosen, but with a spin, in 

terms of spelling, to distinguish it from the 36 State Governors in 

Nigeria and the CBN Governor.

 This is why he is the 38th Governor. 

Even though a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet, 

however, it would be a mistake to think Mr.Olumese’s outfit is all about form and not substance -because it is not. There is far more to it than 

that, as it is more than the sum of its parts. This accounts for its 

longevity and durability over the years, when its rivals have since folded 

up and gone into extinction in a field that is notorious for its high 

mortality rate. So, how did Olumese sustain it, to become, effectively, 

the Mohican;the last man standing in elite entertainment exclusively 

targeting the discerning? 

The answer must be in Olumese’s sheer 

organizational wizardry and acumen, which ensured that his club was 

scrupulously run in line with international best practices, as is obtained 

in the entertainment capitals of the world. These rules were religiously 

and uniformly applied to all: guests, staff and even himself without 

discrimination. 

Mr.Olumese was very clear from day one about his target clientele.

 He set out to establish an outfit that was not an all-comer’s affair. No. It was 

not for the hoi polloi for every Tom, Dick and Harry. 

He was unapologetic about this: his focus was the Upper-Middle Class, the 

Upper Class and the Super Upper Class. This model was so successful 

that it was followed by other entertainment organizations (such as, 

Ovation Magazine).

 Finally, he shrewdly ensured that, apart from 

nightclubbing, other services were also offered by his organization. 

These include hosting corporate meetings, conferences, seminars, 

exhibitions, fashion shows and even children’s parties.

 The last was particularly a master stroke as its strategy of ‘catch-them-young’ ensured 

that some of the children who attended those parties, grew up to join the club, and they –in turn –brought their own children to such parties thereby securing a potentially endless generation stream of loyal customers. 

Such satisfied customers are legion, with some bearing customized identifiers called ‘Glamour Cards’ which were upgradeable to Gold 

Status. Such is the class and panache which Mr.Olumese has come to symbolize and for which he is justly recognized. This came,recently, this year, in the form of a well deserved Lifetime Achievement Award 

conferred on him by organizers of the Silverbird Man of the Year 

Awards, belying the saying that a prophet has no honour in his homeland 

(Mark 6:4). 

This is one prophet honoured in his home. That singular 

event was a richly deserved reversal of roles of sorts, as it was usually 

Mr.Olumese who habitually celebrated others at his Club’s “Grand 

House Reception”.

 On those occasions, he hosted special guests 

(successful Nigerians, such as captains of industry, opinion leaders, 

entertainers and sportsmen and women). While those receptions were, 

strictly speaking, not award ceremonies, they however afforded the 

guests and his club’s patrons unique opportunities to mix and fraternize 

which (for many of the former) were opportunities of a lifetime.

 Such guests were as illustrious as they came, including the likes of Senate 

Presidents, Ministers, State Governors and even former Ghanaian 

Leader Ft. Lt. (later President) Jerry Rawlings. A special guest was 

normally put on the hot seat with Rueben Abati and Taiwo Obileye 

grilling them. A case of intellectual fisticuffs amidst wining and dining. I was one of such guests; praise God. 

Chief Olumese’s success is all the more remarkable because he did not 

acquire any special proficiency prior to plunging into nightclubbing. He 

simply learnt on the job and his spartan self-discipline, work ethic and 

natural inborn flair seem to have done the trick. 

That’s what made his 

club tick. But no good thing lasts forever. In his case, Mother Nature (in 

the form of age) has taken its toll –which is what we are presently 

celebrating: all of four scores! Wow! Incredible, because the Guv’nor is 

still as sprightly as a spring chicken. He does not use prescription 

glasses, nor a walking stick; not even a cane.

 He possesses elephant 

memory which is razor-sharp; and so are his wits. 

The vagaries of time have however forced him to cede the running of his 

beloved club to another, equally capable outfit, in order to ensure the 

confirmation of his legacy. It was, however, merely, leased out, not sold 

as was popularly rumored, ensuring that his legacy outlives him for 

generations unborn. 

As the one and only 38th Guv’nor in Nigeria who was neither elected nor appointed by the people, Mr.Olumese has 

carved a niche which remains peculiarly his own with his own people. 

There is no other like him in the entertainment world. He is nullus 

secondus.

 In the twilight of his earthly sojourn, here is wishing this 

unusual man of grace, style, effervescence, class and panache, God’s grace and even more blessings. You are a rare gem, sir.

 They do not make them like you anymore. We can confidently say that you came, 

saw and conquered (vini vidi vici) the terrain of nightclubbing and 

entertainment. You bestrode that field like a colossus and, indeed a titan. 

You are one of a kind. Congratulations and many happy returns. 

Nigerians are proud of you!

By, giwa alex, Jos.

Plateau State High Court has been barricaded following declaration of indefinite strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC,

The entrance into the court premises was blocked with heavy iron bar marred by men probably judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria Plateau chapter (JUSUN),to prevent workers and Lawyers access into the premises.

Our Reporter who was at the High Court report that you can see  pockets of staff of the court waiting at the gate discussing  about the strike.

This medium shall continue to update you as events regarding  the strike unfold.

It would be recall that  Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, declared indefinite strike over Federal Government disagreement on the proposed minimum wage prevented by the union.

By, giwa alex, Jos

Candidate for Governorship  under Labour Party(LP),in 2023 General Election in plateau state Dr. Patrick Dakum who doubled as the CEO Institute for Human Virology,Abuja has Eulogized late Ezekiel Ashut ,described him as humble who carried any duties signed to him with high sense of Diligence and respect .

As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Dakum said the vacuum created over the death of Ezekiel Ashut who has become part of his family and carry out any assignments assigned assigned to him without complain to say the least will be greatly missed.

Patrick Dakum give the Eulogy on Friday 1st June 2024 during the burial Church Service of late Ezekiel Ashut held at  COCIN LCC Zafok village in Barki Ladi Local Government of plateau State.

On what endeared Dr. Dakum to the late  Ezekiel, he said aside  being my  personal driver, he is honest and diligent person that is ready to go  beyond his call to job specifications and descriptions not disclosed the passion and zeal he does  duties and assignments endeared him to me.

He further add that the late Ezekiel Ashut believes in many instances aligned to my believes , when late Ezekiel discovered that I have strong belief in God, his strength  for God threatened, when he discovered how committed I am with must  things he become commitment .

He stressed  further,when  Ezekiel discovered my commitment with my family, his commitment to his family increased ,when he discovered that I have absolute commitment to community  work, his community to involve in community work also astronomically increased these and many more too numerous to highlight in this interview endeared him to me.

He become almost part of my family which informed most of my families  presences  in his burial today to pay their last respects because of the relationship with the family and open hearted in relating with my family like his own. 

Dakum prayed for the family of the deceased especially the wife for God’s  comfort  and other  extended families he left behind the body to move on and bear the irreplaceable loss , described the death of Ezekiel as vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

In his sermon at the burial service , the officiating Rev,reading from the book of  1 Thessalonians chapter 4 verse 13-14 admonished Christians not to weep like unbeliever over the loss of love one .

This he stressed they should have the believe that on the last day when the trumpet sounds,they shall rise again.

Encourage the family of the late Ezekiel Ashut to be happy that he die in Christ , and the hope of seeing him when the trumpet sounds is sure. 

The late Ezekiel Ashut until his death, was a personal driver with the CEO Institute  of Human Virology Dr. Patrick Dakum plateau Governorship Candidate on the platform of Labor Party (LP),in the state .

Ezekiel  died after kidney related illness ,  survived to mourn him is his wife and only son victor Ashut,he  is age 56 years.

