By,giwa alex, Jos

The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos,plateau state capital has urgued Plateau Youth Council (PYC)and other parties in the case to maintain status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit brought before it.

Justice Mohammed Nafisatu gave the judicial order during the motion on notice brought before court 10 of the state High Court sitting in Jos.

The motion on notice filed by fifteen(15) members of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC)urging the court to restrain the plateau state government who is the 1st-3rd Defendant/Respondent in the matter from inaugurating the 4th Defendant/Respondent as the electoral committee chairman of the Plateau State Youth Council for not been a Youth and registered member of the Plateau State Council.

The Counsel to the plantiff (PYC) Barr Linus Pam complained that despite the court directive for the election of the Youth Council to be put on hold pending the determination of the matter,the 1st-3rd Defendant /Respondents fragrantly disobey the orders of this honorable court to inugurate the 4th Defendant/Respondent for the electoral committee saddled with responsibility to conduct election for the association.

He further told the court that,as the matter is ongoing now,the 4th defendant/Respondent ,the illegal inurgurated 1st-3rd is right about now on Air in the state owned Radio station(PRTV) fielding questions relating to election of PYC when your Lordship has given judicial order for the parties involved in the matter to maintain status quo.

Justice Mohammed Nafisatu, the presiding Judge who appeared not to be too please with the fragrant disobence of the orders of the court by the 4th defendant, however directed barrister Gideon Azi who is the principal Counsel with the ministry of Justice , plateau state to call on his clients to maintain status quo.

The case has however been adjourned to Monday 14th November,2020 for continuation of hearing.

It would be recalled that governor Bako Lalong during his interaction with the youths held at the Victoria Gowon conference Hall New Government House Little Rayfield recently, following the #Endsars Protest in the state which over 70 billion of properties were destroyed.

Governor Lalong used the fora to direct the ministry of Youth and sports development to without delay weigh into the matter with the view to conduct election for the council who have been operating without Excos after the expiration of the old Excos tenure few months ago.

The Association has already brought Out time table for the Conduct of the election into various positions of the Council which saw the commencement of the sale of forms by 9th November,2020.

Giovernor Lalong Has Present #133Billion Budget Estimate For 2021 Fiscal Year Before State Assembly.

By,giwa alex, Jos

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has presented 133 billion budget estimate for 2021 fiscal year with oil price of 40 per barrel, with the projection of daily oil production of 1.86million barrel per day and exchange rate of #378 to a dollar.

As governor Lalong stressed that the 2021Budget was prepared under reality of the current economic realities, orchestrated by COVID-19 and with a reasonable degree of consistency both in policy and realism to our vision of achieving the three-pillar policy of peace, security and good governance, infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth.

Governor Lalong stated this during the presentation of the 2021 budget estimate of 133 billion before the State legislature which took place at the state legislative chamber along Abrahim Taiwo Road Jos ,plateau state capital.

The governor said the budget was carried out after public consultation through town hall meetings and further engagements with relevant stakeholders within the context of the current economic realities, COVID-19 component of N11 billion naira only.

This consists of Eighty three billion, nine hundred and fourty seven million, two hundred and four naira, one hundred and seventy three kobo (N 83,947,204,173.00) only as recurrent expenditure, and Fourty nine billion, Five hundred and thirty five million, five hundred and one thousand, two hundred and eighty four naira

This the governor said has capital expenditure of (N49,535,501,284.00)

Which indicates an increase of Ten Billion Six Hundred and Thirty Three Million Eight Hundred and Eighty Two Thousand Five Hundred and Forty four Naira (N10,633,882,544.00) only representing 8.6% difference above the 2020 revised budget of One Hundred and Twenty Two point Eight billion naira (N122.8) only,this he said is occassioned by increase in both Recurrent and Capital Expenditure estimates.

The 2021 budget christened ,”A Budget of Economic Recovery And Consolidation And Inclusive Infrastructural Growth”, said

the 2021 estimates presented are intended to pursue programmes and projects with a view to achieving an inclusive and high income strategy, while securing an increasingly better life for all.

Lalong add that the implementation of these programmes will require significant resources to close a deficit gap of Twenty Two Billion Six Hundred and Sixty Five Million Three Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand One Hundred and Five Naira (N22, 665,356,105.00)

.

Recurrent Expenditure Breskdown 2021 is follows:

The breakdown of this year’s Recurrent Expenditure of Eighty three billion, nine hundred and fourty-seven million, two hundred and four naira, one hundred and seventy three kobo

(N 83,947,204,173.00) only is made up of:

Personnel costs, salaries and pensions: Thirty Seven Billion, Three hundred and fourteen Million, eight hundred and ninety seven thousand Naira, seven hundred and seventy three naira (₦37,314,897,773.00) only. This captures the payment of the new minimum wage and pensions of workers that have left the service recently or will be leaving in the course of the year.

Overhead Cost: Twenty Seven Billion, Five and Ninety Four Million, One hundred and Sixty Four Thousand Five Hundred Naira (₦27,594,164,500.00) only. The running cost of government has also increased due to demands from our citizens

3. Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges: This Sector has an estimate of Seventeen Billion, Thirty Eight Million, One Hundred and Forty One Thousand, Nine Hundred Naira (₦17,038,141,900.00)

The Recurrent Revenue in the 2021 budget is projected at One hundred and eleven billion, eight hundred and seventeen million, three hundred and fourty nine Naira, three hundred and fifty two kobo (N110, 817,349,352.00) only.

This consists of the following:

Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Twenty one billion, six hundred and eighty seven million, eight hundred and fifty one thousand, one hundred and three Naira (N21,687,851,103.00) only

Statutory Revenue Allocation (SRA) of Thirty nine billion Naira (N39,000,000,000.00) only.

Derivation (13% solid Mineral Derivation): Five hundred Million Naira (N500,000,000.00) only. This revenue is accruing to the State for the first and therefore has been projected because of the hope of its continuity or reoccurrence in 2021.

Other FAAC Transfers (Exchange Rate Gains, Augmentation etc at Four billion Naira (N4,000,000,000.00) only.

CAPITAL RECIEPTS

Value Added Tax (VAT): Seventeen Billion Naira (N17,000,000,000.00) only. There is a great expectation from this revenue with its review from 5% to 7.5% by the Federal Government.

Internall Grants: Fifteen billion, seventeen million and eighty-eight thousand, eight hundred and thirty six Naira (N15,017,088,836.00 only

Externall Grants: 0.00

8.Drawdown: Eleven billion, two hundred and ninety-one million, four hundred and nine thousand, four hundred and thirteen Naira (N11,291,409,413.00) only.

Surplus/Excess Crude: Five Hundred Million Naira (N500,000,000.00) only.

Cpital Expenditure Breakdown 2021 budget is Fourty Nine Billion, Five Hundred and thirty five Million, Five Hundred and one Thousand, two Hundred and eighty four Naira (N 49,535,501,284.00) representing 12% of the total budget, the sectorial allocation which includes as follows:

Administrative Sector: Nine Billion, Eight Hundred and Forty Two Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand Naira (N9,842,457,439.00) Only. This represents 19.87% of the Capital Estimate.

Economic Sector: This sector has a projection of Twenty Two Billion, Four Hundred and Forty One Million, Eight Hundred and Forty Three Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy Seven Naira (N22,441,843,977.00) only representing 45.30% of Capital Estimate.

Law/Justice Sector: Eight Hundred and Seventy Six Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira (N876,660,000.00) only. This figure represents 1.77% of Capital Estimate.

Social Sector: This Sector has an estimate of Sixteen Billion Three Hundred and Seventy Four Million, Five Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty Eight Naira (N16,374,539,868.00) only, representing 33.06% of Capital Estimate.

Sub-Sectorial Allocation.

Administrationn and Finance,the sum of Ten Billion, Fifty Six Million, Ninety Forty Two Thousand Eight Hundred and Three Naira (N10,056,942,803.00) only, representing 20.30% of the Capital budget is allocated to the Administration and Finance Sub-Sectors.

Agriculture: In this Fiscal Year, the sum of Three Billion Nine Hundred and Nine Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Two Thousand Nine Hundred and seventy Seven Naira (N3,909,682,977.00) only is estimated for Agricultural Programmes, representing 89% of the Capital Budget.3.Commerce and Industries: The Estimate for Commerce/Industries sub-Sector is One Billion Eight Hundred and Two Million, Seventy Six Thousand Three Hundred and Sixty Four Naira (N1,802,076,364.00) only, representing 3.64% of the Capital Budget.

.Education: The Sum of Six Billion, One Hundred and Twenty One Million, Four Thousand, Seventy Hundred and Forty Naira (N6,121,004,740.00) only, representing 12.36% of the Capital Budget.

Environmentt and Mineral: The Environment and Mineral Sub-Sectors have an allocation of Four Hundred and Fifty Three Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira (453,100,000.00) only. The Estimates of these two Sub-Sectors represent 0.91% of the Capital Budget.

Finance: The sum of Four Billion, One Hundred and Thirty Three Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (N4,133,800,000.00) only. This Sub-Sector allocation represents 8.35% of the Capital Budget.

Health: The sum of Seven Billion, Twenty Two Million, Five Hundred and Two Thousand Four Hundred Naira (N7,022,502,400.00) only. This Sub-Sector allocation represents 14.18% of the Capital Budget.

Information and Communication: The sum of Four Hundred and Four One million, Three Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand Naira (N404,366,000.00) only, representing 0.82% of the Capital Budget is allocated to the Information and Communication Sub-Sectors.

Judiciaryy: The sum of One Billion Twenty Eight Million, six Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira (N1,028,660,000.00) Only, representing 2.08% of the Capital budget is allocated to the Judicial Sub-Sector.

10.Ministries of Lands, Housing and Urban Development: These Sub-Sectors are allocated Two Billion, Ninety One Million Naira (N2,091,000,000.00) only, representing 4.22% to the Capital Budget.

Sciencee and Technology: The Science and technology Sub-Sector has been allocated One Hundred and Sixty Five Million Naira (N160,000,000.00) only and it represents 0.32% of the Capital Budget.

12.Tourism, Culture and Hospitality: The Sum of Three Hundred and Fifty Two Million, Nine Hundred Thousand (N352,900,000.00) only is allocated to these Sub-Sectors and their budget represents 0.71% of the Capital Estimate.

13.Water, Sanitation and Energy: These Sub-Sectors have an allocation of Four Billion, One Hundred Twenty Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand Naira (N4,120,966,000.00) only, representing 8.32% of the Capital Budget.

Women, Youth and Sport: The Sum of One Billion, One hundred and Sixty Two Million Naira (N1,162,000,000.00) only, representing 2.35% of the Capital Budget.

15.Works and Transport: The Sum of Six Billion, Seven Hundred and Sixteen Million Five Hundred Naira (N6,716,500,000.00) only, and the total allocation to these Sub-Sectors is 14.82% of the Capital Budget.

Sustaining Good Governance Transparency & Accountability Lalong said keeping

faith with our promise to run a government that is open, transparent and accountable to the people who we serve,we therefore, we shall continue to implement all strategies that will prioritise spending and ensure that our people get value for money in every government transaction.

“We shall ensure that all civil servants discharge their duties with utmost diligence and excellence such that value is added and the benefits are clearly seen by the people. We have therefore put in place more practical avenues to reward excellence and punish indolence. This we believe will motivate the workforce.

With the appointment of a reputable revenue collection firm, we shall redouble our efforts towards rapidly improving our revenue targets, especially the Internally Generated Revenue which is crucial to funding the 2021 budget.

Having been recognised by the National Bureau for Statistics as the second least corrupt State in the country, we have continued to strengthen the work of the Treasury Single Account (TSA); the Efficiency Unit; Bureau for Public Procurement; Liquidity Management Committee; as well as the Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Office (PMRDO) to ensure that we maximize our resources and eliminate wastages.

Only recently, Plateau State was selected to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP), an organization that brings together governments and Civil Society leaders to create more transparent, inclusive, and participatory government.

As one of the 55 new members selected to join OGP from a pool of 112 applications, our administration is again stressing to the world its determination to advance the open government agenda locally and transform the way the government serves its citizens.

This comes at a critical moment as we intensify efforts to respond to COVID-19 while also facing strained budgets and climate insecurity and other challenges.

Against the backdrop of the recent looting, destruction and vandalisation of public and private properties and businesses by hoodlums which led to huge losses estimated at over N75 billion Naira, we are more than ever determined to continue the implementation of our Rescue Agenda.

Despite this setback and the consequences of COVID-19, we shall continue to engage all stakeholders including our youths as we work to create economic opportunities that lead to self-reliance and job creation.

As we continue to work towards our planned Economic and Investment Summit, which was delayed because of COVID-19, we shall leverage on the implementation of the 2021 budget if and when passed by this honourable house to improve our investments in productive sectors of the economy to increase our earnings, and provide some empowerment measures for the citizens.

Governor lalong urge the members of the state House of Assembly to diligently persuit and deliberate on the Budget, to enable us commence implementation and service delivery from the onset of the New Year.

This is bearing in mind that timely passage is also going to be a boost for the State to qualify for more grants of the SFTAS Disbursement Link Indicators I and II as well as Additional Financing and Eligibility .

