A Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos Division on Monday ordered the Nigeria Police Command to pay compensation of 500,000.00 or risks Jail for failure to enforce Judgement creditor /plaintiff ,Dr Joshua Ubandoma Laven for truncating his tenure of office .
The vacation Judge , Justice S.P. Gang has ordered the Plateau State Commissioner of police command to pay the compensation for sealing the office of Executive Chairman ,Hon.Dr Joshua Ubandoma Laven which he saddle with the duty to enforce rules of law .
“You would recalled that sometimes in June 2022 ,Dr Joshua Ubandoma Laven approached the court seeking for interpretation of Judgement obtained as the elected chairman of Lantang North LGA and tenure expired 10th Oct ,2022,” .
Dr Joshua Ubandoma Laven filed a suit through his Counsel ,Barr.Niri Darong challenging his illegal removal as the chairman of Lantang North ,and Judgment was entered in his favour and the Commissioner of police ,CP Bartholomew Onyeka ordered that for insecurity the office should remain under locked and key .
It’s was gathered that base on the Judgement an imposter ,Barr.Zulfa Rimven was brought to occupied the office to run the affairs of the council without him been an elected chairman of Lantang North LG.
Justice Gang said that by constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, the Commissioner of police acted contrary for breaching the law of enforcement handed to him by our laws .
The Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council of Plateau State , Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven has approach the court to complete the remaining of his tenure of office as chairman of Lantang North LG which was truncated by INEC who organised fresh LG election when his tenure is till running .
The judge ordered that the Claimant,/creditor be allow into office any moment from now.
Any attempt to refused the order given by the court risks to disobedient to court order, and tantamount to Jail.
The Commander of the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Ibrahim Ali,has declared open the Joint Peace Summit organized to sensitize communities in Pleateu state on the need for peaceful coexistence.
In his keynote address, the Commander noted that active participation of citizens in security of their communities is necessary to ending criminalities and senseless clashes on the Plateau.
He noted that the achievements recently recorded in curtailing attacks and farmer/herder clashes must be consolidated and warned that any attempt by crisis merchants to reverse the gains of these achievements will not be tolerated.
The General Ibrahim suprised by the large attendance, noted that there is time for everything in life and the time for peace on the plateau has come.
While commending Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd) led 26-man Committee formed by OPSH to implement the recommendations of the 36-man Committee on Peace,General Ali said, the seminar was organized to enlighten the citizens on sensitive security issues towards agreeing on the way forward.
He further noted the significance of the event in upscaling the efforts of OPSH in ensuring remarkable peace and unity on the Plateau.
Earlier, the Chairman 26-man peace implementation committee, Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd), in his opening remarks said peace is a catalyst for progress and development.
He described the sensitization seminar as another strategy to achieving peaceful resolution between communities and religious groups.
While lauding the untiring efforts of Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN in ensuring lasting peace is achieved across board, Justice Longi (Rtd) revealed that the seminar would help participants build capacity for immediate and future engagements.
Addressing the participants, the representative of Governor Plateau state, Director of Administration, Plateau Peace Building Agency, Mr Gayi Timothy Gayi commended OPSH for its sustained programme on peace and unity of the state. He urged aggrieved persons to forgive one another and work together on the path of peace.
Highlight of the event were paper presentations on Trust and peaceful core existence by notable resource persons and group photograph.
Like the proverbial said saying that you may not know if would pass a particular track road twice, that is why it’s advice not to shit on it because on your way back,you will definitely see the shit.
It also goes the saying that no matter long is the neck, rest the head.
All the above wise saying applies to the former Vice president of Nigeria, who held sway in that capacity for good year during Olusegun Obasanjo’s Democratic administration from 1999
Sadly,under the administration highlighted,Atiku never been loyal to any PDP past president, he wasn’t loyal to Obasanjo,Yaradua,Good luck Jonathan. He betrayed them by decamping just to fight against them. Now he want governors to be loyal to him and support his own ambition never. PDP caucus knows that Atiku wouldn’t have been in PDP by now, had it been he lost to Wike. He wouldn’t have supported wike. This is a man who told Goodluck Jonathan to step down, that is the turn of the north to rule in 2015, he didn’t even stopped there,he joined a second force (APC ) to ensure that north grabbed power in 2015. Now he has returned to PDP to contest without considering that it is the turn of south to succeed buhari. My question is this.. Has he lost that sense of justice and fairness he preached in 2015 to ensure power is shifted to north?
So those people you are counting on as PDP members in south east, south south and south west are not with Atiku despite the fact they are still in PDP. You may think wike fight against Atiku is between both of them. Wike is just the arrow head, Atiku will be disgraced in 2023 election mark my word. I hope you heard that governors from south east and other PDP members from other region with ortom held meeting with peter obi few weeks ago at wike’s residence
1992 Atiku contested
1999 Atiku contested
2003 Atiku contested
2007 Atiku contested
2011 Atiku contested
2015 Atiku contested
2019 Atiku contested
2023 Atiku contesting
What kind of desperation is this ?
Making it 30 years since he started contesting for president, calculate billions of Dollars spent in primary and general election through out those years and you think this person will execute any single project as president if elected
The worst is that Atiku and Tinubu gave Nigerians Buhari in 2015 and now they are in different parties.
8 criminal syndicates in Plateau State have been paraded for committing various heinous criminal activities of theft, culpable homicide ,stealing with the use of fabricated locally guns and other weapons to scare their victims and out their crimes.
The Plateau state command, JOS CP Bartholomew N. Onyeka, revealed this in a press briefing held on 9th September, 2022 at plateau state police headquarters in , Jos plateau state capital.
The Commissioner of police Bartholomew Onyeka said under the period review, the Plateau State Police Command had recorded some operational driven successes in the arrest of criminal elements that are bent on making the job of policing on the Plateau difficult and ensuring that some law abiding residents of the state experience pain and anguish.
According to him ,”their arrest led to the recovery of arms, ammunition and other unlawful implements that aid them in their unlawful trade,”
Speaking on 8 syndicates arrest on armed robbery ,on 13th June,2022 by ‘A’ Division Police detectives alongside operatives of Operation Rainbow through credible intelligence, nabbed one Yakubu Samuel alias Retired aged 18 years of Angwan Rimi, Rukuba Road Jos, who has been terrorizing his Community with his gang member now at large,he stated.
Onyeka explained further that during his interrogation , the suspect confessed that he has been robbing unsuspecting members of the public with a locally made pistol,Exhibit recovered from the suspect includes one locally made pistol.
He similar development ,the police boss said on the 8th August,2022 , one Aji Sani ‘m’ reported at the station that, his sister, Habiba Suleiman ‘f’ called and informed him that, one Lukman Suleiman ‘m’ fought with her son, Nazifi Ridwan (deceased) all of the same address and hit her son severally with a piece of wooden plank on his head.
” That her son was rushed to the hospital where he later died. That the remote cause of the fight was as a result of accusation by the suspect that, his children stole some money he kept in the room and he was punishing them when a fight ensue between them which led to the death of the deceased”.
According to him,” The suspect was trailed and arrested. He confessed to the crime and the wooden plank was also recovered”.
CP Onyeka added that the second culpable homicide was reported on 18th July, 2022 by one Mohammed Sa’ad Putkun ‘m’ of Kururuwa area, Pankshin reported at the station that, on the same date at about his cousin brother, one Benedict Lawrence ‘m’ aged 30 years of Kangvel Pankshin has a misunderstanding over money with one Nanyitwe Emmanuel ‘m’ of new Layout, Pankshin. That the said Nenyitwe Emmanuel stabbed Benedict with a knife on his chest and buttocks where he sustained serious injuries,”.
He noted that the victim was rushed to the General Hospital, Pankshin for medical attention where he later died while receiving treatment. The suspect was arrested and lnterrogated, where he confessed to have commite the crime, and one knife was also recovered “
Onyeka emphasized that the criminal conspiracy and theft of tricycle On the 8th July,2022 as the police information gathered by ‘C’ Division lead to the arrest of one Kamalu Usman of Dodo Street Jos in possession of one Bajaj Tricycle with Chassis No. MD2A25BX6MWL72106 and Engine No. A2XWM148967.
Which on interrogation, Kamalu stated that he was on an errand for one Babangida Yusuf aka July of Zololo Junction Jos, who gave him the tricycle.
He disclosed further that ,the said Babagida Yusuf was later traced and arrested. He consequently confessed that he was given the said Bajaj Tricycle by one Musa SP who is now at large. He was later released to enable him produce Musa SP. On the 29/08/2022 at about 1550hours, the same suspect Babangida Yusuf aka Jully was arrested in connection with a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Shop Breaking and Theft where he confessed to the crime and further revealed that the first allegation of theft of Bajaj Tricycle is true, that he and one Zaidu Abubakar who is also at Large ‘M’ of Congo Russia via Nasarawa Gwong Jos, Stole the said Bajaj Tricycle in Zaria Kaduna State. In furtherance of investigation the owner of the said Tricycle Capt. Adam Usman was contacted.
Arrest of suspected cultists/armed robbers, recovery of firearm on 4th Sept ,2022, at about while acting on a credible information from an impeccable source, police operatives attached to ‘A’ division of the Command arrested two suspected Arro cultists namely; Matthew Ayuba, aged 19 years old ‘m’ of Alheri community, Jos and one Samuel Ngbede ‘m, aged 25 years old of Jenta Makeri, Jos.
He revealed that the duos that are on the wanted list of the police were arrested at Kabong, Gada-biu in an attempt to launch an attack on the community.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects upon instant search include one locally made pistol.
The CP said the police have already launched an aggressive manhunt for other member of the gang still at large.
The police also arrested syndicate for unlawful possession of firearms On 4th September ,2022 intrepid surveillance team from ‘A’ division, through reliable intelligence arrested one Ezekiel Sunday ‘m’ of Bassa LGA, Jos with an English made Berretta Pistol loaded with three (3) live ammunition of 99mm calibre. Upon interrogation, the suspect disclosed that one Jonathan (Surname unknown), a retired Air force officer gave him the pistol to repair and that he got the live ammunition during a fight with bandits at Miango axis of Bassa LGa, Jos. Investigation is still on going to ascertain veracity of suspect’s claims .
He cautioned that his command recovery of stolen vehicles on 22nd August,2022, while on a routine patrol and visibility policing duty within their jurisdiction, Police patrol team attached to Kaduna Vom Division recovered a Mercedes Benz car with Reg. No: AGL 846BF belonging to one Mr. Summunti Ayuba Sani stolen by some unknown hoodlums in his compound at Abattoir-Anglo Jos.
In a related development, a J5 Peugeot Boxer with Reg No: XB 432 MSA belonging to one Musa Alhaji Musa was recovered on the 25th August,2022 .
The vehicle was abandoned by the criminals following the ubiquity of police in every nook and cranny of the area. Investigation is still in progress.
Criminal conspiracy and theft through credible information one Mustapha Haruna ‘m’ of Yanshanu area who was on the wanted list of Police in respect to a reported case of stolen a golf 4 vehicle, was arrested by ‘C’ Division Police operative on 29th August,2022 in possession of a tricycle with Reg. no. KMC 05 VJX suspected to be stolen.
On interrogation, the suspect confessed to have stolen the tricycle from where it was parked at Rigiyan Lemu, Kano State on 27/08/2022. He further mentioned a tricycle painter named Safwan Husseini ‘m’ of Dutse Uku as his accomplished.
Base on his confession, the said Safwan was subsequently arrested and on interrogation, he confessed to have repainted the stolen tricycle to distort its original identity.
Investigation is still ongoing.
The police Commissioner appeal to peace loving residents of Plateau State to continue giving us timely information in order to nip crime in the bud or arrest the criminal elements among them.
He promised that the Command under my watch shall do everything possible to reduce crime in Plateau State to its barest minimum.
He however thank other sisters securities agencies for their collaboration with the police in the state for vigorous fight against crime and criminality in the state ,and it environs.
In conclusion, I want to recognize the sacrifice of members of the fourth estate of the realm towards making our society better and safer. I urge you to crosscheck your facts so that your stories will be balanced and unbiased.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division who doubled as Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali has been applauded for consistently training his troops.
The commendation was made today 8th Sept 2022 at the closing ceremony of 3 Division Inter Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition 2022 hosted by Headquarters 3 Division Garrison, Jos.
Declaring the event closed, the Special Guest of Honour, Executive Governor Plateau state, His Excellency Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong said the hosting of two significant annual events of the Nigerian Army in Plateau state attest to the resolve of the army to improve personnel capacity to confront the security challenges on the Plateau and the country.
He commended the Nigerian Army for organising important trainings in form of competition to enhance the spirit of sportsmanship, cooperation and teamwork among officers.
Represented by the Special Assistance to the governor on Security, Major General Augustine Agundu retired, Governor Lalong said the state is currently witnessing tremendous peace as a result of increased military activities of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for supporting the activities of 3 Division.
Delivering the welcome address, the GOC and Commander OPSH, Major General Ibrahim Ali said the Nigerian Army will continually engage in routine training aimed at improving its skills and techniques to better protect law abiding citizens.
He said, with the increasing rate of kidnapping, banditry and insurgency, the military will not relent in training and retraining of its personnel to better face the challenges.
The GOC further revealed that the competition was organized with the aim of training subaltern officers to quickly respond to emerging threats in carrying out their roles in a joint environment with other security agencies.
Thanking the dignitaries at the event, the Commander 3 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Micheal Agi commended the high level of discipline exhibited by participants during the competition.
Headquarters 3 Division Garrison emerged the first position overall while 6 Brigade Jalingo, Taraba State took the second position.
Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of trophies and award to formations and individual officers who distinguished themselves during the competition.
Sequel to People Democratic Party PDP, National Executive Committee NEC Meeting held 8th September,2022 at the party’s National Secretariat ,Wadata Plaza,Wuse Zone 5, Abuja,Communique was Issued.
The 97th National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting of the Party was signed by it Publicity Secretary Hon Dabo Ologunabga and made available to this medium via online.
The Communique read thus:,
NEC unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for effectively managing the affairs of the Party and restated its confidence in the NWC to lead the PDP to victory in the 2023 general elections.
The highest decision making body of the party, NEC,received and accepted the resignation of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sen. Walid Jibrin and accepted the nomination of Sen. Adolphus Wabara, the Secretary of the BoT, as Acting Chairman of the BoT.
The committee thanked Sen. Jibrin for his loyalty and commitment towards the unity, stability and success of the Party at all times and urged him not to relent in his service to the Party and the Nation at large.
NEC congratulated the Party as well as the Osun State Governor-Elect, Sen. Ademola Adeleke for our victory in the July 16, 2022 Osun Governorship election
NEC commended the NWC, the Board of Trustees, PDP Governors’ Forum, National Assembly Caucus, Zonal and State Caucuses, other leaders, critical stakeholders and all organs of the Party for the successful conduct of the 2022 National Convention as well as all primaries for the election of our candidates for the 2023 General Elections.
NEC unanimously ratified the list of candidates of the PDP as submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the NWC.
NEC congratulated H.E Atiku Abubakar and H.E Ifeanyi Okowa on their emergence as Presidential and the Vice Presidential Candidates of the PDP for the 2023 Presidential election, respectively.
NEC also congratulated all the Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly Candidates of the PDP for their emergence as flagbearers of our Party at various levels.
NEC commended all leaders, members, critical stakeholders and supporters of our Party across the country for their continued steadfastness in the PDP’s mission to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from the nightmarish misrule of the failed APC.
On the state of the Nation,
NEC strongly decried the worsening state of the nation’s economy with attendant excruciating hardship occasioned by the corruption, insensitivity, incompetence and harsh economic policies of the inhumane and vicious APC.
NEC is also appalled by the worsening insecurity in the country occasioned by the obvious complicity of the APC administration which continues to condone and enable acts of terrorism in various parts of the country.
NEC lamented the failure of the APC government to address the industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). NEC lamented that the APC is relishing the agony, pain and suffering of parents and students in Nigerian public universities due to the prolonged strike action.
NEC condemned the constant display of arrogance by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu in handling the issue of ASUU strike and called for a more constructive engagement by stakeholders to resolve the matter.
NEC also condemned in the strongest terms the appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari of card-carrying members of the APC as INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
This unpatriotic act is a brazen plot by the APC to manipulate and rig the 2023 general elections against the Will of Nigerians. The PDP demands that President Buhari immediately withdraws the APC members nominated as RECs, failure of which has the capacity to trigger serious political crisis that can threaten the 2023 general elections and derail our democratic process
Campaign Structure
NEC approved a unified campaign Structures across the country for the PDP for the 2023 general elections which will focus more on the grass root.
NEC approved the proposed Structure and Organogram of the National Campaign Council as well as the National Campaign Management Council for the 2023 general elections.
NEC also approved the Structures for Campaign Councils at the States, Local Government, Ward and Unit levels.
NEC unanimously empowered the NWC to modify and adjust the structures of the Campaign Councils as and when the need arises.
NEC received and approved the proposed structure for Zonal Reconciliation Committees to be set up to ensure that our Party presents a common front ahead of the 2023 general elections.
NEC also received and approved the composition of the Manifesto Review Committee to review the Manifesto of the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections.
NEC charged Nigerians to remain united in rallying towards the success of the PDP at the 2023 general elections and start the onerous task of rescuing and rebuilding our nation.
Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army have been charged to work in synergy with other security organisations to surmount the current security challenges in the country.
The charge was given 8th September 2022, during inspection of a Joint military exercise codenamed EXERCISE ENDURING PEACE a Command Post Execise 2022, hosted by 33 Artillery Brigade Bauchi.
Speaking during the night Walk Round phase of the exercise, the Special Guest of Honour, Commander Armoured Corps, Major General Suleiman Idris commended the participants for imbibing team spirit and sharing professional experiences necessary for a sucessful operation.
He said current security challenges requires continuous training and synergy amongst various security agencies working to achieve a common goal. He urged the troops to take advantage of the exercise to improve their professional conduct in the field.
On his part, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army who doubled as Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali said the improved synergy among security agencies have led to sucesses in current operations across 3 Division Area of Representatives. He noted that the joint training is necessary towards achieving the cardinal pillar of the Chief of Army Staff vision which is “To have a Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria”. He said the dynamics of the current security challenges requires the various security agencies to train together and understand the roles of each in securing lives and properties of the citizens.
The GOC charged officers of the Division to live above the challenges posed by insecurity by synergizing with other security agencies deployed in their area. He also urged the paramilitary organisations to remain committed and dedicated to their duty.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander 33 Artillery Brigade Bauchi, Brigadier General John Adeyemo said the exercise was part of the Chief of Army Staff training directives aimed at upscaling training of troops towards ending the security challenges in the country. He said the training exercise has increased understanding of the roles of various security agencies during operations.
Other dignitaries present at the event were the Commandant Nigerian Army Armour School, Major General John
Ochai, the representative of the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Bauchi, representative of the Commissioner of Police Bauchi state and heads of other security organisations.
A Jos based businesman ,Mallam Jamilu Abdulsallam aka Mai Rago has congratulated the People Redemption Party ,PRP, candidate on his victory at the just concluded Election Tribunal for bye Election in Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency which declared him winner by calling on him to extend hands of fellowship and tribes, nationality residents in Jos ,Plateau state .
Abdulsallam stated this during his interaction with journalists in , plateau state.
He employed Hon Muhammadu Alkali , alias Dan London to carry everyone alone towards promoting the tenet of democracy by ensuring that he spread his developmental projects across Muslims and Christians communities .
Abdulsallam admonished all politians to shun politics of bitterness and all manner of acrimony because Nigeria is on the by path of transformation .
He jemilu further said , ” Hon Muhammadu Alkali alias Dan London has contributed alot to the well being of vulnerable members of the society and seeing his landslide victory at bye election is an indication that he is a man of the people” .
Aka Mai Rago disclosed that what the country need now is someone of his caliber to bring his wealth of experience to revamp back, and reposition our state on the path of development and human capital development .
He challenged the electorates to always make the right choice of leadership that have people oriented program of hon Alkali who is a man of integrity that love delivery dividends of democracy to the teeming unemployed youths .
Abdulsallam urged him to embrace all ethnic groups in Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency and should take the issue of the women and youths empowerment as his top most priority .
He reiterated the Electorates willingness to vote him 2023 , owning to your positive impact people are willing to vote you as the next member after careful analyses of what you have done in Jos North LGA .
Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima and Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council ,51Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong on Wednesday 7th September 2022 visited the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja to meet with the National Working Committee.
While welcoming the team to the national headquarters, APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu said the visit of the Presidential Candidate of the party was an important one because it provides the opportunity to discuss issues that will ensure the success of the party in the 2023 elections.
Speaking at the meeting with the APC National Working Committee, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said he was at the National Secretariat to formally appreciate the party leadership for the successful organisation of the convention where he emerged Candidate.
He said apart from coming to appreciate the party hierarchy for their role in organising a successful convention, he was also at the Secretariat to interact with the officials on the role of members ahead of the lifting of the ban on campaign by INEC.
He add that the engagement was to fine-tune and also submit the proposal of the Presidential Campaign Council to the party leadership.
Asiwaju commended the DG of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong, the Secretary of the Council, Hon. James Faleke and others for working assiduously to lay the foundation for the progress of the project.
Asiwaju Tinubu also debunked the insinuations that there is an argument between him and the National Chairman, Senator Adamu.
He stressed that they have come a long way ,as they were Governors together who have also by God’s arrangement been put together on this project.
He assured that irrespective of such insinuations, there is no lie that can distort them from fulfilling the dream of making Nigeria a progressive nation.
The meeting later went into a closed door session.
The Legal Team of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Plateau State Chapter headed by S.G Odey has observed that opponents and some mischief makers are peddling the falsehood that PDP and its candidates may not be on the ballot for the 2023 general elections as a fallout of the recent Tribunal decision delivered on Friday, 2nd September, 2022 in respect of the Jos North/Bassa House of Representatives bye-election.
We hasten to clarify that the decision of the Election Tribunal relates only to the primaries conducted for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency bye-election which the tribunal erroneously nullified by relying on the Justice Kunda judgment which purported to justify the unprecedented exclusion of PDP from participating in the 2021 Local Government Council elections. Please note that the Justice Kunda Judgment is now on Appeal before the Supreme Court.
We wish to state without doubt or equivocation that even though the judgment of the Election Tribunal is being appealed with very meritorious Grounds of Appeal, it has no bearing whatsoever on the nomination and qualification of candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party Plateau State for the 2023 governorship and legislative assembly elections.
It is pertinent to enlighten PDP members, its teeming supporters and the voting public of the following facts:
1. The primaries that produced Hon. Musa Agah as the PDP Candidate was conducted under the 2010 Electoral Act while the primaries that produced candidates for the 2023 elections was conducted under the 2022 Electoral Act.
2. The 2022 Electoral Act excluded ALL statutory delegates i.e. mainly EXCO members of any party from being delegates during the Congresses that produced candidates for the 2023 elections.
3. The Chris Hassan led EXCO which is mischievously rumoured to be illegal, emerged through a democratic and transparent process, and there are no known legal impediments (except self-serving extrapolations by merchants of fortune) hindering them from performing their constitutional duties.
4. The PDP and its Legal Team have always been proactive and had envisaged the possibility of using underhand tactics to stop the obviously preferred PDP candidates from winning the 2023 elections, and took steps to forestall such. Knowing the capacity of the opponents of the PDP for mischief, impunity and deliberate mis-information, the National Secretariat of the party pleaded with the Chris Hassan EXCO to step aside for the period of the Congresses and allow a Local Organising Committee it constituted to oversee the process.
5. The congress which produced the ad hoc delegates of the PDP during the Ward Congresses (unlike the other party which did not conduct any congress to elect delegates) were duly organised and supervised by the Ward Congress Committee appointed by the National Secretariat of the party and went smoothly in over 95% of the Wards. The few complaints that arose from the Ward Congresses have been largely resolved through the Party’s robust dispute resolution mechanism.
6. The 2022 Electoral Act, PDP Constitution and Guidelines for the Congresses clearly indicate the time allowed for appeals as well as those entitled to file such appeals. It is gratifying and re-assuring to note that since Governorship primaries were concluded in May, 2022, there has NOT been a single administrative or legal complaint by any of the noble aspirants who contested with the candidate of the party Barr. Caleb Mutfwang.
7. The Election Tribunal did not make any pronouncement as to the status and legitimacy of the State leadership of the Party as presently constituted as being mischievously circulated.
The Party has taken a decision to file an appeal against the judgment to remedy the monumental travesty of justice, and we believe that the Court of Appeal will do a better job than what the Tribunal came up with. We trust that the judgment of the Tribunal will be set aside with victory restored to PDP.
We therefore call upon the electorate and Party faithfuls to remain calm.
The Chaplain Jos south local government Council, Pastor Chujwang Davou ,and the executive chairman of Jos South LG Gideon Dandereng has admonished christians to vote wisely in the forthcoming Elections 2023.
They should not vote out of sentiment , religion , tribal line, but vote the person that is competent and can delivered the dividend of democracy to avoid the current problems we are going through at moment.
Chujwang Davou and Dandereng where Speaking separately during the council’s August Solemn Assembly held at the chapel temporary hall , behind the Secretariat complex Bukuru, Jos south local government of plateau state at the weekend.
He stressed that the forthcoming 2023 General Elections,we should go for people with integrity irrespective of tribe , religion or tribal lineage ,the question should be, will he/she be able to do the work,if he is capable of doing the job, vote him no matter the religious and tribal affiliation not withstanding.
The Chaplain said the solemn Assembly which started March 2022,is held every first week or third week of the month, is aim to pray for the politians who are aspiring for various positions ahead 2023 Elections,the staff of the council ,the state, and Nigeria as a whole.
In addition to the integrity of the candidates they should also look out for the spiritual life of the person or persons, whether is a dedicated Christian or Muslim with the fear of God or Allah as the case may be.
He condemned the current lack of trust between the Christians and Muslims in the country , stressed that he started his pastorship career in Sokoto State in Northern Nigeria which are predominately Muslims and build strong relationship with all of them till date.
“There is no point of killing our selves for the sake of religion which is a thing of heart .l have traveled to Turkey ,I have Muslims friends that come to me for one reason or the other.
I know they are human beings created by God,my duty as a pastor is for them to know my faith and learn to appreciate it that way.”
Ambassador Chujwang however Admonished the Christians to see Muslims as human beings created by God ,and stressed that will help to enthroned peaceful Coexistence amongst the Christians and Muslims in plateau state and Nigeria at large.
In his Goodwill message,the chairman Jos south local government Gideon Dandereng , reiterated the need for the people to vote credible candidate Into office in 2023 General Election.
The chairman who is currently contesting for the House of Representatives to represent Jos south/East at the federal House Representatives, urged the church to vote wisely,and vote for the person that will deliver the dividend of democracy to his Constituency ,state and the nation at large.
Gideon said he is offering himself to represent the people of Jos south/East at the National Assembly because I am not in doubt in my capacity to deliver.
He urged the people to vote for him , and he will not fail them,but give a quality Representatives with shining ambassador.
He promised that before the end of the year, he is going to Commission the permanent Cathedral of the council, and admonished them to put it into good use for the Glory of God and humanity.
The High Court sitting in Jos Division of plateau state has imposed a fine of Fifty Thousand Naira on self acclaimed traditional head of Marit Ropp Community of Barki-Ladi local government of plateau state.
As the court ruled that Yohanna who is the Claimant Applicant in the matter ,should on or before the next adjourned date of 29th September, 2022 pay the fine or face the wrath of the the court.
The matter involving the community of Marit Ropp of Barki-Ladi LGA was on the last adjournment , adjourned to today to rule on the application of preliminary objection brought before it by Yohanna Arandong ,the impostor and self acclaimed District head of Marit Ropp to stop the Marit Ropp District of Barki-Ladi from conducting election for the selection of a New District Head after the demise of the late District Head.
Yohanna who was initially given the position of the Head of Marit Ropp District on trust by the community pending the selection of substantive Head, however approached the court and obtained preliminary objection to stop the community to elect New District Head, and decided to hijacked the stool to himself.
When the court resumed hearing on the matter which is before the vacation Judge P.S Gang ruled that the Claimant Applicant grossly err in law for obtaining court injunction to stop the selection of the traditional Head of the community contrary to the age long practice.
The court further stressed that the action of Arandong and his collaborators is an abuse of court process and insult to the age long tradition of the people of Marit Ropp of Barki-Ladi local government of plateau state.
Justice S.P Gang, who is not impressive with the action of the Claimant,gives the Applicant an express order to pay the sum Fifty Thousand fine before the next adjourned date.
In an interview with the are ready to follow the complaint to the level he so wish,if decides to adjourn the matter even to the Appeal court.
The counsel said it’s already established gazetted traditional law of the people of Marit Ropp Community that the throne will be rotating among some selected families which the family of Yohanna Arandong didn’t belong to.
In an interview with Mose Manchingil Masok ,a stakeholders of Marit Ropp Community of Barki-Ladi LG , hailed the ruling of the court and said the coast is now cleared for the selection of District Head of Marit Ropp Community.
He however lamented that the action of the self acclaimed District head , Yohanna Arandong by instituting court injunction on the selection of District Head on the community has actually created a void position in the district , hence causing it to be without leader since 2020, after the death of the other District head.
And stressed with the court ruling, they can now go ahead to start the preparation for the selection of the true District Head of Marit Ropp so that the community will have representative.
Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in collaboration with Beautiful Gate Centre for Handicapped,Jos has distributed over 200 wheelchairs,food stuffs and undisclosed cash to the physically challenge persons in the state.
The beneficiaries of the program cut across the 17 local government of plateau state, some local government in Kaduna and Bauchi state.
The event was held at the Hill Station Hotel Car Park along Tuduwada Road on Saturday 3rd September , 2022.
In his remark, the General Officer 3 Division Jos, Major General Ibrahim Ali , who doubled as the Commander OPSH, said the event is significant towards peaceful building in bringing every citizens on board in ensuring peace in OPSH joint operations in plateau , Kaduna and Banchi state.
General Ali said the physically challenge persons did not choose to be the way they find themselves , as some of them where born Hale and healthy, but due to some factors like polio malaities, hazard in work places, and fight against the insurgent and natural disasters, they find themselves in the present condition.
He said in Nigeria Army ,many of them have been incapacitated occasion by bomb blast , gunshots , hazard nature in place of work and the fight against terrorist especially in the North East .
And however called on leaders in Nigeria at all levels , including the SoS to give the Physically challenged an important to foster unity , telorance for peace and development in the society.
” It’s for this reasons we brought the beneficiaries of this program , from different background cut across religion and tribal background .
The GOC further stressed that OPSH will continue to collaborate with the stakeholders in all the security challenges to reverse the success recorded.”
” It’s very important at the community level to continue exploring avenue towards peaceful Coexistence , because no meaningful development can be achieve in the atmosphere of ranchor, hatred, distrust and disunity”.
General Ibrahim urged all to continue to support the security agencies and see themselves as peace ambassadors representing their various communities ,he further added that the program was extended to five LGA of Kaduna state which is also in collaboration with Beautiful Gate Centre for Handicap, Jos.
The GOC said the gesture is aimed at supporting the vulnerable members in the society especially the handicap with mobility and increase their meaningful participation in peaceful co-existence.
In his speech, the Chief Executive Officer Beautiful Gate Handicap Centre jos,Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan appreciated OPSH for their efforts in ensuring peace on the plateau and their area of operations.
Ayuba described the physically challenge as courageous people , said the distribution of the items met to create platform to pickup their piece self .
He lamented how the Beautiful Gate Centreqz. has lost life time opportunity from foreign partner like Bill Clinton grant which was stalled by insecurity in plateau state and it environs at that point in time which makes us lost the opportunity.
The Chief Executive Officer of Beautiful Gate Centre for Handicap ,who himself is a victim of polio malaities said the reason for the event is for the centre to strike an understanding with Nigeria Military ,if they will help us reach out to those areas we can’t ordinarily reach that are being ravage by the scourge of polio.