 Among dignitaries who graced his funeral  service were the running mate to the labour governorship candidate Edward Pwajok (SAN), member Representing Barki Ladi Constituency in the state house of Assembly Hon.Dickson Chollom, Chairman LP in Plateau State , Zamfara and many Others too numerous to mention .

By, giwa alex, Jos

Sequel to incessant attacks  on most community in plateau State including their farming occupation which has beginning to threatened foods insecurity in the state and Nigeria as a whole , governor Caleb Mutfwang has put mechanisms in place to protect farmers attack and avoid foods insecurity in the state , by extension Nigeria in general. 

This is  impressive to avoid food insecurity in the State and the entire country, as plateau is among states that contributed immensely to foods production in the entire country. 

The Member Representing  Barki Ladi Constituency  in plateau State House of Assembly,Dickson Chollom made this revelation in an interview with Journalists during the  burial Funeral of the Personal driver to  governorship candidate of Labour Party(LP),in plateau state in 2023 General Election Dr. Patrick Dakum, the Chief Executive Officer of Human Virology Abuja , Nigeria.

The honorable member Dickson Chollom said governor Mutfwang is not leaving any stones on turn to ensure  displaced farmers from their  various communities in the Local Governments including Barki Ladi returned back to their various communities now that  farming season has commence, promised to do everything possible Within the instrumentality  of the law to provide water tight securities and ensure they sleep with two eyes closed, and engage in their farming activities without fear of being attacked by blood thirsty militias.

The house member further disclosed that the governor is not relaxing on it oars to ensure that does elements Perpetrating insecurity in the state are smoke out of their various enclaves where they hide to launch unwarranted attacks on innocent farmers who  engaging in their legitimate farm work .

He stressed that on his part as member Representing the Constituency has paid security assessment to  some of the communities bordering the local government to ensure synergy  with the people of those communities.

We are engaging with the people and  the security agencies, this time we are on our feet to ensure that we provide security for the teeming population of our people of the local government to enable them go back to farm and provide food for our people.

Honourable Chollom further revealed governor Mutfwang’s commitment to relocate  the Displaced farmers back to their respectives original homes to prepare their farm land now that  the raining season  commenced. 

On the death of one the community leader Ezekiel Ashut, the Chairman said his death is a thing of joy because he dead in Christ.

He draw his spiritual lessons from the Holy Book over the death of elder Ezekiel whom he said teaches us that when the righteous dies, the Bible admonished us not to weep like those who did not believe in Christ stressed that when the righteous dies , it only goes to sleep and will rise again on the day of judgement when the trumpet sounds.

Said though Elder Dusu will be greatly missed physically , but spiritually we believed he is resting at the bossom of Our Lord Jesus Christ,on the last day we shall meet when the trumpet sounds, in fact he contributed greatly to the development  of the community financially and his elderly advise.

On the  integrity of the decease , the Honorable Chollom said the deceased lived and worked with Dr. Dakum who said some positive things about him close to two decades he worked under him, and the testimonies of his colleagues are clear indications that he was a good man.

So for the caliber  of persons including Dr. Dakum to testify good about the life and time of the deceased,we should not doubt that he lives a life worth of emulation by all.

Further revealed that the deceased as Elder in the Community  and the Constituency contributed immensely to the growth of his community through his constant useful advice for the development of the Constituency . 

By, giwa alex, Jos

The commissioner for Housing and Urban Development in plateau state Honourable Ubandoma Joshua Laven has charged the financial institutions in plateau State to come to the aid of  farmers in the state with soft loans on “0”percent interest free.

This  will help with great measures in improving bumper harvest of crops yields ,  enhanced food security and help to reduce  high rates of insecurity currently bedeviling the state.

Hon. Ubandoma who is a member of  Executive Committee on Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP),set up by Caleb Mutfwang government to ensured it’s transparency in carrying out it activities specifically that which concerns farmers in the state, stated this in an interview with Journalists during distribution of Improved seedlings and other  farm inputs for 2024 farming season held at it office located at Dogo Dutse in jos North Local Government of the state.

Ubandoma add that the social cooperate Responsibility of banks operating in the state should not only be limited to building cottage hospital alone, they should extend it to farming activities to ameliorate the excruciating demoralization  average farmers in the state go through to raising money to purchase farm inputs.

He said the role of plateau state government is to ensure extensive,aggressive monitoring and supervision of the program of distribution farmer input to providehighyield varieties of seedlings are done for bomber harvest. 

The commissioner said this is imperative because food insecurity is a high threat to security as he pointed to the fact that a hungry man is  angry man.

He said it’s on  this premise that the “Time Is Now” administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang reiterated that if you cannot feed yourself, you hit yourself.

Stressed that when we are not satisfied with ourselves as living  beings, there is tendency that we will be angry with ourselves and there would be acrimonies in the land. But when we feed well and satisfied , we will be able to think well and do what is expected of us by our leaders .

Added that the government cannot be talking of infrastructure and other developmental projects when her populace are hunger, they wouldn’t listen to him and Undermine any developmental projects he may be putting in place.

Ubandoma further said it’s on this premise governor Mutfwang’s administration is desirous to ensure he gives agriculture it rightful position in the “Time Is Now” talk and do PDP Caleb Mutfwang led administration.

So food security on the plateau by extension Nigeria is the major reason while we are flagging off this program of “Improved Varieties  of Seedlings” to enable farmers have bumper harvest ,when will have bumper harvest, there would be that mindset to support the government in all the developmental projects that is embarking on in the state and other initiatives.

Reiterated the government advocacy for agriculture and food security , so if the government failed in that direction, we will not succeed with any plans we may be putting in place no matter how beautiful it may appear.

We saw this initiative of Agricultural revolution as very important initiative that would help to fast track government development in the state,so we can’t hesitate to support it whole hearted including any available resources within our disposal to achieve the desired peace and harmony on the Plateau.

The Commissioner who doubled as  One of the Executive Committee on  Agriculture in the state Hon. Ubandoma said this informed the reason while he has to physically be in attendance to flagging off to ensure we fine tune ideas to ensure the products reached the down trodden.

All the various farmers in affiliated unions mentioned in the course of this flagging off ceremony have their members down to the grass roots level, local government and their branches scattered across the state we will ensure the products get to them .

However, we may not be 100 percent in getting it right , if we can be able to achieve 70-80 percent for a start ,I think that is acceptable pass mark in any educational scores.

Revealed that the government is not unmindful of some people who stocked in trade of diverting the products to open market or personal use , he give his assurance of government mechanisms to check those bad eggs among the farmers because we are aware that there are farmers with financial muscles that can afford the product while majority can’t.

He said for now the government have to start the distribution of the farm inputs from catchment areas to  ensure the farmers have bumper harvest and government will in turn buy from them and redistribute to those farmers who may have not had the opportunity to benefit from the earlier government distributions.

He described the process as work in progress, but pointed out that contrary to call for Government to make provisions for loans facilities for the farmers in the state, for now it may not be feasible , but the government can only creat enably environment for them to secure loan facilities from the bank at zero percent interest rate.

Which is the reason almost all Banks in the state are present to witness the flag off to see where they can come in as part of their social responsibilities. 

By, Mike Ozekhome (SAN)

When on October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained her independence from British colonial tutelage, the Union Jack was lowered and replaced with Nigeria’s Green White Green Flag. A new National anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”, was introduced. The anthem with three stanza was written by a Briton, Frances Berda, whilst Lilian Jean Williams composed the lyrics.

