Christians has been admonished to have Christ their lives than striving for earthly things that can easily vanish.
As the Scripture tells us what shall it profit a man if gains the whole world and loss his soul.
The Regional Pastor Shepard Assembly Rev. Tajan Moltok give the admonishment during Church Service to celebrate his Golden jubilee birthday and launching of two spiritual books held on Sunday 3rd August 2024 at Shepherd House Assembly behind Azi Nyanko Youth Centre in jos.
Tajan said the salvation of every individual soul is very paramount and important in the sight of God.
Added that when that is done , God who is faithful can decide to add other blessings to make you comfortable in order to serve him well to avoid divided attention.
Rev. Moltok who doubled as Regional Pastor of the church , said he have never regretted working in vineyard of God as pastor.
Stressed though there could be challenges , yes, that would not make me regret because any thing that happened to us as human beings, is already destined and written in the scripture.
Quoting copiously from the Scripture, the said “The perilous shall arise, the wicked shall increase, so I am aware of every challenges of the season and moment. “
On his feelings as his birthday coincides with End Bad Governance protest across the country, Reverend Tajan said as pastor we always talk to people God has entrusted unto our care.
Revealed that there are things you do scripturally and others for the the peace and unity of the land.
Added that in the constitution of federal Republic of Nigeria, peace protest is allowed, as against the background, I was with the protesters at Old Airport junction to give moral and spiritual support as man of God.
“I was talking to them , l told them that what have been done ,the government has already feel the protesters presence , and there is no need of burning and looting people’s properties.”
The plateau State commissioner for water and energy Noel Nkup said the celebrant is a brother ln-law because l married from the family and they also married in my family which is a cross exchange of marriage.
Hon.Nkup said he come to celebrate with the Rev.on his Golden jubilee birthday celebration.
Thank God for the live of the Reverend to have sttained the Golden year of birthday which is rear for many to see their 50th Birthday.
Hon. Nkup said the celebrant marking his Golden jubilee Birthday, means another new chapter has Open in his life.
However wished him well in his future endeavors and prayed God to grant him more years ahead.
High point of the celebration was the official launching of the two spiritual books written by Rev. Tajan Moltok,titled separately, ” Harvesting Your Blessings and God’s Intervention In Human Affiliations”.
ADP Chairmanship Aspirant in Jos South Local Government Jude Chollom Chuwang Commends Citizens Over Peaceful Protest .
I, Jude Chollom Chuwang aka (Cholly), aspirant for the Chairmanship of Jos South Local Government on the platform of ADP, want to commend the people of Jos South for exercising their civic right to peaceful protest. Your ability to maintain peace and responsibility in the face of adversity is truly commendable.
I understand and sympathize with the issues that have led to this protest. Hunger, high electricity tariffs, insecurities, the need for good governance, and the removal of fuel subsidies are all pressing concerns that affect us all. I relate with your plight.
As a concerned citizen and a leader-in-waiting, I pledge to address these issues head-on when elected as the Chairman of Jos South Local Government. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our local government is responsive to your needs and provides effective solutions to these challenges.
I encourage the youths to continue maintaining their peaceful demeanor as they exercise their rights. I also urge you all to adhere to the curfew imposed by the Governor to ensure everyone’s safety.
I commend the Governor for the steps taken so far to ensure security for protesters and properties, as well as for addressing the people. His efforts are appreciated, and I urge him to continue working towards addressing the issues that have led to this protest.
In conclusion, I say God bless Nigeria, God bless Plateau State, and God bless Jos South Local Government. May our collective efforts bring about positive change and prosperity for all.
Prof Patrick Sunday Dakum, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau State Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, commiserates with the member representing his Federal Constituency, (Pankshin/Kanke/ Kanam) in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi and the entire Gagdis over the demise of his brother, Buhari Yusuf Gagdi, who passed away in Abuja today.
Dakum called on the legislator and the entire members of the family to see the demise of their son, brother, uncle, cousin, husband and father as an act of God, and to take solace im him over the irreparable loss.
Dakum Commiseration is contained in press release dated 5th August 2024 signed by his Media Consultant Shabu Mazadu and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state
Dakum admonished them to take consolation in the Almighty God, and the good times they had with the deceased and the legacies he left behind, saying death is inevitable, designed and designated by God to all humans, and that everyone of us have their time to go, hence, we have no right to question God on why he takes our love ones before us, but to give thanks despite the pains of losing them and the good times we had.
The former Commissioner of Health and Information, prayed that God should grant Gagdi and all the family members the grace, serenity and strength to bear the irreparable loss and to comfort them at this moment of grief and bereavement. And also prays for the repose of the deceased in Jannatul firdaus.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has congratulated the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness, Da. John Putmang Hirse, mni, CON, on his 81st birthday anniversary.