“The program today is just a litmus test ,we will strategise to see how we can expand so that the army can be our partner to help us to reach out to those areas we couldn’t be able to reach.”
Burki encourage them not to be discourage because disability is not a death sentence,as there is ability in disabilities.
Lecturer with the university of Jos Dr. Nanynk Zingfa Galam has decried the recent report that the Federal Government has earmarked over 6 billion naira for the construction of Ranching in Kastina state.
As Dr. Galam described the action of president Buhari led federal government insensitive , and total disregard for educational sector that has been shot down by the government occasion by lack of will power to negotiate with the university lectures over owning the Union.
The university Don Galam made the lamentation in an interview with journalists in Jos , plateau state capital.He further said the action of Mohammadu Buhari administration ,there is more to it that meet the eyes.
The lecturer further stressed that for government of Mohammadu Buhari to take such inhuman and insensitive decision at this critical time of the state of our country ,is condemnable steps and ill advice for anybody that does that when university education nation wide are all on strike for more than six now.
He called for investigation with the view to know those behind the action of the government which the lecturer described as questionable, as ranching has been rated important than education, even when the government fragrantly refuse to open negotiation with ASUU he entered with the Union since 2019.
He stressed that the insinuations of the people that the action of the federal government and his perceived collaborators, politicians, cannot be far from collaboration to siphon money for electioneering campaign ahead 2023 General Election.
He further condenmed the action of the federal government,and added that it has led to the killings of some people from particular faith in the trouble North-East that has been devastated by the activities of terrorist .
On the stances of union ,and the lingering ASUU’s strike, Galam said they has taken more drastic step ,as the union have reviewed the strike to indefinite one , until the government did the needful and called the union for further renegotiation , which he stressed is the only way forward to resolve the face-off between the academic staff union of Nigeria universities and the federal government,he maintained.
He further added that the ASUU was of the candid opinion that federal government should make the university education in Nigeria free for those who are qualify and willing to attend instead of making it to appear as if it’s met for the rich,and the privilege in the country.
This he stressed is very important because education is the bed rock of every society, which without it, the country is heading to developmental disaster which Nigeria is currently tinting towards as its appears at the moment.
On the effects of
ASUU’s strike on the students, the lectures, and said the society at large,he maintained that the effects is enormious,some of us who are currently running our PhD suppose to have be defending our Thesis by now.
But he said all these are keep on hold occasion by the prolonged strike.
“When you talk of the effects on the undergraduates student’s,I think theirs are worst because most of them had spend more than the required years in the university irrespective of their field of studies which has negatively impacted on their future.
All these negative points highlighted above he lamented,has help to spur up insecurity ,as an idle mind is said to be devil abode (workshop) he stressed.
Lecturer with the university of Jos Dr. Nanynk Zingfa Galam has decried the recent report that the Federal Government has earmarked over 6 billion naira for the construction of Ranching in Kastina state.
As Dr. Galam described the action of president Buhari led federal government insensitive , and total disregard for educational sector that has been shot down by the government occasion by lack of will power to negotiate with the university lectures over owning the Union.
The university Don Galam made the lamentation in an interview with journalists in Jos , plateau state capital.He further said the action of Mohammadu Buhari administration ,there is more to it that meet the eyes.
The lecturer further stressed that for government of Mohammadu Buhari to take such inhuman and insensitive decision at this critical time of the state of our country ,is condemnable steps and ill advice for anybody that does that when university education nation wide are all on strike for more than six now.
He called for investigation with the view to know those behind the action of the government which the lecturer described as questionable, as ranching has been rated important than education, even when the government fragrantly refuse to open negotiation with ASUU he entered with the Union since 2019.
He stressed that the insinuations of the people that the action of the federal government and his perceived collaborators, politicians, cannot be far from collaboration to siphon money for electioneering campaign ahead 2023 General Election.
He further condenmed the action of the federal government,and added that it has led to the killings of some people from particular faith in the trouble North-East that has been devastated by the activities of terrorist .
On the stances of union ,and the lingering ASUU’s strike, Galam said they has taken more drastic step ,as the union have reviewed the strike to indefinite one , until the government did the needful and called the union for further renegotiation , which he stressed is the only way forward to resolve the face-off between the academic staff union of Nigeria universities and the federal government,he maintained.
He further added that the ASUU was of the candid opinion that federal government should make the university education in Nigeria free for those who are qualify and willing to attend instead of making it to appear as if it’s met for the rich,and the privilege in the country.
This he stressed is very important because education is the bed rock of every society, which without it, the country is heading to developmental disaster which Nigeria is currently tinting towards as its appears at the moment.
On the effects of
ASUU’s strike on the students, the lectures, and said the society at large,he maintained that the effects is enormious,some of us who are currently running our PhD suppose to have be defending our Thesis by now.
But he said all these are keep on hold occasion by the prolonged strike.
“When you talk of the effects on the undergraduates student’s,I think theirs are worst because most of them had spend more than the required years in the university irrespective of their field of studies which has negatively impacted on their future.
All these negative points highlighted above he lamented,has help to spur up insecurity ,as an idle mind is said to be devil abode (workshop) he stressed.
Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his running mate Kashim Shettima as well as the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Saturday 3rd September 2022 unveiled the APC Northern Speakers Door-to-Door for Tinubu/Shettima 2023 at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja.
Addressing the APC Speakers and members of the Northern States, Asiwaju Tinubu thanked the them for their show of support and solidarity which he said is very key to the victory of the party in both the Presidential election and other ones.
Vice Presidential Candidate of the APC Senator Kashim Shettima said the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and himself is a call for building a new nation which must not be missed.
He said Asiwaju apart from carrying people from all sections of the society along in governance, has over the years demonstrated capacity for transforming ideas into reality just like he did in Lagos State which is visible for all to see.
Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said as leaders of the Legislative Arms of Government in various Northern APC States, the Legislators and all members have a unique position to not only connect with the people at the grassroots, but also carry out sensitization, mobilisation and enlightenment regarding the Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and what he stands for.
He said many of them are fully aware of what the Jagaban has achieved as a political colossus in Nigeria over the years and how he has built the economy and human capital of not only Lagos State but the entire country.
Lalong said “Our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima come along with wonderful records of achievement that are a clear signal to the journey towards a greater Nigeria. They are focused on building the economy, uniting the nation, tacking insecurity and addressing education and health challenges among others in a way that meets the yearning of Nigerians. As we get set to work for the success of our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, I wish to remind you that there is so much that the APC has done both at the Federal, State and Local Government levels that will speak for us. It is therefore our duty to highlight these achievements just to remind Nigerians that our party has done a lot to change Nigeria for good in various ways”.
Deputy Campaign DG North and Governor of Jigawa State Abubakar Badaru also praised the Speakers for coming together to deploy their grassroots structures towards delivering the Tinubu/Shettima ticket at the elections in 2023.
He advised them to carry along Councillors of their various constituencies in order to deepen their reach out and consultations across the North.
Chairman, Northern APC Speakers Forum and Speaker Kaduna State Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani assured Asiwaju Bola Tinubu that they have resolved to deliver the party in the Presidential elections by going to the grassroots where they have direct contact with people.
Vehicles donated for the mobilisation and Campaign by the Northern Speakers Forum were unveiled and distributed to coordinators.
The Association of National Accountants of Nigerian (ANAN) has appointed Dr. Friday Effiong Akpan, FCNA as the Director General of its training arm, the Nigerian College of Accountancy (NCA), Kwall , Bassa LGA, Near Jos.
Dr. Friday E. Akpan, who is the 9th Director General, assumed office on September 1st, 2022, and commenced official duties with two inaugural meetings with Management and General staff on same day, essentially to brief staff of his strategic plan for the College.
The appointment of the New Director General of the ANAN is contained in a press statement dated 2nd September,2022, signed by the college PRO, Cyril Umoh and made available to this medium in Jos.
The letter of appointment signed by Dr. K. O. Fasua , the Chief Executive Officer( CEO) of the ANAN, stated thus ,We are pleased to inform you of your successful performance at the interview and to offer you a full-time appointment as the Director General of the Nigerian College of Accountancy, Kwall, near Jos, Plateau State for the period of 21
years with effect from 1st September, 2022.”
The letter of appointment further stated: “This Appointment will be subject to the laws establishing Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, ANAN, Employees Conditions of Service and other conditions as the Governing Council may determine from time to time”
Dr. Akpan took over from Mr. Jonathan Chijioke Nwagboso, FCNA, who served as Acting Director General of the College for five Months, after Dr. K. O. Fasua , FCNA, had Vacated the office as a substantive Director General.
Dr F.E. Akpan can rightly be described as a homegrown Director General as he has served the College in many capacities, the last one being Director, Centre for financial and Accounting Research (CEFAR)
Dr. Akpan, a fellow of ANAN and CITN, holds a PhD in Accounting and Finance and is a member of many professional bodies.
The 3 Division Garrison Jos has concluded arrangement to host the 2022 Inter Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition.
Four Nigerian Army formations under Headquarters 3 Division will compute during the exercise. They include 3 Division Garrison Jos, 6 Brigade Jalingo, 23 Brigade Yola and 33 Brigade Bauchi.
The notice of the competition is contained in a press statement dated 3rd September,2022, signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations Major Ishaku Takwa and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
The event which is scheduled to start on Monday 5th September, will last till Thursday 8 September 2022. It will involve shooting competition at 3 Division Small Arms Range Miango, Bassa, movement of troops around Bassa general area as well as physical training exercises and obstacles crossing.
He however adviced the general public not to panic on sighting large Movement of troops in the area and stay away from the 3 Division Range Miango throughout the exercise.
The Division further assures the public that necessary measures the public adequate assured the safety of the people living in the area.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) who doubled as the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN(OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali has warned troops against involvement in criminal activities which could further endanger the country.
The GOC made this known today 1st September 2022 during the graduation ceremony of participants of “EXERCISE SHINING STAR II” held at Headquarters 3 Division Small Arms Range Miango- Bassa, Plateau state.
Major General Ali further stressed that the scourge of insecurity in the country and the world at large was responsible for consistent training and retraining of NA personnel to enable them secure the lives and property of law abiding citizens.
He stressed that the Post-Basic Training ,was organised with the overall aim of achieving effective performance of troops adding that the live of a soldier is hinged on training and retraining.
General Ali noted that the training would enable personnel of the Nigerian Army to respond swiftly and professionally to security threats in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
He urged the graduating personnel to make good use of the military skills learned for betterment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and service to the nation.
In his welcome remarks, the Division Training Officer (DTO) 3 Division NA, Brigadier General Suleiman Adamu said “EXERCISE SHINING STAR II”/#6 which is a Post-Basic Training Cadre for selected young soldiers has further equipped personnel to face current security challenges confronting the country.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff Administration, Lieutenant Colonel SI Shaibu, the Division Training Officer said the training was aimed at improving troops combat skills in weapon handling and proficiency, field training, communication, map reading, ethics, use of GPS, offline maps, and regimentation in line with the standard practice of the Nigerian Army.
He thanked the General Officer Commanding for his visionary leadership, and adequate logistics support to the School.
Highlight of the event were the shooting competition, presentation of certificates to the graduands and group photograph.
The Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Major General Anthony Omozoje has commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC)3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali for undertaking several projects that has improved the outlook of Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. Maj Gen Omozoje made the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit on the GOC in the cantonment.
General Omozoje said, he was in Jos to deliver a lecture to participants of Senior Executive Course 44 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru on behalf of the
Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya.
While inspecting other ongoing projects in the Cantonment, the Chief of Policy and Plans expressed satisfaction with the laudable initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of troops and their dependents. He commended the GOC and his officers for the strides.
He said in spite of many challenges, the NA is making tremendous efforts to improve the capacity of troops to discharge their duties professionally.
In his remarks, the GOC and Commander OPSH, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali described the visit as a morale booster to the officers and soldiers of the Division. He noted that the projects at the Cantonment were successfully executed with the tremendous support received from the COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya. He assured General Omozoje that the facilities would be maintained.
During the visit, Maj Gen Omozoje inspected the remodelled Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Main Entrance Gate, Quarter Guard, solar powered street lights and the ongoing construction of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) 3 Division Chapter Secretariat. General Omozoje also inspected the ongoing renovation of soldiers accommodation as well as the ongoing construction of the 3 Division Gymnasium Center and the Swimming Pool.
Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese who turns 70 tomorrow, August 31, deserves celebration for his service to church, community, nation, and humanity, for his achievements as a true citizen who has used his priestly circumstances, boundless energy and prodigious intellect to promote the causes of justice and the common good. He stands shoulders above many of his contemporaries in his many engagements in the last four decades. He has been a priest for close to 50 years, but his range of influence goes beyond the pulpit to include scholarship, public intellectualism, civil society advocacy and the courage to provide leadership even in the most difficult situations. He is easily one of the best-known faces of the Catholic faith and priesthood in Nigeria. He remains an admirable advertisement of the virtues of Catholicism and the Church.
I am not a Catholic but I admire the Catholic Church, owing largely to my interaction over the years with Catholic priests like Bishop Kukah. I like the fact that the Catholic Church in Nigeria invests heavily in the training and education of its priests. It is mostly in the Catholic Church that you would find such exemplary priests that are usually educated to the highest levels possible. Many Catholic priests parade Ph.Ds as if it is a minimum qualification, in most cases Catholic priests display other skills, with language, research, public engagements and an unusual hunger for knowledge. The Anglican Church over time has also shown a similar commitment to the education of its priests, but the Catholic Church remains far ahead. In a country where many pastors and priests are at best spellbinders, hypnotists and clownish motivational speakers, and petty merchants with very little knowledge of the Holy Book, it is ever so refreshing to attend a Church or listen to a priest who speaks from an abundance of insight and talent. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah belongs in this category. In the late 80s, the 90s and till date, he has been a shining star of the Catholic Church of Nigeria, who through his example inspires the younger generation, within the priesthood and the general Nigerian community.
I first met him on the pages of newspapers through his writings. In those days, the opinion pages of newspapers were dominated by persons of high intellect, most of whom dissected issues of the day, in beautiful prose, and with great erudition. Fr. Matthew Kukah, as he then was, was one of the most prolific, churning out essays, week after week. Those were the days of intimidating columnists sand contributors on the op-ed pages: to have your essay published on the same page with a Matthew Kukah, Pat Utomi, Herbert Ekwe-Ekwe, Chinweizu, Sonala Olumhense, Odia Ofeimun, Olatunji Dare, Edwin Madunagu, Biodun Jeyifo, Wole Soyinka, Femi Osofisan, Pini Jason, Andy Akporugo, Stanley Macebuh, Fred Onyeoziri, Emevwo Biakolo, Amma Ogan, Sully Abu, Effiong Essien, Ashikiwe Adione-Egom…was like winning a jackpot. Many of us framed the pages, and looked up to the big names. The times are different today. Our newspapers have stopped serving culture and society and the reader as spaces for great intellection, the tradition of old has been replaced by “opinionitis”, a very dangerous disease which pushes just about anyone to think they can inflict bad prose and thoughts on a vanishing breed of readers anyway. Matthew Kukah’s contributions to public discourse was frequent, and often well-received. He was not afraid of debates or intellectual pugilism. In those days, one subject on the pages of a newspaper could result in months of rigorous debate, from a multi-disciplinary perspective, by persons who respected each other’s intellect but nevertheless had the capacity to weave words into prose and good sense. This was the tradition that we grew into, from university to the field. Kukah was a major source of inspiration and a good sport. Many of his opinion pieces and extended essays remain timeless.
Bishop Kukah’s stature began to flower, even more so in his position at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria: he was first a Deputy Secretary General, then he became the Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat, located in Lagos, directly opposite Tafawa Balewa Square or Race Course as it was originally known. Under his watch as leader of that Secretariat, it became an important intellectual rendezvous for civil society groups and public intellectuals in the entire Southern Nigeria. Kukah built a very strong relationship with the media, promoting, most actively, both the Catholic Church, and the activities of the Catholic Bishops Conference, focusing on issues of justice, peace and development. When Nigeria descended into chaos in 1993, with the annulment of the June 12 1993 Presidential election, church and society rose against the impunity of the military establishment, and called for an end to military rule and respect for the people’s sovereignty. The majority spoke with one voice that military absolutism had defeated the purpose of good governance and that it was time for the Nigerian military to go. The Catholic Church spoke truth to power on the pulpit and on the streets. Leaders of other churches – the Anglican, the Methodist and Pentecostal Churches also joined the protest. The. Catholic Secretariat in Lagos served the Catholics as an intellectual power house. Kukah had able lieutenants: Fr. George Ehusani, his then Deputy who would later succeed him as Secretary-General. There were others too: Rev. John Uba Ofei and Rev. Fr. Iheanyi Enwerem.
On a regular basis, the Secretariat issued press releases and also organized seminars and conferences on various topics of interest with stakeholders brought together to chart the way forward for Nigeria. I was a familiar participant at those Sunday evening sessions. Many of us became so close to the Catholic priests, we began to also talk about liberation theology. Nigerians had been so badly treated many priests felt it was their obligation and ecclesiastical duty to help free the people from the shackles of of oppression. Even when there was no seminar, the doors of the Catholic Secretariat were always open. I later developed the habit of stopping by whenever I was in that part of the city. On a good evening, there was always sumptuous dinner. And the fridge was always full. Beer, wine…And there was Fr. George often twanging away on his guitar, trying out a new song, or reading a poem. He would later succeed Kukah as Secretary General and indeed that period – the Kukah-Ehusani – could be remembered as the golden years of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria. Kukah left behind a legacy that raised the profile of the Secretariat and the Church.
Beyond his public intellectualism and duties as a priest, Bishop Kukah has also been very active within the general community as an agent of peace and promoter of good governance and the common good. He is a compulsive bridge-builder, with friends in virtually every corner, and so well established is he among the political and private sector elite of Nigeria that many of his critics try to take pot-shots at him that he would still need to make up his mind whether he wants to be a priest or a politician. In recent years, through his major project, the Kukah Centre, he has been working in Nigeria’s post-military dispensation to promote the cause of peace, good governance, and stability. The Centre in collaboration with General Abdusalami Abubakar, Nigeria’s last military ruler up until 1999 to date, has jointly promoted a National Peace Committee, which gets politicians before elections to sign peace accords and give undertakings that they would embrace peace, as well as promoting peace in Nigerian communities. Kukah was a member of the National Human Rights Investigation Commission, Nigeria’s equivalent of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, also known as the Oputa Panel 1999 – 2001, Secretary of the National Political Reform Conference under the Obasanjo administration in 2005, Chairman of the Ogoni-Shell Reconciliation Committee since 2005, and member of the committee for electoral reform, 2007 – 2009.
In addition to this, Bishop Kukah is a strong advocate for inter-religious harmony, using every opportunity to promote tolerance and peace. For his efforts, he has been appointed to the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue at the Vatican and as Chairman of the Commission on Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. He has also enjoyed a level of visibility and influence that many priests can only dream about. He has probably given as many homilies at events organized by other churches as he has done on Catholic occasions. Political leaders seek his counsel. The intellectual class and the commentariat respect him as one of their own. The establishment at state and national levels seek his attention and counsel because they know that he can be trusted to say the truth without fear or favour. He is not a prosperity or attention-seeking priest. He and others like him including those that I mentioned earlier are cut from a different cloth. Priests of his type present a different model from that other Catholic priest: Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Ministries in Enugu. It is a measure of the diversity of the Catholic Church that it is even possible to mention an Ejike in a tribute to Bishop Matthew Kukah. As it were, virtually every Nigerian government has learnt to respect Bishop Matthew Kukah. The only exception has been the Buhari administration whose agents and spokespersons recently developed a passion for harassing the priest. He has challenged them to an open debate. They have not been able to take on that challenge. Meanwhile, Kukah has remained unrelenting in his chosen task of speaking truth to power and exposing chicanery, hypocrisy and the stupidity of hegemons no matter how dandified.
It is not surprising that Kukah is a much sought-after public lecturer. He has given lectures on virtually every important platform in Nigeria, from convocation ceremonies to funerals to anniversaries. He stands out as a consistent man of intellect, with a transparent public spirit. He likes to tell stories: his usual style is to tell a story, catch the attention of his audience with some humour, of course except he is discussing such grim subjects as the killing of his kith and kin in Zango-Kataf in Southern Kaduna or members of his diocese in Sokoto state, or any form of religious persecution, or the failings of the power elite, having learnt the art of choosing his topics with purpose. To mark his 70th birthday, Bishop Kukah is announcing his plans to build a befitting edifice for the Kukah Centre, one of Africa’s leading policy think-tanks. He and the Centre deserve every possible support on a sustainable basis. The Centre would be a major legacy offering from a priest who is on way easily to becoming a legend. Ahead of tomorrow’s event, he recently released a book titled Broken Truths: Nigeria’s Elusive Quest for National Cohesion. Author of many articles in academic journals, Kukah remains conscious of his training and exposure as an academic: diploma, University of Ibadan, B.A., Pontifical Urban University, Rome. M.A., Peace Studies, University of Bradford, (1980), Ph.D, Political Science, University of London (1990), Edward Mason Fellow, Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government; Rhodes Fellow, St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, Honorary Fellow, Nigeria Academy of Letters. The harvest from his fecund mind has been rich and impressive including some of the most authoritative books on aspects of Nigerian history such as: Religion, Politics and Power in Northern Nigeria (1993) – perhaps his most seminal work, Religious Militancy and Self-Assertion: Islam and Politics in Nigeria (1997); Democracy and Civil Society in Nigeria (2001); Witness to Justice: An Insider’s Account of Nigeria’s Truth Commission (2011), and Broken Truths (2022).
At 70, Bishop Kukah can reminisce with a strong measure of contentment that he has been able to impact many lives, using his chosen vocation of priesthood to make a difference in the lives of those to whose spiritual health he ministers and the larger community of men and women who have drawn inspiration from his wealth of knowledge, humility and accomplishments. As a person, Bishop Kukah is friendly, kind-hearted and always ready with a listening ear. Nobody has given him any national honour. He probably does not need it. Nigeria’s security agencies have stalked and questioned him. He has been abused and threatened for his no-holds-barred homilies. He has been labelled a religious bigot. He is, however, not afraid of authority figures because of his own commitments to a higher cause and his understanding of the dynamics of power. Those who use power and position to oppress the harmless, do so only for a while until they are reminded of the ephemerality of their advantages. Whatever may have been his travails, Kukah’s critics lay the blame at the doorstep of the ambivalence of his insider-outsider relationship with power and politics. But it can be said of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah that he has lived a life entirely of service and that is the best kind of life. He deserves to be celebrated. What we will be celebrating is not material things and the celebrant is not likely to be decked out in flowing babariga or agbada, the accent would be on service, innovation, ideas, goodness, justice, peace and humanism. I join others in wishing Bishop Kukah many happy returns of the day. He is one of the few redemptive figures in a community of pastors and priests where sometimes it is difficult to truly know what has happened to Christian leadership in our land.
The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with prominent clergyman and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah on his 70th birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message described Bishop Kukah as a man of God who has remained devoted to his calling as a servant in the Lord’s vineyard and the society at large.
Governor lalong felicitation is contained in a press statement dated 31st August,2022, signed by the Director of press and public Affairs Makut Macham and made available to this medium in Jos.
Lalong said Bishop Kukah has distinguished himself as a selfless, courageous, honest and kind clergyman who has always been driven by the passion to speak against injustice, oppression and other actions that negate principles of God and his love to humanity.
He said the Northern Governors acknowledge his sincere contributions to the efforts in addressing Nigeria’s challenges in education, justice administration, poverty eradication, peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment, and national unity through his consistent advocacy at various fora.
The Governor specifically commended the role Bishop Kukah has played in advancing Nigeria’s democracy and promoting credible, violence-free and acceptable elections as Convener of the National Peace Committee headed by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as steering national discourse and engagement through his foundation, The Kukah Centre.
Lalong said the passion and determination of Bishop Kukah to reach out to the youths and speak to them about their role as future leaders of the country has inspired many of them to look beyond the current challenges and work towards building a better nation.
While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings, good health and protection, Lalong said the Northern Governors and Nigeria at large shall continue to benefit from his wealth of knowledge, experience and wise counsel, urging him never to relent in speaking truth to power whenever the situation arises.
Youth under the auspices of Youth Wing Christians Association of Nigeria , Plateau State Chapter, ethnic Youth Nationality and others in the state, has thrown their weight behind Hon. Musa Bagos for instituting legal action against plateau state government for unilaterally trying to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jaiz Bank for the rebuilding of Jos Main Market without proper consultation of the stakeholders in the state.
The groups besieged the premises of the State High Court sitting in jos division ,venue for the hearing of the matter which is slated 30th August, 2022 , for continuation of hearing.
The groups carrying placards with different inscription for the support of the honorable member Musa Bagos, said they are in court to show their support for the honorable Member,and to expressed their displeasure for the action about to be taken by Governor Bako Lalong trying to morgage the heritage of the people of plateau state without proper consultation with the stakeholders.
The group who speak with journalists through the Chairman Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter,Markus Kanda Audu said,they are in court because the on going case between Hon Bagos and the plateau state government is of public interest.
He furher said as citizens of the state ,they believed they have stake in plateau project,as against this background, they have come to identify with the honorable member that would serve as moral booster to show he is on the right track,and that every right thinking people who has the interest of the state at heart is not only behind him,but solidly with him.
The groups stressed that base on their earlier submission to Governor Bako Lalong, and the World press conference held, they have made their position explicitly know to the Governor over the issue of signing MoU with Jaiz Bank for the rebuilding of Jos Main Market that was burnt down in 2001 by unknown Persons.
“You can see all the group with placards , you can see that we are not in support of the action Governor Lalong led administration is about to take concerning the MoU he is trying to sign with Jaiz Bank for the rebuilding of the market”.
The groups however stressed that they are not stopping the government for rebuilding the market,but base on the government joined venture agreement which is already in public domain,they are not comfortable with the MoU.
They believed that every citizens has the to expressed his grievances as the honorable Member has just done by approaching the court to seek for redress instead of employing for self help.
And debunked the insinuations that the action of the people against the MoU is politically motivated in some quarters, said this is about the future and heritage of plateau state , and they can’t just stand aloof and watch and allow anybody or group sell it out.
The groups maintained that they have made their position about the matter clear,and they are also in court to identify with our brother and our representative Musa Bagos that he is not alone, that we are behind him both thick and thin and at the end of the day ,we pray that victory shall come our way.
They reiterated their stances to resist any deliberate plans, deception, falsehood to sell their birth right as the people of plateau state will meet a brick wall.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has reaffirmed his determination to empower youths through training and expansion of job opportunities accruing from entrepreneurship.
The Governor spoke when he received Miss Lyop Christopher Malo, a youth agri-preneur who emerged the participant with Best Business Plan in West Africa in the Liventis Foundation Business Competition at the Government House Rayfield Jos.
Lalong said he was delighted that the efforts of the Rescue Administration to shift away focus of youths from seeking white collar jobs to entrepreneurship and skills development particularly in agriculture is gradually yielding results with many youths from the State excelling in national and international competitions.
While congratulating Miss Lyop, Governor Lalong promised to ensure that she succeeds in actualizing her business plan and motivating other youths to embrace agriculture as a major source of income for themselves and their families.
He commended Liventis Foundation for its partnership with Plateau State which he said has existed for many decades where many jobs and competences have been built for the benefit of the citizens.
Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council Hon. Jock Alamba said the Government of Simon Bako Lalong has done so much in building the capacity of youths and creating institutions that have become pivotal for harnessing the potentials of the younger generation.
He said in appreciation of the performance of Miss Lyop Malo, Liventis Foundation has decided to establish an Agricultural Training School in Barkin Ladi.
The APC Chairman in Plateau State Hon. Rufus Bature was also at the event where he restated the determination of the APC to continue to focus on human capital development among other developmental strides.
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State has expressed signs of relief to Plateau citizens that Barr. Caleb Mutfwang and Mrs. Josephine Piyo administration would bring back true governance to Plateau State.
He made the remarked on Monday 29th August,2022 when Mutfwang Solidarity Network paid him a courtesy call in his office.
He noted that the Peoples Democratic Party remains the only credible alternative that was founded on the platform of sustainable development.
I can say, without an iota of doubt, that the PDP contribution to the growth and sustenance of good governance in the State in the last 16 years remain unequalled.
He added, the party has produce a fine gentleman, an astute politician, grassroots mobilizer, focus and visionary leader who continue in the footages of JD Gomwak, JD Jang as standard Governorship Candidate.
The future of Plateau State is safe in hand of Barr. Caleb Mutfwang and the Chairman believes, he will leads us to an expectant destination.
The Chairman admonished the group to work from the polling unit and canvass support towards the next year general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Samuel Mwansat said, “We are here to familiarise ourselves, and assure you, we are going to work for the party from the presidential down to the State assembly elections in 2023.”
Plateau base up coming young Artist Tersoo John Stephen has adviced musicians to imbibe originality in their music career and stop imitating the work of other that will make them go far in the profession.
As he promised to be on national and international Radio and Television some few years from now because he is working extra hard to achieve that dream .
Tersoo speak to this medium in an interview with journalists in Jos plateau state capital recently.
Tersoo a native of Tiv speaking language from Benue State ,said it is when a musician stay within the confined of his “Diction” and language ,then his best will Come out instead of imitation.
He said history and experience has it that whatever you are doing not only in music alone,and you are not original but strive on imitation, definitely you can’t go far from music or any profession of your endeavours.
Tersoo who started his music career very early in life as teenager , officially take it as professional career in 2005/6 later add instrumental like gitar to it in 2010
to help in complimenting the rhythem.
Stephen who has diploma in Mass communication currently Under going degree program in the same field at the University of Jos, stressed that he grown up loving music because I love listening to different types of music.
The young up coming musician lamented losting his mother to the cold hand of death when he was just 12 years old .
“Even when my mother was alive, sometimes when she send me an errand,if I hear the sound of music, I ways abandoned the errand for the music that is the beginning of my flairs for music till today.”
He further add that there are some national and international musicians that inspired his music career , like Tu Face idiba ,Asha,Timi Dakolo,Kibance and Dare Alade.
On the international sences he said he so much fall in love with the music of “R Kelly”.
On whether his dream of become musician was supported by his father,he said initially my father vehemently was against me becoming musician ,with his believe that musicians are drugs addict,and engaged in negative vices to enhance their music prowess.
But that Changed when I emerged the 1st runners of the young artist in plateau state organised during one of the Trade Fair held at the Polo field some time back.
Tersoo said after that the perspection of the father towards musicians as group of rascals , useless people and drugs addict change ,and believe that I have focus and hope to achieve something out of it.
Stephen who is now orphan after losting his father in 2011 ,is still put hope alive as he said God who gave him the talent will also bring a helper cross his part.
“I so much believe that one day through my good music, because I know l am good, God will send a helper that will change the story of my music career around for good.”
Tersoo who is currently working to release an album very soon, said he only co-released with friends sometimes back, but the one I am currently working on now is going to be independent one ,he maintained.
He however adviced the up coming artist of his kind to follow their dreams irrespective of the initial obstacles which can’t be wish away as part of trial or trialing moment,they should keep pushing , because there is this popular saying , that there “Is Light After The Dark Tunnel”.
He further adviced parents not to kill the dream of their children/wards instead they should be encouraged that is when their best will come out,not necessarily financial help,moral support is very important in the life of every children’s life.Tersoo John Stephen maintained.
Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State, has assured serving members, Candidates and ex-members of State Houses of Assembly, under the All Progressives Congress (APC), of maximum support towards achiveing victories during the 2023 general elections.
Governor Badaru said legislators are important grasssroots mobilisers in any given Democratic settings.
This was contained in press release issued by the Public Relation Officer of the Forum, a serving chief Whip of Katsina Statae House of Assembky, Hon. Abdul-Jalal Haruna Runka.