By,giwa alex, Jos

The Impeachment Case involving the Chairman of quan’paan local government of Plateau state by the State House of Assembly has adjourned the matter to date to be communicated to the Parties in the matter.

The Case which is before Justice Nafisatu is for the continuation of hearing on the matter sitting in State High Court(10)in Jos, Plateau state capital.

The Counsel to the complaint,Solomon Umoh(SAN) said my Lord, the case is adjourned to today for hearing,we are prepared for the matter.

On his part, the Counsel representing the 4th-25th defendant in the matter ,S.S Obende moved a motion for the court to compel the complaint to bring the government official cars (4) in numbers to give way for the continuation of hearing of the matter.

He add that there is no way the hearing of the matter will commence when the impeached local government chairman Isaac Kwallu is still hold tenaciously to the official government cars, which is against the law.

In a quick reaction, the counsel to the complaint, Solomon Umoh (SAN)who appeared to be very furious,frawn at what he described as freviliou motion of the 4th-25th defendant which he said is an affront to court process.

“My Lord I most say that the motion of the 4th-25th defendant is not only frivolous,but an affront to court process, this is so when it come to appoint where continuation of hearing a matter is tight to a condition.”

My Lord this is my client who is badly injuried emotionally when he was in court challenging his suspension from office as the chairman of quan’paan LG, only to hear it from the news of his impeachment.

Umoh further decried that as my client is challenging his suspension, he was subsequently impeached by the forces that earlier suspended him from office even when this honorable court my Lord had appealed to the Parties in the matter to maintained Status quo pending the court determination over the matter.

“My Lord the same forces who ganged up to suspend my client, flagrantly violated the court order for the parties to maintain status quo pending the court determination over the matter,they are not still tired they are still on rampaging move to scruttle the judicial process of my client to obtain Justice which he attributed to a slap in the bare face of Justice which my Lord should not allowed to stand.”He maintined.

My Lord, this show that there is strong forces that are fighting against my client who has failed to come out with the offences of my client that warrant the humiliation and harrassment been melted on his persons.

“Umoh(SAN) further stressed that the unfortunate action of the 4th-25th defendant when your Lordship had given an express judicial order for all parties in the case to maintain status quo,but they are violating the Court order with impunity and without remorse.

” My Lord if the bringing of the cars will facilitate my client urgent quest for quick Justice for his rights that is grossly violated,I have just confide with my client and he has agreed to bring the (3) government official cars under his procession and will be deposit with the court registrar if that will facilitate my client getting immediate Justice.”

Even when the complaint opt to deposit the cars to fulfill the motion moved by the Counsel to the 4th-25th defendant S.S Obende ,which is not suppose to be ,but to shift ground, to give room for the speedy hearing of the matter, the 4th-25th, defendant still insisted that the cars under the procession of the complaint were(4)not (3)as cliamed.

However ,the parties adopted their processe,as complaint urgued the court to determine the matter in his favor and strike out the prayers of other defendant in the matter on ground of lack of merit.

While the defendant pray the court to strike out the petition of the plantiff as it lack merit in it entity.

The Case is however adjourned to a later date to be communicated to the parties in due course.

By,giwa alex, Jos

The Impeachment Case involving the Chairman of quan’paan local government of Plateau state by the State House of Assembly has adjourned the matter to date to be communicated to the Parties in the matter.

The Case which is before Justice Nafisatu is for the continuation of hearing on the matter sitting in State High Court(10)in Jos, Plateau state capital.

The Counsel to the complaint,Solomon Umoh said my Lord, the case is adjourned to today for hearing,we are prepared for the matter.

On his part, the Counsel representing the 4th-25th defendant in the matter ,S.S Obende moved a motion for the court to compel the complaint to bring the government official cars (4) in number to give way for the continuation of hearing of the matter.

He add that their there now way the hearing of the matter will commence when the impeached local government chairman Isaac Kwallu is still hold tenaciously to the official car, which is against the law.

In a quick reaction, that counsel to the complaint, Solomon Umoh (SAN)was appeared to be very furious,frawn at what he described as frevilious motion of the 4th-25th defendant which he said is an affront to court process.

“My Lord I most say that the motion of the 4th-25th defendant is not only frivolous,but an affront to court process, this is so when it come to appoint where continuation of hearing a matter is tight to a condition.”

My Lord this my client who is badly injuried when he was in court challenging his suspension from office as the chairman of quan’paan LG, only to hear it from the news of his impeachment.

Umoh further decried that as my client is challenging his suspension, he was subsequently impeached by the forces that earlier suspended him from office even when the this honorable court my Lord had appealed to the Parties in the matter to maintained Status quo pending the court determination on the matter.

“My Lord the same forces who ganged up to suspend to suspend my client flagrantly violated the court order for the parties to maintain status quo pending the court determination over the matter,they are not still tired they are still on rampaging move to scruttle the judicial process of my client to obtain Justice which he attributed to a slap in the bare face of Justice which my Lord should not allowed to stand.

He maintined.”

My Lord, this show that there is strong forces that are fighting against my client who has failed to come out with the offences of my client that warrant the humiliation and harrassment been melted on his persons.

“Umoh(SAN) further stressed that the unfortunate action of the 4th-25th defendant when your Lordship had given an express judicial order for all parties in the case to maintain status quo,but they are violating the Court order with impunity and without remorse.

” My Lord if the bringing of the cars will facilitate my client urgent quest for quick Justice for for his rights that is grossly violated,I have just confide with my client and he has agreed to bring the (3) government official cars under his procession and will be deposit with the court registrar if that will facilitate my client getting immediate Justice.”

Even when the complaint opted to deposit the cars to fulfill the motion moved by the Counsel to the 4th-25th defendant which is not suppose to be ,but to shift ground, to give room for the speedy hearing of the matter, the 4th-25th, defendant still insisted that the cars under the procession of the complaint are(4)not (3)as cliamed.

However ,the parties adopted their processe,as complaint urgued the to determine the matter in his favor and strike out the prayers of other defendant in the matter on ground of lack of merit.

While the defendant pray the court to strike out the petition of the complaint as it lack merit .

The Case is however adjourned to a later date to be communicated to the parties in due course.

Northern Governors Commisserates With Bauchi State Government Over Ali Kwara’s Death.

By,giwa alex, Jos

The Governors under the auspacies of Northern Governors Forum has commiserated with the government , people of Bauc

hi State and family of the legendary hunter and crime fighter, Ali Kwara who died recently.

The governors commisseration message to the people of Bauchi state is contained in a press statement signed by the director of press and public affairs to the chairman of the forum who doubled as the Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state capital.

Chairman Simon Bako Lalong in a message described the late Ali kwara as an outstanding hunter who devoted his gifts and energy in the fight against crime in various parts of the country.

He recalled his exploits against bandits, armed robbers and terrorists in most parts of the country particularly the 19 Northern states, saying his efforts assisted greatly in addressing some of the security challenges of the country.

Governor Lalong said the services of the late Ali Kwara will be seriously missed particularly because of the assistance he rendered to law enforcement officials in the apprehension of criminals, many of whom were successfully prosecuted.

While praying God to grant the late Ali Kwara eternal rest, the Governor said President said his legacies will continue to be remembered in the history of crime fighting in Nigeria.

RCC Karu President And Rev Murren On The Eyes Of Storm,As Members Passes Votes Of No Confidence On Them.

By, giwa alex,Jos

The Regional Church Council ,RCC, Chairman ,Karu , Rev Elisha Murren, are currently in the eyes of the storm as the entire church members has passed vote of no confidence on him and one Rev Elisha Murren reinstatement which has resulted to indefinite close down of church services and immediate sealing off church premises for any active church activities ,as members exchange blows over corrupt act of the RCC Chairman .

The incident spark-off internal wrangling leading to the closing down of Sunday service and other activities as scandal continued to strike the members .

The disagreement between COCIN ,RCC Karu has continued to deepened between Rev RCC Chairman Rev Elisha Murren, Former Secretary Rev Nankat Miri Jangyil , and Rev Dakom now transferred outside RCC.

The Regional Church Council ,RCC, Karu in Abuja ,Federal Capital Territory has been rocked by crisis leading to the sealing off the worship centre were members are barred from conducting Sunday service .

The Church Members have passed a vote of no confidence on the President of Church of Christ in Nations ,COCIN ,Rev Dr Dachollom Datiri for biased taken a decision without reaching the church leadership.

The Church headquarters ,in a swift reaction earlier suspended the RCC Chairman Rev Chairman Rev Elisha Murren, over the alleged embezzlement of the church money running into millions of naira .

Its was gathered that the RCC Chairman was accused by the RCC members of siphoning their money met for the development of the church structure .

The Former Secretary, Rev Nankat Miri Jangyil was suspended by the RCC Chairman Rev Elisha, frustrating him back to his own home town in Langtang North LGA for resisting the pressures from the RCC Chairman over demolishing on an existing pastoral building .

Rev Dakom, the Rev in charged disagreed with the action taken by the Rev Elisha’s Murren plan to oust the Rev Miri transferred because of plot didn’t go down well with some of the elders of the church .

This medium gathered that Rev Elisha Murren was alleged to have conspired with some of the elders to sent Rev Nankat Miri away being the church secretary who knows intricacies within the church and the RCC chairman immediately organized for the demolition of the church building to generate money from the church members.

However ,this medium gathered that the church members developed mixed feelings in Karu ,RCC ,then ,they Black listed Rev Dakom who refused to support the ideas Rev Elisha brought to convince the church members.

The conspiracy led to the

members petitioning the Rev Elisha to the COCIN headquarters in Jos and the petition finger on embezzlement that runs into millions of naira which was alleged to be diverted by the RCC chairman .

Our correspondent gathered that the COCIN headquarters sat over the complaint and then suspended the RCC chairman and the secretary Rev. Miri which he suddenly recalled back from suspension by the RCC chairman and denied the church secretary because he exposed the corrupt act of the RCC chairman Rev Elisha .

Their regret by the RCC is that they were not consulted by the headquarters and no concrete arrangement reached with the members before taken such a decision relatively involving money laundering and misappropriation of church fund .

The news of reinstatement of the RCC chairman has sparked off serious crises leading to sealing of the church service as tension continue within members .

Speaking with a member of the RCC Karu ,Hon ,Dr Ponfa Audu and a colleague expressed sadness that the conflict involving members of hitherto one family that should have being settled amicably within the church leadership is use to promote differences .

He said he got the details from members on what really transpired by blaming both sides for acting immature when the whole exercise involved one family .

Dr Ponfa Audu blamed all the church members for taken a quick decision by not allowing them to resolve the lingering conflict by urging the church learns to imbibe culture of tolerance and forgiveness in their daily conduct .

By,giwa alex, Jos

With the increase in violence by the Nigeria youth the employment of graduates into civil service has continue to caused concern and blame between the past ,the present and the future .

The Former Governor Jonah Jang supporters are sowning the seeds of hatred between the opposition party by their comment on social media as if the court is a play ground .

However, some media practitioners are grossly bias in their reportage taking side to reports what we all believed is difference completely from the ongoing trial as they are playing the financial script of their master of who plays the Piper and dictate the tune.

For record purposes ,we are met to be objective to all authority and guide the society to know the proceedings in court not to misled the general public by either to report in favour of another side just because your palm is grease.

The truth remains constant if after all this trial and the former governor hands are clean ,no one can judge ,God is the final judge so we journalists should act right to educate and enlighten those who can’t have the privilege of coming to witness box to argument between the counsels .

Our government at all level saddle with leadership responsibility of transforming ,developing the state to an enviable position and then resources at the state government disposal during to use judiciously to uplift and better our vulnerable community.

We are not politician so we stay away from inciting or putting ourselves as opposition because God gave us the opportunity to past message to safe souls .

The witness paraded by the EFCC from Central Bank of Nigeria especially the Rtd Director Dr Mudashiru Abiola has contributed to the financial development of CBN by establishing a sector to improve well-being of the common man in Nigeria which policy had enough impact to some beneficiaries States.

He told the court that the immediate past Governor of plateau state and senator of the 8th Assembly, did not Disbursed the 2 Billion naira main for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises funds released to the Plateau state under his watch in 2015.

Mudashiru while explaining to the court from a question asked by Rotimi Jacobs ,SAN, the prosecution counsel said ,the money in question is earmarked to help boosting ,marketers , small businessmen and women to boost their businesses,cooperative society loan out to prospective business men and women at single digits rate with maximum interest of 9 percent interest rate compared to the conventional commercial banks with high interest rate as high as 50 percent or more.

The court was at startling revelation made during the continuation of the trial of the former governor of the state Dr Jonah David Jang,and the cashier to Plateau State Government ,Mr Yusuf Pam who are currently facing trial on money laundering amount to whooping sum of 6.3 billion he alleged to have swindled when he hold sway as governor of plateau state from 2007 to 2015.

According to him, about eight reasons for setting the scheme was flawed and diverted the remittance of sort loan from Central Bank with a bottom approached measure .

Mudashiru who stood inside court podium as PW1 witness in the case, said he started working with the apex bank as far back as 1989 and retired from active service from the bank in January,2020 as Director Financial development Department of the bank.