 This anthem was to last till 1978 when the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, caused it to be replaced with a new National anthem titled “Arise, O Compatriots”.

 Only 29th May, 2024, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assented to a bill, rather rapidly passed by the National Assembly (NASS), bringing back the old “Nigeria, we hail thee” anthem which has evoked so much passion and nostalgia.A wide spectrum of the society has criticised the President and the National Assembly for pursuing with such vigor, the replacement of the existing National anthem with the old one. Their argument is simply that, whether old or new, none of the National anthems has brough food to the tables of any Nigerian or constructed our dilapidated roads; or stabilised the Naira which continues to dance like the “Esan Egbabonalimin Acrobat” , to music only it can understand.

 They argue that a mere change of the National anthem has not brought about good healthcare service; quality education to our teeming youths; nor security and peace to a country ravaged and rampaged by Boko Haram, insurgency, armed banditry, kidnapping, hunger, thirst, melancholy, hopelessness and helplessness of the average Nigerian man and woman.The antagonists argue that the rate of inflation in Nigeria today which stands at an incredible 33.20% in March, 2024, is economically and socially strangulating as against United States’ 3.36%; the United Kingdom’s 2.30%; China’s 0.30%; Germany’s 2.40%; France’s 2.40% and EU’s 2.60% inflation rate. 

They argue that singling out the issue of National anthem from a myriad of more serious multifaceted challenges plaguing Nigeria is a mere narcissistic distraction employed by a government that appears to have no answers to Nigeria’s burning problems.

 Such Nigerians cannot understand why they should be concerned about the National anthem when rice sells for over N90,000 per bag and when prices of soup condiments like atarodo, tatashe, onions, palm oil, tubers of yam and our main staple food, garri, not to talk of bread, have since spiraled out of the reach of the average Nigerian.While I share these strong sentiments, many of them well-placed, I however disagree that changing to the old National anthem was not a step well taken.

 I give kudos to President Tinubu and the National Assembly for passing the bill into law. For historical purposes, what the President and the National Assembly just did on 29th May, 2024, was actually my idea 10 years ago, when on the floor of the 2014 National Confab which was headed by the now late Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi (JSC) Rtd, with his deputy as Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, and the Secretary as Dr. Mrs Valerie Azinge, SAN. 

Just like Nostradamus, the man who saw into the future, I had moved a motion on Wednesday, 2nd July, 2014, calling for the replacement of “Arise, O Compatriots” with “Nigeria, we hail thee”. Some of the reasons I gave, which I repeated on 27th May, 2024, at the public hearing organized by the Senate during my contribution to the debate, is that the old National anthem possesses more nationalistic fervor, more patriotic gravitas and more inclusive and aggregative tendencies for a country yearning for nationhood than the bland and colourless “Arise, O Compatriots” which did not and could not energise Nigerians to see themselves as one people under one God.When I moved the said motion at the 2014 Confab, it was hotly debated and unanimously and consensually carried by the 492 delegates to the National Confab that presented Nigerians from all strata of the society – Federal Government; States; LGAs;

 Elder Statesmen and women; youth; students; civil societies; Labour; Trade Unions; traditional rulers; professionals; technocrats; private and public sectors; the military; civilians; the Executive; the Legislature; the Judiciary; the disabled; the civil service; the academia; the foreign service; members of the diplomatic corps; the Police; the market men and women and more.Spontaneously, the entire venue at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja, erupted when all the delegates stood up and made a clear rendition of the said old National anthem of “Nigeria, we hail thee”. 

There was something unusual about the unconstrained reaction; something simply unspeakable. It was like the scene of a football field featuring Nigeria and another country where all Nigerians buy into our victory irrespective of tribe, language, religion or class. This was the type of reaction which the late Dr. K.O. Mbadiwe would describe as leading to “national resurgimiento”.

 It was one of the very few items on which Nigerians built a consensus. This is what the newly brought back National anthem of Nigeria, we hail thee epitomizes. I had gone ahead in 2017 to author a 406 paged book titled, “Nigeria we hail thee”, a book that discussed in its entirety, the 2014 Confab from its genesis to its revelation. At pages 268-271 of the book, I had specifically discussed the need to revert to the “Nigeria, we hail thee” National anthem. 

I had even suggested that Nigeria’s name be changed to “Airegin”, a right-to-left pronunciation and spelling of Nigeria. I had also proposed that the national flag be changed to the original design that had the same green-white-green colours, but with a rising sun that shoots rays of light to all corners of Nigeria. While the latter two suggestions did not sail through, that of the National anthem did. I therefore believe that the 2014 National Confab should be given full recognition and kudos for at least having one of its over 600 recommendations adopted, even if a whooping 10 years later. Nothing good is ever too late. 

This reintroduced anthem will serve as a soothing balm to massage our bruised and fractured country still yearning for nationhood. Let us see and hear the lyrics to be able to capture this passion:

Nigeria, we hail thee,Our own dear native land,Though tribe and tongue may differ,In brotherhood, we stand,Nigerians all, and proud to Serve Our sovereign Motherland.Our flag shall be a Symbol That truth and justice reign,In peace or battle honour’d,And this we count as gain,To hand on to our childrenA banner without stain.O God of all creation,Grant this our one request,Help us to build a Nation Where no man is oppressed,And so with peace and Plenty Nigeria may be blessed.

The anthem from the lyrics and composition recognizes that Nigeria is our dear native land and that we do not have any other land to call ours. It recognizes Nigeria as our sovereign mother land so much so that though tribe and tongue may differ, we still bunch together in brotherhood.

. It recognizes that our flag should be seen as a symbol of the reign of truth and justice, whether in peace or battle times. The anthem desires that we must hand over this flag to our children as a banner without stain. 

The anthem did not forget God our Creator. It genuflects and pleads with God to grant us, even if it is only one request; and what is that request? – that as we strive hard to build, God should also help us build a nation where no man is oppressed – an egalitarian society where equality and equity reign supreme; where no man is regarded as commoners and the others as Emperors who trample upon them. All these so that with peace and plenty, Nigeria will be blessed.The anthem thus encompasses the entire dreams and aspirations of Nigerians. The anthem also mirrors a conversation that took place in the early 1940s between Dr.

 Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello as to whether we should recognize or forget our differences. The conversation went thus:“Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe: Let us forget our differences. “Sir Ahmadu Bello: No, let us understand our differences. I am a Muslim and a Northerner.

 You are a Christian, an Easterner. By understanding our differences, we can build unity in our country”Contrary to the argument of some people who believe that the resuscitation of the old National anthem which was done on 29th May, 2024, is a primordial reminder of our differences, the lyrics which are energising and effervescent, are simply saying the obvious. 

We are different, but our strength lies in our pluralism. The beauty of Nigeria lies in her Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of Many Colours’. We call it unity-in-diversity. I, as a Nigerian, am from Iviukwe, near Agenebode, Edo State, Estako East Local Government Area. That is where it pleased God to bring me to life.

 I therefore neither crave to be Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Ijaw, Efik, Ibibio, Kanuri, nor Tiv, Ankwei, Anang, Gbagyi, Esan, Andoni, Ebira, etc. It pleases God to give Nigeria about 374 ethnic groups that speak over 450 languages according to social scientist, Prof. 

Onigu Otite. Our strength as a nation therefore lies in our pluralistic nature which should be aggregated for national cohesion and rejuvenation. Section 24 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, provides for the essential duties of a citizen of Nigeria and specifically states that citizens should respect the National anthem and pledge amongst others.