Governor mutfwang celebration of the Royal Highness on his 81st birthday is contained in a press statement dated 5th August 2024 signed by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs Gyang Bere and made available to this medium.
According to him, Governor Mutfwang described Da Hirse as an accomplished administrator, a principled traditional leader, and a shrewd entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the growth and development of his people and the nation at large.
The Governor highlighted Da Hirse’s cherished legacy of fairness, justice, tolerance, and unwavering commitment to advancing the collective interests of the Mwaghavul Nation and Plateau State. These qualities, he noted, have earned Da Hirse admiration and honor from many.
Governor Mutfwang praised the virtues of love, peace, and unity embodied by Da Hirse and commended his steadfast dedication and valuable contributions to nation-building.
Expressing confidence as the respected traditional ruler celebrates this milestone, Governor Mutfwang wished Da Hirse a time of reflection, happiness, joy, and cherished memories with his loved ones.
He encouraged Da Hirse to continue offering his wise counsel in building a progressive state where peace and unity foster sustainable economic and social activities.
He prayed for divine protection, good health, and exceptional wisdom for Da Hirse as he continues to discharge his royal duties to the admiration of all.
In a decisive move to enhance the security of lives and maintain public order, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area, effective from 12 midnight on Sunday, 4th August 2024.
Governor Mutfwang, in consultation with state security agencies, took this decision after reviewing the actions of unscrupulous individuals who exploited the nationwide protest to unleash terror on innocent citizens.
The imposition of curfew in the affected Local Government is contained in a press statement dated 4th August 2024 signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the the Executive Governor Gyang Bere and made available to this medium in Jos.
The governor noted that these criminal elements, armed with daggers, machetes, and other dangerous weapons, broke into shops and restaurants along Bauchi Road and Zololo Junction in Jos North Local Government Area, looting foodstuffs and other valuable items.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the curfew is in the best interest of all citizens and urged everyone to comply fully to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. He directed security agencies in the state to ensure the total enforcement of the curfew across the Local Government Area.
He warned those planning to unleash further terror on innocent citizens to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law. The governor also called on the relevant security agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in their duties to prevent any potential disruptions to law and order.
Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the citizens of Plateau State, particularly the clergy and imams, for their unwavering support of the government’s policies and programs.
He acknowledged their cooperation and adherence to directives during the planned nationwide protest and praised their commitment to maintaining peace and unity.
“The peaceful conduct of our people before, during, and after the nationwide protest is commendable. I urge everyone to continue to uphold this culture of peace as we work together to build a united and progressive Plateau,” Governor Mutfwang added.
The All Progressive Congress APC Members 2023 presidential compaign Council in Plateau State, Honourable Ishaya Itse has appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recede his decision and call the protesters for dialogue with the view to end the ongoing Protests across the country.
Itse said president Tinubu dialogue with the protesting Nigerians over Hunger and end to bad governance in the country whom research has shows are mostly Youths, will avail him the opportunity to know their grievances , and diplomatic steps to address them without resulting to confrontations as it’s been play out in this End Bad Governance in Nigeria protest,which effects has cause unquantified Socio Economic havoc on the economy of the country the protest lasted.
Hon. Ishaya said the Nationwide broadcast of Mr president may have come little beat late, is a right steps in the right direction that is expected of sensible and responsive leader like president Tinubu as he just demonstrated by broadcasting to the country.
He further appeal to the federal government to swallow his pride, and look at the devastating effects of the protest which has claimed lives, and properties worth millions of Naira reported to have been destroyed in most states where proposed peaceful protest turned violent.
However remind the president that protest where it has taken place in any part of the world according to research always leave scares on the economy of the State and the country it occured.
However appeal to the protesters across the country to suspend the ongoing protest , to give room for the federal government to dialogue with the affected Nigerians citizens.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists(nuj) has called for the immediate stop of harassment and intimidation of journalists carrying out their constitutional responsibility of covering the on going protest tagged #EndBadGovernaceinnigeria#.
As most of the journalist where manhandled during the protest despite identifying themselves as journalist drafted to cover the events for their various Media houses.
The Union Warning is contained in a press statement dated 2nd August 2024 signed by the union National publicity Secretary Achike Chude and made available to Journalists.
According to the statement, following series of protests that rocked many parts of the country on Thursday and Friday the 1st and 2nd of August 2024, Nigerian journalists in their numbers went out as required by the demands of the profession to cover the events.