Mudashiru Abiola who said he is the Acting Director of the apex bank then in 2014-15 when the Plateau state government signed to engaged the PFI and disbursed the fund to those who need the money for small business, lamented the sudden change in policy of the CBN , says his area of schedule is to over see all administration of the departments . “I also over see the activities of the departments”.

He further added that the mandate of his department is to develop the implementation of Programs and policies, and to improve access to finance by the real sector of micro Medium small enterprises from the state governments, towards economic development and to sign memoradium of understanding between the government and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He continued in his statement that in 2014, the Plateau state government under the leadership of Jonah Jang indicated interest for MSME loan for the state which was granted to the state after fulfilling all the criteria as specified by the bank, and the sum of 2 Billion naira was paid into the state project (1) account with strong instructions from then governor of the state Jonah Jang and (3) separate accounts for the disbursement of the fund for the prospectives beneficiaries into “Project (1)”

Few weeks after the bank had paid the money into the state account , there was previlage information that the government of plateau state has not Disburse the fund to prospective beneficiaries which is grossly against the (CBN)rules and regulations that the fund most be Disburse to prospective beneficiaries Within five working days of the receipt of the money or be return to the coffer of the Central Bank (CBN)

The Pw1 further add that with the privilege information,the Central Bank constituted (4) man investigation committee to verify the claim of not disbursement of the said fund by the state government.

The committee did not waste any time before they submitted it finding which Plateau state was indicted in the report which occasion the apex bank to called for the urgent returned of the fund.

As at that period the state was going through financial crisis and to repatriate the money back to the (CBN) which may be counter productive,at this time the state has change government with Hon.lalong at the saddle.

As part of the political crisis which landed insecurity struggle amongst PDP as at the time, governor Lalong who was just coming on board as new governor weigh into the matter ,and could not understand as the Federal government insisted on repatriating back the 2bn to the coffer of the Central Bank of Nigeria because Jang government has grossly abuse and violated the law of the bank to qualify for obtaining the SMSE loan.

Azi Aware Plans To Empower, Units Plateau Youth If Vote As PYC Chairman.

By,giwa alex,jos

Mr Azi Aware has promised to empower, unit and to ensure Youths participation in active election when voted in as Plateau Youth Council chairman.

As he said he will ensure that the Youths in the state by extension Nigeria,are given their quota in the political position of plateau state and Nigeria as whole.

Azi who is vying for the position of chairman of Plateau Youths Council (PYC),in the forthcoming PYC election in the state stated this in an interview with some groups of journalist in Jos, plateau state capital as part of his election manifestos.

Azi Who hail from Jos North local government of the state and Immediate past Director of Social of plateau Youth Council (PYC), said he is

contesting as the chairman of the council to contribute his positive quarters to the Youth council in the state.

“Iam in the race to contribute my my quarter and offer myself as a servant to my fellow,esteemed and dogged youths of Plateau state,my Plans is to engage our dexterous and talented Youths of Plateau state”.

” Our Youths are full of potentials and skills they need a conducive environment for the development of our dear state.

Through such engagement and empowerment,we can equally contribute in boosting the internally generated revenue of plateau state because we will ensure we empower our youths economically,physically,socially and mentally in order to venture into businesses and other ventures that will create more robust and economic viability of our Beautiful Plateau.

On how he hope to achieve the laudable feats,Aware said

there is need for team work and collaboration among the Excos in the Local Government as well as the District Excos, we need partnership from both Government and Non Governmental sector.

Sixty to seventy percent of our population are Youths constituency,hence,there is need for so many safe spaces for us in order to engage ourselves and contribute our wealth of experience in building of our dear state,once our youths are engaged,they will use social media positively not hyping it ,once we do that,the fake news,kidnappings,poverty and other social vices and threat to our unity in diversity will put into right perspective.

Considering the diversity of the country and by extension how he hope he hope to achieve the so much talk about unity,he quoted from the scripture of the Holy Bible,

” Book of Amos Chapter verse three says,the two can’t work together,until they agree,if there is anything we need in our state and by extension our Country as unity,especially among our Youths,we need to galvanized ourselves and come under one Banner,Plateau state Youth Council,(PYC) is the Apex Body of all the Youths in the state,we will organized programs that will promote our values and equip ourselves with sound education,we need.

“Entertainment, Tourism as well as all forms of sporting activities that will unite us.”

“We need skill acquisition and that can be done by our partners,we will equally diversify our sources of income by acquiring skills acquisition center that can generate income for us as Youths not only mono source of income that we only depend on Government on Funding.”

Farming is another way of generating income ,Plateau is providing the entire North East with Poultry products,Irish Potatoes from Plateau is the best all over the Country,our Fertile soil can be use for Farming, as EXCO,we will acquire lands and venture into Agriculture to enable us carry out programs without hindrance.

Lastly,Political Participation requires Patience and Hardworking,How will you motivate youths to participate fully in political activities?

“As I alluded to,We will achieve this through Awareness and counselling of our brothers and sisters,PYC is a well structured Youth organization that is Found in more eight Districts of the state,we “ll”also have EXCO of the seventeen LGA,Central working committee,we will decentralized our system of our administration if the youths of Plateau state bestowed the mandate on us,gone are the days that the Youth Council just being felt in Jos,we will not concentrate at the interior,our programs will be taken to the grassroots and the impact will be felt by hundred of thousands of our youths residing at the hinterlands,we will equally partner with The leadership of Ethnic Nationalities,Youth Christians Association of Nigeria,Muslim Youth Bodies,and all other youth groups that are will to partner and encourage our youths in different fields of human endeavors.”

We want our Youths to say no to Political thuggery,Arson,Vandalism,Drug Abuse,Prostitution,Rape,School drop out and all other social vices and not only venturing into politics but contests elections.

I’m quite happy with the first Black man that won Election in to the House of Representatives at the United states and he is From Kwara state,He has a PHD in Pharmacy,He is thirty Years old,a youth,Iam equally encourage by Youths from Plateau state like Jerry Malo,Zang Bot and host of others they have excel as youths,the Speaker of the Plateau state House of Assembly is a youth,we can learn from them and other numerous youths that have achieved in their various fields of human endeavors.

Youth problems like economic and skills Empowerment,Employment,security,Quality Education cannot be achieved without youth venturing into Politics.

Finally,What was your achievement when you served as the previous EXCO.

We achieved a lot as EXCO,we were elected in 2017 and served for three years,after being in comatose for over eight years,despite the fact that,the tenure was inundated with a lot of challenges,we were able to trained numerous of the Plateau Youths on Various skills acquisition in partnership with the Plateau state Medium Enterprises Development Agency(PLASMEDA) Industrial Training Fund(ITF) Among others.

J

ang contravenes ,flaws CBN 6.3 billion MSME loan -CBN tells court

By giwa alex,Jos

A Retired Director with the Central Bank of Nigeria ,CBN, Mr Olayetanyashi Mudashiru Abiola who was director development finance department has testified on alleged N6.3bn suit against the Former Governor Jonah David Jang, and the Former Cashier of the Government Mr Yusuf Pam as CBN exposed how funds was diverted in five (5 ) working days without the appropriate PFI beneficiaries getting it .

The two days trial which resumed on Wednesday and Thursday before Hon. Justice Christine Dabup of High Court ,No 5 which the Former Governor ,Sen Jonah David Jang was dragged to answers questions bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises ,MSME, alleged N6.3 billion while he was the governor of Plateau state between 2007-2015 respectively.

Justice Christine Dabup of the High Court sitting in Jos ,Division the Ex-Governor Jonah David Jang
and a former cashier in the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Yusuf Pam, were charge on a 12-count brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which bordered on alleged corruption and misappropriation of the state fund amounting to over N6.3bn while he was governor held sway in office.

The Ex -CBN Director who retired from the service of the bank January,2020,Mr Abiola told the court that as a financial institution saddle with the functions of reducing poverty ,unemployment ,they launched the program to accommodate market women ,traders ,farmers through cooperative society and micro Small medium and enterprises ,MSME,across the 36 states and some of the guidelines to obtain the loan by state government is first write to them a letter indicating interest to participate and thereafter follows up with the approval from the various state Houses of Assembly .

He said that the Plateau state government under the leadership of Da Jonah David Jang indicated government indicated interest on the period under review by writing to CBN with all the correspondences letter to back their information from P1 to ,P20 and were all tender and admitted in exhibits by Justice Christine Dabup for proceedings .

Abiola further said when CBN uncovered sometimes in 2014 that in one of their guideline of section 4(2) was not follow they quickly wrote a letter to the Plateau state government asking them to repatriate back the 2 billion earlier sent to them into Project (1) account but it was discovered non adherence to the bank guidelines which was grossly undermined so a team of CBN were sent to the Plateau state, to investigate why money set aside to be disbursed to Nigerian to kick-start their businesses was siphon and diverted into private and public use so who would pay 9% deduction met to be given to CBN as bank interest .

The CBN now wrote a letter to the EFCC accused Jang of misappropriation of funds to the tune of N6.3 billion when he served as governor of Plateau state from the year 2007 to 2015.

The retired banker further gave an insight the main objectives of launching the funds and to stimulate the economic of the Plateau state citizens hit the wrong direction because the governor presented one Sylvester Davou as the Director of Plateau State Small Medium and Enterprises ,PLASMEDA, an agency that never existed but operate just paper imagination of Jang .

The case before retired judge, Justice Daniel Longji, who have retired from service in December 2019 and the case handed over to Justice Christine Dabup now running to one year trial .

The plaintiff counsel ,Rotimi Jacobs of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to recall all the witnesses for fresh re-trial and re-examination in the N6.3bn charge it brought against a former governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang .

Justice Dabup after taken more witnesses adjourned trial to 16th ,17th and 18th January ,2021for resumption of trial

“You would recall ,Jang was in 2018 arraigned in Jos High Court by EFCC over allegations of fraud to the tune of 6.3 billion naira of Plateau State fund when he was the Governor of the state.

On May 16, 2018 he was remanded in Jos prison after his application for bail was declined by the court”.

While on cross examination by Mike Ozekhome ,SAN ,and two of his sons ,the witness Abiola told the court that funds was not written on the name of the former governor but he wrote them a letter indicating interest to participate.

Today 4th Oct. 2020, the case between FGN/EFCC -V- Sen Jonah Jang & Yusuf Pam continued at the Plateau State High Court No.5 sitting in Jos.

The 1st Defendants legal team is led by Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN, Hon Edward Pwajok SAN LB, Benson Igbanoi esq, Olivia Dazyem esq amongst ors. The 2nd Defendants team is led by Chief Sunday Odey esq, Sunday Oyawole esq & Oguntuyi esq amongst ors. Chief Rotimi Jacobs SAN & ors are for the Prosecution team.

Those Who were in Court today for solidarity with Jang, are Da Francis Bot, Rt Hon George Daika, Rt Hon Stephanus Mwansat, Pst Abraham Yiljab, Alh Idi Waziri, Da Rev Saje, Da Yusuf Pam amongst other people present in Court.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The former Speaker of plateau state House of Assembly and one time member House of Representatives said he is the most qualified candidate for the Southern Zone Senatorial Bye election considering his verse experience as lawmaker in the state and national level.

As he said he has the capacity and experience to initiate bills that would bring development to the people of his constituency through lobbying members in the house.

Hon. George Daika who is Senatorial Candidate in plateau South Senatorial Bye election under people Democratic party, stated this in an interview with our correspondence in Jos, plateau States .

He said the prouncement of plateau Senatorial bye election occasion by Covid-19 pandemic is world pandemic problem which affect not only Nigeria but the world in general which Nigeria isn’t in expection.

Hon. George Daika said if experience and credibility would be considered in the election,he will be the best candidate for the Southern Senatorial bye election as hensaid considering my wealth of experience as the former Speaker plateau state House of Assembly, and former member of house of Representatives I think l am the most qualified candidate the post.

On how he would feel if by paraventure he lost the election,he said is God that gives power,if I didn’t get it,I wouldn’t be perturbed because as human I don’t have power over what God has already decided I know the thought of Him towards me is for good and note for bad.

Where ever the election goes,I will take it as one of those things that is already destiny by God that is bound to pass.

But called on the people of the Southern plateau to vote right in the forthcoming plateau South Senatorial Bye election and avoid sentiments and vote the candidate that would initiate bills that would bring development to the people of their Zone constituency.

The Family Of Sarki Zailani Thanks Those Who Sympathize With Them During The Burial

Of Their Mother.

The family of Dr.Sarki Zailani has thanked those who stood by the the family during the burial of their mother mama Naomi Zailani Who pass on to the great beyond recently.

In a press statement signed by the son of the deceased Dr.Zailki Zailani and made available to this medium reads thus:

I, Chief Dr. Sarki Zailani Yamusa JP, on behalf of the Yamusa Family wish to gratefully appreciate God for the successful burial of our wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, “Late Mama Naomi Zailani Yamusa” who slept in the Lord on the 19th October, 2020 and was buried on the 24th October, 2020 at Gyangyang Village of Kanam LGA, Plateau State. She was aged seventy eight (78) years. It was tagged “a painful death”.