 It states thus:Section 24 (a): “abide by this Constitution, respect its ideals and it institutions, the National Flag, the National anthem, the National Pledge and legitimate authorities” .Nigeria is not the first country and will not be the last country to change its National anthem. For the avoidance of doubt, the following countries at one time or the other changed their National anthem for various reasons. 

Such countries are Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brasil, Bulgaria, Chile, Cape Verde, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, South Korea, Kuwait, Mozambique, Netherlands, Niger, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, United States of America, Vatican City, Vietnam, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe, etc. 

The big question: what is in a name?“What is in a name? that which we call a roseBy any other name would smell as sweet”Soliloquy by Juliet in Act 2, Scene 2; Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

The answer:O, sure, there is everything in a name. If you doubt me, let anyone name his child “vulture”, “gorilla”, or “cow”. Watch their behaviour. Then you will understand the importance of a name. Then the logic of bringing back the old National anthem will strike you. God bless Nigeria.I’m

By, giwa alex, Jos

The chairman plateau state House of Assembly Commission honorable John Bull Shakaru has lauded the executive governor of plateau state Barrister Caleb Mutfwang for his excellent performance  in provision of people oriented projects within the space of one Year on the saddle as the governor of plateau state.

My hope  and sincere advice to Governor Mutfwang is for him to focus squarely on security of the state and it environ along side people’s oriented projects.

JohnBull was speaking in an Exclusive interview with Journalists in Jos on the occasion of  Governor Caleb Mutfwang 29th May celebration of One Year In Office.

Hon. JohnBull who was one time member of the House of Representatives Representing Shendam, Mikan and Qua Pan , said one year of Governor Mutfwang in the office as governor , so far so good.

He said though the governor face some teething problems immediately after the 2023 general election followed with plethora of tribunal cases.

The chairman said although court of Appeal delivered judgement in favor of the plaintiffs from the opposition parties in the state in respects of Plateau House of Assembly seats , which make the ruling PDP , loss  15 seats  to the oppositions Parties. 

Complained that the compositions of the House  mostly from the opposition parties , stressed that bringing in New Members to dominate the affairs of the State House of Assembly was a set-back to the ruling PDP as they have to go through another round of training  for them to fit in into the tasking challenges they have to encounter on their new assignment as lawmakers. 

Again it may interest you to know that the  Members returned to the House by the Appeal court were from different Parties,so you don’t expect things to go seamlessly compared to when they are from  the same party. This the chairman said poses hindrance to cordial relationship between the Executive and member of the state lawmakers which is telling on lawmaking in the house. 

On the Seven Lawmakers that are still locked out from lawmaking business, JohBull said the members made a very grave error which cannot be corrected ordinarily but through legal interpretation for future precedences.

He further revealed that the affected members went to court for redress on issues and you filed your case separately as  they all participated on election separately.

Further revealed that since  they have been served with certificate of return by  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it behoved on you to go and report yourself to the speaker of the house with the view of Swear-In  as member of the state  lawmakers as the case may be.

Lamented that the Plaintiffs returned by Appeal court judgement,decided to come as corporate members, it may interest you to know  there is no cooperate body in the court, and they did not even come by themselves to summit themselves to the honorable speaker, rather they came with their Legal representative who introduced them to the lawmakers including Speaker of the house,the action Johnbull   described as an aberration.

On those who are planing  the impeachment of the Honorable Speaker of the house Gabriel Dawan ,he advised them to think twice because it’s no longer easy to Impeach the speaker just like that. 

For the impeachment of the speaker to be ratified, it most be put to vote on the floor of the house , while those For and Against will be  counted separately and openly , meaning put to vote. 

This is unlike what is obtainable before when ordinary piece of paper  will  be pass among the members, each members append his/her signature depending their  loyalty lies which in most times it’s can be influenced,So those thinking that they can just  wake up from their wrong side of hatred against  the speaker and decide to initiate impeachment proceeding against him should think twice.

 .

However advised Governor Mutfwang that is not yet ‘Huru’, advised  him to focus more on security of the state and it environ, and  ensure that those who have decided to make themselves enemies of the state through  constant attacks giving the citizens sleepless nights should be smoked out from their respective hideout  and handed over to  law enforcement agency.

Further adviced the governor to concentrate on basic infrastructure , basic social  amenities that have direct bearing on average plateau man on the street essentially communication which is very important to the people including those at the grassroots. 

By,Comrd Ezekafor Ebube 

we won’t keep quiet until this government changes for good because we are the one that worked for them, we campaigned for people and people are seeing us as wicked people now, I urge our president to do something very urgent to subsidize food prices across the country, my people in SOUTHEAST don’t want to see us again with good eyes. 

people can’t afford two square miles a day, only dried pepper without meat or fish, and your policies have made many people to developed ulcer, people with ulcer are plenty but no money for treatment due to high cost of drugs, people are suffering, as I speak now custard rubber of Garri is #3500, Beans custard #7000, Fuel #850, Cooking gas is no go Area, Nigerians are not happy with us as members and supporters of APC, our lives are in danger now, 80% of the APC support groups are in shames, we are not against Mr president but we are facing a lot.

 The irony of it all is that some of us spent the little resources we had during camping and election but now we don’t have money to feed our children. Please do something about it, if Mr president don’t want people to die before Nigeria becomes better, He must better do something about it, 65% of Nigerians don’t know what to eat this night and those that knows what to eat are eating things that they don’t like, pls let’s use one voice to tell the government the truth, We are the APC at the Grassroots, let’s wake up from our slumber, there is a lot of things that we have to tell our president but I don’t know why our people are still sleeping, most people that are around the president are not telling him the truth, some of the ministers and Governors are sleeping. The minister of youth should wake up to the expectations and setup programs of the youth by the youth to the youth across the 774 LGAs.

 that is part of what is affecting us most to compensate and empowers youths. people are really suffering 😭😭 Mr president 🙏🙏

Long live Nigeria 

Long live Mr president 

 *Comrd Ezekafor Ebube 

Deputy National Coordinator JAGABAN NATIONAL GRASSROOT MOVEMENT JNGM and Anambra State Secretary APUSGA ezekaforikenna@gmail.com*

Our Reporter 

Expected Nations wide broadcast by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mark his one year in office as the number one citizens of the country we run short of the expected ingredients as the president going to limit his broadcast to his administration achievements during the year under review.

Other areas the president will concentrate his expected broadcast on is  democratic journey of Nigeria from 1999 when the military government hastingly abandoned the grip of power to democratic government of Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.

This was contained in a Press release dated 28th May 2024 signed by the president Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga and made available to this medium electronically. 

According  to the release,Bola Ahmed Tinubu will NOT make  a broadcast to the nation on Wednesday to celebrate his first anniversary as the leader of Nigeria.

Instead, the President will address a joint session of the National Assembly, which has lined up a programme to commemorate 25 years of the nation’s democratic journey at both the executive and legislative levels. 

President Tinubu’s speech  will dwell on the achievements of his administration and Nigeria’s democracy since the military ceded power in 1999.

Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, former speaker of the House of Representatives and now President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila are all lined up to address the parliament. 

Also lined up to speak is the former military ruler, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who handed over power to civilian administration in 1999.

At the end of the speeches,  President Tinubu will commission the National Assembly Library and  Resource Center, now to be known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Building.

By, giwa alex, jos

The Uja of Anaguta His Royal Majesty Uja Anaguta the Chairman Jos North Council of Chiefs,Pozoh Johnson Jauro Magaji  has identified hypocrisy, Sycophancy and other dehumanizing Vices Militating against the progress and development of Anaguta Nation.

The Chairman Traditional Council in Jos North local Government of the state HRM Pozoh Johnson said not untill Anaguta  people discard  the unprogressive vices , it will continue to hamper the progress and development of Anaguta Nation at home and abroad.