Lamented the hydra headed monster of journalist intimidation, harassments and seizures of both official and personal assets of members of the press reared its ugly head once more. These acts were carried out by both state and non-state actors.
This sordid and unacceptable state of affairs, especially those perpetrated by state actors is happening in spite of various conscious efforts by the NUJ to engage government officials and security forces to address these anti democratic behaviours by those saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order.
Assured Nigerians and the authorities that journalists will neither be cowed nor deterred from carrying out their responsibilities of engaging with the society with a view to informing, enlightening and educating the citizens for the purpose of promoting the public good.
The following are recorded incidences of Journalists’ intimidation and harassments across the various theatres of protest activities in the country:
The union listed states where the incidents of journalists harassment and intimidation where reported to include, Lagos, Bernard Akede of News Central Television was interrupted and barred from conducting live interviews by police officers and LCC officials ,Calabar, Cross River State, hoodlums attacked journalists, leaving Nigerian Tribune reporter Joseph Abasi-Abasi with severe injuries.
The assailants targeted a bus belonging to the NUJ, which was carrying food supplies to the Ernest Etim Press Central Abuja, Daily Independent photojournalist Jide Oyekunle was unlawfully arrested and had his mobile phone confiscated by police officers while covering protests.
He was only released following spontaneous protest by other journalists,Abuja, Olukayode Jayeola, a photojournalist with The PUNCH Newspaper, was arrested by police while covering the protest at Eagle Square. His camera, phones, including an M11, and other personal belongings were confiscated by security operatives.
Others are Kano, Ibrahim Isah of TVC News was physically attacked by armed hoodlums, sustaining hand injuries,Abuja, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was brutally assaulted by police officers, who struck him with gun butts and batons, causing head injuries, Mary Adeboye, a journalist with News Central Television, was exposed to teargas fired by police officers while reporting on the protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Also, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was attacked and injured by Police officers who allegedly hit him with the butt of their guns and their batons and caused injuries to his head while covering the protest.
Cameras belonging to journalists were also destroyed by Police officers,Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch was arrested, beaten, and detained by police in Calabar before being released,Delta State, some journalists came under attack by counter-protesters, allegedly supporting the government, while covering the demonstration.
Prince Amour Udemude, an investigative journalist, Matthew Ochei of Punch Newspaper, Monday Osayande of Guardian Newspaper, and Lucy, a reporter with Pointer, were assaulted and had their equipment destroyed and 9 Radio Ndarason Internationale staff members were arrested at RNI offices in Maiduguri as they were reporting on the protests.
These are just some of the incidences that have reached us.
We are currently investigating this unwholesome and troublesome assault on the profession, and are compiling a list of official and personal assets of journalists that were either lost, seized, or damaged with a view to determine their value. We expect nothing less that a public apology from the institutions responsible as well as the replacement of the lost or damaged assets of the journalists.
Lastly, we call for a thorough investigation into these incidences with a view to punishing the culprits.
Nigeria is supposed to be a country of law and order. We expect no less in terms of professional conducts from officials that are being maintained with state resources.
The President of Plateau Peace Practitioner Network(PPP), Nanmk Bali has Urged the youths in Plateau State and Nigeria at large to continue the trajectory of their active participation in the on going peaceful protest, Tagged #EndBadGovernanceinnigeria#
As he advised all to stand together against injustice and demand a better life for ourselves and future generations,call on government and stakeholders to address the demands of Nigeria and work towards positive change.
The Plateau Peace Practitioner Network PPPN, commendation is contained in a press statement dated 2nd August 2024 signed by her President Nanmak D. Bail and made available to this medium in Jos.
According the president, Yesterday’s peaceful protest procession in Plateau State was a testament to our collective desire for positive change, however thank the Governor of plateau state for his leadership, security agencies for their tireless efforts, and citizens for their courage and resilience.
“We stood united, transcending ethnic, tribal, and religious differences, to demand a better future. Our peaceful approach shows that we value peace, justice, and equality,I urge our youth to continue this trajectory, avoiding destructive paths that only lead to loss.”
Called for unity against injustice, and demand a better life for ourselves and future generations.
“I call on government and stakeholders to address our demands and work towards positive change.”
Praise the youths of Plateau State who have shown us a new way, prioritizing peace, harmony, and mutual respect and appealed to them to build on momentum, recognizing our diversity as our strength.
“Together, we can overcome challenges and forge a brighter future. I salute your courage and commitment to a better Nigeria.”
The Former Minister of Sports Hon. Solomon Dalung has Urged the president of Nigeria to humble himself and address people of Nigeria as protect enter second day.