I want to use this medium to appreciate the following:

1. Kanam Local Government Council

2. Hon. Abbas Adamu Wokdung, Chairman, Kanam LGA

3. Hon. (Dr.) Dayyabu Yusuf Garga, Honourable Commissioner, Urban Development

4. Dist. Sen. Nde Hezekiah Ayuba Dimka, Senator of the Federal Republic

5. Dr. Yakubu N. Gambo, former DES, UBEC Abuja

6. Hon. Alhaji Idris N. Gambo, SMEDAN Abuja

7. Chief Dr. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, Former Chairman, Shendam LGA

8. Chief Joseph Ntung Ari, DG, ITF

9. Directorate of Press Affairs, Government House, Plateau State

10. Dengi Old Students Association (DOSA) Representatives

11. Alhaji Ayuba Salihu Nahuta

12. Alhaji Ya’u Isa Nzapisma

13. Chief Abraham Bulus Suyibam

14. Alhaji Saidu N. Gambo

15. Miss Martina Mokwa

16. Hon. Nuhu Sanda, SA to the Chairman of Kanam LGA

17. Hon. Luka Bulla, Supervisor Council and Education Department, Kanam LGA

18. Mr. Yakub Bitrus Gizo

19. HRH Ra’an Tadmum

20. HRH Ra’an Dugub

21. HRH Ra’an Kam

22. HRH Ra’an Yam

23. HRH Ra’an Mbat

24. HRH Sarkin Dull

25. Ra’an Bungudu

26. Ra’an Gwangsum – Gidgid

27. Ra’an Kumwur

28. Ra’an Kumwur – Tadmum

29. Ra’an Taknyili

30. Ra’an Bungudu – Tadmum

31. Ra’an Talbush

32. Ra’an Tadmum – Nasira

33. Ra’an Gidgid – Haman

34. Mr. Babaji Yasan Za’am

35. Mr. Haruna Baggos

36. Mr. Pam Musa, NUJ Plateau State

37. Mr. Edward, my neighbor behind Umma Bread

38. Miss Juliana Adamu Namaran

39. Mr. Bulus Sulisma and Family

40. Comrade Manasseh G. Butswat and Family

41. Prof. Isaac Sammani Rabo Butswat, NOUN Kaduna

42. Hon. Hosea Finangwai, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Agric, Plateau State

43. Hon. Rachel Yusuf Ragai

44. Members of COCIN Gyangyang

45. St. Williams Catholic Church , Gyangyang

46. RCM Church Tadmum

47. RCM Church Gidgid

48. RCM Church Banram

49. RCM Church Za’am

50. COCIN Bungudu

51. ECWA Kunwur

52. COCIN Kunwur

53. RCM Church Za’am Pada

54. COCIN Za’am Pada

55. ECWA Gidgid

56. COCIN Gwamlar

57. RCM Church Gidgid-Haman

58. COCIN Gidgid-Haman

59. COCIN Gobbiya

60. COCIN Sabon Gari behind ATBU Bauchi

61. COCIN Nasira

62. RCM Church Za’am Nasira

63. My Uncles from Banak Gyangyang

64. Mr. Maikano Nisa and Family

65. Mr. Ezekiel Sabo, Magajin Garin Vurak-Amper

66. Mr. Habu Nisa Waya – Dengi

67. Mr. Solomon Damisa, Baraden Gidgid Pada

68. Hon. Chris, Former Leader, Shendam LGA

69. Mr. Napkay, Shendam

70. Hajiya Zainab Idris Gambo

71. Hajiya Fatima Yakubu Gambo

72. Mr. Ibrahim Garba Gizo

73. Mr. Sati Daniel Tanko

74. All MFAT Members, Plateau State

75. EXCO of MFAT, Plateau State

All those that time and space will not permit me to mention their names in the medium, I appreciate you all.

Governor Lalong Gives Immediate Marching Order For The Conduct Of PYC Election.

By,giwa alex, Jos

The Plateau State governor Simon Bako Lalong has given the plateau State commissioner for sports and Youths development marching order to conduct the Plateau Youths Council’s (PYC) election without delayed.

The governor said it would be easier for the authority saddle with the responsibility of bring the Youths together to discuss issues affecting them as it would give the government the opportunity to coordinate the Youths when the need arises.

Governor Lalong gives the order in His speech during an interactive meetings with the various Youth group in state following the #Endsars peaceful Protest which metamorphosized into vandalisation and looting of public and private properties which the trail of destructions in the whole country including plateau State.

The governor interactive meeting with the Youths which was held at the Newly Commissioned Victoria Gowon Conference Center New Government House Little Rayfield in Jos South Local Government of plateau state,he said the election of the PYC which supposed to have been conducted around April,2020,was distrupted with the out break of Covid-19 pandemic that had ravaged the globe.

“In this regard, I have directed the Commissioner of Youths and Sports Development to ensure that the process of electing a new leadership for the Plateau Youth Council(PYC) commences immediately now that COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.”

Governor Lalong strongly advised the PYC to ensure they work with one mind and elect a credible Youth leader that will pilot the affairs of the Youths in the right part and to work with the government for the development of the state.

” I urge you all to cooperate and ensure that you elect credible leaders that will represent your interests.”

He further urged the Youths to use the opportunity and cash on not too young to rule philosophy striving to be mentor.

“Above all cash on the advatage and philosophy of the “not too young to rule” by striving to be mentored”.

This the governor said is the hallmark for patience and leadership by example which we have many role models to learn from.

It would be recalled that the tenure of the present exco of PYC has since expired but the conduct of election to produce new leadership of the body was stalled by the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic which almost brought the whole continent to its knees.

The government ordering for the immediate conduct of the election that will produce the next sustansive exco that will pilot the affairs of the body for next acceptable years provided by the Its Constitution.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The Nigeria Brewery has been accussed as been behind the poor organization and premature closure of the 2020, Jos, fair occasion by poor partronage.

As the Nigeria Brewery a renowned organization know for the manufacturing of guiness beer were among the companies which graced this year 2020 Jos trade Fair with other companies.

The traders who spoke with our Reporter complaint over the attitude of the guiness beer company Who abandoned its responsibility of selling beer in the fair but divered into subletting the available spaces to trader at cut throat price.

The action of guiness beer manufacturer scared away majory of the exhibitors Who didn’t have enough money to pay for space as 12 by 12 space go for forty to fifty thousand naira which they are not even sure of making any sales.

The traders condmed the action of the organizer of the Fair Bochit (Alista Marketing and event for supporting the illegal action between her and the brewery company .

Some of the trader who spoke to this medium on condition of anonymity lamented the action of the organizer of the Trade Fair Alista Marketing and Event for conniving with the Guiness company to Short change the prospective traders at the fair.

The traders who want their money refund to them as they making preparation to leaving because the Trade Fair no longer Worth it, appeals to the organizer

of the fair to refund part of the money they paid for space to serve as Palliatives for their losses they have incurred.

They vowed not to participate on the subsequent Fair as the other previous fair they didn’t get anything out of it due largely to poor organization.

As at the time of filing in this report,the the few traders who had erected their selling stands has started dismantling them,as some has already dismantled their, waiting if the organizer Mrs Bochit will be magnanimous enough to refund part of their money to them since the Fair is not more than a week of its official opening.

It would be recalled that the Jos trade Fair which was officially opened 19th October,2020 was distrupted by #Endsars Protest which necessitate the state government slamming curfew on the state,on different occasions.

Plateau State #Endsars Protest,The State Looses Over 70Billion Naira,Debunk Government Hoarding Palliatives.

By,giwa alex, Jos

The Plateau state government has lamented the level of looting , vandalization and destructions of properties in Jos – North and South of the state during the #Endsars peaceful Protest that was hijacked by hoodlums in the state.

Lalong said the government has gone round the areas affected by the peaceful Protest turned violent, and discovered the magnitude of the destructions that can’t be less than 70billion naira,the action of the hoodlums Who cash on the peaceful Endsars Protest has drawn the state grossly backwards economically and otherwise.

Governor Lalong stated this in his speech at the interactive session with the Youths in the state Over the #Endsars Protest turned violent which metamorphosize into looting arson , vandalization of public and private properties held at Victoria Gowon Conference Hall Little Rayfield on 30th October,2020.

Governor Lalong lamented the inability to interact with the

youth occasion by Endsars Protest turned violent and looting of government a

nd private properties.

“Sadly the engagement with the youths was obstructed because of the uncertainties that arose as a result of the #ENDSARS protests and subsequent disturbances that followed, It is therefore with a deep heart that I welcome you to this interaction as we review the events of the recent past and look at the way forward.

Lalong said depict the implementation of the demand of the Youths by Mr President, Mohammedu Buhari having seen some elements in your request, led to the directives by President Muhammadu Buhari to the IGP to immediately disband SARS. This order was carried out without delay.”

“In addition, Government agreed to implement other demands of the protesters such as the setting up of Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate complaints of police brutality and related extra-judicial killings which will lead to the punishment of culprits and compensation for victims.”

“Here in Plateau State, I immediately inaugurated the Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate complaints of police brutality and related extra-judicial killings headed by Justice Philomena Lot, a retired judge of the Plateau State High Court on 19th October 2020.”

The governor lamented that despite various efforts to meet with the leadership of the #ENDSARS protests here in Plateau State, no one agreed to engage the government as the protesters claimed they had no leaders, this continued despite our appeal for the protests to end and the path of dialogue adopted.”

The governor further added that he Iwent round some of the affected areas together with Members of the National Assembly Caucus from Plateau State and the Minister of Women Affairs to assess the level of destruction,what we saw was horrific and despicable.

“The level of destruction and carnage is unbelievable and unacceptable,we are still trying to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the total cost of the damage.”

” However, the preliminary report by a team of experts I constituted has estimated the losses to be put at about 75 billion naira for now. “maintained.

He said the Carnage occasion by the #Endsars protest hijacked by hoodlums, clearly takes us many years backwards as we do not have the resources to replace the structures vandalised and the items damaged or stolen,we are yet to recover from the devastating economic consequences of COVID-19 which has greatly affected our capacity to provide services.

“Indeed, this act of destruction has nothing to do with the initial #ENDSARS protests, but a clear act of criminality and unpatriotic behaviour. As at the last count, we have more than 32 public and private properties that were affected in the looting spree”.

The governor said he appreciates the actions of the Youths and also share on their pains,

“My dear youth, as a father and your Governor, I feel your pain. My heart goes out to all our youths for the many challenges they face daily due to lack of opportunities for jobs and better conditions to achieve their dreams,
this is a burden that has accumulated over time which our administration is working hard to address.

However, it is always confusing when people demand justice by either violating laws or trampling on the rights of others. That can only breed chaos and anarchy leading to worse consequences than what they sought to address in the first place.

You would agree with me that the enormity of the challenges we face cannot be resolved overnight or with a wave of the hand,It is a process which all of us must collectively work together to achieve.

“However, the question that begs for answer is, “can these problems be solved by the kind of destruction and carnage we witnessed recently?” When we destroy the few infrastructures we have, we can never build the better Plateau that we all yearn for.

Since coming into power, my administration has remained committed to pursuing the economic development of the State through youth empowerment and job creation. That is why we continue to prioritize peace and security which encourages private investors to create jobs and boost the economy,we established PLASMIDA to be the driving force for empowering our youths with skills and knowledge that will enable them create jobs and be self-reliant.

The governor said,so far the agency has trained about 40,000 youths in different areas and supported over 15,000 Micro, Small and Medium business start-ups. Today, Plateau State is the face of MSMEs in Nigeria as we have consistently won awards since 2018.

“We have also taken advantage of our strategic partnership with the ITF, GIZ and other development partners to create opportunities for our youths in agriculture, entrepreneurship and skills development. This is in addition to providing incentives for young people to go into farming which our state is known for.

we have also done our best to ensure that our youths benefit from all social investment programmes of the Federal Government. Since the N-Power started, 11,364 youths have benefited from Plateau State. Over 2,000 beneficiaries are under the skill acquisition component of N-Power.

Under the conditional cash transfer, out of the over 26,000 households receiving the bimonthly stipend of 10 thousand naira, 24,070 have youths as caregivers and alternate who receive the stipend on behalf of the households. In 90% of the households, there are youths who are beneficiaries.

The governor reiterate that the Plateau State Government did not hoard any palliatives as some political interests are desperately trying to deceive the public.

“We shall continue to explain that we received the items from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs just shortly before the #ENDSARS protests began.

“This delayed the process for distribution,before then, every palliative we acquired or had received was distributed transparently by the Committee led by the Deputy Governor to vulnerable individuals and groups within the 17 Local Government Areas. Do not be deceived by those who are consumed by desperation for power and can condescend so low to exploit people’s misfortune for political gains.”

” We are a people-centred government that can never inflict pain on our citizens,let me appeal to our youths to always put the interest of our State at heart and learn to build, not to destroy. ”

He warned about the negative use of the social media which has the capacity for inciting gullible people towards violence, hatred and destruction.

“Let us take advantage of the Peace Building Agency which has contributed significantly to arresting the vicious cycle of violence through a wide range of conflict prevention and peace building mechanisms including, systematic dialogue, advocacy, peace education and preventive diplomacy.”

However,the governor used the interaction to appeal with our youths to always avoid any action that can threaten unity and peace of the state Plateau belongs to all of us and we must build it together.

Plateau State #Endsars Protest,The State Lose Over 70Billion Naira,Debunk Government Hoarding Palliatives.