The Traditional Ruler  give the advice in his goodwill message during Anaguta National Day of prayer held at the Palace of HRM Uja Anaguta at Dogo Duse in Jos North local Government of the state 25th May 2024.

The Royal Father lamented how  Anaguta man will stop at nothing to castigate his brother to get  political favor if the need be which he Condemned in Strong term. 

He stressed  that if they continue in that directions , they should expect nothing tangible particularly from the government who will not take them seriously when relocating positions that will better the development of Anaguta Nation. 

The Royal Father further adviced the sons and daughters of Anaguta Nation to have change of attitude for the over all development of Anaguta People in the state.

Further revealed the reason behind Anaguta National Day of Prayer , for Anaguta Nation to summit their supplication before God Almighty for intervention in our social, political and other problems that  is  bedeviling the community in particular and the state as whole. 

Add that he is on the  believe that God who answers  the prayer  of the saints have heard  our supplications before  him and the  Prayers of Anaguta sons  and daughters has been answered  because he is God of Mercy as “He said if people who truly called me by my name can humble themselves and turned from their evil way, i will heal their land.

Advised Anaguta Nation to love  one another as directed by God in the Holy Bible .

Earlier in his welcome address Rev.Luka Dala the representative of Pastors forum said the prayer for the Anaguta Nation is for them to bring their supplication before God with the view of addressing them.

He further said , there is nothing too difficult for God to do for those who truly believed in Him.

The guest speaker ,reading from chronicles chapter 7v11  captioned his message “God has not abandoned us, said God refused David to build Him temple because he felt his hand is full of blood .

He further said the Bible also recorded that God appeared to Solomon in the night that He has heard the supplication of his people and their prayers has been answered.

The Transition Committee Chairman of Jos North local Government  Hon. Samuel Umaru Dala harps on Anaguta Nation to aspire to  highest Pinnacle of political power.

Advised the Anaguta Nation to avoid settling for the lowest positions particularly political power and hope and  pray if they couldn’t get their heart desire ,they will surely be rewarded by God who never sleep non slumber.

The transition committee chairman (TIC),thank the the Anaguta Nation for making it possible for the realization  of his appointment as the chairman of jos North Local government council.

State without their support it couldn’t  have been possible for him to be appointed.

The chairman charged them to pray for the people in power because leadership position is the most difficult task to accomplish in Nigeria and other places in the world 

He made them  realized that  Anaguta has lost it over the years for ruining away from leadership positions that would have put the community in vantage position such as holding political position.

Hon. Samuel Umaru advised the Anaguta son and daughters in the state and diaspora to consider themselves as brother and sisters to love one  another to attract development to Anaguta land.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The Factional Chairman of APC in plateau state honorable Ishaya Itse will not stop stating the obvious, by comparing the achievement of his Party ,the All Progressive Congress APC in plateau state under senator Bako’s administration 4 years as governor of the state to Caleb Mutfwang of PDP administration 1 Year in the office. 

As the Factional APC Chairman in the state said this is not about party or membership of the same party, but is about stating the obvious by telling the citizens of plateau and by extension Nigeria the truth that 1 year of People’s Democratic Party PDP, in plateau under Mutfwang  cannot be compared to 4 years of All Progressive Congress APC, under Lalong led administration.

The embattled APC Chairman in the state honorable Ishaya Itse spoke  to Journalists in telephone interview recently in Jos the state capital.

He said is not time to be economical with the truth , stressed that the time of politicking is over,  is time to give the dividend of democracy to the people of plateau who queue under  scorching sun to elect  leaders they thought would savage them from poverty and other Inhuman vices.

As APC Chairman,i  want to tell the citizens of  plateau,and Nigerians that governor Bako Lalong administration failed woofully during  the period under review, to say the least is total wast which can best described as “Wasted Years” on the plateau. 

He further add that those who are comparing the administration of PDP under Caleb Mutfwang to that of APC during Lalong are those honorable Itse referred  to as political mischief makers who hide under party feeding from the crumbs from Political table of their masters regardless of their inefficiency in office.

He stressed that plateau State belongs to all, and  bigger than single or groups of individuals ,as  against the background,we cannot afford to use it  to play cheap politics for  selfish and parochial interest.

The Factional Chairman outline the developmental projects of Mutfwang administration just within One year to include, transforming the road networks in the state, provision of transportation buses to reduce the suffering of  masses following  removal of oil subsidy, timely distribution of fertilizer to farmers in the state, aggressive intervention on security breach in any parts of the state ,and other numerous achievements just within the space of a year in office as the  Executive Governor .

As APC Chairman in the state, I am in advantage position to educate people the achievements of my party , APC, one year in office under governor Lalong, sorry to revealed that our celebration to marked  one year in office  was practically paper work not practical for the citizens of the state to see as its in Mutfwang’s administration that you can feel ,touch as the case may be. 

This Itse said is occasioned by the former governor  Bako Lalong inability to distinguished between  governance from friendship  where enormous power were left in hands of political amateurs ,groups and  individuals because they operate within the political power brokers in the party  or introduced by those in corridor of power.

He gives  example of Professor Danladi Atu, the SGS during  the period, who weighed  much unregulated power ,and unilaterally hand picked those he feels should  loyal to him as local government Chairmen and bring  returns to his illegal coffers.

Professor Atu literally become a hard nut to crack as governor Bako Lalong no longer put him under check which later brought the reign of the party on impunity to end in 2023 general election. 

Those  actions and several others destroyed APC under Lalong because he lack leadership qualities to lead the Party in the state which gives room to some persons to hijacked the party and turned  themselves into “Demi gods” like Rufus Bature, the seif acclaimed  APC Chairman,one of the political virus who eventually killed and finally buried the party in 2023 general election in the state, Itse maintained. 

By, giwa alex, Jos

Former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Bako Lalong has condoled with the former Secretary to  Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu over the demise of his immediate younger brother Mr. Daniel Ajiji Atu who passed on to glory. 

Senator Lalong in a message described the death of Mr. Ajiji Atu as a big loss for the family and the State as a whole. 

Senator Bako Lalong’s condolences message is contained in press statement dated 26th May 2024 signed by his Special Adviser on media Makut Simon Macham and made available to this medium in jos, plateau state.

He said the deceased served the State diligently as a staff of Jos North Local Government Council where he contributed his quota to the development of the State. 

While commiserating with the Atu family, Lalong asked them to be consoled by the fact that the deceased served humanity with the best of his ability and showed kindness and love to all who came across him.

He urged them to accept the sad development as the will of God and continue to pray for the repose of his soul while upholding his good legacies. 

Our Reporter

The  APC Factional Chairman in Plateau State , Hon. Ishaya Itse has  thank the Executive Governor of plateau State ,Caleb Mutfwang , the former Governor of the state and Senator  federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye and others digritries for gracing the service of his mother’s burial held on 17th May 2024 at COCIN LCCII  Nukpis kaben ,Jos North Local Government Area, plateau State.

As the APC  Factional chairman  Itse said  he can’t express how he felt for the first  citizens of the State,  Caleb Mutfwang,  former governor of the state and Senator Federal Republic of Nigeria,Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye  found him worthy  to honor his invitation to attend. 

Honourable Itse expressed his thank during his thank you visits separately to Governor Mutfwang and Joshua Dariye in Jos  plateau State capital recently. 

He  lauded  the humility of the Excellencies governors towards him and the bereaved families to say the least is a pointer that you are leaders with leadership qualities who have spirit of forgiveness, accommodating and togetherness.