He said Governor Badaru, made the statement on Sunday, while responding to the APC’s Northern Nigeria State House of Assembly Forum (NNSAF), on a courtesy visit at his Kano residence.
“The APC is mindful of the fact, and importance of State Assembly members as good drivers and mobilisers at the grassroot level.
“I am highly honoured that your forum deemed it worthy to pay a visit.
“I am equally assuring you that we will do all the best at ensuring that your forum is carried along towards attaining the desired victories in the forthcoming 2023 general elections,” he said.
The Forum Chairman, Hon. Aliyu A. Aliyi, had informed Governor Badaru, that they held their second meeting wherein, some problems and challenges of the APC were looked into.
“We met and discussed succesess and progress of our party. We equally showcased some of the problems and challenges aimed at proffering solutions towards attaining successes at all levels comes 2023 elections,” he said.
According to him, as closest to the voting population their roles are very vital in driving or mobilising for the overall success of the APC at any given election.
Yobe State majority leader, Hon. Bukar Mustapha, also treasurer of the Forum, told Governor Badaru, that they purposefully, visited him as one of the elders and shakers of the APC, to acquaint him with their noble ideas.
He appreciated Governor Badaru’s statesmanship, foresights and efforts at moving the APC to greater heights.
Hon. Adamu Aliyu, from Plateau State also commended Gov. Badaru, for his unshaking commitment to the advancement of the APC.
Salihu Ibn Mohammed of Nigeria Television Station (NTA) Jos center and the Central Zonal Publicity Secretary of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Sabiu Musa has advised couples to be patient with each other as they start the journey of matrimonial home.
As they charged them to imbibed the spirit of telorance and patience in their marriage which is one of the Panacea for stable and lasting marriage life.
Salihu Ibn Mohammed the father to the bride and Sabiu Musa for that of the groom gave the advice separately in an interview with this medium during the wedding of their children in Jos the plateau state capital on Saturday 27th August,2022 held at the bride residence closed to the Central Mosque .
Sabiu Musa the Central Zonal Publicity Secretary of African Democratic Congress (ADC) father to the groom further adviced that they should imbibe the spirit of telorance in their marriage and always telorate the bride Short coming.
He said as the father to the groom,he will ensure he always track them to find how they are fairing to avoid given room marital conflict.
He lamented how patent live their children to their faith immediately they get married which is one of causes of marital problems occasioned by lack of experience.
In the same vail,the father to the bride Salihu Ibn Mohammed , with the NTA Jos center adviced the couples to be patient with one another which make the marriage to last,and avoid exposing the secret of their Matrimonial misunderstanding to third party.
The high point of the event is the payment of bride price by the father of groom Sabiu Musa with the sum of Hundred Thousand Naira.
Which was conducted by the Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque Shiek Lawal Adams and three others,in line with Muslims tradition.
There is currently palpable tension going in governor lalong local government as group of Muslims in Yalwan Shendam were trying to coronate an Emir in the area.
As the native of Shendam stood their group to ensure that doesn’t happen because no any other traditional head is allowed in the community aside the one traditionally endorse by the Shendam traditional stool.
As at the time of this report the people of Yalwan Shendam are currently on the run ,as the Geomi nation are after them, they kicked against any form of kingship aside the people of Shendam tradition.
Although the information is till sketchy ,this medium promise to continue given you the updated.
The leader of pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo, has said the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi is fighting for the oppressed.
Adebanjo said Obi shared the same cause with the leadership of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum (SMBLF).
Obi met with Adebanjo and SMBLF leadership in Lagos.
The Afenifere leader said ideas were exchanged during the parley.
Appearing on Channels Television, the Afenifere’s leader said the former Anambra State governor believes in restructuring.
He said: “Obi came to meet Southern and Middlebelt leaders in my house. It was an exchange of views; we believe in the same cause.
“We are all partners in progress. The fight he is fighting is a fight for the oppressed.
“Restructuring was at the front burner; we should have a country first before we have any development plan. That is the pillar on which the Southern and Middlebelt leaders stand.
“Constitutional review, community policing, devolution of power and others are all embedded in restructuring. Where we have a constitution where everybody is dissatisfied, you won’t have peace and without peace, there will be no stability. These are fundamental.”
Lately, Obi has been meeting with relevant political stakeholders from the Southern part of the country, as well as churches.
As Dr. Salisu Ogbo Bags Award In Promoting Quality Education, Infrastructure.
The Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Dr. Usman Ogbo Salisu has bagged an award for promoting quality education and improving the educational infrastructure in the Polytechnic.
The award was conferred on him in Lokoja by the “The Nigerian Post Newspaper” during her annual lecture on the topic: “Governance, Leadership Re-Defined, This House Must Not Fall”.
Presenting the award to Dr. Ogbo the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo who represented Governor Yahaya Bello described the Rector as the face of government in excellence, said he has impacted on the institution through his initiatives of taking it to the next level.
According to Fanwo, the State government is proud of happenings at the Polytechnic under the Rector’s leadership stating that if you want to appreciate the administration of Gov. Bello visit the State Polytechnic, to see quality and excellence.
Speaking on the topic:” Governance, Leadership redefined.This house must not fall” the guest lecturer, Tope Joel, said Nigeria cannot afford to fail as other countries of the world are looking up to us as a country for there.
“2023 is a decider for our country and we must redefine our leadership structure because we cannot afford to fail. If the house will not fall we must reengineer from home and train and retrain our wards and children towards the path of righteousness.”
Also speaking,the Chief of staff to the governor Jamiu Asuku said “We must not allow the state to fall adding that that was why the Governor had made security of live and property a top priority of new direction administration
Asuku enjoined citizens of the state to sustain the effort of the governor on maintaining togetherness which is part of the new direction agenda of the governor.
The Chief of staff seized the opportunity to reel out some of the achievements of the governor to include Ganaja bridge, Lokoja, reference hospital, Okene Koto- karfe and others
He called for cooperation of all citizens to prevent the House from falling but move the country forward towards the path of success and prosperity.
The PDP Primary election between Hon.Ephraim Usman Vs Ziphion Chrystantus both members of People’s Democratic party has finally laid to rest as the plaintiff in the matter hon Ephraim Usman has voluntarily withdrawn the case following the party stakeholders intervention.
As the plaintiff, hon. Usman said his decision to withdraw the case is for the interest of his Constituency, PKK, PDP, and the state as a whole for peace to reign.
The Case which is slated for hearing on the 24th August, 2022 at Federal High Court Division sitting in Jos, plateau state , the Counsel to the plaintiff announced before the court that he has received communication from his client to withdraw the case to allow out of court settlement considering the fact that both of them are the same family of the Same Party PDP.
The counsel to the respondent collaborated the statement of the counsel to the plaintiff, my lord , l also received the same communication from my client intimating me of his decision to withdraw the matter to allow out of court settlement.
The presiding Judge, Justice DV Agishi commended the Parties for exhibiting high level of maturity and embrace the option of out of court settlement to give peace a chance.
Justice Agishi described the move as Patriotic by putting the interest of the people and state above every other sefish interest and charged other politians to emulate the Patriotic nature exhibited by the plaintiff, Ephraim Usman for the interest of peace.
She however pronounced the case withdraw .
In an interview with the plaintiff , Ephram Usman, at the Federal High Court premises, he said his decision to opt for out of court settlement is occasion by the intervention of the stakeholders of our great party PDP in the state for peaceful resolutions.
He further said as Party man, even when I know that the primary was manned with irregularities where the election of Kanam have to be suspended and couldn’t hold, I have to listen to the advice of my party to withdraw the matter for it to be settled as family.
He promised to give his unalloyed support to the party , for PDP to come out victorious in Kanam, Kanke and Pankshin Constituency in 2023 General Election.
He however, debunked the rumour making around that he is being sponsored to distrupt the candidature of the party in PKK.
“People that knows me can attest to the fact that I am a man of integrity, nobody can come out to say any monentry transactions has taken place between me and anybody regarding the election. I was one time students Leader, I work and do businesses”.
On his part, the the party flag bearer for PKK Under PDP and respondent on the matter commended the maturity of the plaintiff, Ephraim Usman for agree to withdraw the case from court.
Hon. Ziphion Chrystantus represented in court by his DG Campaign said with the court case now over, he will give them the chance to Campaign without distraction.
He assured that people Democratic party PDP, will definitely come out victorious in 2023 General Election across board including PKK.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali has said criminals take illicit drugs to commit criminality in society.
He made this known Wensday 24th August 2022 when the management team from Quintessential Healthcare Center, Jos paid him a courtesy visit at Headquarters 3 Division, Jos Plateau state.
General Ali decried the use of hard drugs by criminals to perpetrate evil in society and called for continuous collaboration between government agencies , civil society organisations to curtail the taking and circulation of illicit substances.
The GOC commended the Quintessential Healthcare services for its enlightenment programmes on dangers of illicit drugs and further applauded the organisation for assisting troops on post traumatic disorder and stress.
Speaking earlier, the Director Quintessential Healthcare Center Jos, Professor Moses Audu commended the GOC for his support to the organisation in enabling it to reach out to larger targets as he said the assistance received had impacted positively on people with mental disorder and traumatic stress.
Professor Moses also commended the military for their untiring efforts towards peace on the plateau.
In a similar development, the leadership of the Muslims Community in Jebbu Bassa also paid courtesy call on the GOC and thanked him for supporting Bassa community with basic amenities.
The group led by the Chief Imam of Central Mosque Jebbu Bassa, Mallam Muhammad Sanusi Tahir, said the activities of 3 Division in the area have helped to resolved the lingered water problem and improved the security of the community. He applauded the GOC for assistance rendered to orphans and less privileged in the community.
Responding, the GOC revealed that the visit will spur 3 Division to do more to improve the living conditions of the host communities. He urged the citizens to always support the security agencies to achieve a safe and secured society.
Present during the visits were the Chief of staff 3 Division, Brigadier General DD Kurmi, Principal Staff officers and Commanders of 3 Division related formations and units.
The crisis rocking the plateau State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has assumed a dramatic dimension, as the Federal High Court sitting in Jos division, has told the parties in the matter that the case file involving Ambassador Yohanna Margif , Patrick Dakum, Labour Party and other party will be return to Abuja for reassignment on the instruction of the Chief Justice of Federation.
The matter which case files reads, Ambassador Margif Yohanna Vs Labour Party and two others was slated today 24th August, 2023 for hearing on the substantive matter for the court to determine the legal candidate between Ambassador Margif Yohanna and professor Patrick Dakum for the ticket of LP party governorship ahead 2023 General Election in plateau state.
When the case file was called, counsels announced their appearance, the Counsel to the plaintiff Abdullahi Muniri told the court although the case was slated today for hearing , but we have just been served a letter signed by the CJ that the case file be return to Abuja for it to reassign by the Chief Justice of Federation .
The statement was corroborated by the the court Clark by telling the court that the CJ had give express directive to this honorable court to return all pre -elections related case files to Abuja for reassignment.
The 2nd defendant in the matter, through his Counsel , vehemently argued that the return of the case file to the office of the CJ as directed will not stop the court to execute his order for Professor Dakum to appear before it within 96 hours .
He further said that even the process in question have not been served and called on the court to take judiciary notice on the fact that the matter is election matter , which is time bound because time is of the essence.
The judge said her hand are tighed in the matter as the directive of the CJ subsist in other decisions , as he decides who he feel to reallocate the case to.
Professor Patrick Dakum is one of the people joined in the suit filed by Ambassador Margif Yohanna ,was hitherto aspirant for Governorship under the platform of APC,who walked away from the party because he felt shot change by the power that be following alleged kangaroo primary conducted by the party.
But suprisely he came to the Labour Party claiming the Party ticket for Governorship while Ambassador Margif Yohanna who had literally referred as Landlord in the party before the coming of professor Dakum is stamped.
However ,no date have been fix for further hearing, pending the reassignment of the matter by Chief Justice of Federation.
The Ecological Fund established in 1981 through the federation account act of 1981.
The fund constitute one percent of the federation account derivation.
Inaugurating the eight man committee, Executive Chairman of Jos South Local Government Council, Ambassador Gideon Dandereng stated that the prime objective of the initiative is to have a pool of fund that would be solely devoted to the funding of ecological projects to mitigate serious ecological problems.
Dandereng emphasized that States and Local Governments receive their share of the monthly allocation from the ecological fund, hence the need for the newly constituted committee to work hard towards the realization of the set goal.
Members of the committee include; Secretary to the Local Government as Chairman, Director WASH as Director Special Duties.
Others are; Store Keeper as Director procurement, Supervisory Councillor PHC as Director Pollution Control, Director Agric as Director Drought and Director finance and supply to handle finance of the committee.
Chairman of the Committee, Alex Dalyop who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, promised to be transparent in the discharge of the stipulated assignment.
He appreciated the Council Chairman for bestowing such huge responsibility on their shoulders.
The Former Governor of plateau State , former Senator of the federal republic of Nigeria in the 8th Assembly and Stalwarts of the people’s Democratic party (PDP) in plateau state has adviced the party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to mend fence with the Governor of River State Wyesom Wike to avoid political disaster waiting to happen in 2023 General Election.
As Jang said under rating Governor Wike is like Atiku moving on political dangerous road which appears very unsafe for one time vice president of Nigeria and the people Democratic party (PDP).
Jonah Jang was speaking while flagging off the construction of Omagwa internal roads in Rivers State on Wike’s invitation in Porthercourt , River State capital.
He stressed that Atiku Abubakar must close ranks with the group to win 2023 presidential election and adviced him not to neglect a group of PDP Stalwarts led by Wike, as doing so will cause political doom for the Adamawa state born politician.
Jang further add that ,Atiku attempting to ignore the group, of which he is a member, would negatively affect his ambition to win the presidential election.
He said:
“I want to call on our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to close ranks with all members, particularly members of Governor Wike’s group of which I’m proudly one . Doing this will guarantee victory in 2023 general elections.
“These men and women, as I have said, worked hard to build this party and they cannot just be wished away overnight.
We need to come together, settle our differences by recognising that you need each and every one of us for you to win the general election.”
Governor Wike and Atiku are currently at Dagger drown over party primary, where Atiku emerged as the party flag bearer in a controversial circumstances.
The matter was however compounded when the presidential flag bearer of the party ,Atiku Abubakar flagrantly jettison the advice of the party stakeholders to pick Wike as his running mate , instead he went for Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.
Since then ,the hitherto peaceful party , become a battle ground as aggrieved Wike vowed to work against the presidential ambition of Atiku.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako says urgent steps need to be taken to tackle illegal mining which has continued to cause economic and security challenges to the nation and most parts of the North just as oil bunkering is doing to the country.
Lalong who spoke during his intervention on Getting Nigeria’s Administration out of oil at the ongoing Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association holding in Lagos, said the losses resulting from illegal mining and carting away of precious solid minerals constitute a huge loss to Governments at all levels.
He however observed that due to the focus on crude oil, not much attention is devoted to the solid minerals theft thereby leaving illegal miners from within and outside the country to have a field day in ripping off the country and devastating local communities.
Lalong said that is why he has remained an advocate of the inclusion of solid minerals in both the exclusive and concurrent list in order to enable States properly assert control over mining activities which in many cases result into criminality and provide funding for bandits, terrorists and their collaborators.
Also speaking about the issue of enhancing security of lives and properties, Lalong said the issue of State police was germaine and crucial but needs to be guaranteed by factors including the capacity to train, deploy, monitor, and regularly pay the personnel in order to avoid a situation where people with arms are owed salaries and turn out to constitute another security problem.
On the issue of unity and progress of Nigeria, Lalong said there must be a deliberate effort to address the manipulation of religion and ethnicity which according to him have been exploited to the detriment of the diversity and variety they represent.
The Governor also disclosed that under his leadership, Plateau State has made progress is diversifying from dependence on oil proceeds with the empowering of citizens to engage in commercial agriculture, value addition, extention services and leveraging on crops of comparive advantage such as exotic fruits, potatoes, flowers among others which are unique to Plateau State.
He also said the Government has acquired the Inland Container Terminal and also received approval for the upgrade of the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang into an International Cargo Airport for export of agricultural and other commodities.
Lalong further disclosed that so much has been done to restore peace in Plateau State which has brought back tourism and investors as well enhanced the creative industry and sports which are synonymous with Jos and contributing significantly to the economy.
He stressed the training of thousands of youths in various entrepreneurial skills which have made Plateau State a household name at the national MSME competition organised by the office of the Vice President among others.
The Candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam (PKK)at the Federal House of Representatives in 2023 General Election,Zipihon Chrystantus has adviced his Co-Candidates in the forthcoming General Election in the opposition party APC, who want the people’s mandate at all cost, through unholy means to maintain status quo and calm down as power belong to God, “He” gives to any person “He” wishes at anytime.
Zipihon Chrystantus further adviced that those candidates who he described as on fast political lane to shun the act of desperado to win the election at all cost and allow the electorates to decide who should led them and let the will of the people to prevail.
“If the people say go and represent us ,fine and good ,if they choose otherwise, accept it in good faith”.
He was speaking in a an interview with journalists in Jos at the weekend .
He further said that all the candidates for the election should know that power come from God alone and going to the House of Representatives is call for service.
On his best selling point, compared to his opponent from the APC,Hon.Yusuf Gadi,he said every human beings created by God has his/her selling point, and his anticidence,is left for the people to decide who represent them at the Federal House of Representatives come 2023 General Election.
He said anybody going in for an elected positions ,has his selling point , with my anticidence ,is for the people to Judge and decide ,I should not be the person to decide for the people,he stressed that hon.Gadi has his part ,I have main too,he maintained.
Chrystantus further summited that people know me very well, and the same go to Gadi and putting us side by side for comparison, they will definitely make their option at the end of February,2023 General Election.
On his manifestos for plateau Youths,the PDP candidate said the major problems of the youths on the Plateau is mentorship ,as the youth moved aimlessly without purpose .
And stressed that under my leadership,as member representing the good people of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam (PKK) at the Federal House of Representatives in 2023,we intend to guide the youths to find direction which I think is the best ,not for you to die,is for you to live,he said.
He further stressed that is why you see people moving ups and down and things are not working for them.
“Because they are not living their purpose,as God created us to fulfill our purpose, until that purpose is accomplished in ones live, anything you are chasing outside that, you are just chasing shadow.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kefiano motors, chief Kafas Ropshak has apologized to the people of plateau state and Nigeria at large for being part of the problems of Plateau in particular and Nigeria as a Nation for supporting the All Progressive Congress (APC) government to come on board.
Myself and those that supported the government to come on board at that period in time, met well for the state , and felt our actions for change was the best to avoid precedence which was about to rear it ugly head at that time, 2015 on the Plateau.
Chief Kafas Ropshak , who was Governship aspirant under PDP on the Plateau, but failed to make it at the primary election , tender the apology in Jos ,plateau state in an interview with journalists.
He said I sincerely tender my unreserved apology to the citizens of plateau state, and Nigeria in general for playing key role in bringing the APC Government to power because I committed my resources and morally to ensure the party win Election.
Kefiano who appeared to be visibly remorseful stressed that I thought I was doing the right thing ,and meant well for my state, but Seven and half years down the line ,the party , APC has bring untold hardship to the citizens , insecurity on the high side and religious problem is getting too hot to handle.
He further add that Nigeria has never been divided the way it’s under the government of Buhari and lalong , and called on the electorates to get their PVC, ready and use it to vote APC out of power like cancerous part of the body.
Kafas reiterated his support to the former vice president Atiku Abubarkar for the slot of President in 2023 General Election.
“I have closed contact with Atiku Abubarkar one on one ,we can’t afford to make another mistake by voting another incompetent president into power like the mistake we made in 2015 ,aythe election that brought the APC administration into Power,this is why I follow my heart to work for Atiku Abubarkar because my prayer is for better Nigeria.”
Kafas said among the three candidates slogging it out for the position of president,Obi, Tinubu,the most capable person is Atiku Abubarkar because he is the only candidate whose half of his investment is domicile in the country , unlike the two others ,and has directed these alleging that he is corrupt ,to go and do their findings.So Atiku Abubarkar is an employer of the teeming unemployed youths in the country.
So therefore,if he stole and invested the money in the country ,I don’t really care , he said.
On his plans for the youths on the Plateau as an entrepreneur ,the PDP Governorship aspirant on the Plateau said having know the important of been dependent and coming from the private sector background,I always Advocate for the youths, that is why I am equally advocating for Technical Schools in the state as the world is becoming a global village,and job opportunity are becoming scarce daily ,so the government has to do something about it as human beings you have to be independent.
He called on the PDP, to make it their priority in the party’s manifestoe and create bogus space on the party program to accommodate skills acquisitions for the youths on the Plateau to discover their potentials.
“For me when I was contesting for governor under PDP recently,I was having ten plate ,I have been empowering women and youths every quarter in my own capacity.
Kafas stressed that his going to university for study is not a wast, but he will continue to empower the downtrodden no matter how Little, because when they are doing well, they can also assist others as the government will in turn collect taxes that can help to boost Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.
Kefiano lamented how Plateau people have been relegated to the background economically while the Igbos and Hausas are making headline amonge the millionaires in the state, which is an indication that the state is an economic hub if properly enhanced.
As Plateau rolled our drum to celebrate one of their own,Pam Bot-Mang over his selection as the Deputy Governship candidate under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC),one of the Philantropist and stalwart of the party, Alh. Saleh Zazzaga Commended Pam Bot-Mang as the running mate to Nentawe Yilwatda in the forthcoming General Election.
Alh.Saleh Zazzaga Commended the selection of Pam Bot Mang as Running Mate to Nentawe Yilwatda which he described as perfect match that will give victory to the party in the state ,and enhanced development on the Plateau considering the track records of these two political vibrant people .
Alhaji Zanzaga made the statement in an interview with journalists during the reception organised in honor of Pam Bot-Mang for been selected as Deputy governor of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.
The occasion which was held at the Bukuru Mini Stadium brought together the sons and daughters in Berom Nation in attendance.
Alhaji Zanzaga stressed that the selection of the former Commissioner of works as the Deputy Governorship candidate for the party is not just a right steps in a right direction, but a victory for the party at the poll.
Alh. Saleh Zazzaga, described the APC Deputy Governorship candidate Pam Bot-Mang as “a brother and friend” commended him for his forthrightness, adding that, he was confident in the choice of Hon. Pam Bot-Mang, who according to him, would assist the standard-bearer in taking the State to a greater hight.
The Philantropist , businessman and politian Alh. Saleh Zazzaga adviced the youths to join hands with the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, who has sincere interest of the youths at heart, and youths oriented programmes to improve the standard of living of the citizens.
Earlier, the state chairman of the party Hon. Rufus Bature in his welcome address, said Plateau State belongs to all of us, hence the need for everybody to be concerned with the affairs of the state. Whatever we can do to make this state better we will join hands and do it.
The ground reception which is organised by the Executive Chairman of Jos South LGA ,who double as 2023 Candidate, Jos South/East federal Constituency Hon. Amb. Gideon Dung Davou Dandereng.
Amb. Gideon, hinted that he is happy for the selection of Pam Bot-Mang who came from his local government, he therefore appreciated the party and all the stakeholders in the Plateau North, “even by our faith, anything good that happen to you, your support to call for a thanksgiving” he said.
He stressed that Jos South/East federal Constituency are one yearning for a change, with Hon. Amb. Gideon Dung Davou Dandereng, the journey is getting sweeter and better as the time to serve the people at the Green Chamber draws nearer, Jos South/East want to move away from its present position and become a federal Constituency that works for its citizens, Amb. Gideon added.
Responding, the Deputy Governorship Candidate Hon .Pam Bot-Mang, appreciated the Berom Nation for supporting him saying he will not disappoint the Berom Nation and the people of Plateau State if entrusted with the mandate.
The Plateau State All Progressives Congress APC Governorship Candidate and Captain of the Generation next movement, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, explained that Pam Bot-Mang was not picked as the running mate because he is Berom from Jos South but because of his track record of integrity, self reliance, humility and magnanimity.
Dr Nentawe Yilwatda has pledged to end tribalism and unite all Plateau tribes together for the development of the state if elected Governor come 2023, “I want to be a Governor of Plateau State not a Governor of my tribe, from 1991 to date what has divided Plateau State is tribalism and if elected Governor we will end tribalism, our focus will be Plateau State only, and we will redeem our image as United People”
According to him, I will run a free, fair and all-inclusive government, where Plateau youths will be engaged, and empowered to become economically self-reliant if given the mandate.
The event began in the morning with large turn out of supporters defying the downpour at the Gwom Rwei’s Palace of Gyel, Jos South LGA, as they welcomed the entourage.
Also, the BECO President, Da. Gyang Dudu who responded on behalf of the groups said the Berom people are accommodative and hospitable and urged them to manage the ethnic and religious diversity in the state.
The Igbos on the Plateau has reiterated their support for Governor Bako Lalong over the signing of Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) with Jaiz Bank for the rebuilding the burnt down Jos Main Market.
As the steps taken by the state government towards rebuilding the market in collaboration with Jaiz Bank ,will help to boost the Economy of the state , and increase it Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) .
The Chief of Igbos in Jos, plateau state capital , Chief Igwe Osas revealed the lgbos support for Governor Lalong in an interview with journalists during a press conference by APC Stakeholders in Jos North-North Constituency in the state house of Assembly held at Lamonde Hotel in Jos.
Chief Osas stressed that the lgbos in plateau state like elsewhere, are business oriented people ,as such anything that may have negative impacts on their businesses ,or cause set back, they always vehemently guide against them , hence the reasons for the Igbos to support Governor Lalong’s efforts to rebuild the market, and sure it’s back on business.
Igwe Osas who is the Leader of the Igbos on the Plateau condenmed the recent unwarranted attack on the personality of governor lalong because of his intention to sign Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) with Jaiz Bank on the basis of religion,to me is very,very uncalled for,he stressed.
The Royal Father used the medium to call on the people of plateau state, to support the decision of the government as it will be for the benefit of all.
He further add that since the market was burnt down by unknown person some years back ,the government and the people of the state had lost a huge revenues that would have been used for the development of the state,plead for them to see reasons for the state government decision.
He further adviced the Igbos in the state,to support Governor Lalong decision, and efforts to rebuild the market and advice them to stay away from being use by any person or group to distract the Governor’s discussion.
It would be recalled that Governor Bako Lalong proposed to sign MoU with Jaiz Bank for the rebuilding of the market , which had raised many agitations in different quarters on the ground that Jaiz Bank is owned by Muslim, bowing to the government decisions automatically means the market is taken over by the Muslim.
The All Progressive Congress (APC)in plateau state said the combination of Nentawe Yilwatda and Hon. Pam Bot Mang as Governorship candidate and Depty respectively is a perfect combination that will put the state on fast path of development.
As they argued the people of plateau state to avoid making any mistake by voting for another candidate order than Nentawe and Bot Mang in the 2023 General Election.
Alh. Saleh Zazzaga,a stalwart of the ruling APC in the state who doubled as a stunch politian in the state,stated this at a reception organised in the favor of Pam Bot-Mang the Commissioner of work, now Deputy Governor candidate under APC ahead 2023 General Election.
Alhaji Saleh Zanzaga said the record of Nentawe Yilwatda and Pam Botmang , there is no doubt in my mind that when they are in power as the governor and deputy respectively, there is better day ahead for the state.
Sons and Daughters
The event attracted the sons and daughters of the zones where the deputy governor hails from as he promised to form formidable force with his principal for development in the state promised to make his kinsmen happy.
Alh. Saleh Zazzaga
In an interview with the chairman of Jos south local government, Hon.Gideon said they are proud of Pam Bot Mang as thie
Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda
Alh. Saleh Zazzaga, described the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate as “a brother and friend” commending him for his forthrightness, adding that, he was confident in the choice of Hon. Pam Bot-Mang, who according to him, would assist the standard-bearer in taking the State to a greater pedestal.
Amb. Gideon
The APC stalwart Alh. Saleh Zazzaga urged the youths to join hands with the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, who has realistic and youths oriented programmes to improve the standard of living of the citizens.
Earlier, the Plateau State APC Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature, welcoming the party stakeholders said,a
Plateau State belongs to all of us, hence the need for everybody to be concerned with the affairs of the state. Whatever we can do to make this state better we will join hands and do it.
The ground reception in honor of Hon Pam Bot-Mang,is hosted by the Executive Chairman of Jos South LGA who double as 2023 Candidate, Jos South/East federal Constituency Hon. Amb. Gideon Dung Davou Dandereng.
Amb. Gideon, hinted that he very happy that the nomination came from his local government, he therefore appreciated the party and all the stakeholders in the Plateau North, “even by our faith, anything good that happen to you, your support to call for a thanksgiving” he said.
Jos South/East federal Constituency is one and everyone in every part is yearning for a change, with Hon. Amb. Gideon Dung Davou Dandereng, the journey is getting sweeter and better as the time to serve the people at the Green Chamber draws nearer, Jos South/East want to move away from its present position and become a federal Constituency that works for its citizens, Amb. Gideon added.
Responding, the Deputy Governorship Candidate Hon Pam Bot-Mang, appreciated the Berom nation for supporting him saying he will not disappoint the Berom nation and the people of Plateau State if entrusted with the mandate.
The Plateau State All Progressives Congress APC Governorship Candidate and Captain of the Generation next movement, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, explained that Pam Bot-Mang was not picked as the running mate because he is Berom from Jos South but because of his track record of integrity, self reliance, humility and magnanimity.
Dr Nentawe Yilwatda has pledged to end tribalism and unite all Plateau tribes together for the development of the state if elected Governor come 2023, “I want to be a Governor of Plateau State not a Governor of my tribe, from 1991 to date what has divided Plateau State is tribalism and if elected Governor we will end tribalism, our focus will be Plateau State only, and we will redeem our image as United People”
According to him, he will run a free, fair and all-inclusive government, where Plateau youths will be engaged, and empowered to become economically self-reliant if given the mandate.
The event began in the morning with turn out of supporters defying the downpour at the Gwom Rwey’s Palace of Gyel, Jos South LGA, as the welcomed the entourage.
Also, the BECO President, Da. Gyang Dudu, responded on behalf of the groups said the Berom people are accommodative and hospitable and urged them to manage the ethnic and religious diversity in the state.
By: Labaran Ahmed. The Tax Appeal Tribunal sitting in Jos, has ruled that Bleneson Service Nigeria Limited should pay the sum of 8,153, 265, 00 million naira over tax defaults to the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS). The Chairman of the Five-Man Panel, North Central, Tax Appeal Tribunal, Hon. Richard Umar Bala, gave the Order in the judgment in the case between, Bleneson Service Nigeria Limited (Appellant) and Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) the Respondent, on Wednesday, the 20th day of July, 2022. The Appellant, Bleneson Service Nigeria Limited, had appealed, being dissatisfied with the demand notice of various tax liabilities served by the respondent. The demand notice, dated 2th December, 2022, had notified the Appellant of tax liability in the aggregate sum of #173,834,718,42, (One hindered and seventy three million, eighteen naira, forty two kobo, only), for the period of 2018 – 2019 being the years of the assessment. The component of the liabilities
By: Labaran Ahmed. “Hawan Sallah” festival is a royal procession of men mounted on horses and dressed in regalia, It’s a vibrant show of culture, It occurs after the end of the Muslim festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al- Kabir. The regiment, “Sarkin Dawaki” Alh. Muhammad Yusuf Dan Imamu, demonstrate their horsemanship, entertaining people on their cultural and historical heritage during his parade. The 2022, “Hawan Sallah” festival in Bukuru led by “Sarkin Dawaki” Alh. Muhammad Y. Dan Imamu Bukur, and his entourage on horses accompanied him, round Bukuru and environ, expressing joy for Sallah Days celebration. This tradition has remained an interesting one as large crowds follow the procession round Bukuru, with fully dressed horses, in splendid colourful attire, as drummers, trumpeters display. “Sarkin Dawaki” Alh. Muhammad Yusuf Dan Imamu Bukur, takes off from Filin Sarki to Clark Quarters, Malan Idi to St. Peter street, through Gugiy
By: Labaran Ahmed. The Tax Appeal Tribunal, North Central Setting In Jos, has Ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to pay the sum of #63, 827, 140, 86k, to State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS). In its judgment, in the case between, PSIR vs CBN, the court agreed with the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) on its Demand Tax Notice of the sum of #63, 827, 140, 86k, Tax liability for the period of 2017 – 2018 from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Delivering the judgment, at a panel led by Hon. Richard Umar Bala, and Hon, Zaidu El-Idde Abdullahi, Hon. Ukera Seungwa Emanuel, Hon. Ogbeenyi Chikwendu Ivan, Hon. Saidu Ahmed as members, on Thursday, 23rd June, 2023, the panel held that, “the appellant has substantially proved his case with credible evidence and he is entitled to the reliefs claimed, accordingly, the Tribunal makes the following orders regarding the Appellants claim. You would recall that, by a Notice of Appeal, dated 5th May, 2021 but field on the 10th da
The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos Division, has fixed 12th September,2022 for ruling on the two applications, Preliminary Objection ,counter affidavit , and Judgment on the main Suit on the case between the embattled Chairman of Lantang North local government of Plateau State,Hon. Ubandoma Laven, and Plateau state Commissioner of police.