By,giwa alex, Jos

The Plateau state government has lamented the level of looting , vandalization and destructions of properties in Jos – North and South of the state during the #Endsars peaceful Protest that was hijacked by hoodlums in the state.

Lalong said the government has gone round the areas affected by the peaceful Protest turned violent, and discovered the magnitude of the destructions that can’t be less than 70billion naira,the action of the hoodlums Who cash on the peaceful Endsars Protest has drawn the state grossly backwards economically and otherwise.

Governor Lalong stated this in his speech at the interactive session with the Youths in the state Over the #Endsars Protest turned violent which metamorphosize into looting arson , vandalization of public and private properties held at Victoria Gowon Conference Hall Little Rayfield on 30th October,2020.

Governor Lalong lamented the inability to interact with youth occasion by Endsars Protest turned violent and looting of government and private properties.

“Sadly the engagement with the youths was obstructed because of the uncertainties that arose as a result of the #ENDSARS protests and subsequent disturbances that followed, It is therefore with a deep heart that I welcome you to this interaction as we review the events of the recent past and look at the way forward.

Lalong said depict the implementation of the demand of the Youths by Mr President, Mohammedu Buhari having seen some elements in your request, led to the directives by President Muhammadu Buhari to the IGP to immediately disband SARS. This order was carried out without delay.”

“In addition, Government agreed to implement other demands of the protesters such as the setting up of Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate complaints of police brutality and related extra-judicial killings which will lead to the punishment of culprits and compensation for victims.”

“Here in Plateau State, I immediately inaugurated the Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate complaints of police brutality and related extra-judicial killings headed by Justice Philomena Lot, a retired judge of the Plateau State High Court on 19th October 2020.”

The governor lamented that despite various efforts to meet with the leadership of the #ENDSARS protests here in Plateau State, no one agreed to engage the government as the protesters claimed they had no leaders, this continued despite our appeal for the protests to end and the path of dialogue adopted.”

The governor further added that he Iwent round some of the affected areas together with Members of the National Assembly Caucus from Plateau State and the Minister of Women Affairs to assess the level of destruction,what we saw was horrific and despicable.

“The level of destruction and carnage is unbelievable and unacceptable,we are still trying to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the total cost of the damage.”

” However, the preliminary report by a team of experts I constituted has estimated the losses to be put at about 75 billion naira for now. “maintained.

He said the Carnage occasion by the #Endsars protest hijacked by hoodlums, clearly takes us many years backwards as we do not have the resources to replace the structures vandalised and the items damaged or stolen,we are yet to recover from the devastating economic consequences of COVID-19 which has greatly affected our capacity to provide services.

“Indeed, this act of destruction has nothing to do with the initial #ENDSARS protests, but a clear act of criminality and unpatriotic behaviour. As at the last count, we have more than 32 public and private properties that were affected in the looting spree”.

The governor said he appreciates the actions of the Youths and also share on their pains,

“My dear youth, as a father and your Governor, I feel your pain. My heart goes out to all our youths for the many challenges they face daily due to lack of opportunities for jobs and better conditions to achieve their dreams,
this is a burden that has accumulated over time which our administration is working hard to address.

However, it is always confusing when people demand justice by either violating laws or trampling on the rights of others. That can only breed chaos and anarchy leading to worse consequences than what they sought to address in the first place.

You would agree with me that the enormity of the challenges we face cannot be resolved overnight or with a wave of the hand,It is a process which all of us must collectively work together to achieve.

“However, the question that begs for answer is, “can these problems be solved by the kind of destruction and carnage we witnessed recently?” When we destroy the few infrastructures we have, we can never build the better Plateau that we all yearn for.

Since coming into power, my administration has remained committed to pursuing the economic development of the State through youth empowerment and job creation. That is why we continue to prioritize peace and security which encourages private investors to create jobs and boost the economy,we established PLASMIDA to be the driving force for empowering our youths with skills and knowledge that will enable them create jobs and be self-reliant.

The governor said,so far the agency has trained about 40,000 youths in different areas and supported over 15,000 Micro, Small and Medium business start-ups. Today, Plateau State is the face of MSMEs in Nigeria as we have consistently won awards since 2018.

“We have also taken advantage of our strategic partnership with the ITF, GIZ and other development partners to create opportunities for our youths in agriculture, entrepreneurship and skills development. This is in addition to providing incentives for young people to go into farming which our state is known for.

we have also done our best to ensure that our youths benefit from all social investment programmes of the Federal Government. Since the N-Power started, 11,364 youths have benefited from Plateau State. Over 2,000 beneficiaries are under the skill acquisition component of N-Power.

Under the conditional cash transfer, out of the over 26,000 households receiving the bimonthly stipend of 10 thousand naira, 24,070 have youths as caregivers and alternate who receive the stipend on behalf of the households. In 90% of the households, there are youths who are beneficiaries.

The governor reiterate that the Plateau State Government did not hoard any palliatives as some political interests are desperately trying to deceive the public.

“We shall continue to explain that we received the items from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs just shortly before the #ENDSARS protests began.

“This delayed the process for distribution,before then, every palliative we acquired or had received was distributed transparently by the Committee led by the Deputy Governor to vulnerable individuals and groups within the 17 Local Government Areas. Do not be deceived by those who are consumed by desperation for power and can condescend so low to exploit people’s misfortune for political gains.”

” We are a people-centred government that can never inflict pain on our citizens,let me appeal to our youths to always put the interest of our State at heart and learn to build, not to destroy. ”

He warned about the negative use of the social media which has the capacity for inciting gullible people towards violence, hatred and destruction.

“Let us take advantage of the Peace Building Agency which has contributed significantly to arresting the vicious cycle of violence through a wide range of conflict prevention and peace building mechanisms including, systematic dialogue, advocacy, peace education and preventive diplomacy.”

However,the governor used the interaction to appeal with our youths to always avoid any action that can threaten unity and peace of the state Plateau belongs to all of us and we must build it together.

By,giwa alex, Jos

The Judicial Panel Investigating Complaints of Police Brutality and Extra-judicial killings in Plateau State will resumed sitting on Monday 2nd november,2020 .

As against this backdrop,the panel is inviting the general public to its inaugural sitting Who must had suffered one form of police brutality and extra judicial killings in one way or other to submit it petition.

The submition of petition is contained in a press statement dated 30th October,2020 , signed by the secretary of the panel Cornelius Shibial and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau State capital.

According to the statement,the sitting and submition of petitions shall commence Monday 2nd November, 2020,

Venue Dadin-Kowa Youth centre Jos.

Time is 10am prompt.

The statement however advised the general public to note that Covid -19 protocol will be strictly observed.

Northern Governors Felicitates With Muslims At Eid-EL-Maulud Celebration,Call For Tolerance.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The Governors under the auspacies of the “Northern Governors Forum” has Felicitates with Muslims Ummah in Nigeria as they join others all over the world to mark the Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

The Northern Governors Forum’s felicitation is contained in a press statement dated 29th October,2020, signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to governor Lalong Makut Macham and made available to this medium in Jos , plateau State capital.

The Chairman of the Forum Who doubled as the Governor of Plateau State ,Simon Bako Lalong in a statement called on all muslims to use the occasion and reflect on the virtues of love, tolerance and compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet.

Lalong also asked for sober reflection among Nigerians saying the current situation in the country calls for patience, understanding, honesty, sincerity, kindness and collaboration in overcoming various challenges.

He further said the Forum continues to crave the prayers of all Nigerians for wisdom and guidance to enable them serve the people with the best intentions and visionary programmes that will alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of the people.

The Governor called for calm from events of recent past, assuring that the Government is doing all that is necessary to address the issues raised by Nigerian youths.

However, appealed to the youths to resist the temptation of engaging in destruction of properties which only retards development.

Plateau State Security Council Meets Over #Endsars Protest, Looting And Curfew.By,giwa alex, JosThe Plateau State Security Council has again met to deliberate on the security situation following #Endsars protest, looting and Curfew imposed in the last two days.The security meeting is contained in a press statement dated 26th October ,2020 , signed by the Director of press Affairs to the governor,Makut Macham and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau State capital.Briefing newsmen after the meeting held at Government House Rayfield Jos, Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu said so far, the situation is calm but still fluid as there are still threats to attack other public and private businesses as well as individuals.He said the Council agreed to further fortify all check-points in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas to give effect to the curfew imposed in order to restore peace that will determine the next line of action.He further said that security agencies have been mandated to embark on massive manhunt for the arrest of looters and ensure materials are recovered while the culprits are prosecuted.Prof. Atu said so far, 7 courts have been designated for the prosecution of the 307 suspects so far arrested at various locations where the looting took place.The Council warned members of the public from consuming some of the looted food items because they are dangerous for human consumption as they have been chemically treated for preservation.Members of the public were further advised to be aware of these dangers and not to patronize the product of these looters.The Council also encouraged the sustenance of all channels of engagement and dialogue with youth groups, community leaders, professional bodies, associations and traditional rulers to foster more understanding that will lead to a de-escalation of the current situation.Members of the security forces were commended for their efforts so far and encouraged to continue to work in restoring and maintaining peace in the State. The Government has also promised to look into their challenges with a view to addressing them and making them more effective.The Government again restated that there was no hoarding of palliatives as the looted items were delivered to the State by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development just before the #ENDSARS protests began which made it difficult for the distribution to commence before the sad looting and destruction of the warehouses.The council advised members of the public to be wary of propaganda and disinformation that is perpetrated through the social media to incite the people against government and encourage chaos, saying no society can exist without law and order.Council notes that up till now, some political leaders and traditional rulers have not engaged their people as resolved with at the stakeholders meeting with the Governor.They are being called upon to do so and submit reports to government immediately.
As at 26th October 2020, some of the looted and vandalized properties include:SEMA Warehouse (Old Nitel Bukuru), PRUWASSA, PADP (Dogon Dutse Jos), Mineral Museum (Angul D, Bukuru), ASTC Vom, Plateau Publishing Company, SUBEB (Dogon Dutse), Government Technical College Bukuru, Ryom Local Government Secretariat, School of Home Economics Vom, Jos foods, Jos Trade Fair (Polo), Private Residence of former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.Others such as Grand Cereals Bukuru, State and Federal Secretariats and Private residences of some individuals have also been threatened.

B

auchi State : Hon.Hassana Arkila Lauds Governor Bala Mohammed For Conducting LGs Elections And Other Laudable Achievements .

By, giwa alex,

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has been lauded for Conducting local government election in the 20 LGAs across the state after over 10,years when last elections was conducted.

As she reel out numerous Achievements of the Bala Mohammed led administration in Bauchi state since he assumed office as governor in the state in 2019.

The former chairman of Bogoro local government and currently the Chairman Orphans And Vulnerable Children Agency (BASOVCA) made the commendation in an interview with journalist in Tafawa Balewa LG during the state LG election held on the 17th October,2020.

The former People Democratic Party (PDP) Bauchi South Senatorial district and former Ex-official of the ruling party in the state said Bala Mohammed has demostrate what other past administration could not do for conducting the state local government.

Hon.Hassana said the conduct of the LG election in the state after a decade, shows how PDP led government in the state had adhered to it electioneering campaign promises.

“During the electioneering campaign of His Excellency Bala Mohammed,he promised that when given the mandate as the governor of Bauchi state,he will conduct the local government election in all the local government which was last conducted since 2008.”

“Today its no longer political promise as some people claimed but a reality and every citizens of the state are happy which is the reasons they queued to support him and his government.”

The Chairman Orphans and and Vulnerable Children Agency in the state , said the achievement of Bala Mohammed in the state within the shortest period in the office has surpassed the full administration of most past administration in state .

She further said, under Bala Mohammed administration in the state, infrastructure has been given a face lift as most of the Communities in the state hitherto not motorable has been opened with befitting good roads network.

In the health sector, Mrs Hassana said Bala Mohammed led administration has built general hospitals and clinic that has scattered all over the state and the developments still on going in the state and it’s environs.

She said because of the achievement of the governor in the state , the opposition party are decamping to the party in the state enmass to join hands for the developmental achievement of the governor .

On the administration imparts on educational sector in the state, the chairman said since the assumption in office,the governor ensured the prompt payment of the salaries of the civil servants in the state including teachers having know the importance of education in the development of any nation.

“Governor Bala Mohammed ensured that the civil servants in the state receive their salaries on or before 25th of every month since he assumed office as governor of Bauchi state,the action of the governor has helped to raise the morals of the workers in the state.”

On the period under review,the PDP administration has constructed numerous classrooms for primary, secondary,even at the tertary institution in the state and recruitment of more teaching staff.

She however called on the citizens of Bauchi state to join hands and support the PDP led government in the state to move the state to the next level.

It would be recalled that the Bauchi state government conducted her local government elections in the state after over 10 years last held which the ruling party in the state PDP swept all the 20 LGAs.

Bauchi State : Hon.Hassana Arkila Lauds Governor Bala Mohammed For Conducting LGs Elections And Other Laudable Achievements .

By, giwa alex,

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has been lauded for Conducting local government election in the 20 LGAs across the state after over 10,years when last elections was conducted.

As she reel out numerous Achievements of the Bala Mohammed led administration in Bauchi state since he assumed office as governor in the state in 2019.