Said the people of Nigeria are ready to continue with the protest until president Tinubu succumb to the demand of the people of Nigerians who are practically dehumanize by the government policies.
Dalung made the plea Friday 2nd August 2024 while addressing large crowed of protesters at the Old airport Junction, in Jos, plateau state capital.
According to Dalung, the president’s silence on the matter is fueling the protests and creating more tension.
“If President Tinubu wants the protests to stop, he must come out and address Nigerians ,” Dalung said.
The former minister emphasized that the protesters are not just asking for good governance but also seeking accountability and transparency from the government.
“Nigerians want to know what is happening to their country and how their resources are being utilized,” he added.
Dalung commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and urged them to remain law-abiding.
The protesters in Jos have been demanding good governance, economic reforms, and an end to corruption. They have also called for the government to address the high level of unemployment, poverty, and inequality in the country.
As the protests continue across the nation, there are growing concerns about the impact on the economy and social stability. Many are calling on the government to take immediate action to address the grievances of the protesters.
Dalung’s call on President Tinubu to address the nation is seen as a move to ease the tension and find a lasting solution to the crisis. Will the president heed this call, or will the protests continue to intensify? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, Sam Ode, Program Manager at the International Organization for Peace and Social Justice (PSJ), has described the ongoing protests in Nigeria as a peaceful expression of grievances by the citizens.
According to Ode, the protesters are sending a clear message to the government that they are unhappy with the current state of affairs and are demanding change.
Ode commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct, saying “As much as the youth are hungry, they are peaceful, dancing, and showing the government that they are placing their demands.”
He emphasized that the government needs to listen to the protesters and address the root cause of the issue, rather than wasting resources and violating their rights.
Ode warned that if the president fails to address the protesters’ demands, Nigerians have the capacity to remain on the streets until their voices are heard.
“If the president is not coming out to address the people that have hired him, then Nigerians have also the capacity to remain on the street until the right thing is done,” he said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charges the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to immediately review all its anti-people policies that are asphyxiating life in the country.
The Party notes that the nationwide protest by Nigerians would not have come if the APC government had dropped its arrogance, insensitivity and show sincere commitment to the citizens by taking steps to address the current hardship occasioned by its ill-implemented polices.
The People Democratic Party PDP, advice to the All Progressive Congress APC, ruling government is contained in a press statement dated 1st August 2024 signed by the National Publicity Secretary of PDP Hon. Debo Ologunagba and made available to journalists electronically .
Nigerians can recall that the PDP on several occasions offered advice on the state of the economy to the APC government, the most recent being the PDP’s statement on June 6, 2024 wherein it urged that “President Tinubu should listen to the heartbeat of Nigerians. There is hunger and destitution in the land. The reaction of a hungry people is better imagined! Mr. President, please act now”.
Sadly, these counsels did not receive the expected consideration resulting in the current situation.
It is alarming that instead of engaging Nigerians and addressing their concerns, the APC allegedly recruited hoodlums to instigate violence so as to justify a clampdown and killing of innocent Nigerians.
The APC is completely insensitive to the fact that more than 120 million Nigerians have become destitute and can no longer afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life as poverty rate soars to over 40% because of the life-discounting policies of the APC administration.
As stated by the PDP on several occasions, any people-oriented government ought to have been wary of the suffocating effect of the hasty and ill-implemented twin policies of abrupt increase in the price of petroleum products and arbitrary floating of the Naira without due cushioning measures to ensure the wellbeing of the people.
The PDP restates that these thoughtless policies of the APC administration are responsible for the crippling of the productive sector with the crashing of the Naira to over N1,500 to a Dollar, fuel soaring to over N1,000 per liter, which in turn triggered high costs of goods and services with over 34% inflation rate, over 40% unemployment rate with the closure of millions of businesses and mass exodus of major multi-national companies from our country.
The APC has plunged Nigeria into a humanitarian crisis where millions of citizens are literarily starving and dying of hunger. Sadly, today a bag of rice sells for over N85,000; a bag of beans goes for N150,000; a measure of garri now sells for N1,500 while a measure of cooking oil which sold for N1,200 now sells for N12,000 with prices of all food items increasing daily.
More provocative is that while Nigerians are crying for food, the APC officials in government are busy looting the national treasury to fund their luxury appetite, including acquisition of luxury jets, expensive holidays abroad, renovation of official residential mansions and other profligacy, without regard to the feeling and the pains of majority of Nigerians.
Also disturbing is the scandalous revelation that the APC administration is secretly paying a whopping N5.4 trillion as fuel subsidy for 2024 even after the President announced an end to fuel subsidy.