The case in the last adjournment to 18th August,2022,#6 for hearing of the counter affidavit filed by the Claimant Applicant, preliminary objection by the respondent objector the Plateau State Commissioner of police.
Barrister Niri Darong Counsel to the Claimant Applicant told the court that he have filed written address dated 11th August,2022,and filed the same day which he humbly adopted .
Niri said the Preliminary objection by the Counsel to the respondent objector can not be found in the law , particularly when the respondent objector could not support his preliminary objection with any authority to back his claim is a clear concession.
Barrister Niri however pray the court to dismiss the preliminary objection of the respondent objector over the jurdiction of this honorable court to entertain the matter.
On the originating Surmount it’s predicated on 3 questions for determination by the court and urged the court to grant the 7 relief sort and cited relevant authority to buttress his claim.
He however urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection of the Claimant Respondent and grant the relief sort by the Claimant Applicant.
On his part ,the Claimant respondent told the court that he filed notice of preliminary objection on the 8th August,2022 and served 10th August,22, accompanied by written addresses which contained our argument of objection and humbly adopted,said the Crux of the reason is that the court lack jurisdiction to entertain the suit.
He however argued the court to strike our the case in favour of the Claimant respondent and the preliminary objection brought before the court be sustained.
In an interview with the Counsel to the Claimant Applicant, barrister Niri Darong , reiterated victory for the Claimant Applicant that will serve as judicial precedence that the Commissioner of Police or any chief security officer can’t stop democratically elected person from assuming office when the court of competent jurisdiction has so declared.
The presiding Judge, Justice S.P Gang adjourned the matter to 12th September,2022, for ruling on the the applications and Judgment on the main Suit.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army who doubled as Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali has visited troops affected by an unfortunate fire incidence in 301 Artillery Regiment Barracks, Gombe.
The GOC who regretted the unfortunate fire incidence, condoled the troops over their losses and made donation to immediately cushion the effect of the fire disaster.
Speaking to some of the soldiers affected by the disaster, the GOC noted that the incident was unfortunate. He however commended the troops and their families for evacuating their building in a timely manner thereby averting the loss of life,and assured them of his support by relocating their families to a befitting accommodation.
Responding, the Commander 301 Artillery Regiment, General Support Gombe, Colonel John Mbanefo thanked the GOC for the visit.
He said the support to the soldiers will rekindle the confidence of the troops and their dependants in the ability of the Nigerian Army to meet their welfare needs.
In another related development, the GOC visited Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp Mallam – Sidi, Gombe state where he was briefed on the activities of the Camp by the Commandant, Col UC Nnabuihe.
Addressing the troops, General Ali expressed his happiness with the hardworking and disciplined soldiers,and promised to reward gallantry and outstanding performance of the troops.
He charged them to be committed to their duty and exhibit professionalism always.
“I charge you to effectively use your weapons on the enemies of the country” he added.
Major General Ibrahim Ali also visited 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi where he was briefed by the Commander, Brigadier General JO Adeyemo. The GOC expressed his happiness with the level of ongoing remodeling of soldiers accommodation and inspected the site of the proposed new Brigade Headquarters.
Federal High Court sitting in Jos ,Division of Plateau State has granted an experte application to the Plaintiff to amend his originating surmount to accommodate the All Progressive Congress (APC) ,gubernatorial candidate Nentawe Yilwatda to join in the suit filed by the aggrieved aspirant Dr. Danyaro Sarpiya .
The experte application is seeking the order and permission of the honourable court to amend an experte application dated 27th June, 2022 and file same date before your Lordship ,Hon .Justice Dorcas Agishi of Federal High Court No1 .
The plaintiff counsel ,Barr. S.A. Abba moved his experte application of 14 paragraphs attached with an affidavit motion that was only served on the All Progressive Congress( APC) and the second defendant Independent Electoral Commission ,INEC.
However ,the new amended experte application ,was to accommodate the flag bearer of the APC Dr Nentawe Yilwatda who was already in court seeking the order of the honourable court to join in the suit represented by a senior advocate of Nigeria ,SAN,.
After exhustive argument by both counsel to entertaining the argument presented by the aggrieved aspirant counsel ,Barr Abbah ,the court graciously granted the amended experte application which is to be serve on all the parties involved before the next adjourned date,he said .
Justice Agishi says ,the application for amended charge has been process and the court hereby granted him all his prayers as moved .
She however adjourned the matter to 20th September, 2022 for hearing , however called on all parties to ensure that all processes are serve to the 1,2&3 defendant for smooth hearing .
Meanwhile ,some group of youths storm the court premises brandishing placards seeking the court to do them justice by allowing their aspirant Dr Danyaro Sarpiya to replace Dr Nentawe Yilwatda whom they claimed was imposed by Governor Lalong by declaring him the party flag bearer in a kangaroo like organised governship primary against the wishes and aspirations of the state.
They appealed to governor Simon Lalong to accommodate the grievances and reverse the outcome of the state primary .
They said the APC primary election which produced APC candidate was done out of interest of the few not in accordance to the party guidelines for the conduct of election in Nigeria .
The Plateau State chapter, of People’s Redemption Party (PRP), has decried non conduct of by-election into Rukuba/Irigwe State constituency, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), six months after the seat was declared vacant.
It said the non conduct of the bye-election is an, “aberration from the Constitutional rights of the people for equal representation.”
This was contained in statement issued by the state chairman of the PRP, Rabiu Lawan, saying , “…the controversial by-election that produced Hon.Musa Agah Avia of PDP as Member, House of Representatives for Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency ,” held in February, 2022, has left the seat of Rukuba-Irigwe Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly vacant.
“It is on record that the Speaker House of Assembly Plateau State has on 22nd of March, 2022 declared the seat vacant which mandated INEC to commence the process of a fresh election and therefore, communicate with political parties about the guidelines to conduct the bye-election for Rukuba/Irigwe State constituency within 90 days,” the PRP said.
It said whereas, INEC was long notified so as not to deny the good people their constitutional rights, yet the constituents voice have been lost due to non presence of their representative.
“This is detrimental to their development and even welfare. There is no gainsaying that, the Rukuba-Irigwe Constituency and other surrounding axis are bedeviled by security challenges ranging from alleged cattle rustling, to genocidal attacks on the people.
“This has left the people volatile and vulnerable without a voice and representation.
“This is unfair, unjust and ill- motivated against the industrious people of RUKUBA-IRIGWE Constituency,” the PRP said.
It further said, as a people driven Party and a voice for the masses, the PRP believes that security of lives and property and welfare of the constituents must be restored and promoted via a elected representative.
“The Constitution provides that a fresh election be conducted within 90 days of the seat being declared vacant, however, It has been six months running now and the people of the Constituency have been left without representation…
“The party thus, call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expedite actions towards communicating to political Parties and set a date for the by-election and of course to get set for the contest,” it appealed.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has reaffirmed his loyalty, commitment and faith in the Catholic Church as well as the desire to always be a good ambassador wherever he finds himself.
Governor Lalong was speaking at the 19th General Assembly of the Archdiocese of Jos held at the St. Louis Parish Jos with theme ‘‘The Eucharist Our Strength Towards A Better Nigeria”.
Lalong who spoke about the importance of the Eucharist in his life said he continues to draw strength and inspiration from his relationship with God, as well as the teaching and upbringing he has received from the Catholic Church since childhood.
He therefore said the events of the past week relating to his utterance which generated controversy should not be used to judge his love, respect and loyalty to the Catholic Church which strongly teaches forgiveness, tolerance, compassion and repentance.
He said “When there is unity, love and continuity, we can do better and greater things for the Lord. May I appeal to my colleagues, my brothers and sisters in politics, to take a cue from the example displayed by the Catholic Church by closing ranks and seeing ourselves as God’s workers. That way, we can see Plateau State and Nigeria as God’s field and God’s building where we can all play our roles in fulfilling His purpose”.
Lalong also said his roots as a Catholic have shaped his thinking and enabled him to see governance as a duty to serve the people irrespective of their differences and affiliations. Love, justice, fairness and equity he said are his principal considerations at all times when decisions need to be taken, particularly difficult ones.
“We need this more than before in view of our elections coming up in 2023. I urge the Church to continue to pray for the success of the elections and also encourage the people to participate actively and peacefully. Staying away will only give room for the emergence of bad leaders that may not be suitable for the challenges of nation-building”.
He expressed the appreciation of his Government to the Archbishop and entire Catholic ArchDiocese of Jos for not only partnering with Government in several areas, but also offering encouragement, advices and prayers at all times.
Catholic Archbishop of Jos Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu in his homily stressed the significance of the Eucharist which he said makes provision for Christians to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and work towards sacrificial service as well as being honest, diligent and kind.
Speaking on the apology tendered to the Catholic Church by Governor Lalong, the Archbishop said, “Your apology is accepted. As you know from our President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, has already accepted your apology and so it goes for all of us. We have accepted it and let be sincere”.
He said since the Church encourages its members to go into politics, the intention is for him to work at making a difference in his political endeavour in line with the mandate of the church to its members who are in politics.
While assuring him that the church will not disgrace him or allow him to fail, Archbishop Audu asked the Governor to advise the ruling party on the need for unity, national integration and carrying all segments of the country along which is the major concern being expressed by Christians on the Choice of the President and Vice Presidential Candidate.
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State, Hon. Chris Hassan has congratulated its governorship standard bearer, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang for his outstanding performance at an ECWA television International organized gubernatorial debate at the weekend.
The state chairman Hon. Chris Hassan gave the commendation in his office at the State Secretariat opposite NTA Jos.
The commendation of the chairman is contained in Press released dated 15th August,2022, signed by his Personal Assistant on Media and Protocol Kafas Sumdi, made available to this medium in Jos, plateau State.
The Chairman applauded Caleb Mutfwang’s grasp of the Plateau situation, articulation, confidence and practical steps to ending incessant attacks on the citizens through Operation Rainbow, his focus on education, health care insurance, economic, wealth creation is worthy of commendation.
Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has exhibited passion, patriotism, courage and determination in the course of State-building.
His sterling efforts to build a Plateau of our dream, a home for our children, a Plateau for sojourners, and above all, to restore Plateau to it’s original status “Home of peace and tourism”
The party is so proud of your outing as her Governorship Candidate and Barr. Caleb Mutfwang remains the best hand to be entrusted with the future of Plateau State the statement concluded.
Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos ,Division has adjourned to the 30th August, 2022 for continuation of hearing on a suit filed by Federal Lawmaker Representing Jos East /Jos Federal Constituency challenging Governor Simon Lalong ,State Government ,and the Attorney General of Plateau State and Commissioner for Justice over the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Jaiz Bank to rebuild the Jos Main Market Authority .
The Jos Main market was built down in 2001 with over 4,000 shops destroyed by inferno that affected sources of livelihood of traders in the market 20 years ago .
However ,when the matter came up for hearing, counsel to claimant applicant ,Barr .Niri Darong told the court that the matter was slated for hearing today 15th August ,and the defendants in his reaction to their originating surmount have chosen to file preliminary Objections (P.O) and to allow notice of originating surmount on the fact that two applications shouldn’t taken together .
According to him ,the counsel to claimant applicant says they filed their originating surmount dated 9th August,2022 and the notice of P.O also 9th August,2022, served on the defendant objector which they filed their counter affidavit in response dated 15th August,2022 ,adding that the objector also filed another dated 3rd August,2022 in response to the notice of originating surmount .
Barrister Niri Darong told the court that they gave the objector space of time to file their response which is within 21 days on notice .
Adding that the P.O filed by defendants challenging the court for lack of jurisdiction to entertain the suit .
Speaking on the suit filed by Barr.Niri Darong, said the learned Attorney General of Plateau state said that Hon. Musa Bagos has no locus standi , meaning he has no right to sue the government of the state or any Persons said to have breached the agreement in the proposed MoU with the Jaiz bank .
He explained further that to rebuild the main market as we file response saying that the constitution has given every citizens of Nigeria the fundamental right to challenge any act of government whatever the government ,whoever the government is ,he also said that he has the right under the act of his present office to defense the right of his people that of the state constituent .
Darong stressed that the learned Attorney general has also responded by serving us with it ,and he is of the view that the court should take his objection today and we have to tell the court base on supreme court authority, the issue of originating surmount and existing surmount most be taken together and he conceded to the argument and the court graciously granted us the adjournment to 30th August, 2022 .
Barr. Darong says ,on the adjourned date the main suit and that of the originating surmount should be taken together .Meanwhile ,the issue of interlocutory injunction which they filed counter affidavit and we have response adequately he said.
The Commissioner of Youths and sport development in plateau state Victor Lapang has urged the youths to act responsibly in preparedness to take over leadership position from the Older Generation.
This is to avoid the Older persons of being skeptical of handling leadership post in their custody as they are gradually less active.
The Commissioner of Youths and Sport in plateau state,Victor Lapang handed down the advice during this year celebration of the International Youth Day celebration held at the Azi Nyanko youths center Jos, plateau State.
The event which is celebrated world wide every 12th August, is to recognize the youths , to make them feel the sense of belonging, and to sensitize them the need to be responsive in their actions.
The Commissioner further said no Older Generation will be comfortable to handle the leadership to younger ones , particularly which shows no sign of readiness to be responsible.
The guest Speaker at the occasion,who is a radio commentator , Viktor Kochili ,in his lecture title “Inter-Generational Solidarity ” said the aim for the celebration of Youth Day is to reflect what the Day hold for us, and what it met to us.
Given statistics of the Aged persons world wide ,Kochili said Age is something that will come naturally ,so it is imperative for the Youths to brace up mentally and otherwise to enable them fit into the shoes of the Older Generation.
The Speaker further stressed that if we most build Inter generational solidarity ,the youths should be able to asked themselves patinent questions like if they will be able to take care of the Aged who have been taking care of us since we were kids.
He further added that the younger people has the responsibility to make better what they felt the older generation where not able to accomplished to make better what has been bequited to them by the older generation they should discuss better what they felt the Older Generation where not able to accomplished.
On the structure of the policies makers, you should be able to ask yourself before blaming others countries , what is that enably environment h
been created for your people to build on.
And said Solidarity is key for sustainable development .He said the youths most start taking responsibility for themselves now.
The coordinator of the group,Abdulsallam Salis, said there had been clamour by the younger generation for the older generation to give way , and stressed that the time is now for them to enhance their potentials.
In their separate remarks ,the commander Operation Save Haven (OPSH) represented by the Deputy police Commissioner , said the Youths have the potentials to change things around for themselves.
He said the security out fits (OPSH)
have been using both the kenetic non kenetic approaches Organising activities that are youths related.
He however adviced the Youth in the state to stay always from activities capable of breaching the peace of the state,as the (OPSH) is ready to empower the youth who are ready.
National Orientation Agency,(NOA) in plateau State decried the low turnout of the Youths for the celebration of this year 2022, International Youth Day , and encourage them to invite their peers in the subsequent years.
She remainded the Youths that age is just a number in somebody’s life but didn’t determine your achievement in life.
And stressed that the like of Chief Obafemi Awolowo ,Zik and host of other nationalist were in their youthful age when they fought for independent for the country,and eventually succeeded.
She said the youths are more vulnerable and quick to use by desperate politians during elections period ,as foot soldiers, ballots snachers , adviced them not to make themselves available for politians to use as 2023 General Election is around the corner.
The Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said over 25 percent of youths in Nigeria are currently on drugs and stressed that drugs are the father of crimes .
Nobody with his/her right senses and stable frame of mind ,can engage in Crime unless you are into drugs.
This year 2022 , International Youth Day Celebration has it Theme as “Inter Generational Solidarity”.
Earlier , there was road walk which kicked started at the Old Airport junction and terminated at Azi Nyanko Youth Center.
In his welcome address , the state youth parliament Emmanuel Dana , welcome the youth to 2022 International Youth Day Celebration , and adviced them to seat back and listen attentively to the lecture from the guest speaker and other speakers.
As he promised that at the end of lecture they will not regret it , as they may make do with the lecture that may turn round their future endeavours.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has led a top delegation from the State to visit former Governor Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye and former Governor of Taraba State Rev. Jolly Nyame to rejoice with them over their release from prison after being granted pardon by the President.
Governor Lalong alongside his wife, Mrs. Regina, National Assembly Members as well as Members of the State Executive Council first visited the residence of Chief Dariye to appreciate God for his release and encourage him and his family.
The Governor’s visit to the former Governor of the state is contained in a press release dated 12th August,2022, signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Simon Makut Macham , and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
Lalong told Governor Dariye that the entire State received the news of his release with joy because they have been praying for him since his travails and encarceration happened.
He said so much prayer and appeal was made towards the pardon granted to him and thankfully, the President was magnanimous to accept to grant the pardon.
The Governor while appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for giving Dariye another opportunity, said this is the time for Chief Dariye to reflect and forgive people that may have offended him as has been his practice during previous challenges.
He prayed God to continue to give him sound health even as he offers advise to the State while making available his vast knowledge for the good of the people.
Responding, Chief Dariye said he was full of appreciation to God for making his release possible and also using people like Governor Lalong and President Buhari to make his release possible.
He narrated his ordeal in prison and said it was a difficult moment but God saw him through and made him survive.
Dariye also debunked the rumour that he was running for Senate describing it as unfounded and untrue as he has not bought form or done anything to that effect.
He advised politicians in Plateau to unite and rally round the Governor in promoting the interest of the citizens saying governance is an opportunity for those in charge to do their best and leave posterity to judge their efforts as no one can finish the business of Government in a day.
In similar vail, the delegation visited the residence of former Taraba State Governor Rev. Jolly Nyame who also expressed deep appreciation for the role that Governor Simon Lalong played towards his pardon and release.
Nyame said he was highly encouraged by the love and care shown towards him and Dariye, saying the experience of the past will be put behind so that they forge forward.
Governor Lalong while congratulating him over his freedom said the entire people of Taraba and Plateau States are excited with their release because they share historical ties that have bonded them together over many years.
While urging Rev. Nyame to also forgive anyone that might have offended him in the course of his ordeal, Lalong said the act of forgiveness brings total healing and freedom.
The Plateau State Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan has expressed confidence that the party will produce Alh. Atiku Abubakar as the next president of the federal Republic of Nigeria and end socio-economic woes in the country.
He gave the assurance when Atiku grassroots mobilisation alliance paid him a courtesy call at the State Secretariat in Jos.
The State Chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan Said, “Atiku has the credentials and political stamina to unite, safe guard and end economic quagmire in the country”
He urged the PDP support groups to go out and canvass votes for Atiku/Mutfwang and all PDP candidates and end era of clueless administration witness under the current ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
He commended the National chairman of the party for his sensitivity in handling the affairs of the party in all rectification.
He further added that looking at the current situation the country is going through, there is no reason for the APC to continue to remain in power beyond 2023.
And stressed that it is time now to deliver PDP from presidential, gubernatorial, National/State assembly in Plateau State
The leader of the group, Bot Bitrus, presented caps, T-shirts and gifts as samples for Atiku/okowa campaign in Plateau State.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has said that contrary to insinuations and misconceptions being imputed into his interview granted to State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa where he explained that as a Catholic and a Papal Knight, the Pope has not told him that accepting the position of Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council was wrong, the statement was out of reverence and not disregard for the Holy Father, Catholic Church or Christianity.
Governor lalong who have been in the eyes of storm recently for two obvious reasons,
One for accepting the position of Director General Campaign for APC presidential flag bearer Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu with controversial Muslim , Muslim ticket which is still generating polical heat along religion line.lalong is also facing opposition because of his unilateral decision to sign lease the state owned burnt market ,Taminus to Muslim controlled bank, Jaiz for 40 years.
Lalong however said it was unfortunate that part of the interview has been excised and used by politicians for propaganda and misinformation about his personality, faith and political persuasion. He said, “My reference to the Holy Father the Pope was to emphasise that as a Christian born and raised in the Catholic faith, accepting the assignment given to me by my party the APC of which I am a founding member does not in any way remove my faith in Jesus Christ or my commitment to the Church in Nigeria and universally. Those who know me can attest to my respect for the Church, Christianity and Spiritual Fathers of all denominations. They know my modest contribution to the growth of the Church in Plateau State, Northern Nigerian and Nigeria at large and can testify to it”.
He therefore reiterated that he has the highest regard for Christians and Church Authority and will continue to work hard in promoting the interests of Christians and adherents of other religions based on love, justice, equity and fairness which are encouraged in the Holy Bible and the Constitution of Nigeria.
Governor Lalong further emphasized that although he understands and appreciates the concerns of Christians over the emergence of Muslim, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as APC Presidential candidate and choice the of Vice Presidential nominee Senator Kashim Shettima also a Muslim, the situation does not warrant Christians within the party leaving the party or refusing to accept responsibilities because being within a system makes it easy to address grievances than being outside. Besides, he said the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was not on religious basis as even Christians voted for him during the APC Primaries.
He also appealed to Nigerians irrespective of religious persuasions to unite and work towards addressing the major challenges of the nation by actively participating in the political process and ensuring they push forward their interests rather than allowing religious sentiments to override their desire to assess issues from a wholistic perspective.
The APC Presidential Campaign DG assured that series of consultations with religious, traditional, professional, youth, women and other groups are being fashioned out to deepen engagement and remove misconceptions about the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima whom he said have a track record of treating people fairly and justly irrespective of ethno-religious differences.
The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division, Major General Ibrahim Ali has said the media are partners of the security agencies that can effectively promote peaceful coexistence in the country.
Major General Ali stated this 10th August ,2022,when the New Zonal Director Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Jos, Mrs Rifkatu Daniel in company of the Outgoing Zonal Director, Mr Peter Ochigbo paid him a courtesy call at Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) in Jos, Plateau State.
Major General Ali said objective and balanced reportage has recently helped to achieve peace and unity on the plateau and other areas covered by OPSH.
While congratulating the new director on her recent appointment, the commander urged for continued employment of media tools to advance the course of peaceful coexistence in society.
Speaking earlier, the Outgoing Zonal Director, Mr Peter Ochigbo said NTA, Jos network center has enjoyed good friendship of OPSH during his tenure and solicited for the same relationship to be extended to his successor.
He further revealed that, he will be proceeding on retirement after a sucessful career with NTA.
The Outgoing and the incoming Zonal Directors were accompanied on the visit by the Assistant Director News NTA Jos Network Center, Mr Mark Agagu.
In another development,Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Plateau state branch has commended the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) for improving the security situation in Plateau state.
The association was Speaking during a courtesy visit to Headquarters of OPSH in Jos recently the Chairman NMA Plateau state, Dr Bapiga’an William Audu expressed delight at the rate which attacks have been subdued due to concerted and relentless efforts put by OPSH.
The chairman who was recently sworn-in, said the executive members of the association would open new frontier of collaboration with OPSH to consolidate on the peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the state.
Dr Audu further stated that members of the Nigerian Medical Association does not discriminate in the discharge of their duties, among which is to provide healthcare services to the people.
The High Court sitting in Jos, plateau state Division, has adjourned the case of the Chairman Lantang North LG, Hon. Ubandoma Joshua Laven against the Plateau State Commissioner of police to the 18th August, 2022, to rule on the counter affidavit and preliminary objection.
The case which is adjourned till today 10th August,2022 for motion on notice and to enable the defendant objector, the Commissioner of police to effects the service of counter affidavit to the Claimant Applicant Ubandoma Joshua Laven.
Barrister Niri further acknowledge the receipt of the counter affidavit dated 10th August,2022 and served the same day to the Claimant Applicant Ubandoma Laven.
As the Counsel to the Claimant Respondent barrister Alex(Ms) told the court that they served the Claimant Applicant the counter Affidavit filed 10th August,2022 and served the same day.
The Counsel to the Claimant Applicant barrister Niri Darong, earlier quick to remaind the court that the Claimant Applicant is having pending application of Preliminary Objection that is yet to be entertained by the court, and however urged the court to take both the counter affidavit and the preliminary objection at the same time in the next adjourned date, instead of separate treatment before going into the substantive matter.
The Counsel to the defendant objector barrister Alex (Ms) didn’t object to the oral application moved by the counsel to the Claimant Applicant ,and the judge, Justice S.P Gang adjourned the matter to 18th August,2022,for ruling on the counter affidavit and the Preliminary objection.
It would be recalled that Hon. Ubandoma was erroneously removed from office by the state electoral umpire PLASEC, when the body conducted local government Election in the state including Lantang North LG when the tenure of the Claimant Applicant Hon. Ubandoma Laven tenure of office as chairman Lantang North LG, was still running.
Ubandoma headed for court to interprete,and assertain whether its Constitutional for the electoral body to conduct election in Lantang North local government as at the time he did when he was not sworn Into office as chairman with other of his counterparts due to electoral tribunal case.
The matter was ruled in favor of the Claimant Applicant both at High and Appeal Court,but prevented to assumed office as chairman by the state Commissioner of police for the reason best know to him, probably acting on the directives of political forces in the state.
It’s on this premises that the Claimant Applicant, Ubandoma Laven again as law abiding citizen, didn’t want to embark on jungle Justice headed to court for interpretation of the law to know if Commissioner of police or any other person or persons as the case may be, has the exclusive power in law to stop democratically elected chairman of local government, and any elected office holders from office.
The Case is however adjourned to 18th August,2022 for ruling on the two applications and hearing of the substantive matter.
The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos, has adjourned the case of Marit Ropp Community ,District in Barki-Ladi Local Government over traditional stool tussle, to 31st August,2022 for contination of hearing on the substantive matter.
The matter which involves who is the rightful owner of the traditional stool of the district after the death of the village head Danjuma Sanda,now deceased is slated for today Tuesday 9th August,2022 for mention.
The Community of Marit Ropp district of Barki-Ladi local government of plateau state have being on Dagger Drown at each other over the righful owner of the village head stool after the death of the last traditional head.
According to Mr Mashingil Moses Masok , one of the elder of the community who spoke with this medium, narrated how one Lavan Danjuma Sanda hijacked the traditional stool of the community after the death of Danjuma Sanda and refused to relinquish the traditional stool to the rightful owner as it was earlier agreed on with the elders of the community.
Mashingil said sometime last year 2021,our traditional ruler His Royal Highness Danjuma Sanda who is the village head of Maki Marit district dead.In trust ,the Galadima of Marki was made the village head pending the appointment of the substantive traditional ruler for the district.
He further narrated that the Royal Family of the late Danjuma Sanda later come out with successor in line with traditional rite of the community.
Unfortunately,the person which the Stool was entrusted pending the selection of the rightful owner from the lineage of the late village Head emerged, but he refused to step down for the enthronement of the person.
But regrettably,the person holding brief ,Lavan Danjuma Sanda refused to vacate the stool despite the fact that the traditional stool is by heritage ,the act causing problem in the district.
He further narrated that last month, July, 2022 to be precise, the father of the Acting village Head institue court injunction on the whole community of Marit Ropp district indicating interest on the traditional stool that he is entitled to it, when he knows that the seat is not contestable,but by heritage.
The stakeholders of Marit Ropp district is however using this medium to call on the state government Bako lalong to wade into the matter before it degenerate into full blown crisis in the locality.
However,as at the time of this report,the counsels representing the parties in court could not be reach to state what transpired in court.
The Plateau State Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan said, “despite Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye conviction, the former Governor has continued to enjoy respect, honour and loyalty from the people of Plateau state and political class beyond the state”
Hon. Chris Hassan, while reacting to the release of the former Governor as having made legendary contributions to the State through his re-engineering project.
The chairman People’s Democratic party (PDP), plateau state reaction is contained in a press statement dated 9th August,2022, signed by the Personal Assistant on Media and Protocol to the PDP state chairman Kafas Sumdi,and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
The Chairman said Plateau citizens cannot forget in hurry the landmark achievements of Dariye’s administration including citadel of learning, infrastructure, health care, security, industries to create employments, generate wealth and boost the socio-economic of the state.
He also remember the popular slogan of the former Governor “To leave Plateau State better than we met it”.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Kawun Mushere’s administration to the development of the state through establishment of Plateau State University, and other humanitarian services, which has helped in raising men who have impacted the society positively in their various fields of human endeavours.
Hon. Hassan further describes Chief Dariye as a seasoned Accountant, astute administrator, grassroots mobilizer, kind-hearted, generous, and a worthy son of Plateau.
On behalf of the PDP family in Plateau State, we rejoice over your release, thank God for His faithfulness over your life and His mercies that has been preserving you.
A Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos Division on Monday ,has adjourned suit filed by the embattled Chairman of Lantang North LGC, Unbandoma Joshua Laven against Plateau State Commissioner Of Police to 10th August,22 for argument on injunction brought before it by the Claimant Respondent against Commissioner of police .
The suit , brought by Laven sought the following reliefs of interpreting the right of Commissioner of police stopping him to resumed office as the Executive Chairman of Lantang North LGA .
Counsel to Joshua Laven ,Barr. Niri Darong told the court that the matter was slated today 8th August 2022 for mention is for the court to interpret whether the police Commissioner has the power in law to stop an elected local government chairman, reference case of hon.ubandoma Laven as chairman of Lantang North , when the court of competent jurdiction has pronounced him the legally elected chairman.
The counsel to the Claimant Applicant in the matter barrister Niri Darong , said my Lord although the matter is for mention,but the Claimant Respondent , Commissioner of police has just serve us with counter Affidavit,as against this back ground we applied to the court to grant us few hours and study the document in line with the law.
The application of the Claimant Applicant Unbandoma Laven was not opposed by the Claimant Respondent the Commissioner of police.
The presiding Judge, Justice S.P Gang , however, adjourned the matter till 10th August,2022,for argument on the matter.
In an interview with the counsel to Hon. Unbandoma Laven ,Niri Darong, said as you are aware the High Court sitting in Jos, plateau state,has entered judgement in favor of hon.ubandoma as the rightful chairman of Lantang North local government.
That INEC err in law to have conducted election for the seat of chairman of Lantang North local government for , when the tenure of the sitting chairman , Unbandoma Laven is still running having sworned into office 19th oct,2018.
He said in 2019 the appeal court affairmed it decision and the Plateau State Commissioner of police stopped the Claimant Applicant, Unbandoma Laven,to resume office
as the legally elected chairman of the stated LG,and imposed the illegal chairman Zulfa Rivem as the chairman.
Niri said this informed the reason why we are in court for interpretation whether the Commissioner of police has the power to stop democratically elected chairman to assumed office when the court has declared himself so.
And however lamented the turn of events when , sadly,the High Court in a suit brought before it,ruled that the chairman is not duly nominated by the People Democratic party (PDP),in the local government to contest the election.