The former chairman of Bogoro local government and currently the Chairman Orphans And Vulnerable Children Agency (BASOVCA) made the commendation in an interview with journalist in Tafawa Balewa LG during the state LG election held on the 17th October,2020.

The former People Democratic Party (PDP) Bauchi South Senatorial district and former Ex-official of the ruling party in the state said Bala Mohammed has demostrate what other past administration could not do for conducting the state local government.

Hon.Hassana said the conduct of the LG election in the state after a decade, shows how PDP led government in the state had adhered to it electioneering campaign promises.

“During the electioneering campaign of His Excellency Bala Mohammed,he promised that when given the mandate as the governor of Bauchi state,he will conduct the local government election in all the local government which was last conducted since 2008.”

“Today its no longer political promise as some people claimed but a reality and every citizens of the state are happy which is the reasons they queued to support him and his government.”

The Chairman Orphans and and Vulnerable Children Agency in the state , said the achievement of Bala Mohammed in the state within the shortest period in the office has surpassed the full administration of most past administration in state .

She further said, under Bala Mohammed administration in the state, infrastructure has been given a face lift as most of the Communities in the state hitherto not motorable has been opened with befitting good roads network.

In the health sector, Mrs Hassana said Bala Mohammed led administration has built general hospitals and clinic that has scattered all over the state and the developments still on going in the state and it’s environs.

She said because of the achievement of the governor in the state , the opposition party are decamping to the party in the state enmass to join hands for the developmental achievement of the governor .

On the administration imparts on educational sector in the state, the chairman said since the assumption in office,the governor ensured the prompt payment of the salaries of the civil servants in the state including teachers having know the importance of education in the development of any nation.

“Governor Bala Mohammed ensured that the civil servants in the state receive their salaries on or before 25th of every month since he assumed office as governor of Bauchi state,the action of the governor has helped to raise the morals of the workers in the state.”

On the period under review,the PDP administration has constructed numerous classrooms for primary, secondary,even at the tertary institution in the state and recruitment of more teaching staff.

She however called on the citizens of Bauchi state to join hands and support the PDP led government in the state to move the state to the next level.

It would be recalled that the Bauchi state government conducted her local government elections in the state after over 10 years last held which the ruling party in the state PDP swept all the 20 LGAs.

By,giwa alex,Jos

The insinuation that governor Lalong is behind the hoarding of Covid-19 Palliatives met to be given to the indigents and vulnerable is misinformation as he vagued for the governor’s innocent.

A Youth who doubled as a Politician ,Hon Samuel Kasuwa has disclosed this in an interview with journalist in Jos, plateau State capital.

He said that Governor Simon Bako Lalong had no intention to divert palliatives met for the citizens of the state but pledged that we are vanguard of change in the society so we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be misled .

He commended the federal and state government distribution for palliatives to ease the covid-19 pandemic across the 36 states but charge protesters to exercise constraint and allow government to constitute committee to share to Nigerian.

Hon. Samuel Kasuwa condemned in its in totality the manner some miscreants hijacked the peaceful protest by turning it into looting expedition and attacking personalities in the name of wild #Endsars protest.

He pleaded with the Nigerian youths to shun all social vices capable of destroying the unity of Nigeria sovereignty ,we must put aside our differences in religious and ethnic affiliation to led this great country to the promise land no matter what is bedeviling us.

Kasuwa called on citizens of Plateau state to uphold the spirit of tolerance forgiveness to ensure that we all strengthen the bound of unity at all level of development .

He maintained that what happened to Nigeria within the weeks under review we pray God Almighty to stop the act of brutality and looting of private owners properties in the name of protest .

Kasuwa noted that as a youth,I’m calling on all the protesters to remain calm and to see that Mr President also condemn the brutality of SARS by dissolving them immediately .

However, in Plateau state ,Hon Kasuwa applauded Governor Simon Lalong for quick action taken in addressing the protesters by preventing them from spreading across the state but reducef to two LGs .

He appealed to all the traditional rulers across the 17 LGAs of the state to caution their youths and make sure the outbreak of lawlessness is avoided without rancor .

According to him , we appeal to religious leaders in the state to return back to God and pray for the restoration of the land ,we are member of one family and we belong to one Nigeria so let stop deceiving ourselves going to destroy our symbol of love and unity .

Samuel lamented that we should imbibe the culture of togetherness ,we would return back to our creator one day so there is no need for us to fight and destroy what God has endowed us with .

He further add that Nigerian youths should stop wild goose chase of white cola jobs they should engage themselves in meaningful business to manage their family because of the situation .

He stressed that violence attacks on innocent Nigerian to vandalised and intimidate them and pack their goods isn’t the solution to the present crises which can’t solve our unemployment challenges facing us ,he added.

Kasuwa stressed that,”I’m not speaking for the government or their actions, but stress that they have to set up committee to enable them distribute the palliatives to the vulnerable communities but with this act few people are the beneficiaries of the gesture through dubious and unconditional means “.

He pointed out that whatever we enjoy today,we should understand that another day we would suffer same Faith because the manner covid-19 wreck havoc across the globe ,we should remain calm and be our brothers keeper .

He added that Nigeria belongs to all of us so we should build indelible mark of confidence .

#Endsars Protest : Christians And Muslims Leaders Appeals To Youths In Plateau State To Be Calm.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The Youth Wing of Christian Association Of Nigeria (YOWICAN)and National Council Of Muslim Youth Organization (NACOMYO) of Nigeria, plateau State chapter,

has appeared to Plateau youths to sheath their swords and allow the Federal and State government to respond to their demands during the #Endsars Protest.

This is imperactive as the cry of the youths has been heard and Government has taken the first step by disbanding the Special Anti-Roberry Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force, there’s need to show understanding as we await other actions of Government in addressing the other issues raised in the demands of the Youths.

The Christian and Muslim appeals is contained in a press statement signed by Pharmacist Markus Audu and Mal . Ali Ali for Christian’s and Muslims comminity respectively and made available to our medium in Jos, plateau State capital.

The press statement which read in part,

“The Plateau State Government has set up the Judicial Committee to investigate petitions against SARS personnel that were brutal, let us make our submissions to the committee please.”

“As law abiding citizens, let’s act in a manner that is more civil in the interest of our dear Plateau State which we all know has suffered a long period of unrest and is still trying to recover to its feet. We should try as much as possible to do the following:”

Make our presentation to the commission of enquiry.

“Help ourselves and our Dear Plateau State by bringing a stop to the vandalization of the infrastructures of the State, whether publicly or privately owned. “

” Plateau State is still lagging behind in development, what we need to do is to crave for more developmental projects, not to destroy the ones already on ground.”

“As Youth Leaders in our various communities, we should sensitize our members on the need to remain peaceful and engage the authorities through constructive meansDialogue is very critical ,

He further add that “we should articulate feasible recommendations on how our Dear State will be move forward because we owe our yet unborn generations the responsibility to do that. And appeal to government to put in place an engagement process with the various youth organizations through the Youth Leaders.

By, giwa alex, Jos

As the fire ingnited by #Endsars protest rages on,the Protest has taken another dramatic turn as the house of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 8th Assembly and current serving Senator Dogara’s House has been vandalized by the Protesters in Jos.

This is as the covid-19 Palliatives Warehouse given to the state by the Federal government was also looted by the rampaging #Endsars Protesters in the state capital.

The senator’s resident is said to have been vandalized by hundreds of the Protesters who stormed his house located at Lamigo of Jos North local government of plateau State, capital.

Although the amount of the properties looted by the Protesters from the vandalized senator’s resident cannot be assertained at time of this report, but is said to be running into millions of naira.

Similarly,the warehouse housing Covid-19 Palliatives given to the state by the Federal government for onward distribution to indigents persons and people living with disabilities was also vandalized by the irate Protesters on Saturday,24th October,2020.

The warehouse housing the items is said to be located at the premises of Plateau State Publishing Company (PPC)the state own Newspaper company.

The Protesters who besieged the warehouse in their numbers Over power the security at the gate and forced the door of the warehouse open as they started looting the items.

The army, police and the men of civil defence corps drafted to stop the vandalisation of the Palliatives item could not do much as the protesters cashed on their civil nature and threatened to engage the securities on physical combat.

The action of the Protesters which however hightened panic in Jos and its environs forced governor Lalong to re-impose the earlier relaxed 24 hours curfew imposed in Jos North and South of the state at wake of the Protest, was re-impose till further notice.

The looting of the PPC warehouse Palliatives is coming two days after the Protesters had looted the Palliatives in bukuru in Jos south LGA of the state which worth millions of naira.

The protesters who seem not to relent in their Protest and looting of goods belonging to government and private individuals, is seen in their numbers possibly scouting for the next warehouse or possibly shops to vandalise.

Presently, the ever busy town of Jos , capital of Plateau State is a ghost of itself following the restatement of 24 hours in the state by the state government ,Simon Bako Lalong.

As securities were seen in strategic position of the state to prevent further break- down of law and order.

Plateau State : Governor Lalong Denies Hoarding Covid-19

Palliatives.

By,giwa Alex, Jos

Following the vandalization and looting of palliatives from some warehouses in Jos and Bukuru on 24th October 2020, by protesting #Endsars protesters,the state government has condemnedb in strong term the action of the protesters and further make some clarirications about the items to clear the erroenous impression that they were being hoarded.

The government clearification is contained in a press release dated 24th October,2020, signed by the commissioner of information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau State capital.

The release said the items at the warehouses were delivered to the state by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Social Development and Disaster Management for distribution to beneficiaries in Plateau State.

The public may recall that the Hon. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk was in Jos together with the Minister of Women Affairs Dame Paullen Tallen on the 16th October 2020 to deliver the items and had indeed brought in the personel of the Ministry to carry out the distribution in conjunction with State officials.

However as they were preparing to begin the process, the #ENDSARS protests began which put the process on hold.

Unfortunately while the iterms from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Social Development and Disaster Management alongside the state representatives were waiting for the coast to clear to commence the distribution, the stores were breached and the items carted away.

The Plateau State Government therefore wishes to state categorically that it did not hoard any palliatives meant for the citizens of the State at any time.

All the palliatives purchased by the State and those donated by private individuals were distributed equitably by the State Palliative Committee headed by His Excellency Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Deputy Governor of Plateau State.

With this explanation, it would be wrong and mischievous for anyone to suggest that the State Government was hoarding food items meant for indigent citizens.

The Rescue Administration of Governor Simon Lalong will never tolerate that.

Government wishes to once again appeal to the citizens particularly the youths to continue to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid any action that could cause the breakdown of law and order.

The Government wishes to remind citizens that directive for the ban on protests and procession is still in force and security agencies still have the mandate to arrest and prosecute those who violate the order.

#Endsars Protest: Communique Of South West Caucus In The Senate.

By, Our Reporter

Being cognisant of the recent developments in the country generally and in particular the violent incidents in some places in South West Region

Being cognisant of our responsibility to peace, security and welfare of the people.

We 17 elected Senators from the six South West States after our meeting state as follow:

1. We recognise the right of citizens to ventilate their grievances by way of peaceful protests.

2. We have received the 5-point demands of the genuine #EndSARS protesters and we identity with the demands. With our colleagues in the Senate, we have passed these demands to the Federal Executive for implementation.

3. We deprecate unequivocally the use of brute force against peaceful protesters in the country.

4. In view of the massive infrastructure deficit and precarious financial situation of the country, we condemn wanton destruction of public property and those of private individuals by hoodlums as this constitute bastardisation of the cause of genuine #EndSARS peaceful protesters.

5.

We enjoin the President and all security agencies to ensure security of lives and property in all parts of the country.

5. We urge the #EndSARS protesters to exercise restraints to enable the government implement their demands.

Plateau State Government Has Relex Curfew From 6am-8pm

By,giwa alex,Jos

The plateau State Government has reviewed the curfew earlier imposed in Jos-north and South of the state following the #Endsars protesters on Tuesday 20th October,2020 which left not fewer than 5 persons dead.

The review of the curfew bis contained in a press statement dated 22nd October,2020, signed by the secretary to the state government Professor Danladi Atu(SGS) and and made available to this medium in Jos, Plateau state capital.

The release read as follows:

Following resolutions

reached at a high level stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, one of which is the need for stakeholders to immediately engage their communities across the state in a systematic Peace dialogues aimed at de-escalating tension, the Government has decided to relax the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North and South Local Government Areas from 6am to 8pm as from Friday October 23, 2020 until further notice.

This decision was reached after painstaking deliberations with critical stakeholders and careful assessment of the security situation that led to the skirmishes in some parts of the affected local government areas, last Tuesday.

Please note that the government is not unmindful of citizens’ Constitutional Rights to hold lawful assembly or stage peaceful protests as long as these are carried out within the extant laws of Nigeria. As a Government, we also appreciate the fact that these are the variables that further deepen our democracy.

However, as a deliberate approach to prevent a repeat of last Tuesday’s ugly incident where precious human lives and property were lost, the Government has for now also resolved to ban forthwith any processions and protests under whatever guise in order to safeguard the lives all citizens of the state.

This is to enable the Government isolate and deal with those who are bent on disrupting the peace of the State.

By this notice, we urge all law abiding citizens to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of molestation as government has put all necessary measures in place to ensure the maintenance of law and order across the state.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Plateau State government has already set machinery in motion to address the demands raised by the protesters.