And prayed  God to give the former governor of the state Chief Joshua Dariye more years for the up coming political youths in the state and by extension Nigeria to tap from his political knowledge that would help to move the state and country forward and prayed governor Mutfwang more wisdom to pilot the affairs of the state to enviable hight. 

Similarly, he congratulate Governor Mutfwang as he mark 1 year in office as governor of the state and Prayed God to give him more vision and wisdom like that of King Solomon  to reposition  the economic and other infrastructural development for the wellbeing of the citizens of Plateau state.

Itse advised Governor Mutfwang to continue his developmental and people oriented projects he have been doing since assumption of office as governor of the state.

However urged the governor not to succumb to Rufus Bature’s APC Factional chairman antics to distract  PDP led government in the state.

Stressed that as a member of APC in state and chairman of the party , my thought for the state is for good devoid of political ethics and political differences.

Further add that the period of politicking is over , now time for Governance I am using this opportunity to congratulate “The Time Is Now” Government of Caleb Mutfwang for his one year in office as the Executive Governor of Plateau State.

As  Factional Chairman of APC in the state, I commend governor Mutfwang for his achievement so far within one year as governor of the State, he is able to touch all areas of development in the state, the chairman mentioned. 

By, giwa alex, jos

The Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps and Vehicle Inspection Office, Plateau State has successfully graduated 36 Soldiers trained in Basic Driving  Skills today 24 May 2024. The ceremony which took place at Headquarters Auditorium climaxed with presentation of certificates to the soldiers drawn from all the units and formation within 3 Division.    

Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar charged the newly trained drivers to professionally utilize the skills acquired to ensure the safety of troops conduction operations to secure the citizens. 

General Abubakar narrated that the objective of training the drivers was inline with the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy to enhance the soldier’s skills and build the capacity of drivers with basic driving techniques and general vehicle maintenance.  

Represented by the Division Training Officer, Brigadier General A Aminu, the GOC/Commander  OPSH further charged the drivers to maintain high levels of enthusiasm in operating military vehicles, while ensuring strict adherence to traffick rules.    

The GOC/Commander OPSH remarked that, it was in the best interest of the 3 Division to ensure that personnel continually advance their knowledge, experiences and ability to effectively contribute to military operations.

In his welcome address, the Acting Commander 73 Supply and Transport Brigade, Colonel  BY Abbas, appreciated the GOC for his support towards the success of the course. He added, that the event marked another milestone in the execution of the formation’s assigned task, as well as training activities in line with the 3 Division’s 2024 Training 

cycle.

Colonel Abbas disclosed that the students were drawn from various formations and units within the Cantonment. He maintained that with the support from the FRSC and other agencies in grooming the students, the graduating students would contribute their quota in achieving the Division’s assigned tasks. 

The climax of the event includes the presentation of certificates, presentation of awards to deserving students and group photograph.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The plateau state governor Barrister Caleb Mutfwang has constituted council for ease of doing business where  agencies relevant to the development of Nigerian Association of Small And Medium Enterprise(NASME),to ensure the removal of the hiccups hitherto bedeviling the agency in the state.

As the council is currently headed by the Secretary to the State government of Plateau, architect Samuel Jatau which is a pointer that His Excellency Caleb Mutfwang is very desirous and importance attached to the agency.

The Director General SMSE Bomkam Wuyep revealed this in an interview  with Journalists during the Inauguration of Nigerian Association Of Small And Medium Enterprise (NASME), plateau State Executive , and local Government coordinators Exhibition of made in plateau products held at CSDS Hall opposite  Crispan Hotel Ray Field Tuesday 21st May 2024.

The Director General said governor Mutfwang knowing the importance of NASME as the engine room of the economic of the state which contributed almost 75 percent to the state gross domestic products and about 90 percent of employment to teeming population of the populace of the state.

The DG further stressed the government under governor Mutfwang can’t under score  NASME in the state which he described very key, which informed why  governor  Mutfwang introduction of initiative to it growth and development in the state.

Further revealed that the governor on assumption of office as the executive Governor of the state, strengthened official of the NASME in the state by retraining the Staff to be able to handle the challenges they face in the course of the job. 

To ensure close monitoring of the agency for effective workability in the state, the governor appointed Secretary to the State Government Samuel Jatau which is a demonstration that Governor Mutfwang “Time is Now Administration” is very serious with the program.

He also revealed that the governor Inaugurated the NASME council in the state headed by the Secretary to the State Government Architect Samuel Jatau which we have pass the policy as proposed by the Barrister Caleb Mutfwang which we shall be launching by June that would have positive impact for NASME in the state.

Added that the governor has also gone ahead to appoint Special Adviser in Governor’s Office on NASME, and will soon have Special Adviser on skills Acquisition that will help to grant the  NASME development in the state.

“Plateau finance agency is also the agency of the state government for poverty reduction through jobs promotion, so for the governor to strengthen that agency is a pointer that he has strong passion on NASME in the state.”

Although  there is this erroneous believe that plateau is a civil service State, but we should also bear it at the back of our mind that government cannot provide everything including jobs, the reason why we are creating enabled environment for our NASME in the State. 

“Our strategic position as agency is to facilitate finances for the NASME agency in the state, that have been bedevilled  by  challenges before now, with the establishment of NASME Development  Fund ,the DG said the government is able to get  accessible and affordable financing for Plateau State NASME that  will be sustainable.

The state government have done series of training for member of NASME which is expected that those who benefited will in turn train those who may have not have the previlage to benefit. 

 Bomkam said the government of the state is also making  frantic efforts  in facilitating marketing linkage with the agency which is part of our strategy, advised  members of the agency to leverage on the rare opportunity. 

He submitted that these and may more are some of the efforts governor Mutfwang is making to sustain the sub sector on the plateau, further revealed that plateau have a lot of unique products which is not know by the people, but when we take advantage of NASME for their market to be  know Nation wide.

Add that the state government is currently partnering with bank of industry for the standardization of our products and to reduce the cost of production, as you know that there is inflation in the State, and country as a whole and compete with other products in other places. 

He revealed that Governor Mutfwang led government have approved the third phase of COVID 19 which the government is currently looking out for grants for NASME on the plateau. 

Our Reporter 

Scores of persons is reported killed as Gunmen in their numbers reportedly invaded and over run Zurak Village in Bashir District of Wase LGC of plateau state. 

According to report the number of persons currently alleged to have been  killed they blood thirsty gunmen is not fewer than 40 including vigilantes. 

According to residents of the community, the incident occurred around 5: pm, on Monday, when people were going about their normal activities.

The residents said but they could not immediately report the incident due to the poor communication network in the area.

Another resident who  could not give his name at the time of this report,also confirmed the incident  that  the gunmen invaded the village with motorcycles weighing sophisticated weapons and started shooting sporadically.

Further said not fewer than 40 persons are currently killed while several others injured  from bullets wounds.

The residents of the community have been reported to have deserted the area.

By, giwa alex, jos

!*

Following the recent unrest at Banex Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, on Saturday 18th May 2024, by yet to be identified hoodlums who launched a brutal attack on some Nigerian Army personnel, a swift  intervention by soldiers and policemen on internal security duties salvaged the situation and rescued the attacked personnel from being lynched  by the hoodlums.

It is important to note that the soldiers attacked were unarmed, did not engage in any form of aggression, and posed no threat to anyone,therefore, the cruel treatment meted out to the Army was entirely unwarranted and unjustifiable.

The condenmation over the attack of Army is contained in a Press statement dated 21st May 2024 signed by Major General  Onyema Nwachkwu Army Public  Relations Officer and made available to this medium. 