He further said his client filed an appeal challenging the High Court judgement but sadly ,the court of appeal affairmed the High Court Judgment that Unbandoma Laven was not duly nominated by PDP to contest the chairmanship seat of the local government.
Barrister Niri decried the dismantle of democratic structure in Lantang North local government of plateau state which the seat is currently occupied by illegal chairman barrister Revenm Zulfa.
In summary,this why we are in court.
Unbandoma further stressed that the Claimant Respondent has filed counter Affidavit out of time,the Claimant Applicant plea with the court to grant us 24 hours to respond to their counter Affidavit,my Lord Justice S.P Gang in his magnanimity give us 10th August,2022 to respond to their counter Affidavit and to argue it.
He debunked the rumour making around that the Claimant Respondent has appealed the High Court judgement which entered judgement in favor of the Claimant Applicant,”yes we heard that they have appealed the matter,but my client Unbandoma Laven have not been served with the appeal notice,
even the matter they claimed to have appealed at the supreme Court, plateau state government, Commissioner of police, commissioner for chieftaincy Affairs of plateau state, where said to be Party in the suit.”
He added that the client has not received the service notice,but they claimed to have send it through WhatsApp,we have confirmed from our client , Unbandoma,but denied any receipts of court process through any means.
However stressed that the person that claimed to have sworn to the affidavit of the notice is not know as we speak and is not know in the court of appeal , he said.
He lamented the fragrant disobedient of court order which is against court rule, as lawyers were trained to obey the decision of the court.
“If non lawyer disobey the decision of the court,is frowned at as lawyers disobey the court decision.
As man of honor, as lawyer you must obey court order”.
“In court judgement sometimes you win,sometimes you loose ,it shouldn’t be a ground to invite anarchy,we are bound as man of honor to obey court decision”.
In fact, lawyers are minister in the temple of Justice, just as the court bailff enforces the court judgement,same the lawyer ensure his client obey the decision of the court, whether for or against.
“In any legal battle, someone most win, that doesn’t mean I should bring down the house , if that happens all of us will go in for it.”
The crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP), between Amb.Yohanna M.D Margif camp and that of Dr Patrick Dakum will soon come to an end as stakeholders of the Party are working round the clock to resolve it under peaceful means .
Our correspondent gathered they are working towards ensuring that the hitherto aggrieved persons come to meaningful resolutions ahead the forthcoming general elections in Plateau state .
Amb. Yohanna Margif have been engulfed in series of internal wrangling with security agencies after securing the ticket to fly the party ticket for Governorship in 2023 General Election, but owning to the recent crises bedeviling the LP in Plateau state they alleged he was arrested in Abuja in connection to many fraudulent activities .
However ,Amb.Yohanna M.D Margif who spoke to this medium in an exclusive interview , said he was just framed up by his political distractors to push him aside rubbish his personality which he described as unfounded and untrue.
According to our medium the matter would soon be resolve amicably without any issue because Margif is willing and ready to hand the party ticket to Dr. Patrick Dakum as the flag bearer of LP and they are working toward unveiling it .
Our source appeal to supporters of Margif and Dakum to sheaths their sword and imbibe the spirit of political tolerance and allow peace to reign .
Its was gathered that the two political gladiators hailed from the same zone of Plateau Central senatorial district and they all belong to one party so there is need to harmonize all differences and work for oneness to kick the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state out of power for causing untold hardship for the citizens of the state, and by extension Nigeria as a whole.
This medium authoritatively gathered that with the intervention of stakeholders every crisis in the party will be brought under control as Margif promised to allow Dr Patrick Dakum to fly LP ticket .
Some of the stakeholders whose name were not mentioned lamented that the state can’t be thrown into crises while they seat back and watch,and call for total suspension of any aggrieved members to forgive each another a chance they maintained.
Military the codenamed Operation SAFE HAVEN(OPSH),has reported to have killed eight notorious bandits in Sabongari village of Wase local government of Plateau State on Sunday night 7th August,2023
It was gathered that the incident occurred in a joint operations between the Military, Vigilante and hunters who have been working together to flush out the bandits and other criminal elements in the locality.
The report revealed that the joint operations between the military and unconventional securities outfits in the area which started on Saturday lasted throughout Sunday evening left not fewer than eight bandits terrorizing the area of recent, dead.
Abdullahi Usman, a resident of Wase who also confirmed the incident said the Military and the bandits clashed in Zurak and Yaddi Lawan which was taken over by the bandits, and served as their base which the security burnt down and reclaimed .
He said” Some of the bandits were killed while some have ran out of the community”.
Spokesperson of the Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Ishaku Takwa, confirmed the incident and said 8 bandits were killed during the operation in the area.”
However, communities in Wase local government council had been under siege by heavy attack of bandits in the past few weeks.
When yours sincerely set out to write this, I did not have Jeffrey Archer, the famous English author, who wrote in 1977 ‘Shall we tell the President’ in mind. In fact, I wanted to achieve one purpose: Interrogate why, despite the presidential pardon since April 14, 2022, Chief Joshua C Dariye is yet to leave the Kuje Correctional Facility back to the embrace of his family, friends and political associates.
His conviction and incarceration has been a subject of partisan consideration by different people.
Those who know are quick to point out that his case and that of his co-traveler, Rev Jolly Nyame are allegedly shrouded in political manipulation and worthy of consideration; if only we could situate his voyage without being accused of being partisan also.
It has been opined, if his ‘sins’ are placed side by side with those of his colleagues who served in other states during the same period, today, Dariye should be walking free on the streets of Abuja and elsewhere. For me, and indeed many others, that is the irony of how life has been skewed to treat some Nigerians. In this category, Dariye’s case falls squarely; for which it is proper to examine, if only a cause could be fought for.
Not many of us would have been close to former Governor Joshua Chibi Dariye of Plateau State, but the fact that he was once the governor of my state makes him a candidate for my prayers. It should not stop there; his state of health deserves to be my concern also, if we are interested in honouring those who offer service to the state.
But even if that is not a reason to be considered, for me and many staff who worked and are still on the payroll of Plateau Publishing Corporation (publishers of) The Nigeria Standard, to his credit; they are able to access their gratuity and pension when they retire.
Working with the Plateau Publishing Corporation as its Chief Accountant enabled him to become acquainted with the plight of its workforce on retirement. Therefore, in 2005, while serving as governor of the state in his second term, he set in motion the process for the scheduling of the corporation.
Today, hate or like him; he is highly revered for his magnanimity and setting in motion a process that puts into consideration the toiling of many who would have returned home to their families and friends in penury and perhaps using their new station to go about begging for pittance to survive from different sources. No one can take away the openhandedness of Senator Joshua Dariye; in fact, many can go to town protesting on his behalf, if any person thought otherwise.
But the Khawung Mushere, and one who is today popularly referred to as the Head Boy of Plateau politics, without doubt, cannot be limited just for the consideration of individuals.
Beyond what we may have thought he did for organizations in the state and all; he has gone through hell and back in the course of service to his state. It is for this reason that people are asking for his freedom.
Governance can be tasking as well as demanding. Sometimes during the life of any administration, mistakes could be made against the state. The travails of Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye admittedly were against the state, and during his trial which took some time, he reportedly consented to that in a statement.
It should be noted that former Governor Joshua Dariye has never admitted to being a Saint, neither do I confer on him the staff of such an office. His case can be described as one who has risen from grace to grass; but, like the beetle, it will be difficult to kill its resilience.
Many have been worried long before now and wondering why if those who allegedly took home bigger sums belonging to their states are today playing roles that determine the course of Nigeria; the case of Dariye cannot be swept under the carpet; even though a judgment was entered, but more importantly that the Council of State had recommended for his pardon. That changed his story and put smiles on the faces of his family members, friends and associates.
The trial of Dariye, which was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for a 23-count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of funds, on the strength of a statement he was alleged to have made in 2007 forming the thrust of the proceedings.
His trial before Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Gudu, Abuja had commenced on January 25, 2016 with the EFCC presenting exhibits, including the statement, alleged to have been given to All States Trust Bank, (now defunct), on the disbursement of the said N1.162 billion diverted from the Ecological Fund meant for the state, to private companies and individuals.
As a layman, I am tempted to ask: If the giver is punished, what should be done to the one(s) who were freely given part of the money? Does the law not provide that those who benefit from the ‘largesse’ not be punished also? Did they not encourage him, and yet they were left to walk freely while he languished in jail?
Did the court not order the EFCC to repatriate the N80m and other funds recovered during investigation to the coffers of Plateau State government? Why was it that the court however did not make any pronouncement on the N100m said to be paid to Marine Float, a company alleged to be owned by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar? How long will it take the EFCC stay on the matter investigating? What about the N100m collected on behalf of the PDP South/West by Yomi Edu former Minister of Special Duties and N66m for PDP in Plateau which was shared among the 274 wards?
Senator Dariye, who was governor from 1999 to 2007, was jailed for laundering public funds to the tune of N1.162bn and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Dariye’s prison term was later reduced to 10 years by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, while his conviction was affirmed by the Supreme Court.
But, it is in the clemency granted by President Muhammadu Buhari that we would like to situate our concerns and draw the attention of the president considering that much is expected.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, had hinted that the NCS was not responsible for the delay. According to him, the duo could not be released by service until a correspondence from the Ministry of Justice stating so was received. ‘The moment we get that, we will affect their release. It is a presidential pardon, no doubt, but there must be a document to back their release. They can’t be released on pronouncement alone.’
That indeed is a fact; however, what should interest all who have followed the case is the quality of Nigerians who have joined the fray for the struggle to allow the former governor return home to the embrace of his family.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Abubakar Umar’s call on the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to issue the warrant for the release of ex Governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame; is, if anything is instructive for the struggle to free Dariye.
He had in a statement said: ‘The Attorney General should, in obedience to the directive of the President, transmit the warrant to the agencies responsible for the release of Governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame without any further delay. Besides, I am sure the President will remain steadfast in implementing a decision approved by the National Council of State even if it might seem somewhat unpopular with a section of the public.’
We have maintained, so also is Colonel Umar that in ensuring that the duo’s release is made possible, it should be noted that: ‘At a time when most Nigerians are calling for equity in every aspect of our national life, Governors Dariye and Nyame do not deserve to be singled out but treated like everybody else’.
It should be noted that if you take the travails of the two former governors as personal, then the vigorous war that will be waged for equity and fairness concerning their treatment may not make headway. Regrettably, ‘both spent two years in detention, while their trial lasted. They have now served a further four years after their conviction, making cumulative six years of a ten year sentence.
‘It is remarkable that the two are so far the only former Governors who have been convicted and have remained in jail even though their colleagues Governors have similarly been accused or facing prosecution. A few were actually found guilty and jailed–but still managed to remain free!
‘Regrettably, the public’s antagonism might well have intimidated the government resulting in the Justice Ministry’s hesitancy in issuing their release warrant to the Ministry of Interior and the National Correctional Service’.
We are, like many others, worried about the alleged ‘seeming selective nature of the anti-corruption war targeted at the two governors while their colleagues walk free.’ It is expected that in the interest of justice and fairness, Nigerians should walk the streets calling for the conclusions of cases involving other former governors. Justice is the meat meant for all, it should not be selective.
His counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN) during the trial had ‘begged the court to be lenient on Dariye, stating that the offence was committed in 2001, two years when the 1999 Constitution came into effect and that Dariye as part of the first sets of leaders after the enactment, was ignorant of the financial laws’.
He had said to the Judge, ‘mistakes were made, my Lord, should this man be punished by our mistakes? My Lord, appeals against your judgment hardly succeed. When we get there (appellate and apex courts), they tell us you were right in your judgment, so we are appealing for a non-custodial sentencing.
But the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) would not want to hear any of that, as he urged the court to impose the maximum sentence to serve as deterrent. It was at this point that, Dariye, irked by what was to befall him signified to the court that he wanted to say something.
Given the chance, Dariye, who was visibly angry that prosecution counsel said he didn’t show any remorse, said, “You cannot predict my state of mind. Let us not spoil tomorrow because of today. Can you raise your hand to swear there is a saint in Nigeria?”
You could be right to ask, like Senator Dariye: Is there a saint in Nigeria? Could we not like Col Umar also demand to ask the same question?
At that point, and always in any court, that is the season where heroes are either made and villains could be left to be remembered. Truth, he took his fate with equanimity; and today, the Lord has turned his captivity into dancing. He knows that when there is a casting down, certainly, a lifting will take place, on account of the one who is seated in heaven and guides the affairs of men.
Before long, the Khawung Mushere, Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye will be back to where he belongs. And you can be sure; the Head Boy shall be welcomed!
Justice Christy C. Dabup has convicted by sentencing Mallam Muhammad Nasir Ambursa for six months with Option of fine.
#100,000.00 and one month with #50,000.00 for failure to make it known to his employer regarding his employment as Registrar of the Federal College Of Veterinary Medical Laboratory Technology, (FCVMLT) ,Vom Plateau State in Jos South Local Government Council on Thursday 4th August, 2022 .
The Court held that the defendant was convicted on two count charge which is punishable under section 138 of the administration of criminal Justice with a fine of 100,000.00 or option of six months jail, and one month with #50,000.00 that he should be remainded in Jos correctional centre failure to pay the fine.
The judge also ordered that the defendant should refund all his salary ,allowances ,benefits , he enjoyed while occupying the office which is to be computed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and return the money into federal treasury .
Hon Justice Christine Dabup in delivering the judgment says,the defendant was a former staff of JSC ,(Judicial Service Commission ,and was compulsory retired sometimes in 2003 on count of his misconduct .
However ,the judge also said when the defendant applied for employment with the NVRI he didn’t explain his position after he saw the advertisements published in Daily Trust newspaper of 29th ,August 2006 ,adding that linking his present appointment letter to that of the NJSC and JSC Kebbi state to enjoy another pensionable job is a total failure to explain himself to the panel and couldn’t indicate it in his curriculum vitae .
The defendant claims that his appointment letter read ,1979 and he was retired prematurely sometimes in 2003 when he was 45 years of aged and I spent 21 years in service but the ICPC charge him under section 138 of penal court law of Northern Nigeria of 1963 bothering on two issues which the prosecution counsel was able to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt that the act committed by the defendant was a total breach of civil service rule .
The judge disclosed that his position as the chief registrar didn’t indicate that he applied for transfer of service after his former appointment letter was prematurely terminated by his first employer ,Judicial Service Commission ,JSC ,in Kebbi State over unruly behaviour he exhibited while in office .
The court order for restitution of the administrative privileges he has ever enjoy while occupying the office and the court described the intentional act omission is an ingredients establish by the prosecution counsel in his case to prove beyond reasonable doubt through the documents P1,P2,&P3 from the foundation ,so all plea by defendant lack merit so all the issues were resolve in favour of the prosecution counsel .
According to the court ,the Federal Republic of Nigeria should recomputerize the defendant salary ,allowances and benefits and charge him to pay them back into the coffer of the federal government because they illegally payed to him.
Mohammed Nasiru who claimed that after his compulsory retired in office in 2003 and pick fresh contract work with JSC and when the advertised vacancy for the seat Registrar with NVRI, Vom.
The judge, Christy Dabup , jailed Mohammed Nasiru after convicting him for failure to furnished NVRI with documents of his position , as he refuses to Input compulsory retired letter b, on all the 2 counts filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Commission (ICPC) act of 25 subsection 2&6 of the commission .
According to judgment jail terms ranging from six months to one month , which are to run concurrently.
His convictions on two six months for count 1, one month for count 2, of which recompute all his salary ,allowances and benefits with fund of 100,000.00 and 50,000.00 respectively.
The judge ordered that the terms of imprisonment shall run concurrently beginning from the 4th August, 2022, the date he was arraigned.
It implies that Former staff of JSC ,reappointed are pensioner will spend the shortest sentence which is six in jail.
According to the judge, an ICPC witness, who testified during the trial, pointed out that Mr Mohammed Nasiru failed with D1-D11, through the witnesses .
Barr. Chesil Drenkat told journalists that the judgment is well captured and explicit very clear considering the manner they have been pursuing the matter .
He stressed that the judgment was well Marshall and is very direct because the two issues canvass largely in favour of the prosecution counsel which he succeeded in proving his case beyond reasonable doubt .
Barr Chelsil disclosed that the appointment of Mohammed Nasiru was wrongly employed and he has to return all declaratory statement to refund all entitlement given to him .
Counsel to the defendant ,Barr .M.I .Hassan said ,we are very grateful to my Lordship for explosive judgment having carefully consider the 1st count charge is 100,000.00 and second count charge is 50,000.00 .
He said they’re going to apply for records of proceedings to see whether to appeal the judgment which decision would be taken after .
Barr.Hassan explained that his client appointment with NVRI earlier in 2007 spark off someone to petitioned the ICPC that he Link his present appointment letter with JSC and the court find merits in what the prosecution counsel said .
I Remain LP Governorship Candidate In Plateau-Amb—Amb.Yohanna Margif
By,giwa alex, Jos
The Gubernatorial Candidate of Labour Party, Plateau State, Amb. Yohanna Margif said he remained the authentic standard bearer of the party in the state and urged Plateau people to disregard anyone parading himself as the new candidate of the party.
Margif in a press statement issued in Jos on Saturday said his life has been under threat to withdraw from the contest and that he has never contemplated to withdraw and that he will not withdraw from the 2023 election.
“My attention has been drawn to a purported and illegal primary election by some disgruntled political elements who disguised themselves as members of Labour Party in Plateau State, I wish to state clearly that I am the only and authentic governorship candidate of Labour Party in Plateau.
“You recall that a primary election of the Labour Party was conducted on the 9 June, 2022 at Retnan Hotel and Event Centre, Bukuru where I emerged the candidate of the party and certificate of return was subsequently presented to me by the National Chairman of the Party to affirm my candidature as the standard bearer of the party for 2023 election.
“Since then, I have taken deliberate steps in collaboration with other members of the party in Plateau and at the National Secretariat to put the party in better perspective to win the 2023 election. I must say without contradiction that my effort since I join the Labour Party has endeared several persons from different political parties into the Labour Party.
“I wish to state clearly that I have not in any way contemplated withdrawing from the 2023 governorship election in Plateau State and I will not withdraw from the race. I am in the contest to win the election and give Plateau people good governance that will enthrone development.”
Margif added that the governorship ticket of the Labour Party under his custody is not for sale and that he is into the race to win.
“I am not in the contest to withdraw, and the ticket of Labour Party in Plateau State is not for sale, therefore those who are clamouring for the ticket and misleading gullible Plateau people and Nigerians that I have withdrawn from the race should desist forthwith.
“The illegal and concocted primary election that brought together people who are selling groundnut, Kunu, Banana, Moimoi among others as delegates at the King’s Palace Hotel allegedly owned by the Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, is null and void, and cannot hold water.
“It has become very expedient for me to place on record that my life is under threat as some politicians, particularly aspirants who contested the APC primary election and lost have being mounting pressure on me to withdraw from the race. I wish to state clearly that I have not withdraw from the race and I don’t have any plan to withdraw.”
He called on his ardent supporters to remained calm and disregard any rumour that he has withdraw for a fresh primaries as he is vying for the office of the Governor of Plateau state to bequeath good infrastructural legacy and return Plateau to the people
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has today 4 August 2022, commissioned the newly remodelled Maxwell Khobe Cantonment gate, newly built Quarter Guard, Access Road and donated new hilux van to 3 Division Regimental Sergeant Major.
In his remarks, the COAS said the projects will improve the security of the Cantonment and provide conducive ambiance for the personnel of 3 Division to enhance professional discharge of their roles. He said the Nigerian Army will not relent in ensuring infrastructures of the barracks are modernised and given a face-lift.
Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Armour Corps, Major General Suleiman Idris, the COAS charged the troops to remain committed professionally and ensure maximum utilisation and maintenance of infrastructures. He applauded the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE for initiating the developmental projects and effective utilisation of resources to improve the infrastructural needs of troops in the Cantonment. He assured the COAS commitment to more to wellbeing of the Nigerian Army personnel and dependents.
Appreciating the COAS for his continues guidance and support to troops welfare needs, the GOC 3 Division and Commander OPSH, Major General Ibrahim Ali said the initiative to embark on the projects was in line with the COAS cardinal principle of Administration aimed at rekindling professionalism in Headquarters 3 Division. He revealed that the Quarter Guard is meant to be on the right side of the enterance into Military formation.
General Ali further stated that the projects were aimed at leaving a befitting legacy for the Division. He revealed that more developmental projects will soon be unveiled and commissioned in the Cantonment.
While briefing the Special Guest of Honour before the commissioning, the Commander 43 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Kabaju Kazir said the project which is in three faces has, the Gate, the Quarter Guard and the Road network. He noted that the road network was expanded for condusive passage by motorists and pedestrians alike.
Highlight of the event was the inspection of the projects, group photograph and Inspection of the newly constructed Quarter Guard by the Special Guest of Honour.
Troops of 3 Division Nigerian Army Jos, plateau state have been reminded to conduct themselves professionally while discharging their constitutional roles of defending the country and in aid to civil authority.
This was made know today, 3rd August 2022, by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division who doubled as Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, during a monthly lectures titled “Civil – Military Cooperation: A Force Multiplier in Military Operations ” held at Headquarters 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos.
The GOC and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN noted the significance of cordial relationship between the security agencies and the public in enhancing military operations.
He revealed that sucesses in contemporary Operations is easier in an environment where citizens voluntarily support troops activities.
Speaking on the topic, the guest lecturer, Dr Plangsat Bitrus Danyil, said continous enlightenment of troops on civil military cooperation activities is necessary to engender trust of the civil populace for enhance military operations. She noted the service rendered by military hospitals, schools and Mammy markets as key to promoting cordial relationship between the military and the populace.
Dr Plangsat further noted the significance of effective communication, Planing, Coordination and assessment for excellent Civil Military cooperation in Nigeria. She also called on the citizens to take possession of their military and divulge useful security information to the security agencies for prompt response.
Delivering his welcome address, the Divisional Training Officer, 3 Division, Brigadier General Suleiman Adamu note the changing nature of conflict from conventional to asymmetric warfare in which the activities of non-state actors is increasing day by day. This he said requires continuous enlightenment of troops on emerging trends.
The event was attended by Principal Staff Officers at Headquarters 3 Division, Commanders and Commanding Officers as well as soldiers of 3 Division related formations and units.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was among the thousands of sympathizers who paid their last respects to late Aren Eggon Dr. Bala Angbazo who joined his ancestors recently.
The funeral service which took place at ECWA Church Alushi, Akwanga Local Government Nasarawa State witnessed tributes from various top government officials, religious leaders, captains of Industry and sons and daughters of Eggon nation.
Governor Lalong described the late Aren Eggon as a father who used his knowledge, power and influence to improve the lives of the people of Eggon, Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.
He said the late Royal Father served his people with dignity, honesty and selflessness which brought about rapid development in education, health, agriculture and human capital development.
He particularly appreciated the Royal Father for his role in sustaining peace and stability in his domain and the State as well as offering wise counsel to him in his political career and leadership of Plateau State.
Lalong while praying God to grant the family, Eggon nation and Nasarawa State the fortitude to bear the loss, said the legacies of the Royal will continue to linger in the land.
The Governor of Nasarawa State Engr. Abdullahi Sule, APC Chairman Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, among others were at the funeral.
The Commander Special Task Force, Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding (GOC)3 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Ibrahim Ali has said OPSH is guided by the principles of neutrality and fairness in the discharge of its roles.
The commander made the disclosure today 3rd August 2022, while hosting a delegation from the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue at Headquarters OPSH in Jos.
Major General Ali applauded the organisation for its role in mitigating conflict in communities.
He revealed that OPSH has adopted non-kinetic strategies to eradicate violence-tendency that could create chaos in society.
General Ali further maintained that OPSH has zero tolerance for human rights violation and operates to create a secured environment for growth and development to be achieved.
He alluded that the meeting would strengthen the relationship between OPSH and the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue in areas of information sharing and quick response to security threats.
In her earlier remarks, the leader of the delegation and Project Associate of the group, Mrs Olufemi Ellison Domkap lauded Operation SAFE HAVEN for always acting on credible information provided by the group in order to respond swiftly to security challenges within its jurisdiction.
The team leader noted the contribution of the group in influencing the lives of troublemakers in society to embrace peaceful living and friendliness among diverse ethnic and religious groups.
She highlighted the need to strengthening the capacity of women for the enhancement of back-door conversation during conflict resolution.
While suggesting that traditional rulers should be trained in the areas of mediation and conflict resolution, the team leader urged communities to adopt local method of dispute resolution for permanent peace to be achieved.
Highlight of the event was presentation of plaque and group photograph.
The Longing and Langai Communities of Mangu local government of plateau state has raised the alarm of being accused of their Involvement in the alleged killing of six,and missing seven Fulanis in local government.
As they said the accusation by the Chairman of the Miyyeti Allah Cattles Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Mallam Nura Abdullahi in a DailyTrust Newspaper publication dated 2nd August 2022 ,is an indication that the Fulanis are planning to lunch an attack on the innocent Communities who knows nothing about the killing and the missing of the said victims.
The group under the auspices of Pyam Youths Movement (PYM) Mangu local government of plateau state , raised the alarm in a press statement dated 2nd August,2022, signed by the PYM National President,Arch.Henry Nadoma,Hon . Yusuf Fyale, National Secretary,Hon.Isa Musa, National Publicity Secretary and made available to this medium in Jos, Plateau State.
According to the Press released which read in part said,our attention have been drawn to statements credited to Plateau State Chairman of the Miyyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Mallam Nura Abdullahi, carried on daily trust newspaper of 2nd August,2022, and as we qoute
“That six hearders have been allegedly killed and seven others declared missing in Mongi and Langai communities of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State after an alledged invasion by a Bauchi -based group called “Yan Babeli”
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However, we wish to categorically, state that this statement is not only false and misleading but a deliberate act to misrepresent facts for mischief and deciete.
The released further read that,while it is true that some Fulani heardsmen were arrested and summarily executed in an unclear circumstances by a Bauchi based (YAN BABELI) vigilante, the killings did not occured in any part of Pyam Chiefdom or Mangu LGA of Plateau State, as reported by the media.
The killings occured in Bauchi State territory of the border as well as their burial supervised by the Fulani leader and top security personnel including the STF personnel from Mangu and Tafawa Balewa LGA’s of Plateau and Bauchi State respectively.
The group how expressed concern by the l Chairman of the Miyyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) Mallam Nura Abdullahi that the victims where killed in the two communities of Mangu local government of the state that the Killers where invited into the Communities by the Traditional Rulers that invited the Bauchi based (YAN BABELI) vigilante to arrest and killed the 6 Fulani people.
This is totally false, untrue, baseless and mischievous and a precursor and guise to perpetrate evil against our people.
“We wonder the basis of this allegations even when the Fulani have established that those who made the arrest and killings of their people were not even from Plateau State, and what link or connection do we have with the Bauchi based vigilante group for them to make such wild allegations of linking our leaders to the arrests and killings of the Fulani people.
Truth be told Pyam Chiefdom Traditional Rulers as well as subjects prior to the arrests and killings did not even know of the existence of the Bauchi based (YAN BABELI) vigilante,let alon hiring them for any operation against anyone in Pyam Chiefdom.
It is also a fact that the Bauchi based vigilante did not inform or report to any Pyam Chiefdom Traditional Rulers or even the security agencies about their coming to Pyam Chiefdom, for the operation, arrests and killings of the Fulani people. It is also a fact that the Fulani leaders did not inform the Pyam Chiefdom Traditional Council of the arrest and killings of their people resident in Mungi and Langai areas of Pyam Chiefdom as well as the burial last week Friday 29th July, 2022.
Our people are peaceful and law abiding and have maintained a high degree of restraint in the interest of peaceful coexistence within the Chiefdom, despite the provocation as a result of the criminal activities of some Fulani bandits over the years.
Our people are going through hell at the moment and have suffered from the atrocities of the Fulani bandits that have killed so many innocent people including traditional rulers and have kidnapped so many people including our paramount ruler HRH Charles Mato Dakat held in captivity for several days last year, but we remain peaceful and have never taken the laws into our hands by resorting to violence and lawlessness in expressing our grievances.
As lovers of peace and promoters of peaceful coexistence amongst the various ethnic nationalities resident in Pyam Chiefdom, our accommodating nature shouldn’t be taken for granted, as we have endured the atrocities of terrorist elements for long and calling on the security agencies to now, come to our aid ,to end the unabated banditry against our people.
“With the subtle threat for reprisal by the Fulani if those responsible for the killings of their people are not arrested within the time frame they set we are strongly calling on the security agencies to as a matter of urgency investigate the allegations by the Fulani leader and unravel the circumstances of the killings of the Fulani people and also to act on the threat in order to avert any possible reprisal attack on our people in Mungi and Langai areas and anywhere else in Pyam Chiefdom and Mangu LGA of Plateau State.”
The 50th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, NBCYC, will commence tomorrow, Tuesday, August 2, 2022.
The programme will be held at the First Baptist Church, Eket, Akwa Ibom state. The week-long conference will end on Saturday, August 6, 2022.
The 2022 edition marks the 50th celebration and it is themed “Jubilee”, Leviticus 25:10-11.
The special guest at the Golden Jubilee celebration is the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr Israel Adelani Akanji while the Lead Speakers is the President of the Ethiope-Delta Conference, Rev Dr Jonathan Ihwighwu. Other speakers are the Director, Youth, and Student Ministry, Rev Dr Olawuyi James; National Coordinator, Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, Rev IbukunOluwa Joshua and the President of the body, Pastor Enunuaye Onajite among other men of God.
In a statement issued and signed by the NBCYC President, Pastor Enunuaye Onajite, he urged members not to miss the Golden Jubilee celebration as the Conference would not be an annual ritual but rather, an avenue to commune and thank God for the past fifty years.
Enunuaye said ” We are grateful to God for the grace to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference.
“I urge all youths of the Nigerian Baptist Convention to turn up for this special Conference because this is our year of Jubilee and the Lord is waiting to bless us specially.
“We have outlined various programmes that would add value to the Conference. Among the programmes includes Words, prayers, sports, seminars, Jubilee celebration, and musical concerts among others.”
The youth President urged members not to travel at night given the security situation of the country.
Youths of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, have congratulated the newly elected President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh describing him as a worthy successor to the immediate past President, His Eminence, Rev Dr Samson Supo Ayokunle.
In a Congratulatory message signed by the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, Pastor Onajite Enunuaye, he said that the overwhelming acceptance of Okoh’s nomination is a testament to his divine ordination for a time like this.
He called on the new President to continue the vision of rebranding CAN to win more souls for Christ, protect Christians in Nigeria, and for greater efficiency of the body.
He said “I congratulate His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh on his nomination and election as the new President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
“I also congratulate our father and mentor, the immediate past President, His Eminence, Rev Dr Samson Supo Ayokunle for successful completion of tenure of office.
“As a Baptist youth, we are proud of his modest achievements while he held sway. He brought monumental development to the body and the fruits are evident everywhere.
“We are however not surprised by his achievements as his legacies abound in the Nigerian Baptist Convention where he completed a two-term in office and retired recently.
“We urge the new President to continue with the vision of his predecessor and we assure him of our utmost support.” He concluded.
Okoh is the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church International, Onitsha, and emerged the new leader of CAN after getting 100% votes of all 259 delegates who participated in its 12th General Assembly. He is expected to serve a single term of five years.
Meanwhile, the body has condemned the Muslim-Muslim Presidential tickets of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2023 General election.
Enunuaye said that the party is insensitive to the religious diversity of the nation stressing that such a ticket is unacceptable to Nigerian Christians.
“Fielding the same faith ticket whether Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at the presidential level is unacceptable to us. This is insensitive and condemnable.
“The reason adduced for the ticket is even more insulting to the sensibilities of Nigerian Christians. How could anyone claim that there is no competent Christian in the entire North to serve as his running mate? This is unacceptable, hypocritical, and condemnable.