In this light, government has constituted a Committee headed by a retired High Court Judge, Justice Philomena Lot which has since swung into action and ready to receive petitions from those who have cases.

We sue for understanding and patience from all and sundry as government takes decisive steps to address the demands of the protesters in the coming weeks.

We therefore call on all citizens to avoid any action that is inimical to the overall development of the state especially those that threaten the peace and unity of our people.

Governor Lalong Visits Areas Affected By #Endsars Protest,Vows To Disallows Return Of Choas In Plateau.By, giwa Alex, JosGovernor Simon Bako Lalong on Wednesday 21st October 2020 visited some of the areas that were affected by the disturbances that trailed the #Endsars protests in Jos North and Jos South Local Government areas of Plateau which led to the imposition of curfew in the two Local Governments.The Governor accompanied by Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu and heads of security agencies in the State, took a tour of Ahmadu Bello Way, Terminus and Bukuru where he was briefed by the Commissioner of Police Edward Egbuka.He was told that some cars belonging to customers were burn at the Ahmadu Bello Way while attempts to loot shops were thwarted and some arrests were made.The Governor also went round some of the businesses that were partially torched and places of worship that were vandalized along the terminus area.At Jos South Local Government, the Governor visited some places of worship that were burnt and looted at Gyero road and Kugiya market.While speaking with journalists after the visit, the Governor said he was disappointed that some persons were cashing in on the #Endsars protests to implement their hidden agenda of destabilizing Plateau State at all costs.That he said will not be allowed to happen under his watch.On compliance to the 24 hour curfew, the Governor said he was satisfied with the level of compliance but will only announce further measures after an analysis of the current situation by security agencies.He advised citizens to guard their safety and peace judiciously and also cooperate with the government in fishing out criminals whether they are associated with the protests or not.

Plateau State: DSS Invites Apostle EL-Buba Over “ENDSARS” Protest.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The Directorates of States Security Service (DSS)have invited Apostle EL-Buba the founder of EBOMI church in Plateau State capital.

The invitation of the Apostle may not be unconnected to the Endsars protest that has engulf the state and the whole country.

The man of God Apostle EL-BUBA who arrived at the DSS office around 10am on Tuesday,20th,2020 in company of his lawyer Barr.Bawa and some of his personal aid in the ministry and spend not less an hour with the security agent.

In an interview with journalist immediately he worked out of the office of DSS at his Ebomi tower in kashim Abrahim street opposite ldomie plaza ,he said ,

By,giwa alex, Jos

The High Court sitting in Jos, plateau State has warned the government of plateau State to maintained Status quo on the case of impeachment of the chairman of quan’paan local government of plateau State because any contrary action of any parties will amount to subjudice.

The warning was handed down by Justice Nafisatu Mohammed during the impeachment case of the embattled chairman of quan’paan local government , Isaac kwallu in Jos, plateau State.

The Case was in the last adjourned date slated for the continuation of hearing today 16th,Oct,2020, was temporarily distrupted when counsel to the plantiff in the matter, Solomon Umoh(SAN) told the Court that some people who claimed to be acting strictly On the instruction of the 4th defendant, who doubled as the current chairman of the local government stormed the House of my client in commando style demanding for 3 car purportedly giving to him when he hold sway as the chairman of the local council.

In her quick reaction,the presiding judge Justice Mohammed Haisatu condmed the action of the 4th defendant despite the earlier court warning to the parties involved in the matter to maintain status quo pending the determination of the court on the matter.

The counsel to the 4th defendant barrister Dawan who who try to defend the action of his client claimed he didn’t have the knowledge that his client commit the alladged offence and urgued the court to spear him some words for the interest of fair hearing.

The Counsel to the plantiff appeals to the court to prevail on the the 4th defendant to maintain status quo pending the court determination and stop harrassing my client as further action will which will be tantamount to court subjudice.

However, the court ruled on the application of motion on notice brought before him my the 1st and,2nd,3rd,26th-30th defendant to file further and better affidavit.

The case is however adjourned to the 5th November,2020 for further hearing.

It would be recalled that Hon.lssac kwallu was impeached as they chairman quan’paan local government of plateau State by the state house of Assembly .

The embattled chairman who feel his impeachment is illegal, headed for the court to challenge his removal from office as the chairman of council.

Impersonation of Gov.
Lalong : Chief Security Details Alleged Forgery Scandal “Denied Knowing Accused”,By,giwa alex,JosA man impersonating as Governor Simon Lalong in Plateau State was arrested with incriminating documents of the APC logo and coat of arm case adjourned to the 12th November ,2020 for taking of two more witnesses .The Governor ,Chief Security details , CSP of Police ,Ephraim Damian who was cross examined by the 1st accused person counsel ,Barr James Alechenu on whether his client was arrested at home and the said documents recovered on his possession at home.The Pw1 ,Ephraim told the judge that he was present during the crack down exercise were they found some incriminating vital documents and he order for the arrest Adam Hassan over impersonating as his principal .Sir, can you tell this honourable court whether my client ,Adam Hassan has used that documents to dupe any other victim outside what is recover from him ,CPS,says,” no sir ,I don’t know about that” .CSP ,Ephraim testified before a Federal High Court sitting in Jos ,Division on alleged forgery of purported documents linking the accused person ,Mr Adam Hassan to an All Progressive Congress ,APC ,logo and Nigeria coat of arm .The chief details ,CSP Ephraim Damian ,PWI told the court that he didn’t identified the second accused person who have been in correctional centre languishing for the crime he know nothing about .While on cross examination,Smart Arabor told the court that he can’t asked any further question because the second defendant was not found guilty for committing the crime he is accused of impersonating .However ,the chief security details explained that on the 30th December, 2020 they received an information from an informants that one Adam Hassan was using some documents purported to be connected to Executive Governor Simon Lalong .According to the PW1 ,CSP. Ephraim Damian says the accused person was using the APC Logo and coat of arm to disguise as Governor Simon Lalong name in duping people and he use his office to track the culprit somewhere around yan taiya market through the informants information .He said ,”I have work with the Governor Simon Lalong for the past five years and I can identified his hand writing when I see one but the culprit forge the APC logo and coat of arm with the Governor signature in it “.Justice Dorcas Agishi accepted the documents in evidence which was tender before the court as exhibits ,Ephraim added we effect arrest and handed him over to command headquarters for further investigation .

Poor Performance/Representation : The Call For Hon.Haruna Maitala To Resign Thickens.

By,giwa alex, Jos

The call for the member respresenting Jos- North/Bassa in the Federal House of Representatives Hon.Haruna Maitala thickened.

This is as a Coalition of Vanguards for Change and Good

Governance has called on Hon. Haruna Maitala,

member representing the good people of Jos-

North/Bassa Federal Constituency to resign

from office or face a recall process.

The Coalition has also called on the people of

the Constituency to join hands together to

redeem themselves from the pitiable position for

poor representation of the Constituency by Hon. Maitala have put them,

by joining the planned recall if he refuses to

resign.

The Coalition in a Press Conference statement

today, alleged that, members of the Constituency in the past 300 days, have not seen or heard from their member, (Hon.

Maitala) despite the challenges they have been confronted with.

The statement read by, Mr. Richard Godknows,

who is one of the leaders of the Coalition, in

part reads:

“Shockingly, for over 300 days now since he

has been sworn in as the representative of the

good people of Jos-North/Bassa Federal

Constituency, the constituency has continued to

be bedeviled with numerous challenges to

which, the Rep. member chose to remain mute

and unperturbed.

“In view of the copious public outcry, we as

Coalition of Vanguards for Change and Good

Governance have been inundated by the good

people of Jos- North and Bassa with numerous

questions which are begging for answers.

“Although the Hon. Member clearly knows that,

he can’t win another election, he has chosen to

remain unperturbed by the concerns of his

people.

We call on Hon. Maitala to do the honourable act expected of him to resign from

office, as we remain absolutely resolute and determined ( armed with the 1999 constitution

and the voice of the constituents) to invoke the

necessary constitutional provisions, which the

Honourable member has clearly violated.

“We would at this juncture conclude by calling

on all constituents of Jos-North/Bassa to come

together irrespective of tribe, political party and

religious affiliations to stand against this

ineffective representation of Hon. Haruna

Maitala and join the Coalition of Vanguards for

Change and Good Governance in the movement

to recall him on the grounds of POOR

REPRESENTATION”.They maintained.

By, alex giwa, jos

The commissioner of information and communication in plateau state Hon.Dan manjang has rated governor Bako lalong lead administration high above average with over twenty two projects scattered all over the state commissioned and some awaiting to be commissioned.

This is a pointer that the lalong lead administration which is a government of continuity is working for the development of the state.

The Hon. Commissioner of information and communication in plateau state Dan Manjang stated this in an interview with our correspondence during the celebration of Nigeria 60th anniversary organised by NASCO group held at Polo Field in jos the plateau state capital.

Hon.Dan manjang said the lalong administration in the state , has achieved a lot in the area of infrastructural development which has cut across the whole local government of the state , ranging from road construction, hospital , schools and agriculture.

” You heard of Governor Lalong legacy projects which scattered across the state, ranging from schools , hospitals and roads oriented .”

Speaking on the human capital development, the commissioner of information and communication said over Thirty Thousand youths has been trained to acquire different skills across the state in conjunction with other organization like the ITF and the State governor.

And the industrial training fund (ITF) has trained not fewer than 5000 youths across the country.

He maintained that so far so good, lalong government has been able to perform with the limited financial position the government find itselves , the financial position which everybody know what it was before, and what its now.

He stressed that the slow pace of Nigeria undevelopment since the country independence everybody have to share from the blame , the governance and the governed ,this is because the lead determined on how there leaders is going to be elected into power.

He said looking at what the lalong administration has done in past five years in the office as the governor of the state, the commissioner said the plateau government policy is been driven by the three policy trust of the government which include, Security and good governance, infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth and all these have scattered across the state.

“Remember we are the first state in the whole Nigeria that come up with peace Agency in country which is incontrovertible”.

We have been able to strengthened the state security agency Operation Rain Bow to compliment the activities of vigilante in the state .

” When you are going to keran, you will see the presence of Nigeria Airforce and full fledged mobile barrack in shandam”.

But however condemned the sporadic breach of peace in some communities in the state , and add that there is country in world , even highly Democratic countries that is said to be 100% free from occasional skmishes.But stressed that the government is not resting on it oars to nip the killing on it bud and bring those behind the killings to justice.

“The best the government we do is to tell ourselves the gospel truth, in plateau state, we most learn to accommodate one another, the security is for both individual and the government “.

” We are holding the government in trust, and the Peace Building Agency will continued to dialogue with the warring communities as what peace cannot give us, violence cannot do it either. “

” We are appealling to the sensibility of the people that God in his mercy that brings us together irrespectives of religion, tribes and political lineage , we must learn to leave above our prejudice and hope for all the money the government used in peace building issues would have been money provided for the building of infrastructure , health and education for the people , and we end up shooting ourselves on the foot by not accommodating one another.,”

Dan Manjang further add that no nation, community can ever grow alone like the word of the late siege “Obafemi Awolowo”, said “you cannot climb a tree with one hand”.

Speaking on the significant of the recent flag off of flight from Abuja to Jos, he condemned those who did not see the benefit of the flag of the flight enrount jos to Abuja.

” I can assured you that it will beef up the economy of the state , we are going to have the trade fair , investors will come into the state with fight from Abuja which is jos 25 muniute journey. “

“For those with contrary view, i can assure you that its going to beef up the economic activities of the state”, creat jobs for our people, help us as state and also a pointer to the fact that the state is peaceful.”

Hon.Amos Azi Extrays Nigeria Positions As An Investment Hub Of Africa.

By,giwa alex, Jos

The Chairman Chief Executive Office (CEO) of the Investment and Security Tribunal Abuja, Hon. Amos Isaac Azi , has said Nigeria would be investment hubs of Africa ,as he eulogized the judiciary for their solidarity during his swearing in ceremony .

He made this disclosure as he extrayed Nigeria as an investment destination with the proper body to ease business transaction and fast track mitigation on behalf of investors .

Hon. Azi who paid a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Chief Judge, Justice Yakubu Dakwak in his office, at the Plateau State High Court premises today Friday 18, September 2020.

He stressed that , Investment and Security Tribunal is an institution that was established for a specific responsibilities, specifically designed as a judicial body that is established to handle investment’s disputes between countries and private individuals .

According to him , this is an institution established to show to investors all over the world that Nigeria is an investment destination.

world, no he pointed out that once they have issues a special court is established that will deal with their issues within a specific period of time and is a tribunal, and so therefore devoid of the technicalities of the normal court processes.

The Chairman also revealed that every foreign investor, or domestic investor before he invest in any economy of a country, he want to understand and know, in case of a disagreement do he go to normal judicial processes, that is over burden with technicalities, is over burden with work load and so it will take unnecessary time for resolution.

Azi maintained that our government look into it and say yes investment is security, is a special investment because the capital market is the winder for economic development of every nations.

He cautioned that today world No nation develop without the support from the capital market and the capital market is that platform that enables countries and cooperates organizations to access cheap funds from the public, and so when people put in their money to invest in such securities so therefore is an investment.