According to the statement,in  response to this unfortunate incident, a meeting was convened with the management of Banex Plaza to  identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous act by temporarily shutting down activities in the plaza to ensure that the hoodlums who have been using the Banex neighborhood as a sanctuary to pose a security threat to the Federal Capital Territory were apprehended. 

This the statement said is in furtherance of the need for extensive investigation to be conducted at the scene to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of this mayhem.

 This investigation ultimately aims at ensuring the security of the Federal Capital Territory and to prevent such unwarranted attacks on our personnel and other security operatives, as has been observed in other areas, such as the unfortunate attack in Okuama.

The Nigerian Army will equally ensure that it diligently investigates the circumstances surrounding the presence of the personnel at the plaza and the attack that ensued.

Nonetheless, such acts of violence against personnel are not only condemnable, but could degenerate to a breakdown of law and order, orchestrating threats to national security.

Accordingly,  the NA enjoined members of the public to exercise caution and restraint in dealing with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform.

 There are established channels through which grievances or misconduct by  personnel could be reported to the appropriate authorities. It is imperative that these channels are utilized to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect our nation.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU 

Major General 

Director Army Public Relations 

21 May 2024

By, giwa alex, jos

The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command Olugbemiga Emmanuel Adesina, in recognition of the vital role played by the Plateau State Government in ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Plateau State, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang at his residence in the Old Government House Rayfield, Jos on 20th May, 2024.

During the visit, the Commissioner of Police expressed his genuine appreciation to the Governor for the continual and unfailing support given to the Police in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

The CP went on to intimate his excellency on some of the operational strategies he has adopted since his assumption of duty, which includes the visitation of flashpoints and troubled areas, and the deployment of adequate personnel to those areas in order to enhance the security situation in the state.

 The Plateau State Police Command is also collaborating with other security agencies, as well as critical stakeholders as part of its community policing initiatives.

The Commissioner of Police expressed his readiness to key into the vision and programmes of His Excellency, towards ensuring the peace and security of Plateau State. 

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang commended the Commissioner of Police for his proactive approach to the security situation of the State, while recognizing the important role played by the Police in the affairs of internal security.

 He therefore pledged his full support to the Command in its efforts to maintain peace and security in Plateau State.

He further expressed hope that his government would continue to count on the Police’s professionalism in ensuring that the laws which are meant for the good of the citizens are properly obeyed. 

To this end, he assured the Commissioner of Police that the government under his leadership will begin the immediate rehabilitation of all police vehicles which are not operational. He also promised that more vehicles will be provided to the Command in due time.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The Chairman Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emirs in Plateau State His Royal Majesty(HRM), Jacob Gyang Buba the Gbong Gwon Jos has send stern Warning to those  desperate to dispossessed  the Berom Nation, by extension plateau in general their God giving Ancestorial lands to personal use to be warned as the people of the state can no longer tolerate their excesses any longer , said enough is enough.

Said land of plateau is giving to them by God Almighty through their forefathers ,no body , no matter the threats and  killings would make them let it go to a total strangers.

The Royal Father handed down the warning during the celebration of 2024 Nzem Berom Cultural day , and  launching of Trust Fund for Berom sons and daughters which coincides with His Majesty 15 years on the throne held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium Friday 17th 2024.

He decried the sporadic Killings of the sons and daughters of the  Plateau occasioned to quest to acquire their inheritance , Ancestorial land which was bequeathed to them by their forefathers through God Almighty.

He explained that wherever people find themselves should be seen to  owned by people as is the case of Plateau, stressed that the erroneous believe by some desperate people who stocked in trade of grabbing any available land belonging to another natives in most case ,killing and destroying their properties when they resisted their  acquisition cannot ,henceforth be taken lightly in the state.

The Royal Father use this welcome address at the occasion to welcome all who find time to attend the cultural event , stressed that people without culture are those without identity ,the yearly marked of Berom Culture is a pointer that we have cherished culture and tradition Urged all to emulate.

He revealed that this year Nzem Berom Cultural Day Celebration is marked in low kin following the sporadic  killings of innocent citizens of the state for just no reasons in some local government councils and the death of one of the member of the traditional council in the state in Kabong as Mark of honor.

Further reiterated  traditional  council  in the state and by extension Nigeria as whole to cooperate with government at different levels in finding lasting solutions to the mirage of problems and insecurities currently bedeviling the country.

Called on the Security agencies in the state and Nigeria in general to raise up to the immediate occasion of finding lasting solution to the insecurity ravaging the State and the entire country.

The call is imperative as farming season have set in to ensure farmers return to farm to avoid being attacked by those blood thirsty militias or bandits, what names they called themselves, to avoid further food Scarcity which is currently ravaging the entire state, and Nigeria. 

Dr. Gyang Buba shower accolade on Governor of Plateau State Barrister Caleb Mutfwang over his gant stride in the provision of developmental projects and performance less than one year in office , and his Readiness to reposition many mutilated policies of the immediate past APC government in the state.

Further adviced him not to lose focus as the machineries of the Traditional Council in the state is solidly in his support.

” As Traditional institution in the state, we are not unaware of the facts that the government cannot do everything alone that is the reason we are using this cultural celebration today to launch Trust Fund ” Nweru Legacy Foundation” when put in place will help to give hope to jobless plateau state youths and by extension Nigeria. 

Those that graced the event were the Senate president Godswill Apkabio, Secretary to federal government George Akume, governor of Gombe state, present and past state governor of Plateau State except governor Lalong which alleged to be bereaved. 

Others are senators, House of Representatives, commissioners, local government Transitions Implementation Chairmen and other digritries too numerous to mention.

Cultural display added colour to the occasion . 

By, giwa alex, Jos

Member Representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives Honourable Daniel Asama has added another cap to his representation as he emerged the Patron of Nollywood Northern Artists Association of Nigeria Chapter. 

The new position was bestored on the lawmaker by the president of Nollywood Artistes Association of Nigeria  Senator Liege -Lord  Keston Okoro Mohammed Al-Amin.

Receiving his  appointment letter and official branded Tshirts at a scheduled meeting in the midst of his staff and National Northern exco in Jos on Saturday the 18th May 2024 the honourable representative of the Bassa/Jos-North constituency Daniel Asama Ago warmly received this recognition and endorsement and stated his commitment to the creation of active Nollywood activities for the entire northern region and towards its sustainability in Plateau state as an epi-center for creative industry incubator activities. 

In another similar  development,Amb.Hoomsuk Alex Jibrin from Plateau State has also been appointed as the National Northern Coordinator for the Nollywood Artistes Association of Nigeria .

His appointment is for his foresight of delegating dedicated forerunners as exco for the advancement of Nollywood activities in the 19 states of the North with the forward strategy making  plateau state the next Nollywood Iconic Epicenter in Nigeria.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Operations SAFE HAVEN (OPSH)  Saturday 18th May 2024 organized a seminar for critical stakeholders towards achieving a successful farming season in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

  The seminar with the theme *”Peaceful Coexistence Towards a Successful Farming Season”* was held at the DM Bello Multipurpose Hall, Sanga Local Government Council Headquarters Gwantu and drew participants cutting across all sides of the divide.

 Also, in attendance at the seminar were government officials, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, youth and women leaders as well as civil society organizations. 

In the keynote address, the Commander OPSH and GOC 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major General AE Abubakar stressed the importance of the seminar which would facilitate a hitch free farming season and also highlighted the crucial role played by the Agricultural Sector in the overall development of any nation.