“As youths of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, we believe in competence and we desire good governance. However, we do not believe that competence resides in one faith alone. We are simply asking for fairness, justice, and equity upon which democracy is built.
“However, since all appeals to the candidate and party yielded no positive result, and we are being taken for granted, we will not lament rather, we will use our Permanent Voters Card to vote against the Muslim-Muslim ticket and for the protection of our faith.”
The chairman of Hydroelectric Production Areas Development Commission (HYPPADRC), Barr. Joseph Irtaf, has said the commission will continue to embark on projects that will positively impact on the rural communities under its mandate.
He made the statements, Monday, at the formal commisioning and handing over of motorised solar boreholes to the communities that of Jebu Miango, in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“HYPPADEC is doing its best at ensuring the improvement in the living condition of the communities within its working jurisdiction, amongst the states that are within its scope.
“I am happy to the first HYPPADEC projects in Plateau State.”
We appreciates President Muhammadu Buhari, for making available the resources, to construct the borehole in Jebu Miango Bassa LGA,” he said.
The State coordinator of HYPPADEC, Abubakar S. Tanko, said the commission has so far constructed 11 solar boreholes and some schools in Plateau State.
“Youths were also empowered, and very soon a school will be constructed for the Miango community,” he assured.
The Chairman, Bassa LGC, Hon. Stephen Igmala, whuke appreciating HYPPADRC, said now that a source of having clean water to the community, improved health is guaranteed.
“We must appreciate HYPPADEC for assisting the Bassa Local Government Council, by taking off the economic buden of constructing the borehole that will alleviate the sufferings of the rural people,” he said.
Hon. Igmala said the commission has provided electricity, water, motorcycles to some youths within the LGA, he further requested for more.
The Bra-Irgwe Rev. Ronku Aka (rtd), said they are happy that President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the HYPPADEC, have remembered their people.
“Our people are very happy to have this project cited in our community,” he said.
Plateau State Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has received the royal blessings of Mangu Traditional Rulers and Plateau elders to win the 2023 governorship election in the state.
He noted that Plateau has been a home of PDP and the people are united to return the party to power to provide credible leadership that will enthrone massive development in the state.
Barr. Mutfwang disclosed this when Plateau people across the 17 Local Government Areas defied torrential rain to give him a rousing welcome at his home coming to Mangu Local Government Area.
“I honestly feel very elated, there is nothing that is good as being accepted by your people and I see that my candidature has brought joy and excitement to the people of Mangu Local Government Area and Plateau people at large.
“I am glad to have been accompanied home a mammoth crowd of people are across the state to make my first journey home since I picked the PDP ticket, it is so gratifying.”
Mutfwang who left an indelible footprint as former Executive Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area said he had the opportunity of working closely with people at the grassroot and assured that every ethnic group would be given a sense of belonging if trusted with the mandate to lead the state as Governor in 2023.
“we had a seamless and mutual respectful relationship with the elders and by the grace of God if given another opportunity, we will continue to demonstrate respect for the traditional institution, we will continue to demonstrate respect to our elders and most especially, we will commit ourselves more than ever before to the service of the people.”
Mutfwang said further, “We are engaging critical stakeholders across the state to ensure that we get prepared ahead of the electioneering campaign, we are reconciling party members and making sure that we sensitize people so that when the campaigns start in earnest, we will go in as a united people.”
He encouraged the crowd to participate actively in the INEC voter’s registration and vote for massively for PDP to reclaim and rebuild Plateau and Nigeria.
Mutfwang described the torrential rain downpour as a sign of God’s blessings that will usher victory during the 2023 polls.
The Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hon. Josephine Piyo applauded women for coming out in their numbers to received the PDP governorship candidate who has great consideration for women in the rebuilding of Plateau State.
She said Mutfwang would be gender friendly in providing leadership in Plateau if given the mandate, having cede the deputy governorship position to women and assured that women will play key role in the government.
The PDP Zonal Vice Chairman, North Central, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan described the turn-out as victory in waiting and urged the people to vote for PDP from top to bottom.
He called on PDP members to work assiduously for the success of the party ahead of the 2023 election.
The state party chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan, said the emergence of Caleb Mutfwang as flag bearer of the party has strengthened its acceptability towards wining all elections in 2023.
He said the party has embark on reconciliation with all those who contested the party’s primaries and lost with a view to go into the election as a united front.
Chairman of Mangu Traditional Council, the Mishkaham Mwaghavul , Da John Putmang described the reception accorded to Mutfwang and the PDP stakeholders as a sign of good thing to come in 2023.
He expressed gratitude to Plateau people, particularly the PDP for trusting their son, Caleb Mutfwang with the PDP ticket to lead the party for the 2023 Governorship election.
Da. Putmang admonished the party to run issue based campaign, devoid of campaign of columny, bitterness, rancour and uncultured behaviour to attract more followers, who will vote the party to power.
He said Plateau people will endorsed the kind of change the state desire in 2023 and urged Mutfwang to be forthright, honest and sincere in dealing with all sections of the state.
President Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Sir Joseph Gwankat expressed joy that the PDP picked Caleb Mutfwang as their candidate and urged him to run an all inclusive governance by carrying everyone along if voted into power in 2023.
The publisher of Beacon Newspaper published in plateau state,Comrade Shabul Mazadu ,the Minister for Women Affairs,Dame Pauline Tallen and Member representing Pankshin, Kanam and Kanke(PKK)at the Federal House of Representatives , Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gadi, were among the recipient of “Magazine Peace and Security Award ” organised by “First Samaritan Love Foundation”held at the Crest Hotel Jos, 29th July, 2022.
Shabul Mazadu, a seasoned journalist , and publisher of the Beacon Newspaper on the Plateau, was bestowed with the award by the Foundation for his unrelented efforts in supporting the course of the youths both thick and thin including using his platform as journalist , even when it’s not convenient to him.
In his response, to the award, Comrade Shabul thank the organisers for the award, and stressed that the award will spur him to do more in the support of the youths and downtrodden who are helpless in the society because according to him” To Whom Much Is Given Much Is Expected”.
In a similar development, the Minister of Women Affairs , and the former Deputy Governor of plateau state, Dame Pauline Tallen who also received an award for her selfless efforts in championing the course of women and girl child in the state in particular and the country at large.
The minister represented by the former Director of Nigeria Institue Of journalism (NIJ) Jos campus, Mrs Martina Kure appreciated the award which she said is very dear to her heart and would spur her to do more in fighting for the course of the helpless women folks and the girl child who are grossly subjugated daily by the society largely because of their gender as female child.
The minister frowned at the constant reported cases of violent against women in Nigeria by the male folks and vowed to use her office as Women Affairs Minister to protect women who are unjustly violated and ensure they get Justice to serve as deterrent to the others.
On his part, the Member Representing Pankshin,Kanke and Kanam ,and chairman Committee on Navy in the Federal House of Representatives,Rt.Hon.Yusuf Adamu Gadi who is among the award recipient as best Representatives of his constitutent,thanked the organisers for the award,and for being metriculous enough to have identify him for the award, which he said will enable him to do more in the service to his people who queued under the scorching sun to vote for him as member of the federal house of Representatives.
Gadi adviced the Electorates to shun the current dust being raised following the APC Muslim/Muslim ticket ahead 2023 General Election, and adviced them to vote for competence ,and the person that can deliver the dividend of democracy irrespective of religion and ethics lineage.
Other recipants of the award includes, the Deputy Speaker of plateau state House of Assembly,Saleh yipmong, Majority leader of the state house of Assembly,Nanlong Daniel,kifiano motors and host of others.
High point of the event was donation for the support of the foundation.
The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) 3 Division, has trained women and Youths drawn from Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos, Miango and Jebbu Bassa communities of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau state.
The graduation ceremony held 30th July 2022, at Salamatu F Yahaya Skills Acquisition Centre, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos, plateau state, also witnessed presentation of free starter packs and certificates to the beneficiaries.
Delivering her address, the Chairperson NAOWA 3 Division Chapter, Mrs Hauwa S Ali said the training was conceived out of the desire of NAOWA to compliment the efforts of the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to ameliorate poverty in the barracks and its surrounding communities through skills development programmes.
She congradulated the trainees for being parts of the training and thanked the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA)and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN for his untiring support to NAOWA aspirations.
Presenting Starter packs and Certificates to the graduands, the Special Guest of Honour, the GOC 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali noted that, the training will enhance the living conditions of the families of the beneficiaries.
He further said 3 Division is committed to empowerment and welfare development of the troops, their dependants as well as the host communities in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, LieutenantGeneral FarukYahaya. The GOC further urged the graduands to make good use of the skills and the starter packs acquired. He commended NAOWA for always fashioning programmes that impart positively on the welfare needs of the less privileged in society.
The participants received training in computer appreciation , Bag Making, Barbing, Catering, Hair Dressing, Make up and Tailoring.
The event was attended by the Brra Ngwe Iregwe, Rtd Rev Ronku Aka, the paramount ruler of Irigwe chiefdom and Chairman Bassa traditional council, the Acting Utu Ugo Kiche of Bassa, His Royal Highness Ati Adamu Ingmala and Principal Staff Officers from Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army Jos.
The Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has kick-start the fourth edition of the annual peace tournament Tagged:”Major General IS Ali Peace and Unity Football Tournament 2022 .
The opening ceremony held today 30 July 2022 at Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos,was attended by dignitaries within and outside Plateau State.
Delivering his opening remarks, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Jos,who doubled as the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali disclosed that the tournament was significant in the peace-building process towards ensuring lasting peace on the plateau and in all the local government areas within OPSH Joint Operation Area. He noted that the core essence of the tournament was to use sports as a unifying tool to emphasize the benefits of peaceful coexistence, unity and teamwork.
Represented by the Deputy Commander OPSH, DCP Mohammad Rabiu, the commander described football as a universal sport that bonds people of diverse ethnic, cultural, political and religious affiliations together. He promised to do everything possible to ensure successes recorded in the peace building efforts are not reversed.
The commander further urged the people to join hands together to move away from behavior that could subvert the collective growth of the people and enhance harmonious living.
Also speaking, the Chairman House Committee on Navy and member representing Kanke/Kanam federal constituency, Rt Hon Yusuf Gadi in his remarks, applauded Operation SAFE HAVEN for improving the security of Plateau state and other areas within its jurisdiction. He maintained that the
tournament would help to unite youths of diverse religious, cultural and political differences. He also pledged to continually support any initiative of OPSH designed to sustaining peaceful coexistence in the state.
Climax of the ceremony was the ceremonial football match between the 2021 Champions, Barkin-Ladi Boys and Zango Kataf FC.
The immediate past speaker of the House of Representatives National Assembly Honorable Yakubu Dogara has raised concern over the recent choice of by Muslim , Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressive Congress ( APC) ahead 2023 General Election.
The former speaker who is the guest speaker at the Northern Leaders Summit raised expressed concern,at the event held in Abuja 29th July,2022 at Nicon Luxury Hotel.
“The summit which has it Theme:
Righteousness Exalts A Nation, But Sin ls A Reproach To Any People.” Proverbs 14:34.
Full Text Of His Speech.
I consider it great honour and privilege to be invited as the Guest Speaker at this all-important August summit of eminent religious leaders and top-notch politicians from across all the States of the Federation. Permit me to start by profusely thanking all those involved in putting together this summit and all the delegates who have sacrificed time and their busy schedule in order to honour us with their presence, which we do not lightly esteem. I understand we are here to talk about our nation and how political choices may impact our faith and likely exacerbate the escalating parlous security situation and stymie our match towards an inclusive, peaceful and prosperous nation.
Not a few have expressed concerns about national outlook on all presidential tickets. Also, not a few worry that the debate was becoming corrosive, and of course, with this kind of spitting of bilious views into the political wind, there was bound to be lots of nerves in the air.
When we talk about a Muslim-Muslim ticket; God forbid that we should be understood to be objecting to Muslims or that we don’t want Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to be president. It is not about Senator Kashim Shettima either, but it about what is right and what is wrong. It is about justice, fairness and equity. It is about Nigeria; it’s diversity and how it can be harnessed in an inclusive manner for the greater good of all of us. Be that as it may, some of us really wanted Asiwaju to be president because he has sacrificed much for our Party, the APC and for what he represents to so many people. So, our position cannot be against Muslims or Islam. That fact cannot be denied in any way.
But when it comes to choosing between the love and admiration I have for an individual and what is right and what I believe represents my vision for Nigeria, my choice will clearly be for the latter. After all, my rise to the position of Speaker was never going to be possible without the support of some Muslim members who believe that our diversity must be reflected in national positions for the unity, peace and advancement of our dear country. What gives me more hope about the Nigeria project is that there are many of our Muslim brothers and leaders who did not only warn the APC, but have had to call out the APC for adopting a Muslim-Muslim ticket which resulted into the Party ructions we are witnessing today.
In 2015, when we were called “janjeweed party”, my response was usually very simple. I could then say that, HE John Oyegun was the chairman of my party and my Vice-Presidential candidate was Pastor Yemi Osinbajo. We don’t enjoy that luxury anymore as the President, Senate President, Speaker and his deputy; Senate and House Leaders; National Chairman and the Deputy National Chairman; Presidential and the Vice-Presidential candidates are all Muslims, leaving the Christians with just the position of VP Osibanjo and Deputy Senate President Omo-Agege at that level in a Country whose population is fairly split between Muslims and Christians. Granted this scenario, can any God-fearing Muslim, Christian nay even the amoral and the atheist say this is fair, just and righteous? Does this represent the act of a just God? This is the real context of objections from the Christian community not just the Presidential ticket and the VP slot.
For me, it is a rude awakening and I am so happy it happened sooner than later. The very fact that they said we should not worry about a Muslim-Muslim ticket while a Muslim-Christian ticket gave them sleepless nights should make you worry the more. To worry about a Muslim-Christian ticket while counselling others not to worry about a Muslim-Muslim ticket is the very textbook definition of cognitive dissonance and an attempt at gaslighting gullible Christians. Truth must be told that anyone who is not bringing us together is consciously tearing us apart.
Furthermore, I do not want to speak to the argument that there is no Christian competent enough to be Vice-President because as we all know, that is hogwash. It only speaks to the need to deliberately exclude – whereas the need now is for inclusion.
The other funny argument in the media is the claim that without a northern Muslim on the ticket, elections cannot be won. The implications of that argument are quite unambiguous; Northern Muslims don’t vote for the South – even if the candidate is a Muslim like them – and, of course, don’t vote for Christians. However, nothing can be further from the truth. If you stretch this argument further, it may lead to questions such as, “if Muslims in the North don’t trust a southern Muslim for any reason(s), why should Christians in Nigeria trust a Muslim from the South and North?” These are the kinds of arguments I hate to engage in and which we must avoid if we hope not to injure the health of our Republic.
Other unhelpful framings of the debate by the so-called pundits posits that Christians in the North are so small in number that their votes don’t count. This strange argument seeks to reinforce the satanic agenda of dividing the church in Nigeria into North and South, and also ignores the fact and reality that Nigeria is evenly split on religious lines. These pundits are still not smart enough to tell us what is in the Muslim-Muslim ticket for southern Christians. The argument also ignores the fact that our official policy excludes religious affiliation from census data. There is therefore no scientific basis for these bizarre conclusions. Let us now look at a model for managing diversity.
If the UK offers any example, in 2005, the Tories had only two non-White MPs. Just within over a decade, this has changed dramatically – all the way to the top ranks of the party, including the last three chancellors of the exchequer in a row: Javid, Sunak and Zahawi. In addition, Patel was home secretary; Javid – health secretary; Kwasi – business secretary and; Zahawi – education secretary.
Before the pruning down of candidates for the Conservative Party leadership to two; six of the candidates were members of ethnic minorities. Braverman, Sunak and Javid are the children of immigrants while Chisti and Zahawi were born outside of the UK: in Pakistan and Iraq respectively; and our own Kemi was partly brought up in Lagos. All these happened in the conservative UK where the entire population of minority ethnic group is a paltry 14% – thanks to David Cameron under whose leadership the Tories embraced the idea of “sponsored mobility” which was thought to be good for the country because it will help prevent politics from polarizing along racial lines.
As we speak, the UK may well be on the verge of becoming the second major Western democracy to have a non-White leader in Sunak. Sunak who took the oath of office as Chancellor with his hand on the Bhagavad Gita and placed Diwali candles on the steps of his office on Number 11 Downing Street, shares the same faith with just 1.03 million Britons representing just 1.6% of the U.K’s total population. This is how democracies all over the world are managing diversities within their borders. Compare this to the US under Trump where the Republican Party was and is still in danger of becoming the party of White grievances and White reaction against an increasingly diverse America. Is it in vain that the Democrats had to settle for a woman and a black VP in Kamala Harris? Women issues are treated as minority issues and what percentage of US population is black? Just 13.4% in case you don’t know. In these two, we have two models to borrow from; either to play the politics of exclusion which the Muslim-Muslim ticket represents or to make politics all-inclusive in order to heal our national fault lines and unite our disparate peoples for nation building. The latter must be the choice of every patriotic and sensible Nigerian.
Why do I consider the decision by the APC to settle for a Muslim-Muslim ticket not a bold but bad decision? There are ample reasons but I will highlight a few for want of time and space.
It is a bad decision because it fuels inequality. We must always bear in mind that the liberty we enjoy is as rare as it is fragile. Inequality has a way of upsetting the balance due to the universal law of cause and effect. Throughout history, every revolution has been waged to either consolidate or destroy inequality. Just like all revolutions, they first seem impossible and then improbable until they become inevitable.
When you think of revolutions, what comes to your mind? Is it the pictures of savage invasions, crushing battlefield defeats, sacked cities and unlucky rulers put to death or a cascading series of minor, individually unimportant failures which are now replete in our polity? You may not understand the structure of revolutions until you trace the progression of the Nazis from an unpopular fringe group to the most powerful political party in Germany. Those who are dismissive of those who built conflict generating structures such as the Muslim-Muslim ticket in a pluralistic society always end up as enablers of revolution or violent changes. That was how Nazism was dismissed as a fringe idea that will never make it into the mainstream of civilized Germany until it led to the death of an estimated 40 million people.
It is a bad decision because it breads division which is counter-productive to our collective aspirations for a united and prosperous nation. My last check reveals that the word division is a construct of the word “vision” with a prefix “di” which means double in Latin. Just imagine what double vision does to an individual, much more a Nation. Our national creed or motto if you like, is unity and faith, peace and progress. Embedded in this great idea is the fact that unity precedes peace and progress. The question therefore is, how do we unite our disparate peoples in a manner that ensures peace and progress? This is not the only question, it is every question.
Of course, our strength is not in numbers but unity. You are not strong because you are many, you are strong because you are united. Nigeria cannot survive if we merely tolerate each other or if the happiness of one group is the unhappiness of the other group. But if we are united, we will be indomitable. And if all of us: Muslims, Christians, atheists, the old, the young, women and men work together and pray together in unity: believe me; we will be invincible. On the corollary, many are the Nations and Empires that could not withstand divisions.
The largest construction project ever on earth – the erection of the Tower of Babel came to an abrupt halt due to divisions. The almost 3200 years long recorded history of the Egyptian empire collapsed due to divisions when Cleopatra the last Pharaoh killed her brother Ptolemy the 13th who was a joint heir to the throne and married another of her brother, Ptolemy the 14th before she had him also killed so that her son can succeed her as the pharaoh. The all-powerful Roman Empire just like the British Empire after it, decayed and died not on account of invading armies but just because they could not withstand the contradictions within. Need we say more about Yugoslavia and the USSR?
The US too is currently struggling and if they don’t invent ingenious ways to heal divisions, the US dominance, just like all the other empires before, might soon become history. If we think we can encourage divisions in the scale we are witnessing and not see what those Empires and Nations saw, then we are of all men and women most miserable.
In addition, the inability to distinguish the Nigeria of 1993 from 2022 gave me cause to fret the more. An indispensable attribute of a leader in crisis is to be able to recognize a departure of events from routine to novel. The inability to spot an infliction point in moments of gripping visceral fear across the nation represents an irredeemable fatal error of judgment. There has never been a time in our history that we are as divided. We are battling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, secessionists and all manner of challenges.
Consequently, anyone who thinks that events in Nigeria in 2022 are not novel but routine as they were in 1993 is totally incapable of finding solutions to challenges currently ravaging our dear nation.
As for the nodding dogs who have sold themselves to lying spirits by deliberately believing in lies or are refusing to accept the truth, rebuke them in love. We may, after all, be dealing with fallen angels. We must never forget that every generation has its own Jannes and Jambres who withstood Moses; its prophets of Baal who withstood Elijah; its Sanballats and Tobiahs who withstood Nehemiah; it’s Esaus whose profanity will drive them to sell their birth rights; its Gehazis who will surrender to seducing spirits in order to feed their greed; its Hamans who will plot to annihilate Gods people: the list goes on. On this class of people, the scripture has already placed a curse, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20. But just as those they withstood overcame, we will also overcome if we faint not.
The harder they try to make us bow to the golden image of greed, the more we should chant to their chagrin the answer given by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – who said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up”.
In closing, let me reiterate the fact that we are here to talk about what is right and what is wrong. To my mind what is right is not just to win elections but to unite Nigerians both now and after the elections so that we can collectively build a Nigeria that works for all regardless of creed. As President Obama warned, “if you have to win a campaign by dividing people, you are not going to be able to govern them. You won’t be able to unite them later” This is spot-on because anyone who wins an election by dividing us would have to keep us divided in order to govern us. This is not what any reasonable and peace-loving Nigerian wants.
As long as God remains the God of justice, may we continue to resist injustice to our sinews, no matter who is for or against it because it is the requirement of the just God. Let us go out from this summit with the resolve to seek out our Muslim brothers and sisters who believe in unifying our people in order to usher in the much need peace and advancement for Nigeria to unleash her true potentials. I am sure we will jointly agree on a platform that would advance our collective search for unity, peace and development. Believe me, the only alternative is the road to Yugoslavia. God forbid! If we want to see Nigeria exalted, we must insist she does the right things.
Former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has declared that the 2023 elections will be all about religion, started by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Lawal spoke at the APC Northern Christian Leaders Summit Abuja 2022, on Friday.
Absolving Christians from bringing religion into Nigerian politics, Lawal warned that the ruling party should be ready for the consequences of a same faith ticket in 2023.
According to him, blaming Christians and heaping insults on Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) will not get APC anywhere.
He said “the PVC and prayers will be our weapon of choice and we will mercifully deploy them in 2023.”
The former SGF said that the agenda of Muslim-Muslim ticket is just unfolding and Christians will resist it.
He said: “We will not give up until we get Justice. I have heard friends and colleagues within and even outside the APC express some shock and even disbelieve over our reaction to the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 general elections.
“Our opposition has some historical basis. There were times in the past when Christians produced the Deputy Governors in Kebbi, Niger and Kaduna States. Now it is wholly Muslim-Muslim tickets. It is worth noting that all these are happening in APC-controlled states. They are threatening to do likewise in Gombe, Kogi and Adamawa States.
“It is also now a recurring practice in the north, whereby any Christian traditional ruler that dies is replaced with a Muslim prince albeit from the ruling family even if the most qualified and preferred prince is a Christian. The recent case of Billiri Chiefdom in Gombe State is still fresh in our minds.
“Proof of its anti-Christian agenda is that our party itself has completely eliminated northern Christians from its National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC). All our protestations as party members have been completely ignored by the party leadership. But as members of the APC, we have the right to continue to express our indignation at these happenings and will not give up until we secure the justice that is due us.
“The main purpose of this historical narrative is to let you know that for The APC, a Muslim-Muslim ticket has been a longterm political strategy and not a one-off decision. Thus, all these talk of competence as the reason for the choice of the Muslim VP is balderdash and diversionary. This is a calculated anti-Christian exclusion agenda that is being implemented.
“One might ask: why is the APC itself mute about our rejection of this Muslim-Muslim ticket? And why has none of the other perpetrators of this crisis reached out to Christians for a dialogue? Why are they instead hiring fake Bishops and take church groups to further embarrass the Church? Why are they embarking on a vicious media war against CAN and the Church instead of seeking reconciliation? Truly, things are not adding up.
“So why are Northern Nigerian Christians in particular against the Muslim-Muslim ticket? I will try to enumerate just a few more reasons in addition to the ones I have already enumerated above:
“We see this ticket as an assent to the current and continuing educational, economic and political marginalisation of the Northern Nigerian Christians.”
The former SGF reel out employment data in tertiary institutions based in the North alone, both Federal and State-owned Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education that favours the Muslims more than Christians.
“Federal Colleges of Education Provosts 23. Muslims 22 Christian 1.
“State Colleges of Education Provosts 31. Muslims 24, Christians 7.
“Of course, it goes without saying that employment to all other positions from the Registrar down to the cleaner in these institutions will be replicated in a similar manner.
“This scenario is what we find in all agencies of governments in the north. Therefore, we view this Muslim-Muslim ticket as an extension of this practice of exclusion to the uppermost level of government.
“Christians all over the country see this Muslim-Muslim ticket as a deliberate and premeditated attempt to introduce and firmly entrench religion into the politics of this country. This, of course, will lead to further disharmony in the hitherto fragile coexistence of the Nigerian society, disrupt peace and hamper both social and economic development of the country.
“Christians and indeed most enlightened Nigerians are at a loss as to why people that intend to govern a country with our kind of diversity would chose this path to power. This is very divisive and must be rejected by all patriotic Nigerians.
“Implied in this ticket is the insinuation that northern Muslims are not willing to vote for a ticket that has a Christian on it and on which they are not represented. It is our believe that northern Muslims would have seen the Justice in a Muslim-Christian ticket and would have given it their overwhelming support had the party been inclined to do so.
“A corollary to this mindset is that Christians should also not vote for a ticket in which they are not accommodated. Unfortunately, this is the message we get loud and clear from this Muslim-Muslim ticket. This is truly a wake up call for all Nigerian Christians. We didn’t start this religious politics, APC and it’s candidates did; so all of us should take note and act as appropriate.
“So our dear APC colleagues, spare us these sanctimonious lectures on “competence” and the cliche “religion of the candidates do not matter. The truth is that the 2023 presidential election will be all about religion, and sadly, you started it; religion does matter in this context, so be ready for the consequences.
“It is important to reiterate that we Nigerian Christians, want to live in peace and harmony with all practitioners of other religions. We want to enjoy social and economic developments like other parts of the world, but without peace, justice and religious harmony, this is not possible.
“On our part, we neither seek to oppress nor dominate any one or any religion. But we will also resist any one trying to discriminate against us and our religion. We were not the ones that started this fight. The APC started it and must be ready to carry the cross it has created. Blaming Christian’s and heaping insults on CAN will take them nowhere.
“For, how do they expect Christians to keep silent when a northern state governor publicly states that they pressured Tinubu to get a northern Muslim VP because they did not believe him to be a good Muslim? Is the VP going to be the National Deputy Imam? How do they expect us to keep silent when another northern state governor goes to Osun State and urges them to vote for someone just because he is a Muslim? Was he there for election campaign or “dawah”? What can be a better example of religion in politics than demonstrated by these governors?
“Clearly, there is an agenda to politically, religiously, and economically suppress and oppress the Northern Christian. But we are up to the task. We will protect ourselves. The PVC and our prayers will be our weapons of choice and we will massively deploy them in 2023.
“But while we are ready to battle this politics of exclusion and oppression, we are open to discussions with any one who wants to engage with us in good faith.
“As I always do, want to end with this quotation from Romans 8:31: “What then shall we say in response to these things.
“If God is for us who can be against us?” May God bless and reward all our collective efforts at seeking to live in peace with one another in Nigeria, our blessed country.”
The crisis rocking the All Progressive Congress (APC) Plateau State Chapter over the alleged kangaroo Governship Congress which produced Dr.Nantawe Yilwatda as the Governorship Candidate of the party is far from being over.
This is as the Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State, under the aegis of Plateau Project Two, have vowed to fight and resist the injustices that marred processes culminating in the various primary elections of the Party.
Rising from a meeting held at Rayfield, Jos, and attended by most of the aspirants for various elective offices on the Party’s platform, including eighteen gubernatorial aspirants, the Plateau Project has observed that delegates election of the Party did not take place, beside imposition and undemocratic processes, a skewed process that saw governor Simon Bako Lalong imposing a gubernatorial candidate on the party.
This is contained a release signed by Barrister Oumar Shittien as the Chairman, and Chief Amos Gizo as Moderator, the Plateau Project Two resolved, among other things, “that all petitions complaining about lack of delegates election and imposition of candidates shall be pursued to their logical conclusions.”
It also resolved that, “all court cases in respect of the same complaints shall also be pursued and concluded.”
To avoid the body derailed from their mission and vision to stay focused, the PPT set up a “committee of elders and representatives of all the aspirants to closely monitor the political situation and make recommendations to the Plateau Project Two Council”, as the meeting which ended unanimously endorsed by members, also elected Barrister Oumar Shittien as its Chairman.
BENIN CITY – THE family of late Ededuna Walter Obaseki has appealed to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II to prevail on some members of the family to release vital documents of their late patriarch including his death certificate and other needed documents to them to get his entitlements from the British government he served during World War II.
They said in the process, he earned the British War Medal awarded by King George VI, and several other British awards like the CBE, KBE, CB and others.
In a letter addressed to be Oba dated July 1 2022, signed by Mercy Ededuna Obaseki and made available to journalists yesterday, the family said their patriarch died 82 years ago and that they suspect foul play among members of the family which they claimed has led to them not being allowed access to their father’s documents.
They said they became suspicious of this when in one of their family meetings they announced a commemoration event which they wanted to embark on but they were discouraged from going ahead.
Part of the letter reads “I hereby write and solicit for your support in retrieving our fathers documents and Estates.
“We also want you, our Royal Father Sir, to use your voice to help us make our demands from the British Government so that they will also speedily grant our wish that our father’s entitlements be paid to us.
“The main reason we are reaching out to you and your office is so that, we can be able to retrieve the things (documents and properties) that belong to our father Sir Ededuna Walter Obaseki” claiming that the documents were passed on to some members of the family through their patriarch’s half-brother, Ikuobase Gaius Obaseki “those documents are now needed to process our father’s pensions and gratuity with the British Government, including some other documents of his estates which they refused to hand over to Sir Ededuna Walter Obaseki’s children.”
The Chief Judge Plateau State, Honourable Justice David G. Mann has commended the troops Operation Safe Haven for their efforts in ensuring peace returned on the plateau.
The Chief Judge made the commendation Thursday 28th July,2022 when the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army ,who doubled as the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali paid a courtesy visit to his office at High Court of Justice Complex, Aliyu Makama Street, Jos.
Justice Mann noted the continues peace enjoyed recently on the Plateau was as a result of the concerted efforts of the troops deployed on Operation SAFE HAVEN under the command of a hardworking leader Major General Ali .
He said individuals, groups and organisations have felt the positive impact of the strategies employed recently by the Commander to consolidate on the peaceful coexistence on the Plateau.
The Chief Judge further noted the significance of synergy among officials involved in the Criminal Justice System. He said all must work together towards achieving a peaceful and united society devoid of criminalities.
Earlier in his remarks, the GOC 3 Division, who is also Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, noted the significance of stiffer punishment to deter criminal minded persons from breaking the law.
He however reaffirmed the commitment of Operation SAFE HAVEN to the rule of law and professional discharge of its responsibilities devoid of any sentiment.
GOC/ Commander also condoled with Judiciary and the family of the President Customary Court of Nigeria Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem over the unfortunate denise of her son.
As the 2023 general elections draws nearer, a group under the aegis of All Progressives Congress (APC) Concern Vanguard in Plateau State chapter has accused the Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, of planning to kill the APC and bring on board the Labour Party (LP), as a ruling party in the state.