Barr.Amos Azi reiterated that they are not NGO’s they want to make profits and and most of this transaction are time bound with specific mandate of what they want to do.

Speaking on the establishment of Nigeria Investment and Security Tribunal, Hon Azi revealed that the institution was established in the year 2003, and is the first in Africa with the purpose of settling investment disputes within 90 days.

And is established within the same structures, that you have the financial misconduct tribunal in UK, you have the capital market appealed tribunal in India, so there are only four of them in the world.

“And so Nigeria is therefore rank as a friendly investment destination in the ranking, it is very challenging responsibility, expectations are high both from the Government and the investor and that is why I want to call for people to pray me”.

Also speaking on how investors can access the tribunal in case of any eventuality, Hon. Azi stated that they deal with transaction in capital market, you have the regulators and the SRO, the apex regulators is the Security and Exchange Commission, then you have the others regulators like the stoke exchanges where they also dwell as SRO’s because they admit members base on specific requirements that you need to fulfilled.

He also stated that so if any of the investors have a problem, he or she will first approach the Security and Exchange Commission, and if his or her problem is not attended to within 30 days, the person can now approach the tribunal, and then the tribunal will handle the matter devoid of technicalities, of judicial processes, one because if there is a dispute byeAnd the capital market is that platform that enables countries and cooperates organizations to access cheap funds from the public, and so when people put in their money to invest in such securities so therefore is an investment.

They are not NGO’s they want to make profits and and most of this transaction are time bound with specific mandate of what they want to do.

Speaking on the establishment of Nigeria Investment and Security Tribunal, Hon Azi revealed that the institution was established in the year 2003, and is the first in Africa with the purpose of settling investment disputes within 90 days.

And is established within the same structures, that you have the financial misconduct tribunal in UK, you have the capital market appealed tribunal in India, so there are only four of them in the world.

“And so Nigeria is therefore rank as a friendly investment destination in the ranking, it is very challenging responsibility, expectations are high both from the Government and the investor and that is why I want to call for people to pray me”.

Also speaking on how investors can access the tribunal in case of any eventuality, Hon. Azi stated that they deal with transaction in capital market, you have the regulators and the SRO, the apex regulators is the Security and Exchange Commission, then you have the others regulators like the stoke exchanges where they also dwell as SRO’s because they admit members base on specific requirements that you need to fulfilled.

He also stated that so if any of the investors have a problem, he or she will first approach the Security and Exchange Commission, and if his or her problem is not attended to within 30 days, the person can now approach the tribunal, and then the tribunal will handle the matter devoid of technicalities, of judicial processes, one because if there is a dispute between members of any of the exchange SRO’s in the capital market then they can now also approach the tribunal for adjudication.

If the regulator, that is SEC directs any of its registrants to do something and they feels that it is not fair they can now approach the tribunal for redress, so generally the investors have access to tribunal. In a very simple way, you can approach the tribunal directly, and when you approach the tribunal, the tribunal have a window of ADR , where you will be invited to resolve the problem amicably first, because litigation has its own side effects.

It breaks business relationships, so at the tribunal, we encourage the tribunal window of ADR so you can resolve your issue amicably, and they maintain the business relationship. But when that fails, the the tribunal can decide on the matter like I said devoid of technicalities.

We look at the facts on ground.

In his disclosure, the Tribunal Chairman further revealed that the Investment and Security Tribunal have court in Kano, Lagos, Enugu and Port Harcourt, but he call on the Plateau State Government through the Plateau State judiciary to partner with them to give them accommodation to establish one in Plateau.

Also Hon. Azi paid a similar visit to the Plateau State Sharia Court Grand Khadi Justice Umar Ibrahim Abdulahi and the Plateau State President of the Customary Court, Justice Patrick Sati Dapit all to appreciate them of their show of love toward him during his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Chairman Investment and Security Tribunal, whom he said they all trooped to his office to congratulates him.

District Head of Miango alleged defrauds 4 Land owners over MTN mast compensation

By,giwa alex, Jos

The District Head of Miango in , Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau state, Chief Daniel Chega on Wednesday,has admitted before Justice Christene Dabup of High Court 4, Jos on ,how he has deposited 2.5 million money for land compensation paid by the MTN mast to four families into LGA account .

Chief Daniel was accused of conniving defraud them but they four families dragged him to court in a matter instituted by the Muru Ki Mallam Goh Family in Miango District alongside Communications giant, MTN, Miango Traditional Council and Bassa Local Government (as 2nd, 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants in that order) for alleged illegal building of MTN network Mast on their ancestral land.

In a suit No. PLD/J586/2013, the Plaintiffs, Rubwu Mary Kuito (Nee Waki), Jummai J. Andrew (New Waki), Sunday Yah Turu, Joseph R. Turu and Turu Kpasha for themselves and on behalf of the Muru Ki MallamTuru Goh family claimed against the defendants jointly and severally as follows;

“A declaration that the piece of land measuring 3.29 hectares situating and lying at Miango District in Bassa LGA, Plateau State and more particularly described in the site plan belongs to the Plaintiffs.

An Order of forfeiture of the customary tenancy granted the 3rd defendant by the Plaintiffs’ forebears over the 0.18 hectares as identified and shown out of the 3.29 hectares of the land aforesaid.

An Order directing the 1st defendant to remove the Network Mast illegally built on the farmland of the Plaintiffs”.

The Plaintiffs also claimed a total sum of 20 Million Naira as general damages for alleged trespass, rancor, acrimony and embarrassment suffered due to actions of the defendants. The claim goes in this manner; ten million naira against the 1st defendant, 5 million naira against the 2nd and 3rd defendants and 5 million naira against the 4th defendant respectively.

The Plaintiffs further prayed the court for an Order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their privies and representatives from interfering from or in any manner trespassing on their 3.29 hectares of land described in the site plan.

When the matter came on Wednesday, Chief Chega (2nd defendant), in his adopted statement on oath told the court that he was appointed district head of Miango sometimes in October 2010 and that he knew the portion of land in respect of which the plaintiffs have instituted the action.

The District head said that the land in issue is presently used as market place officially designated by Bassa local government (4 descendant) for that purpose.

He said that in 1963 or sometime thereabout, Miango community under its community leaders then, observed Miango town was in need of a befitting market place in view of the growing local economy of the people adding that the market was to serve as an avenue for attracting external traders to purchase the agricultural products of the rural to generate internal revenue for community development.

The defendant that in the same year (1963), the then District Head of Miango, Aweyi Kwe, (deceased), proceeded to scout for a suitable location for the citing of the market. He said that with the mandate of the community leaders under him, the District Head entered into negotiations with the customary land owners by appealing to them to donate the land for public use.

According to the defendant, the families that constituted the land owners, through their respective heads, willfully agreed to donate their respective holdings of the land for the construction of the the said market.

He stressed that in accordance with the native law and custom of the Irigwe people which is required that a token of blankets be given to the donors in acknowledgement and appreciation of their benevolence, each of the family heads was presented with a blanket which they accepted and in turn, appreciated and by so doing, relinquished their titles and possession of the land for public use.

He said that the families whose portions of land were acquired under the above stated deal were; Ruh Goh, Tama and Kira Ki respectively.

The defendant added that the market was formally opened on October 1st 1964 and became the property of the defunct Jos Native Authority which by law was the local and administrative authority in control of Miango.

He however noted that the powers to manage and supervise the market devolved on the 4th defendant when it was created in 1976.

The 2nd defendant stated that in 2010, I. H. S Plc, (a telecommunications company) requested to acquire a small portion of the land on lease to erect a mast that would would provide GSM services to Miango town and its environs.

He said I. H. S contacted him and pursuant to negotiations, rents in the sum of N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) was paid by I. H. S for a period of ten years.

The 2nd defendant further stated that in consultation with the 4th defendant, the Miango Traditional Council decided that the said sum be used to rehabilitate the Grade 1 Area Court building and the Miango Divisional Police Station all of which were burnt down by irate youths of Miango during the riots of 2012 and the money was consequently, kept in the custody of the 4th defendant.

According to 2nd defendant, “The plaintiffs are merely motivated by the desire to access the rents paid by I.H.S Plc to the community for their personal use only.

I know that under Irigwe native law and custom, once the gift or donation of land has been negotiated, permanent transfer of land is usually sealed with a gift of a blanket to the owner coupled with handover of actual possession of same to the dornee.

The land then ceased to be recoverable by the donors and their successor-in-title”.

However, under cross examination by Desmond Umekwe Esq, counsel for the plaintiffs told the court that the agreement between the traditional council and I. H. S Plc for the building of the Mast was done in his palace and signed by him adding that neither the plaintiffs nor Bassa local government (4th defendant was a party to the agreement).

He further told the court that it was much later that he came realised that the land on where the mast was built belonged to the plaintiffs, I.e ( Leko, Kama and Nkara Kik families).

The matter was adjourned until December 07, 2020 for continuation of defence.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in plateau state has described People Democratic Party (PDP) as divided , scattered , segmented and they should better go and organise themselves.

As he further said, ” I cannot even identified the PDP that is been referred to, is it the segmented , divided , scattered party? I urged them to better go and put their house in order.”

The secretary of the APC in plateau state Bashir Sati made the statement in an interview with our correspondence in Jos , plateau state capital in reaction to the comment by PDP over the comment on the candidate of the party APC in the forthcoming southern zone senatorial bye-election coming up October 31th, 2020 the “She is and easy ride for the opposition party PDP”.

The APC secretary said, I do not know among the PDP that are speaking right now. If they are thinking of easy ride somewhere, I want to make it clear to them there is no easy ride anywhere, if they think so let meet at the poll.

He further said , you cannot reap where you did not sown , if PDP think they can reap where they don’t sown, let met at the poll.

On how ready is the APC for the senatorial bye election in the state, the state secretary of the party of the APC in the state reiterated the party’s readiness for the forthcoming senatorial bye-election in the state” we are fully prepared , that is why you did not see us in any division , in fact we have been able to have alots of issues , that we have be able to package , put them together, and we are now stronger than before.”

“Remember about four candidates contested for the primary of the party APC with the emergence of of the lady Professor Nora Dauut and everybody is now ready to work for the party.”

He further add that is why the APC is different from PDP, we are now back in one place fully ready to work for the success of the party, which is an indication that tells you that we are fully prepared forthcoming election in the state.

“In fact, PDP did not have business going into the election, how can they go to the election when the delegates can’t identified their candidate for the election. So we are urging the PDP to the election and try their luck.”

On the alleged internal wrangling within the party(APC) over the emergence of professor Nora as not card carrying member of the party, sati said,

“Really, I am just getting that news from you , for the avoidance of doubt, let me say this categorically that Dauut is not a member of APC , who then the member of APC?”

“There are hierarchy within the member of the party , if they said she is not member of that hierarchy that is a different ball game altogether” .

“That Nora is not member of organisational structure of the party is a different ball game.”

“If you are talking of ward exco, local government exco, state exco that is a different game altogether.”

A card carring member of a party go through the primaries , screening committee attested to the fact that yes , she is duely qualified member of the party , has membership card of the party , what else are we talking about , how else do you identified membership of a party , is it written on the fore head that I am a member of a political party?

The easiest identity is membership card, I am the custodian of all the documents of the party as the secretary of the party in the state , I am telling you now that she is a full fledg member of the party.

“But as a custodian of the documents of the party, she is a member of the party , base on her participation, on the activities of the party , I believe she is a member of the party.”

On the recent statement accredited to the former president Olusegun Obasanjo that the country is more divided under president Buhari than any other president the country ever produced, he said ,

“Let me make it clear , this an opinion , obasanjo is the former president of this country, and he is entitled to his opinion, if for any reason, he decides to say what he is saying, he is entitled to his opinion by virtue of been a Nigerian and one time president of this country.”

“If he hold an opinion and feels that is what is happening , fine and good.”

We on the opinion that yes , there are challenges, some of them are natural challenges but I believe with time , most of these challenges will be summounable .

I did not see challenges that is pose to this country Nigeria and Nigerians that would not be able to stand up together as a nation and able to work it together “No”

There may be difficulties , here and there, but we are equal to the task, we can summount it.

On what plans APC has put in place to summount the current teething problems in the country,

It is a gradual process, when problems want to come, they come at ones , but the solutions is a gradual process.

If you look at it , there is cries of food crisis in the country, hike in the electricity tariff and increase in the fuel price .

So with time, most of these things will come to pass.

Take for example, the food crisis is becoming a matter of the past because now harvest season is coming out .

Yesterday I was reading in the newspaper , that food price in kano has crash.

Gradually the price of goods will crash and live will become more easier to citizens and affordable.

Even the increase of the tariff of electricity and hike in the fuel pump price will soon be a matter of the past because all Nigerians are putting their hands on deck to found a lasting solution to the problems.

By, giwa Alex, jos

The High Court sitting in jos , plateau state capital has adjourned till Dec 4th, 2020 for hearing on a matter of militias group a.k.a”Sarasuka” who have been terrorising some communities at Congo Russia in Jos North LG of plateau state.

The deadly militia groups terroring the Congo Russia, a densely populated Hausa settlement is made up of militia youths a.k.a Sarasuka who has been terrorising the community killing and destroying with any slightest provocation.