 He therefore urged the stakeholders to create an enabling environment for farming and herding activities to be carried out side by side without fear or conflict. He however warned misguided persons who may wish to disrupt farming activities this year to have a rethink as OPSH will not hesitate to decisively deal with such criminals in line with extant laws.

On their parts, the guest speakers who spoke on the theme emphasized the need for upholding the sanctity of human lives by desisting from indiscriminate attacks. They also collectively urged the participants to tolerate one another and learn to forgive grievances from the past as reprisals would only lead to further losses which would further aggravate poverty.

 They also pointed out that a successful farming season is only possible in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect for one another. The resource persons also endorsed the Bottom – Top Crisis Resolution Mechanism of OPSH which ensures that all peace efforts are transmitted to the lowest echelon and consequently advised the participants to use all avenues to pass the message of peace to their followers and wards. 

Highpoint of the seminar was the interactive session during which participants cutting across all sides of the divide lauded the initiative by Operation SAFE HAVEN and promised to do their best to ensure peaceful coexistence towards attaining a successful farming season in Sanga Local Government Area.

At the end of the seminar, writing materials were presented to some schools as part of Civil-Military Cooperation activities. Additionally, one of the pre-primary school was presented with a Merry-Go-Round facility to aid the pupils’ physical fitness training. 

The Commander also used the opportunity to visit the Forward Operating Base Sanga where he was briefed on the current operational activities of the unit. He also commissioned the newly constructed Administrative Area for troops at Ancha Area Command.

 Also, as part of efforts to the tempo of kinetic operations, the commander commissioned some combat motorcycles to aid the mobility of troops into the difficult terrain of the adjoining areas.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has encouraged intending pilgrims from the state to embody the values of love, peace, and tolerance as they embark on the sacred journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.

Bidding  farewell to the departing pilgrims from Plateau, Governor Mutwang enjoined them to not only pray for themselves and their families but also for the restoration of lasting peace in the state.

“As you embark on the fifth pillar of Islam, you carry not only your personal aspirations but also the collective hopes and spiritual yearnings of our beloved state. The Hajj is a journey of profound reflection, steadfast faith, and a commitment to righteousness.”

He emphasized the significance of this act of worship by highlighting his administration’s unwavering support for the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and ensuring the spiritual growth and welfare of Muslims in the state.

As the Chief Security Officer of the State, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his dedication to upholding fairness and justice for all citizens, regardless of tribe, religion, or background. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, prioritizing the unity and prosperity of Plateau State.

“In your prayers and supplications, remember our dear State, not only for immediate peace but for sustained harmony and unity,” he urged.

Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, the Executive Secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his support of the Muslim community in the state.

 He noted that the Governor’s sponsorship of 540 out of 1,232 pilgrims, the approval of funds for the resettlement of backlog deposits and the procurement of a bus for the board demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the Muslim Ummah.

He called on all to pray and support the efforts of Governor Mutwang in providing transformative leadership for Plateau State.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The  immediate past Governor of plateau state and serving Senator in 10th National Assembly Representing Plateau South at the Senate, Senator Simon Bako Lalong has been described as leader lacking forgiving spirit who is not suppose to occupy a leadership position.

This is because a leader must Imbibe that spirit of tolerance to demonstrate  his leadership qualities with the views of putting others on right track when you err as a pointer he is a leader that accommodate all irrespective of Political , tribal and ethics differences.

The Factional Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC) in plateau state berated the former Governor in an interview with journalist during the funeral of his mother held in jos East local Government of plateau state.

The embattled chairman of APC in the state Itse said if he had wrong the former Governor Lalong in the course of political sojourn or in an other way not know to me, I expected him to forgive me and condole with me over the death of my mother.

I expected him to show love  and compassion to me at this critical time in my live  that I lose one of my treasure, mother.

Further  add that the action of Senator Simon Bako shows  he totally lacked  leadership qualities in the first instance, for him to have assumed leadership position is by God grace which he did not have. 

His action clearly shows while the party APC  under his watch in the state  was bedevilled with mirage of crisis to the other  because he grossly lack leadership qualities and charisma to carry people along and unify force. 

He revealed the secret of what bring him closer  to the former Governor of plateau state, Joshua Dariye to the extent of  attending the funeral of his late mother, honorable Ishaya said because he always stands on the part of truth and justice .

Based on my past anticident from my childhood , my policy and principal of life which is the symbol of peace and sign of leadership  I am able to coordinate direct and manage.

For the former Governor of Plateau Joshua Dariye to accord  me the recognition  as the Factional  chairman of APC in the state,you should know that my mandate as the chairman of APC on the plateau is real because Lalong and his cohort just unilaterally installed Rufus Bature as the party chairman in the state, is not that he won the election that warrant him because Lalong bring friendship into the party as against the Constitution and guideline of the party that is how the party gradually going into abyss which eventual make it suffer defect at the poll in 2023 General Election. 

Hon. Itse maintained that he remain the chairman of the Party as Rufus Bature led dissidents group parading themselves as the Excos of the party are illegal,as they didn’t go through the process of election as layed down on the party constitution and electoral Act.

So if the person of the caliber of senator Dariye who is not just one of the stakeholder of APC on the plateau but the entire Nigeria could recognize my position in the party, what else did you want, this base on the facts on gound.

On his relationship with his late mother mama Esther Ijuma Yusufu, he said she is not just a mother, she is spiritual mother , political mother who contributed a lot to my growing up .

During my school days she single handedly paid my school fees , to say the least she contributed a lot to my success in live.

Stressed he would ever leave to remember his mother , that is while I will immortalise her by naming an NGO in her name which is currently dedicated to her memory. 

By, giwa alex, Jos

The Former Governor of Plateau State and senator in the 9th Assembly and the sitting Governor of the State , Barrister Caleb Mutfwang were among the dignitaries who grazed the burial Funeral of the Mother of  All Progressive Congress APC Factional Chairman on the plateau held at the COCIN LCCII Nukpis kaben JUTH 4th gate 17th May 2024 in Jos East local Government of plateau state. 

The Former Governor of the state Joshua Chibi Dariye who described honorable Itse as a trust worthy son admonished the congregants and the family of the deceased not to mourn like those who did not trust where they are going after here on earth, rather they should weep for their love ones as that whom they believe is in heaven.

Dariye further add that he have to make out time out of his tight schedules to attend the finals burial rite of the mother of his political son and encourage him to be strong that mama like paul in the bible has run enough race and has give up hope and should stop weeping for mama but have the hope that she is resting in the bossom of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The former Governor used the occasion to announce to the congregation of the donation toward the construction of the church where the church service for the final  burial rite is taking place, as he promised the donation of the some of 2 million Naira towards the completion of the house of God currently under construction.

Earlier the Former Governor spiced up the occasion will with interesting Christian orendation.

On his part the Governor of Plateau State Caleb Mutfwang exulted the legacy of the late mama Esther, described her as mother who ensure the children acquired western education despite she was not educated and not financially buoyant but stay glued to the husband to ensure the training of her children they succeeded.

Governor mutfwang represented by commissioner of information communication honourable Musa Ashoms encouraged the Itse family to believe that their mother is resting with the Lord. 

He said the governor would have love to be here in person, but because of the exigency of the office , something come up at the last hour which distorted his coming. 

Reading from the 1st book of Thessalonians the officiating Rev. Father admonished the congregation not to weep like those in the world who didn’t know where they are going after death.

Speaking on the topic : Death is not the end , but creat vacuum for something to happen said there is science  in theology, and theology in science .

Further add that there is the law of gravity in the Bible which can be best described man natural law which is fresh.

And said the second is the law of spirit which is God Almighty himself.