In a press statement made available to REALITY today, signed by one, Samson Pam, as Chairman and Nicholas J. Fabian, as Secretary, the group alleged that, it is of the knowledge that, the Governor had a closed door meeting with the candidate of Labour Party (LP) in Plateau State to urge him to sell his position for cash.
“We are concerned on why the Plateau State Governor, being a Legal Practitioner and knowledgeable of the weights of the pending cases, but has resulted to sort for an alternative Political Party and another candidate, a possible shift from APC to Labour Party (LP) and filling his closest ally in the person of Prof. C. J Dakas (SAN).
“The Governor was in negotiation with the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Amb. Margif Yohanna, at a closed door meeting on the 25th/ 07/2022, where Lalong attempt to pay off the sum of Five hundred million naira(#5000,000,000) in order to pave ways for his new anointed candidate, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN)”. The group allegedly stated.
The group further stated that, the press statement is to also advise, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN), to steer clear from the plan as it would damage the image he has already built on the Plateau and the country at large.
“This writing is also an advice to, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN) not to stain his integrity and reputation that the Plateau people are giving him as one Legal giant in the history of Plateau. “Please, allow Governor Lalong to face his fate and accusations by Plateau Youths as the reasons for Sen. Dariye’s continuous detention despite his pardon announced over four months ago”.The group berates the National Chairman of the Party, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, for not taking any step in resolving all the conflicts that arose after the governorship primary election in the state.
READ THE APC CONCERN VANGUARD TEXT IN FULL BELOW:-LALONG SACRIFICING APC FOR LABOUR PARTY ON THE PLATEAU BY THE PLATEAU APC CONCERN VANGUARD.
Gentlemen of the Press, We have addressed you severally on all the electoral processes on the Plateau, ranging from the State House of Assembly, Federal House of Representatives (Reps), Senate and the Governor, up to the APC Party hierarchy, from the Wards, Local Governments, State and the National Working Committee (NWC), which were all compromised for the selfish interest of the Plateau State Governor.
You will also recall that, Aspirants from all the aggrieved groups have written, several complaints and petitions up to the National level and were given deaf ears. Why? Because, the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu has been bought over and it was easier for the Petitions not to be heard since the NWC has already compromised not minding whether the APC as a Party, wins in the State or not.
Why APC just lost in Osun State amongst other reasons was the Non – Challant attitude towards internal complaints and petitions under the leadership of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu.Why is the NWC not caring about complaints and petitions in the first place? It was because they were a product of the same imposition and illegalities.
The above mentioned lack of internal democracy and reconciliations has resulted to so many post primary court cases in APC, under Abdullahi Adamu and that’s why the Plateau cases are still in court at various levels.We are concerned on why the Plateau State Governor, being a Legal Practitioner and knowledgeable of the weights of the pending cases, but has resulted to sort for an alternative Political Party and another candidate, a possible shift from APC to Labour Party (LP) and filling his closest ally in the person of Prof. C. J Dakas (SAN). The Governor was in negotiation with the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Amb. Margif Yohanna, at a closed door meeting on the 25th/ 07/2022, where Lalong attempt to pay off the sum of Five hundred million naira(#5000,000,000) in order to pave ways for his new anointed candidate, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN).It will interest you to know that, another reason why Lalong is desperate for the shift is the fact that, he lost the APC Presidential running mate and the possible SGF slot that will not be zone to North Central because of the seat of the National Party Chairman, which has been zoned to us.All these, at the expense of not paying the state workers their four months’ salaries and also for the extra efforts to shift the APC Aspirants cases from the 4th to 17th August, 2022, thinking it will elapse within the Electoral Act timing, which will end up making the APC in Plateau not to have a candidate in 2023. This explains the reason for his shift to Labour Party (LP).
This writing is also an advice to, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN) not to stain his integrity and reputation that the Plateau people are giving him as one Legal giant in the history of Plateau. Please, allow Governor Lalong to face his fate and accusations by Plateau Youths as the reasons for Sen. Dariye’s continuous detention despite his pardon announced over four months ago.In conclusion, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu should do the needful, if he wants the party in Plateau State to have a head way, except if he has planned that, the APC should die at his time, in his hands or at his watch. As the National Party Chairman does not allow them think your age is the reason. We advise as a concerned group. Chairman: Samson Pam Secretary: Nicholas J. Fabian
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was among thousands of sympathizers who converged at ECWA Unity Church Rayfield Jos to pay last respects to Deloh Naomi Jugu who died recently at the age of 82 years.
Governor Lalong described her as a mother who was loving, principled and passionate for the development of Plateau State and Nigeria as well as resolute for the protection of the lives of women, children and the less privileged.
Lalong said Ngo Naomi Jugu was a fearless politician who never tolerated injustice but would rather give up her rights and comfort to fight for equity, fairness and justice.
The Governor further stressed that her life story is one of Service, diligence and excellence because she carried out her assignments with the fear of God and love,this made her serve various Governments in the State and at the National level in many capacities.
Governor Lalong said she left indelible footprints in the sands of time which will need to be filled by those she has mentored and raised in the area of politics, community service, business and education among others.
In his sermon, Rev. Ayuba Ashishe challenged Christians and Nigerians of other faiths to bear in mind that they will one day give account of themselves before God who has the records of their activities.
He said the Book of Revelation in the Bible is very clear that every soul with stand before God to be judged according to his deeds without discrimination or any escape. He said Late Deloh Naomi Jugu was a committed Christian who did her best to follow the ways of God at all times.
The family of the deceased appreciated Governor Lalong for his support, respect, and love towards Mama Naomi Jugu while she was alive and even at her death.
They described her as a caring and loving mother who did not only raise her biological children, but also trained many who have become great persons in politics, business, education among others.
The Tax Appeal Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau state capital has ruled that Bleneson Service Nigeria Limited to pay sum of 8.153, 265, . million naira over tax defaults to the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS).
The Five-Man Panel, North Central Zone Tax Appeal Tribunal, Hon. Richard Umar Bala ordered the Appellant Bleneson Service Limited to pay the said tax default amount within 30 days of the judgement.
Honorable Richard Umar Bala give the order in a judgement in a matter between Bleneson Service Nigeria Limited, who is the Appellant and Plateau State Internal Revenue Service respondent, delivered on Wednesday, 20thJuly, 2022.
The Appellant, Bleneson Service Nigeria Limited brought the appeal dissatisfied with the demand notice of various tax liabilities served by the respondent, demanding a notice of liability (AWD2A) dated 2th December, 2021, some date on the Appellant notified the letter of tax liability in the aggregate sum of #173,834,718,42, One hindered and seventy three million, eighteen naira, forty two kobo, only, for the period of 2018 to 2019 years of the assessment.
The component of the liabilities included: PAYE #5,393,370,00, withholding tax on rent #800,000,00, development levy less remittance #22,100,00, Business premises less remittance #15,000,00, 10% development levy on contracts #130,000,00, 10% penalty #13,623,04,00, 12% interest #28,608,398,70, failure to file annual returns, #500,000,00, less payment on audit exercise #5,127,197,28.
In reply to the demand notice, the Appellant Bleneson service Nigeria Limited wrote a later dated 17th December 2020, (AWD3) wherein it informed the respondent that its finance and accounts along with procurement department where working tirelessly to reconcile the audit report with their records to revert back to them, the respondent, as soon as it was completed.
Another letter dated, 11th, January 2021, (AWD4A-B) ,respondent at paragraph 3, informed the Appellant that its assessment demand notice of 2nd December 2020 had become final and conclusive since 5th January 2021, gave the Appellant till 31st January 2021, to pay up, warning that it may revert to the Appellant to embark on enforcement of payment of tax liability.
Subsequently, others correspondence and efforts between the parties could not lead to amicable settlement.
This appeal was brought on five grounds seeking the reliefs number (I) to (iii) as contained in the notice of appeal.
Annexed with the appeal notice were appellants list of one witness which was later increased to two upon a motion granted by the tribunal to the effect, sworn statement of witness and relevant documents.
The respondent upon being served with the appeal, filed its respondents dated and filed on the 9th February, 2022, accompanied with the list of one witness statements on oath and relevant documents.
The respondent PIRS, filed it response on point of law,and backed it with the necessary section of tax law showing why the body is not acting out of the law that set it up which both parties argued citing the relevant of both the Nigeria constitution and tax law.
The tribunal in it judgement,said Plateau Internal Revenue Service, is a body created by the Plateau state government with the mandate to collect taxes of all forms on behalf of the government for the purpose of provisions of enssential amenities for the state.
As against this back ground ,the tribunal ruled that Bleneson Service Limited should pay Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) the total sum of 8.5million naira as the amount the company defaulted as tax from 2018-19.
The tribunal further directed the Appellant, Bleneson Service Nigeria Limited to pay the said amount into the coffer of the state government within Thirty(30) days of the tribunal judgement to avoid the wrath of the tribunal which may amount to court contempt.
In an interview with the counsel to the respondent PSIRS, barrister Peret Ayuba commended the industry put by the tribunal that earned her client PSIRS, victory at the tax Tribunal.
Barrister Ayuba further said the judgement is a landmark judgement ,as it will serve as detriment to those who may want to embarked on this kind of fruitless effort to challenge the legality of internal revenue service in carrying out it constitutional function.
All efforts to speak with the counsel to the Appellant was not successful as he was conspicuously absent from court.
The Special Task Force code named Operation SAFE HAVEN has trained 165 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on community watch and security information gathering process in Riyom local government area of Plateau state.
Delivering his keynote address at the passing out ceremony at Riyom Township Stadium, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali said security of the communities requires continuous collaboration and support of the people.
He averred that timely sharing of information with the security agencies is key to peace and security of the communities.
Commander Ali who was represented by the Deputy Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, DCP Mohammad Rabiu reminded the trainees of the oath of allegiance which they swear ,and warned them to be more vigilant and impartial in the discharge of their duties.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander Sector 6 Riyom, Colonel Hassan Gwani revealed that the trainees were drawn from various communities that cut across religious and ethnic background.
“The trained vigilantes are to work with the security agencies in monitoring activities of criminal elements and report accordingly ” he said.
In their separate remarks, Member Representating Riyom in Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon Timothy Dachung and the Chairman Riyom Local Government Area, Hon Mafeng Gwalson applauded Operation SAFE HAVEN for initiating measures to secure the communities on the Plateau.
They alluded the improvement of the security situation in the state sequel to the new measures recently employed by the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali.
The speakers noted the importance of security patrols, vigilnace, and continues collaboration with the community members in taming the tide of insecurity on the plateau.
In his vote of thanks, the Ata Ateh of Ganawuri, His Royal Highness, Da Yakubu , pledged the continues support of community leaders and the people of Riyom to the troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN.
He expressed optimism in the capacity of the troops to secure the people when given the necessary support.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of writing materials to primary school pupils and oath taking ceremony, administered by the Chief Magistrate of Riyom, Justice Noknaan Dreakat.
The Management of Qua’an-Pan LGC, Plateau State, has assured that it will not relent in providing adequate support for the success of the 2022 Trial Census exercise.
The Executive Chairman, Hon. Ernest Abner gave the assurance Tuesday July 19, 2022, while addressing the National Population Commission (NPC) Team in his office at the Council Secretariat.
Represented by the Secretary to the Council, Hon. Gideon Godenaan Dashe, Council Chairman assured that the Local Government will provide the needed support to ensure that the team carry out their assignment successfully and urged them to reciprocate that gesture by doing their job diligently.
He commended the Federal Government, through the National Population Commission (NPC), for the efforts being put in place towards the realization of the exercise, appealing to all stakeholders and households to cooperate with the team.
Earlier, the Leader of the team, Hon. Tangoedoe Dakup, had expressed appreciation to the Council for the warm reception accorded the team and appealed for necessary support towards the success of the exercise.
He expressed confidence in the ability of his team to deliver, assured that they will be properly guided.
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi had proven, even before he ventured into politics that he is an embodiment and good example of people needed for good governance in public offices.
To the hospitality guru, it was good enough that he remained the philanthropist that he is well known. With the milk of human kindness that he is endowed with by the almighty creator, Hon.Yusuf Babayo Gagdi would have preferred to remain on the side of the people rather than succumbing to the pressures from his people to go into Second term.
However, as a smart and intelligent man, he quickly understood that, venturing into Second term would afford him the opportunity to do more for his people whom he dearly loved, by judicious application of public resources.
Nevertheless, his decision to succumb to the will of his people did not come easy. It took series of emissaries, pleas and courtesy calls, which spanned almost a decade, for him to accede to their request to go second term. At the point he succumbed, it was already obvious that, through philanthropism, he was already doing what a public officer could offer through selfless service of immeasurable quantum.
One, he was already a leading employer of labour through his massive exploits in construction etc, which spread across the Plateau State .
Second, his passion for lifting many out of poverty circle through various forms of empowerment scheme was not in doubt. Consequent upon this resolve, Rt.Hon, Yusuf Babayo Adamu Gagdi floated empowerment outlets and skill acquisition centres for the emancipation of youths from the iron-grip of poverty.
The election that heralded Yusuf Gagdi’s administration in 2019, stands as a record breaker till date. It was a landslide victory that could not be questioned. It was like referendum by his people that gave him the mandate to extend his philantrophic and administrative wisdom that stood him out in the private sector to the public sector.
Babayo’s victory in that election was a validation of the ‘time tested’ truth that, “One good turn deserves another.”
Mindful of the fact that, “trust is a burden,” Babayo Gagdi moved swiftly, without delay, to justify his known empowerment and skill acquisition zeal by rolling out formidable and robust youth programs to keep them off the street aside engaging them in available political appointments to enable them realise their potentials.
Just three years of his administration, Hon. Babayo Gagdi kept the flame of leadership burning. His landmark achievements, made will make his re-election a walkover.
Because of the humane and people oriented policies of his Administration leadership, he never lacked the overwhelming support of his people by the show of love, support and cooperation of his people, he had virtually transformed all areas of human endeavours in the Pkk, through provision of critical infrastructures.
No wonder, the political bulldozer’s residence and office have become a beehive of activities for politicians seeking for endorsements, advise, encouragement and wisdom to run for elective positions.
Because of his large heartedness, particularly, in the area of human capital development, side by side with economic empowerment, Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi took on the role of political leadership and father of all.
As members of the peaceful Vwang Community, the host of Karl Kumm University, Vom open the gate of the institution for academic activities to take -off, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Nanven Audu Gambo has assured the people that the management will do justice by considering a qualified candidate from the community for the position of Register.
Prof. Gambo disclosed this on Monday 18th July,2022, when Vwang community led by the President, Vwang Development Association (VDA), Jonah Gworu; Berom Youth Moulders-Association and other associations resolved the lingering misunderstanding that has delayed the smooth take off of academic activities in the institution.
It could be recalled that youths from the host community under the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) had closed down the institution for over one year following the refusal of the management to honour the Memoranda of Understanding signed with the Vwang community and the announcement of Dr. Daniel Kim as Registrar of the Institution.
Prof. Gambo expressed excitement over the action of Vwang people who open the gate of the institution and described them as hospitable, accommodative and trustworthy saying that justice would be done for all parties involved.
“I want to appeal to Vwang community that let us mend the broken trust, as believers, trust is very critical in sustaining harmonious relationship, we must learn to trust one another.”
The VC emphasized that he had earlier called on the Gwom Rwey Vwang, Da Gyang Balak to inform him that the Registrar of the Institution has been appointed a Registrar at the University of Jos, and that a suitable candidate from the community may wish to apply once the position is advertised.
He added, “Right now, we are about to conduct interview for the position of the registrar and we have had four applications from people who are interested in the position but we will have to shortlist only those who meet our criteria and I don’t think the community should entertain any fear for now.
“We are not totally insensitive to our commitment in terms of responsibility to the community, there is what we call Corporate Social Responsibility and that will manifest when we have grown the University to certain level, that is when the community will appreciate the University more.
“We want you to give us the benefits of doubt, that we will do what we have promised by the grace of God. If we believe in God, then we should be hopeful at all times ” he appealed.
The Head of Civil Service, Plateau State, Engr. Sunday Hyat who represented Governor Simon Lalong at the peace meeting, appreciated Vwang community for listening to Government to open the University’s gate.
He explained that the Governor had mandated him with Commissioner for Higher Education, Plateau State to resolve the lingering crisis rocking the institution and ensure that each party get justice for the smooth take off of the institution.
Engr. Hyat said they had series of interface with the community members which yielded a fruitful result; and commended the resilient of the youths who insisted on doing the right thing, and assured them that the community stand to gain alot if they join hands with the management to grow the institution.
” The Governor made a commitment, now that he had played a role in fostering understanding between the University and the community, we will now channel our energy towards the National University Commission (NUC) to ensure that the license of the University that was suspended is secured now that there is understanding between the institution and the community.”
President, Vwang Development Association (VDA), Mr. Jonah C. Gworu expressed delight over the efforts of the Head of Service, Commissioner of Higher Education and Governor Simon Lalong who directed the duo to wade into the lingering impasse.
He urged Management of the University to implement the terms of agreement reached with the community for a healthy and mutual relationship.
Chairman of Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Barr. Emmanuel Mangu who open the gate gave the University two weeks ultimatum to appoint a qualified candidate from the community to the position of the Registrar and honour the Memoranda of Understanding signed with the community.
Vwang community had donated land which Karl Kumm University was developed valued at N1.4 billion and trailer of cement worth N1.5 million for the smooth take off and progress of the Institution.
The chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Plateau State who doubled as the chairman Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Hon. Abubarkar Dogara has said ,the recent Muslim Muslim ticket by the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential Candidate Ahmed Tinubu and the public out cry is obviously an indication that Nigeria has lost interest in their leadership.
He said the ugly trend is so worrisome to the Inter Party Advisory Council,as he stressed that unless this frightening trend is address this may spelt doom for the country.
The SDP, chairman in the state Hon.Abubakar Dogara was speaking in an interview to this medium in his office in Jos over the weekend.
He said, it’s the handiwork of desperate politians because as far back as 1993, there were never religion issue in Nigeria politics . Nigerians vote for competency , capacity in the people they want in power.
The chairman Inter Party Advisory Council Abubarkar Dogara also what said as God would have it ,the crops of politians voted into power in that period under review,performed creditably well.
He, however, lamented that the case is different today which causes distrust among Nigerians because of that they no longer have trust on their Leadership which no longer by competent ,but on the basis of religion and ethnic affliction which lead to the failure of Leaders and governance.
Speaking on Plateau Politics ahead 2023, Hon, Dogara said there is going to be massive Change in Plateau politics in 2023.if you look at the ruling party APC, in the state,most of them who contested primaries for various positions are currently aggreived because of high level of impunity that greeted it conduct.
Going to the largest opposition Party PDP,the same thing is playing out,so the aggrieved persons are now looking for an alternative political party to execise their franchise.So you will see drastic change in 2023 as no body can predict what may likely happen and which Party that will take over the state in 2023.
The Social Democratic party in the state stressed that voting pattern in 2023 election is going to change entirely as voting is going to take individual pattern against the previous party voting pattern.
This ugly tend is a great Concern to the Inter Party Advisory Council as people no longer trust political parties due largely because of lies and deceit of those given the opportunity before.
He further add that people now care less on Party, they vote for you,if are not okay , they move to another political party , political is just a Vehicle he maintained.
He said another source of concern is the Muslim Muslim ticket that has and still generating inferno in the Nigeria political space. As I earlier said in the course of this interview,this thing played out 1993 between MKO Abiola of blessed memory and kingbe ,but then there was trust amongst the Nigeria people.
On the issue of bandit, incessant kidnapping of innocent citizens on the state on highways, worse still even right inside their houses, Hon.Abubakar said the ruling APC, government failed woofully because they renegade on the oath of office he took to defend the Nigeria citizens and properties.
What we expected from the government on the kidnapped victims by the kidnappers who are still languishing in the “Den” of their captives is for the government to secure their release from their captives ,and we have capable security personnel ,and we have send the security to trail them with the view of smoking them out.
He however lamented that government of Mohammadu Buhari is not having the political will to put an end to the incessant attacks and kidnapping going on in different parts of the country.
The IPAC, chairman charged the Electorates across the country and Plateau State in particular to avoid money Politics in the forthcoming Election as voting in line with money line, you jorpardize your future and the future of your children.
“We hope in 2023, politians will guard against those money bag politicians , that can’t secure their future, children and their ground children”
” What happened in Ekiti State during the last election , SDP, was at the verge of winning the election , there has no time in the history of elections in this country that a vote was bought for Ten Thousand Naira ,it happened in Ekiti last governship election,under the watch of security agents ,so if this country collapse,all of us collapse with it.”
” That is why we are drawing the attention of the Electorates ahead 2023 General Elections in the country , security agencies, INEC and other stakeholders in the country to ensure they check mate those politians bringing the money they looted from government coffers to buy the conscience of Nigerians to perpetrate themselves in power “
He warned particularly politians on the Plateau that the era of money Politics is no longer invoke.
However,there is a serious indication that there are awareness ,and religious bodies have woken up to their responsibility and sensitizing their followers in every nook and crannies of the state to go and Register for PVC,and vote out those crops of politians away from the power both at States and national level.
On the reposition of Social Democratic Party (SDP) on the plateau ahead 2023 General Elections.
” If I could remember , since 2018 we have reposition the party . Recently we have conducted our party’s state Congress to elect the state Executive across board 207 Federal electorial wards .We have structures in the 17 local government of the state.”
” Recently,you can see the influx of decampee from the ruling APC to SDP.At the central zone recently,Hon.Leo Dikon decamped to the party ,and he is now our Senatorial Candidate in plateau Central Zone.We are just waiting for the election, as we are already having one senator in place.Even in Bokos LG,we received another giant decampee to the party ,one Yakubu Maram is now in the party veing for the the position of state house of Assembly under the Platform of SDP,the party is having candidates in all the positions, State to national.”
The chairman further stressed that the party is being reposition ,”we are making consultations ,we are hoping that we are going to take over the Little Rayfield 2023.We are going to replicate what happened during Fidalise Tapgun as the Governor in the state under the platform of Social Democratic party (SDP),by the grace of God,it may respect itself in 2023.
My call to Nigeria ahead 2023 General Elections,is that they should vote candidate that has the capacity to deliver, they should not vote person because of his religion or ethnicity.
He said during the administration of Timothy Buba as the chairman of Jos North ,the Muslims felt with Timothy as chairman of the council, they will be maginalize because he is a Christian,but suffice to point out that under his administration he carried everybody along irrespective of their religious background.
“Today Shehu Bala is the current chairman of Jos North local government ,the question is that whether he doing something different.When Buba was there,some of the Christians at the council fought him to finish.Today those who are against Hon. Bala’s policy are the Muslims from his side.”
He said there is no religion and ethicity in governance .My advice to the voters is not to vote base on religion or ethicity which is trying to divide us more.
“Unfortunately, politians are very happy using religion as weapon to divide us. I ‘m’ appealing to the people of Nigeria and plateau state ,to vote people who have the competent to deliver and accessable after voting into power”.
Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, BCM, governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Plateau State, on Sunday attended the launching for purchase of musical equipment of the Church of Christ In Nations, COCIN, Yantrailer Jos.
Barr. Caleb Mutfwang who was represented by Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, called on the church to manifest the righteousness of God in order to make the world a better place, and also enjoined the congregation to be focused in pursuance of God’s love and interventions in their daily lives.
Expressing his joy to be fellowshipping with them, the gubernatorial flag bearer solicited for their prayers and support as he prepares for the campaigns ahead 2023 General Election, adding that only God can help him accomplish his mission to unite the people and rebuild Plateau State.
Barr. Caleb Mutfwang later joined members of the congregation to donate for the purchase of the musical instruments.
It would be recalled that barrister Caleb Mutfwang emerged the Governship flag bearer of PDP Governship primaries of the party keenly and transparently conducted at Land Field in Jos South local government of the state.
Rev.Adelokoji Okejimi Ijaola (1971-2022): Celebrating a Life Lived for God and Humanity“I believe nothing is impossible and unachievable. I have a passion for Excellence and have been commissioned to raise leaders in all areas of life.”The above quotation summed up who he was – a dogged fighter of Christ who believed that nothing was impossible and unachievable through Christ who strengthened him. He lived the full length of his life for excellence and died even while fulfilling the great commission to raise leaders in all areas of life.Born to the Adelokoji family 50 years ago, Ijaola set out early to identify his mission for the world he would only serve for short but impactful years. He started by acquiring education at different levels. After his primary and secondary education, he was admitted into the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State where he bagged a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1997. He was a member of the Editorial Team during his studentship.He did not rest on his oars and in 1999; he secured admission into the University of Lagos where he bagged a Master in Business Administration and Management (MBA) 2001. Having received calls, in 2011, he was admitted into one of the oldest theological seminaries in Africa, the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Oyo state where he bagged Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Theology in 2005. In 2014, Adelokoji obtained a Doctor of Ministry, Theological and Ministerial Studies from the same institution. While in the Seminary, Adelokoji was the President of the Master of Divinity Student Fellowship and Coordinator, of Theologue Magazine. He did not just stop there; he was a Fellow, Institute of Information Management, Fellow Institute of Management Consultant, and a Chartered Management Consultant.In 1999, Adelokoji joined the services of Lenoil Petroleum and Petrochemical Company Ltd, Lagos as a Marketing Executive. He was responsible for the marketing of the product, relating with customers, and serving as a link between the production, laboratory, and the consumers of company products. By July 2000, he worked as Marketing Manager, International Telecommunications Company Limited. He was there between July 2000 and August 2002. To the admiration of his employers and colleagues, he was responsible for the development of business ideas for the company; coordinating all the clients of the company; liaising with the Managing Director on how to move the company forward, and supervising the marketers of the company.After his ordination, then Pastor Adelokoji served at New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos before he was appointed as the Senior Pastor, New Jerusalem-City Baptist Church, Lagos. He was responsible for general coordination of the various aspects of the Church life, preaching, counseling, motivating, and building leaders. He was there between August 2005 and July 2015.As a result of his unforgettable impact at the New Jerusalem-City Baptist Church, Lagos, he was appointed as the Director of Publications of the Nigerian Baptist Convention in August 2015. He served in this position until his demise on June 18, 2022, after a brief illness. During his time, he effectively coordinated the Publications of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and also served as the Business Manager of the Department. The department witnessed exponential growth in kingdom business. The transformation included the change of the name from Baptist Press to BP Productions Limited. Dr. Adelokoji did not just contribute to the growth of the Baptist publications; he created the opportunity for Christian Writers to connect to promote Christian literature when he created a WhatsApp group that has been a networking channel for Christian Writers and publishers in Nigeria.Adelokoji in one of his popular quotations said “I am always seeking an opportunity to make a strong contribution to organizational goals through professional, social and technical skills already acquired as well as continued development of the same and new ones.” Testimonies abound that he lived true to this quotation. He used his physical and spiritual skills acquired over his 50 years in life to serve God and expand His kingdom and humanity. In his sermon titled “Returning Home” during the burial service, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel A. Akanji said “We observed that all losses in Luke 15 were recovered. There is always recovery with God. We have not lost.Citing the parable of the lost son, Akanji said “the older brother was lost to nearness while the younger was lost to distance. Some people are close to the kingdom of God but not ready to enter. The Father in the Parable was God Himself. He helps us to understand what it meant to return home. The lost son’s expression shows us how to return home. To die and leave this world is portrayed as how to return home. Our brother has just returned home to our Father. Returning home is also like Supper Time. Jim Reeves expresses that in his song, “This World is Not My Home…” and also the song “Come Home its Supper Time…” (Let us meditate on the words of these songs).He continued, “Returning home is returning to the Father. According to the Catholic Catechism, God is our Origin and Destination. He is also our dwelling. God is expecting us home because he had gone to prepare a place for us. Returning home is returning to the Father’s compassion. Returning to the Father’s eager welcome. The Father ran to the son. Philip, Craig, and Dim wrote a song, “When God Ran…” Returning home is returning to the Father’s elaborate acceptance. He showed that acceptance can be plotted. Eccl. 3 – a time to embrace and a time to refrain. Naomi also did a similar thing when she encouraged Ruth to go to Boaz well dressed. Esther also was going to see the king and there were conditions to meet before seeing the king – Esther 5:1. The lost son never met any of these conditions to elicit acceptance, yet the Father accepted him. Returning home means returning to the Father’s elaborate forgiveness. He confessed his failure and sin. Before he could finish, the Father had embraced him and never made reference to what he did. The Father had the right to reject him; instead, he had compassion for him. Return to the Father’s Elaborate Honor. His father ordered to give him a ring and change his robes. Return to Flabbergasted surprise. Immediate action was taken to change his life and appearance.”He added that “Returning home is returning to the Father’s rich treasures. He was given robes and sandals and the fattest calf was prepared for him. Returning home is returning to the Father’s Empowerment. He was henceforth recognized as the father’s son. Returning home is returning to the Father’s Elaborate Celebration. Returning home is returning to Father’s Theology. This son was dead but he is alive now. He was lost but now he’s found. That is the Father’s Theology. Returning home is returning to the Father’s Unquestionable Authority. No one dared to question the Father’s authority to question his decisions for receiving and celebrating a lost son. He instead urged those complaining to join in the celebration. Some people will question God for admitting some people into heaven when we get there. Hence there will be three surprises in heaven; some you think will be there, will not be there; some you think will not be there will be there, and you will be there…the question being, how did I get here…?”He affirmed that “Today, we believe our Brother Adelokoji has returned to our compassionate, forgiving, sacrificial, overlooking, celebrating, accepting Father. During his 50th Birthday, all the songs were geared toward salvation. He dedicated his birthday to the salvation he received” He concluded.Hundreds of testimonies have poured in for the Lord’s general that has gone to be with Him. In his tribute, Rev Dr. Julius Omomoola described Adelokoji as the “brain box of the family Churches”. He said “I have served as a lead pastor of New Heritage Baptist Church, Shomolu, Lagos and New Estate Baptist Church is one of the churches of the New Estate family churches where Pastor Adelokoji served first as the pastor and also served as one of the leaders of the New Estate Family Churches where he served as a Secretary for many years. While he was serving as a Secretary, I served as the Chairman of the body, and like I did mention during the message that Adelokoji was the brainbox of that family Church and he is many things to many people.“We can’t describe Adelokoji in paragraphs, in volumes, not to speak about him because he was truly larger than life. He was a man that was sold out to God, sold out to the work of the Lord, sold out to humanity and he touched many lives in many places. I want to thank God that today we have reasons to celebrate his life, it is not a loss, it is a gain to the kingdom of God that God sent him to this world and he impacted this life, this world before God called him back and like I did mention that William game said ‘the value of a man’s life is not computed by his duration, not how long you live but the kind of impact. He made his life to be a donation; a donation to his family, a donation to the Church, and the Convention and the body of Christ. Look at what God used him to do in the Publication Ministry of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. He left a great legacy in the ministry and even beyond the Baptist denomination. I know of several Churches who get our materials, is it Sunday School, and is it Daily Encounter, and then send these materials outside the shore of this country. At a point, the publication ministry declared profit. God has used him, so we want to thank God that yes we miss him on this part but of eternity, but we know he’s at home with God. My counsel again to the family is that they should take solace in the fact that their husband and father were a gift to the world and a great blessing to the world.“People have a lot to thank God for about his life and I think that’s what life is all about that life is about service. Life is about giving and Ade was someone that not only gave his life but also gave his time, gave his ideas, and resources to be a great blessing to life. I think we need to learn lessons from this. To his wife, to his children, they need to just take solace in the fact that yes the one who God brought as their father and the husband to our sister was a blessing and God sent him to impact life and I know that the legacy he has left behind is not going to be erased overnight. These things will keep speaking. The life that he touched will keep speaking, and even the institution he affected will keep reflecting the fact that he passed by and he made a great impact, so, we are just here as pilgrims, we are not going to be here forever like someone testified that Jesus only lived 33 and half years and look at the impact, so what about Methuselah who lived for many years and nothing were written about him as regards to impact, but we have volumes that we can write, we can see, we can testify about Adelokoji Ijaola. I think that should be our consolation.” While narrating her experience with Adelokoji, Mrs. Jide Oshodi Adunni said “I was the Youth President in 1999 and 2000. By the time we were preparing for Youth Week in 1999, our Youth Pastor was indisposed just a day before Youth Week Sunday and we gathered, we prayed, we sought the face of the Lord and some of my Executive were mentioning Adelokoji, brother Adelokoji, until then I never knew him. So, I say okay bring him out. When he came, we told him, will you be able to be Youth Pastor for this week? We have this issue and he joined us, we prayed together and he fit in everything that had been planned. He added his contribution and that year was a powerful Youth Week year. Ever since we have been working together, the following year, the year 2000, he was my Secretary and by the time I left in the year 2000 end, he was the Youth President in the year 2001, and we continued to work together.” She described Adelokoji as “very amicable and dependable.”She continued “When I begin to describe him, it will be as if I’m talking about God. He is a son of God and every factor of God is in him to the point that 20 years after, I was still looking out for him to hand over my son to. He is a man of God, even when he is at New Jerusalem Baptist Church from here, I and my husband will drive down to do service with them once in a while, just because of the love, the fact that you know if this man speaks, you will hear from God. You will know that it is God that sent him to say this, to do this. I still just cannot believe that I will wake up tomorrow and see that it is a dream.”Admonishing the family, she said, “I know the family has his spirit in them. I know Mrs. Adelokoji will be strong to continue with life, to continue with the ministry she must not let the investment her husband placed in her life go down the grave. I know you cannot spend a day with Adelokoji and you are not imparted talk-less of spending years in the same bed with Adelokoji and you tell me you are not equipped. No, she is equipped. The Lord will use the rest of us to spur her. So, I still know that she will grow strong, she will continue to be strong and the children too, what daddy has put in them, they can never forget, and God will uphold them. In his tribute, Adelokoji’s friend and in-law, Orisegun Bemi Okorodudu, said “Revd Adelokoji Ijaola was first my friend then he became my in-law and we accepted him as a son and a brother-in-law in the family because he was someone that always stood by the family. He was the visible in-law among in-laws. He was ever-present at every point in time. I happened to be the immediate younger brother of his wife. I remembered back then when we were friends, he told me he was interested in my sister then and I took the message to my sister that first time she declined but eventually, we continued the prayer. I and the late Revd Ijaola continued the prayer and eventually, she accepted it and we thank God for that, and my prayer is that God will continue to uphold her and the family.”In his testimony, the Pastor of New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, a traditional Church of Adelokoji said, “Adelokoji was for me a spiritual son. He was first, my Youth President, a very hard-working one for that matter, who set his standard for a successful generation of youth in the Church. Secondly, I wedded him by the grace of God, when he was ready to get married, and he married another daughter of the Church, so two of them were members of the Church. God brought them together under my spiritual watch and thirdly, God gave me the grace also to commission him to ministry to go to Seminary for training. When he finished his training, he resumed at New Estate Baptist Church under my spiritual watch, and then as he was finishing, God opened the opportunity of service in one of our Churches in New Jerusalem Baptist Church where he went to serve. We allowed him to serve there and he served there excellently for 10 years. It was from there that the Convention extended a call to him to go and serve as Director of Publications. So for me, he was a wonderful person like the preacher said we call him our brain box. He was fantastic at organizing, putting things together, and ensuring that things begin and finish successfully. We will miss him. Our message to the family is that they should just keep trusting God, turning to him and talking to him at all times, and entrust their lives to the hand of God. They will have no reason to be afraid. I must say here they will live a better life than when even he was around because God will continue to be their shepherd, and will meet them at the point of their needs. So, the sorrow, the anguish, and the pain must be allowed to go because better days are lying ahead”.Adelokoji has been volunteering as a Life Coach and Financial Coach since 1998 for BLEM, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Christian Circle among others. He authored several books. Among them were; Financial Intelligence (2008); The God of Pleasant Surprises (2011); and Family Finance and Wealth Creation (2013).For a Seven-Star General like Adelokoji, their departure services are always special. Maranatha Baptist Association conducted a commendation service at New Jerusalem-City Baptist Church, Lagos. This was followed by a Service of Songs by the AKLS Family Churches conducted at New Estate Baptist Church, Lagos, while the Lighthouse Baptist Church, Ibadan, Oyo state conducted another Service of Songs. The Nigerian Baptist Convention moved the ‘Baptist Building’ to Oritamefa Baptist Church, Ibadan where the Burial Service was conducted before his body was returned to his maker at the Oritamefa Baptist Church, Ibadan cemetery on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Adelokoji was happily married with children.Fare thee well, Director of Directors, Ijaola.
The Plateau State National and House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, has Friday 15th July,2022 reserved date for judgment into the Petition of Muhammad Adam Alkali and his People’s Redemption Party (PRP), seeking for the annulment of Hon. Musa Agah, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as winner of the February, 26th 2022, bye-election into Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency.
Counsels to the petitioners, Yakuba H. Ruba SAN, that of the respondents Sunday Odey Esq, and that of INEC MA Attah Esq, have both adopted their final written addresses, relying on Constitutional, electoral law, INEC election guidelines and subsisting court judgements to canvassed their arguments.
It would be recalled INEC conducted the bye-election into the vacant seat of Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency following the untimely death of Hon. Haruna Maitala in a ghastly motor accident on 2nd April, 2021 along Jos Abuja road.
The returning officer for that election declared that PDP candidate Musa Agah winner.
However, the Petitioners, not satisfied, approached the tribunal to challenge INEC declaration hinging their Petition on three grounds which include, allegations of over voting in many areas in favour of the PDP and it’s candidate and non useage of the BVAS in multiple polling units.
The third ground is the allegation that the 1st Respondent (PDP), did not nominate and sponsored a candidate at the bye-election for the office of Member, House of Representatives Bassa/Jos North federal constituency conducted on the 26th February, 2022 in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) and the Electoral Act.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed sadness over the demise of the paramount ruler of the Eggon nation HRH Bala Angbazo who died at the age of 89.
Governor Lalong expression of sadness is contained in press statement dated 15th July,2022, signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs Makut Macham and made available to this medium in Jos.
Governor lalong said he is saddened by the death of the royal father who was a great ruler of not only the Eggon people, but a father to many across Nasarawa, Plateau States and beyond.
According to him, the Late traditional ruler who spent 41 years on the throne having been installed in 1981, did a lot to promote the good of his people and protect their rights within the then Plateau State and later Nasarawa State when it was created.
He said “HRH Bala Angbazo was a man of tremendous wisdom and courage who loved people and promoted peace, unity and oneness. He never discriminated against anyone nor promoted hatred or division against people based on ethnic, religious or political considerations. He was a man of peace who did a lot to create harmony among his subjects and across the nation”.
Lalong further said the late monarch will be remembered for his passion for education which saw him encouraging the establishment of schools and making frantic efforts to enroll children from all segments of society particularly those from remote areas.
He also worked hard to advance the economic prosperity of his people through agriculture and entrepreneurship by leading with good examples that were emulated by many.
While commiserating with the immediate family, the Eggon nation and the entire Government and people of Nasarawa State, Lalong said the late monarch will continue to be remembered for his legacies of patriotism, love and passion for tolerance, peace and progress.
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Plateau State has praised Governor Simon Bako Lalong for his untiring commitment to restoring peace to the State and adopting transparency, accountability and open Governance approach in discharging his mandate to the people.
During a visit to the Governor at the Government House Rayfield Jos, Chairman of the CSOs in Plateau State Mr. Gad Peter Shamaki said they are delighted that Plateau State has continued to witness incremental peace and stability since Lalong came into office because of his determination to unite the people and address issues that ignite insecurity and crises.
He cited the creation of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, the signing of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, and the adoption of the Open Government Partnership Initiative among others as some of the laudable achievements of the Governor that have turned around the fortunes of the State nationally and internationally.
Shamaki also said the Governor has carried along the CSOs in his administration by listening to their advises and also partnering in various programmes and projects of the State.
He assured the Governor of the commitment of the CSOs in Plateau State to engage, collaborate and support the Government as it continues to serve the people.
Also contributing, Prof. Para Mallam, Steve Aluko, and Jessica Venkat representing various CSOs, thanked the Governor for always listening to their advises and also implementing some of their recommendations.
They also raised concerns about politics where they urged him to use his office as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum to advocate for politics of inclusion and proper representation of minority groups in the North Central and other parts of the country.
In his response, Governor Lalong thanked the CSOs for their cooperation and collaboration in the course of his service to the people of Plateau State.
Lalong said he has benefitted a lot from the honest criticisms, encouragement and genuine efforts of the civil society who have also played their part in carrying out programmes and projects that directly affect the lives of the people.
He attributed the passage of some of the laws such as VAAP, Child Rights Act, Disability Rights Act among others to the persistence and technical support of the CSOs who are passionate about the improvement of the lives of the people.
He assured them that his Government will continue to do its best in delivering on its promises to the electorate as well as ensuring that Plateau State continues to be the home of peace and tourism.
On the concerns raised about political representation and inclusivity, he said he will continue to canvass for politics of inclusion which he used in Plateau State give people sense of belonging and garner greater participation.
He advised the CSOs to encourage all eligible citizens to go out and obtain their PVCs which will give them the opportunity to ventilate their grievances in the ballot box and ensure that those who are elected will serve their interests.
In preparatory to the commissioning of the Peter and Anna Bawa hospital in Kwande, Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, in October 2022, His Royal Highness, the Long Kwo of Kwo Chiefdom, Miskoom Fidelis Longtoe Attahiru I,
The visit of the Royal Father to the cite of the hospital is to have first hand inspection of the facility readiness for the official commissing in October,2022.
The Royal Father who was at the cite of the hospital said he is satisfied with the stage of work at the hospital .
Justice Christy L.Dabup of High Court No2 of Plateau State on Thursday 14th July,2022 has adjourned for judgment on the suit filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria against the Former Governor David Jonah Jang and the cashier in the office of SSG ,Mr Yusuf Pam .
The matter which came up for adoption of final written addresses for both counsels to close their case ,a mild drama eschew between the prosecution counsel ,Rotimi Jacob ,SAN,and the counsel to the 1st defendant ,Chief Mike Ozekhome,SAN, over a fresh motion brought by the prosecution.
The prosecution counsel told the court that the matter was adjourned for adoption of final written addresses he want to file notice of appealing the ruling on trial within trial so urging the court to allow him move his two applications which is dated the 8th day of July, 2022.
He sought the court order to grant him the prayers which is supported with affidavit and a written address for his appeal .However, Chief Mike Ozekhome in a swift reaction said they’re not opposing the motion because it doesn’t have any effect to their argument .
However, the counsel to the second defendant ,Barr.Sunday Odey raised complained that they’re served with two motions which is targeted at their client ,Mr Yusuf Pam but the business of the day was for adoption of final written addresses and things is taking a different twist .
When they finally resort to move and adopt their final written addresses which the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacob said he will take 5 minutes each to response to their adumbrate which that shall be done after the counsels to the accused persons completed their adoption .
And Jacob argued vehemently that it is his right to reply them all on point of laws ,and he proceeded to adopt his motion dated 8th July,2022 ,on pages 161 and 167 of 13 paragraphs urging the court by seeking the leave to reply after the adoption on point of law .
The two legal gladiators Chief Mike Ozehomie and Rotimi Jacob clashed over allotted time , when Jacob was addressing the court saying that it’s my right to be allow but Mike Ozekhome and Rotimi Jacob both barked back on top of their voice that has been the attitude of the prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacob trick to intimidate and harassed judges .
As a result of the development the court proceedings became rowdy with action of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, exposing and blasting each others of records of practice and years called to bar .
The trial of Former Governor Jonah David Jang by Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over money laundering amounting to 6.3billion naira meant for Small medium and Micro finance Enterprises which was earmarked for small business operators in the state that Jang allegedly siphon and misappropriated when he held sway as governor from 2007-15.
When the court resumed sitting , the counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacob told the court that he is having two two motion he hopes to move, subject to the court convenience of your Lordship .
Initially Chief Mike Ozehomie counsel to the 1st defendant Jonah Jang didn’t oppose the motion,but in quick reaction the 2nd defendant Yusuf Pam represent by barrister G. S Odey vehemently opposed the motion on the ground that the court was adjourned till today 14th July,2022 yeahfor adoption of final written address by Parties, that the application for motion by the prosecuting Counsel Rotimi Jacob go contrary to the last adjournment for adoption of final written address.
After argument , it was however resolved by the court that the proposed motion of the prosecuting counsel should not be allowed to stall the day sitting which is earmarked for the adoption of final written addresses by Parties.
More so, the court added that the prosecutor counsel still have the ample time even after the judgement to try his motion at the court of appeal.
On adoption of final written address, Chief Mike Ozehomie (SAN)seek the leave of the court to allocate some few minutes to each Parties subject to the over riding convince of the court to breathe life into the adopted final written address.
The proposal which the judge , Justice Christy Dabup approved, and five minutes each were approved to the Parties to adumbrate.
In his quick reaction the prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacob(SAN) seek the leave of the court to be give the opportunity to adopt last given the opportunity to respond to the issues that might have raised by 1th and 2nd defendants in there separate adoptions.
At this stage Mike Ozehomie SAN, disagreed with his proposal and adviced him to complied with the court decision, but the prosecuting counsel was at this point speaking and shouting on top of his voice as all efforts to call him to order proved abortive by the judge could not yield any fruitful result.
At this point the Justice Christy Dabup abandoned the court and went into his inner chamber , while the court sitting was temporary brought to a close.
After five to ten minutes, the judge resumed sitting while the two legal gladiators apologize to the court for unprofessional behavior and allowing their emotions to over ride self-control, Justice Dabup accepted their separate sincere apology.
In his adoption of final written address, the 1st defendant who is the former Governor of the state, Jonah David Jang told the court to discharge and acquit him from all the charges brought against him by prosecution because they lack merit.
The 1st defendant which file his writing address on the 10th June,2022 represented by his counsel Mike Ozehomie SAN, said the former governor of the state and former Senator of the federal republic of Nigeria did his almost best during his administration with developmental projects across the state for everybody to see.
Ozehomie further stressed that it’s very important to discharge the 1st defendant considering his enormious achievement as the first citizens of the state and senator of federal republic of Nigeria in the 8th Assembly and he should be given more awards by the state and federal government for his developmental achievements during his administration.
The counsel to the 1st defendant said despite the instructions by the Honourable court that not more than 30 pages of final written address should be written by the parties.
However, the prosecuting counsel come up with almost 200 pages of final written address, a ploy he said to rope the 1st defendant in the case that was not earlier formulated by prosecuting counsel which they have woofully failed.
Ozehomie reiterated the need for the 1st defendant to be discharge and acquitted with apologies from the government for putting him through harrowing experience.
In another similar development the 2nd defendant standing trial alongside with the 1st defendant who was a cashier in the governor office during the administration of the 1st defendant Yusuf Pam asked the court to discharge and acquit him from all the charges leveled against him by the prosecuting counsel.
Speaking through his counsel S.Oyawole Mr Pam said all the money they alleged that he laundered is not traceable to his account as he was just talking directives from his principal as an obident civil servant.
The case have been adjourned to date that will be communicate to the Parties.
Following the recent turned of political events in Nigeria where Ahmed Tinubu the presidential candidate under the All Progressive Congress (APC) platform picked Kashim Shettima a Muslim like himself as running mate,has continued to raised concern.
This is as a religious body under the auspices of the Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) have observed with sadness and regret what will culminate into our collective doom as a result of the working of some few who claim to be sages and the determinants of our collective destiny.
As against this background,the body have come out smoking as they have decided that a few clueless, corrupt politicians and whose integrity is questionable can no longer claim to hold the solution to the challenges of insecurity, unemployment, education, health and underdevelopment while they are part of our problems and unresolved problems of yesterday.
They said after critical observation of the intrigues of Nigerian politics and the inter play of religion with negative consequences on our democracy and security, these culminated in the use of religion as a tool. This we can no longer accept and neither shall we remain passive in the face of this distortion and danger.
Only those with radical Islamist ideology or terrorists will insists on A Muslim-Muslim ticket for APC.
Those making reference to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Muslim-Muslim ticket of Alhaji Moshood K. Abiola and Babagana Kingibe in 2003 are either not true students of Nigerian politics or simply do not wish well for the sustainability of this fragile Democratic experiment.
In any case, those in doubt of the failure or consequences of a Muslim-Muslim ticket need no prophets to discern the clear experiences of 1993 failure of the Abiola-Kingibe Muslim-Muslim ticket and the worsening security situation in Kaduna State today which is largely attributed to the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The greatest fallacy is the assertion and claim of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu of associating his decision to pick Senator Kashim Shetimma a fellow Muslim to “the spirit of 1993”.
This decision of Tinubu and APC to is a direct insult and disrespect to the sacrifices and sensibilities of Christians beyond the North. Tinubu, the APC and those who share in their sentiments against the neglect and disrespect of Christians in the North should bury their heads in shame and safe sensible Nigerians from the semantics and rhetorics meant for those unschooled in the craft and deceit of the undemocratic impostors.
The exclusion of a Christian in the choice of a running mate despite the highly qualified number of Christians in the North have not only alienated the Christians from the number two position in Nigeria but also a consolidation and perpetuation of the Buhari-APC intolerance of Christians. This confirms the plan to continue legacy of the highly concentrated Muslims appointments to key position by the APC government since inception in 2015.
Northern Christians and indeed Nigerians as a whole have never been unsafe as when Kaduna is under a Muslim-Muslim ticket and the north is being dominated by APC Governors and an APC President.
We are not unaware of the radical Islamists likely infiltration of other popular political parties. Therefore, caution is required and necessary as we traverse the path to redefining and reclaiming our destiny.
If the APC and Islamists persist in imposing a Muslim-Muslim on Nigerians Christians as an Islamic agenda, then we, along with other true democrats and allies will proof we have an option: to resist the impostors or go our different paths rather than be willing slaves of religious dominance.
After wide consultations, Arewa Christians and other patriots have observed the correlation of the hate, provocative and inciting messages by growing number of Muslim clerics with APC’s imposition of Muslim-Muslim ticket. This we believe is a well calculated and a deliberate ploy proving the dominance and subjugation of people of other faith.
We demand that the D.S.S.S, O.N.S.A, Police, D.M.I and N.S.C.D.C to immediately set the machinery to arrest, charge and prosecute all Muslim clerics whose audio and video are on social media.
We use this medium to put on notice the security organizations concerned that the actions of such publicly known and unknown religious clerics have been directly and remotely related to the recent heightened intolerance, disturbing religious attacks as well as motivation and confidence for the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Where our concerns are not looked into immediately, then this shall confirm our fears for the reasons behind Muslims appointment to head security organizations. Failure to arrest the perpetrators of these hateful, insulting and inciting religious teaching will proof where the loyalty of our security operatives is; whether to their religion or to our cooperate existence as a nation.
Not taken urgent steps will spell doom for Nigeria. This is obvious in view of the fact that radical Islamic teachings calling Christians arna or kafirai is no longer acceptable in describing Christians and provoking actions against Christians.
We wish to state in clear and categorical terms that, in accordance to our Faith Jesus Christ is the son of God.
We believe in the birth of Jesus Christ through the Virgin Mary and His death as well as His resurrection on the third day.
Any form of our Faiths’ denial or misrepresentation in accordance to the Faith of others is no longer acceptable to Christians.
It is unfortunate that under the watch of his Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, leader of the Muslim Ummah and who doubles as co-chair of the council of interreligious affairs and interfaith chooses to be silent despite his knowledge of the derogatory, insulting inciting and provocative words used by Islamic Clerics against Christians. This has become common from places of worships as well as in private and in public. Should the reverse have been the case, will Muslims have tolerated such from Christians?
To collaborate the conspiracy of the political class and the religious, today, Islamic Clerics are publicly calling the shots or commending the decisions of Muslims or political parties decision that resonate with their stance or favors Islam while denigrating Christians. While this is true and the security operatives choose to look the other side, this is unacceptable as it is an aberration.
While our position above can not be contradicted, this can no longer be acceptable. The truth is that we have a choice beyond “their” party and candidate as we are not an enslaved colony or a people under subjugation in a democracy.
However, let those without honor, those who beg to eat from the crumbs or chose to bow to a Pharaoh continue in their horse trading.
Therefore, in view of the foregoing, we call on all those who cherish unity, freedom, peace, security and democracy to unite against those few who believe that leadership and power is their exclusive preserve and that they hold monopoly over solution to our problems.
In truth those old politicians have since lost touch with the reality of governance but resort to their illegitimate riches with the collaboration of religious leaders to whip sentiments in other to hold on to power.
It is therefore time to revolt against the APC Islamic agenda or any political party or politician covered with the garb of religion or political manipulation rhetorics in deceit to hold on to power.
Therefore, ACIPA shall work with others and network with allies across both Faith to promote, inclusiveness, unity, Fair playing ground and democracy in resistance to the imposition of Islamic dominance.
The decision of APC have confirmed our fears of a hidden agenda. Henceforth we shall only consider the Candidates of People Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (L.P) as options to chose from in the Presidential race as we trust God in charting the paths towards a more suitable political party and a candidate with the credentials and abilities to restore and develop Nigeria without fear of alienation, dominance, sentiments and bigotry.
The Yoruba playwriter, Ola Rotimi in the epic play “The God’s are not to blame” captured the destiny of Bola Tinubu succinctly.
The protagonist, Olawale, the evil child was destined to kill his father and marry his mother. When the father was told by the witches at Olawale’s birth the king did everything to frustrate the evil prophecy from coming to pass. The child was thrown to evil forest to die. The weeping child was sited and picked by an old woman who was childless and brought him up in another village.
As he grew up there was problem that made him migrate to his original village under his biological father king where he distinguished himself as a warrior.
His destiny came into fore when there was crisis and he ended up unknowingly killing the king father and marrying the queen, his mother. It took a natural calamity befalling the community when the gods began to react for the evil child true identity to be known. The gods were consulted and it was revealed that Olawale, the king killed his father and married his mother. To appease the gods and restore sanity to the community, Olawale had to abdicate the throne and went into exile, because the gods must be right and humans are mere pawns in chessboard of destiny. Olawele fell at the height of his glory.
There is no doubt that Tinubu has come to the end of his political career and glory. He is simply fighting against his destiny already determined because of his inordinate ambition to be king like Olawale. Therefore, the gods are playing a fast one on him. In his desperation to escape that he will not be king he is compromising here and there, betraying his family, his tribe and the national interest just to prove the gods wrong. The last being the choice to marry the bokoharamist, who will eventually kill him, his wife, his children and his tribe. He doesn’t know that the nearer he thinks he is to the throne by marrying the queen mother, the closer he is to going into exile.
Take it or leave by this time next year, if Tinubu is not in exile he will be on his way to exile.
Unfortunately, for him whom the gods want to kill they first make him mad so that every sense of reasoning will be lost. My people added that when death wants to take a dog it makes it difficult for it perceive the saint of an excreta.
The very Political death destined for Tinubu has driven him to irredeemable Political decision of Muslim-Muslim ticket. Despite the handwriting on the wall. He mooted the idea in 2015 and wisdom prevailed he jettisoned it. Because it is his destiny to suffer disgrace on the altar of presumptuousness as Olawale was, he has revived and gone ahead to implement the agenda. One prays that he doesn’t frustrate the gods by taking right advice of changing his mind now that the INEC window is still open.
I am convinced that it is the prayer of faithful Nigerians that is driving him mad. One woman prayed that her enemy should make a costly mistake to advance her cause.
Tinubu’s madness is simply driving the cause of millions of Nigerians who are crying and weeping that Olawale must face his destiny.
His downfall will start from his nuclear home. His so called Christian wife and pastor will revolt against his decision. His so called Christian son will rebel against his decision not by their making, but by the fulfilment of his destiny. His tribesmen will reject him because their eyes of understanding will open and they will see the Afonja destiny in his life.
The church will reject him as a hypocrite who lured a Christian woman to marriage and despise the Christian faith.
God will reject him for trusting in the arm of flesh. His decision is based on his permutation that northern Muslim votes will deliver the nation to him.
The Muslim ummah will reject him because they know he is not a true Muslim.
Then will his name BAT playout (an organism that is neither a mammal nor a bird.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed optimism of a lasting peace and an end to recurring violence in Bassa Local Government of plateau State to where attacks have led to loss of lives and destruction of properties, farmslands and Livestock.
Governor Lalong who witnessed the signing of the expression of commitment to peace between the Irigwe and Fulani communities in Bassa Local Government Area said he was happy that there is a genuine and collective effort to address the spade of violence that has grossly affected people of the area and the State in general.
He said “Today’s gathering which is at the instance of the leadership of the Irigwe and Fulani is for these two communities to tell the whole world that they had tested the bitter pills that violent conflict serves but now willing, ready and able to chart a new course for themselves by first forgiving the past in order to reconcile the future”.
He said upon coming into office in 2015, his administration inherited crisis but was determined to confront the challenges head-on, which enables him to immediate develope a policy framework in a way that moves away from the reactive approach to being proactive.
“The nearly two-decade experience of violent conflict between Irigwe and Fulani of Irigwe Chiefdom has given my administration sleepless nights.
Yet the Governor further said, we never for once relented in our effort and desire to expand the frontiers of Peace and security in those communities in particular and, the entire Bassa Local Government Area in general.
My personal involvement in the mediation of this conflict ,the governor stressed,was hinged on the ongoing interventions of both the Plateau State Peace building Agency and the State Inter-Religious Council who have worked closely with other stakeholders, including external actors to bring peace and stability in communities ravaged by internecine conflict” he said.
While commending the Brra Ngwe for his personal commitment to the pursuit of peace as well as other stakeholders including the Fulani representatives, the Governor urged the parties to take full ownership of this Document. “It is your document and you must ensure that you enlighten and sensitize your respective communities on the importance of respecting all the articles contained there-in.
The Governor further stressed that be assured that on its own part, Government will support and monitor your commitment towards the implementation of this “Agreement”.
He warned that Government will not relent on its duty of maintaining law and order and ensuring that those who attempt to truncate the implementation of the peace agreement are dealt with according to the law.
In his remarks, the paramount ruler of Miango HRH Brra Nngwe, Rev. Ronku Aka (Rtd.) thanked the Governor for his foresight in setting up the “Peace Building Agency”, and empowering it to work towards resolving conflicts and restoring peace and security among the Irigwe and Fulani in Bassa as well as other parts of the State.
He said the the people of Bassa want to put the ugly events of the past behind them to live in peace and unity with one another and pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without molestation.
Chairman of the Bassa Internal Peace and Security Committee Mr. John Power and the Co-Chairman Alh. Ya’u Idris signed the peace agreement on behalf of the Irigwe and Fulani communities.
Those who also signed as witnesses include Chairman Bassa Local Government, Chairman Plateau Inter Religious Council Prof. Pandam Yamsat and his Co-Chairman represented by Emir of Kanam, President Irigwe Development Association, Chairman MACBAN, Kaduna Peace Commission, Commander Operation Safe Haven, Police Commissioner, PIDAN, Inter Faith Mediation Centre, United States Inistitue for Peace among others.
Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu said the Governor has directed him and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to immediately put in place machinery for Gazetting and working out the policy framework for immediate implementation.
DG Plateau State Peace Building Agency Joseph Lengmang said the Goverment will continue to count on the support of the parties to implement the Peace Agreement to further deepen the Peace in the area by providing critical social infrastructures that would in turn, strengthen social cohesion among the people.
He said the Governor has also directed the Plateau State Peace Building Agency to work in conjunction with security agencies as well as local and international partners to support the safe return and resettlement of all victims of violent conflict in Miango and it’s environs as well as the provision of pyscho-social support and additional trainings to youth groups and women.
Various speakers in their goodwill messages commended Governor Lalong for his determination to see the end of crisis in Bassa by facilitating several dialogue sessions, capacity building trainings, consultations and Peace advocacy among the leadership of ethnic associations like the Irigwe Development Association (IDA); the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN); the Gan Allah Fulani Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN) amongst so many others.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed optimism of a lasting peace and an end to recurring violence in Bassa Local Government of plateau State to where attacks have led to loss of lives and destruction of properties, farmslands and Livestock.
Governor Lalong who witnessed the signing of the expression of commitment to peace between the Irigwe and Fulani communities in Bassa Local Government Area said he was happy that there is a genuine and collective effort to address the spade of violence that has grossly affected people of the area and the State in general.
He said “Today’s gathering which is at the instance of the leadership of the Irigwe and Fulani is for these two communities to tell the whole world that they had tested the bitter pills that violent conflict serves but now willing, ready and able to chart a new course for themselves by first forgiving the past in order to reconcile the future”.
He said upon coming into office in 2015, his administration inherited crisis but was determined to confront the challenges head-on, which enables him to immediate develope a policy framework in a way that moves away from the reactive approach to being proactive.
“The nearly two-decade experience of violent conflict between Irigwe and Fulani of Irigwe Chiefdom has given my administration sleepless nights.
Yet the Governor further said, we never for once relented in our effort and desire to expand the frontiers of Peace and security in those communities in particular and, the entire Bassa Local Government Area in general.
My personal involvement in the mediation of this conflict ,the governor stressed,was hinged on the ongoing interventions of both the Plateau State Peace building Agency and the State Inter-Religious Council who have worked closely with other stakeholders, including external actors to bring peace and stability in communities ravaged by internecine conflict” he said.
While commending the Brra Ngwe for his personal commitment to the pursuit of peace as well as other stakeholders including the Fulani representatives, the Governor urged the parties to take full ownership of this Document. “It is your document and you must ensure that you enlighten and sensitize your respective communities on the importance of respecting all the articles contained there-in.
The Governor further stressed that be assured that on its own part, Government will support and monitor your commitment towards the implementation of this “Agreement”.
He warned that Government will not relent on its duty of maintaining law and order and ensuring that those who attempt to truncate the implementation of the peace agreement are dealt with according to the law.
In his remarks, the paramount ruler of Miango HRH Brra Nngwe, Rev. Ronku Aka (Rtd.) thanked the Governor for his foresight in setting up the “Peace Building Agency”, and empowering it to work towards resolving conflicts and restoring peace and security among the Irigwe and Fulani in Bassa as well as other parts of the State.
He said the the people of Bassa want to put the ugly events of the past behind them to live in peace and unity with one another and pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without molestation.
Chairman of the Bassa Internal Peace and Security Committee Mr. John Power and the Co-Chairman Alh. Ya’u Idris signed the peace agreement on behalf of the Irigwe and Fulani communities.
Those who also signed as witnesses include Chairman Bassa Local Government, Chairman Plateau Inter Religious Council Prof. Pandam Yamsat and his Co-Chairman represented by Emir of Kanam, President Irigwe Development Association, Chairman MACBAN, Kaduna Peace Commission, Commander Operation Safe Haven, Police Commissioner, PIDAN, Inter Faith Mediation Centre, United States Inistitue for Peace among others.
Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu said the Governor has directed him and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to immediately put in place machinery for Gazetting and working out the policy framework for immediate implementation.
DG Plateau State Peace Building Agency Joseph Lengmang said the Goverment will continue to count on the support of the parties to implement the Peace Agreement to further deepen the Peace in the area by providing critical social infrastructures that would in turn, strengthen social cohesion among the people.
He said the Governor has also directed the Plateau State Peace Building Agency to work in conjunction with security agencies as well as local and international partners to support the safe return and resettlement of all victims of violent conflict in Miango and it’s environs as well as the provision of pyscho-social support and additional trainings to youth groups and women.
Various speakers in their goodwill messages commended Governor Lalong for his determination to see the end of crisis in Bassa by facilitating several dialogue sessions, capacity building trainings, consultations and Peace advocacy among the leadership of ethnic associations like the Irigwe Development Association (IDA); the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN); the Gan Allah Fulani Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN) amongst so many others.
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