What Nigerians expect at this time is for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally address the nation, announce major policy reviews and order investigation into the alleged looting of subsidy and palliative funds.
Mr. President should also review all luxury items and purchases in the APC government and channel the resources for immediate intervention in the provision of food and other essential commodities to Nigerians.
The PDP calls on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the pursuit of good governance in our country.
Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau State Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, has felicitate with Barrister Gyang Zi, Plateau North Senatorial Zone LP candidate in the 2023 general elections on his elevation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) .
as presented to him in a letter signed by Registrar of the Supreme Court/Secretary LPPC, Hajor Sarki Bello Esq, having been authentically approved alongside 86 others by the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON today, 1st August, 2024 with the swearing-in coming up on 30th September, 2024.
Dakum felicitation message is contained in a press statement dated 1st August 2024 signed by his Media Consultant Shabu Mazadu and made available to this medium in Jos.
Dakum commended Zi for the feat, describing him as an intellectual Colossus and sagacious in his law profession with penchant for hard-work, commitment to endeavours, honesty and versatility in multiple fronts; patriotic, philanthropic and forward-looking.
The venerable Igbo traditional title holder, Eze Chukwuemeka Indigbo of Jos, and Professor of Public Health, Maryland University Baltimore, USA, Patrick Dakum added that the elevation is an attestation of Zi’s excellence in the law profession, and has added to the number of SANs in Plateau State.
While congratulating him, the former Commissioner of Health and Information, exhorted Zi to use his elevation as SAN to make Plateau proud by intensifying his sagacity, commitment, honesty, philanthropy, versatility, incorruptibility and forward-looking for the betterment of humanity; praying that the Almighty God will keep granting him sound health, divine knowledge, understanding, wisdom and strength to succeed.
African Democratic Congress (ADC), in plateau state has debunked the rumor making the around that the party is on secret negotiation to collapse its structure with political party not mentioned.
As she said as of the state Excos of the party in Plateau state, is not in any express position by the party constitution to collapse ,negotiate merging the party without the approval of the National Excos, so the rumor is unfounded without basis.
The interim Chairman of ADC in the State Ambassador Mrs Hannatu Gangara debunked the rumor during an interview with Journalists at the party’s office along Donkat Bali way jos , plateau state, 30th July, 2024.
The Chairman of ADC in the state who is currently in Acting capacity, Mrs Gangara said though the party had challenges during the 2023 general elections which informed his coming on board to help in reorganizing and repositioning the party towards competing with other parties in the State by extension entire country.
Stressed that as State interim Chairman of the party on the plateau we have no power under the party constitution to carry out the negotiations of the collapse of the party structure with any party without the approval of the National body.
On the level of the Party’s preparedness towards the October 9th Local Government Elections in the state ,Ambassador Hannatu said ADC is ready for the election, “presently four of our members have bought the nomination form, out of which one is for Chairmanship position ,and the other three Aspirants are vying for counsellorship.
Admitted that although ADC is not politically strong as compared to All Progressive Congress APC, and People’s Democratic Party PDP, in the state, that not withstanding, the Party will put it best to ensure her impact is felt in the forthcoming council’s election and other subsequent elections in the country.
Appeal to Governor Caleb Mutfwang not to renegade in his promise to allow a level play field during the Local Government elections polls in the state , to conduct free ,fair , credible and above all, transparent local government elections.
Encouraged African Democratic Congress ADC, supporters in the state not to be intimidated by the size of APC and PDP , but come out in their numbers and support their candidate during elections , more so that the country is under democracy which expressly permit freedom of association.
Service Resuits Delivery Office which is a department under Budget and Economic Planning in plateau state has commended the governor of State Caleb Mutfwang for his mind set to reposition the state civil service.
SRDO revealed that the engagement organized is key because the department is very important to the office of Budget and planning which policy we are here to review.
Engineer Samari Modibi revealed this in speech during Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning 3 Days Review/Validation of plateau state monitoring and evaluation policy held at the Lamond Hotel Jos, 29th-1st August 2024.
Engineer Samari Modibi represented by the Head of Strategy and Result Delivery Office (SRDO)Arnold Nimzing said the department is saddled with the responsibility of checkmating , monitoring to ensure that the6 implemented the best practice that there is no any ethical practice or bottle -neck.
Stressed that SRDO is in attendance of the program to partner with the office of Budget and planning in the state to ensure the documents been reviewed go smoothly , and we will leverage on the Review to ensure we followed it to the end. He maintained.
He further added that the office of SRDO will leverage on the review with the view to ensure that the system work out perfectly.
The crisis which engulfed the All Progressive Congress,APC, following the emergence of Honorable Rufus Bature may not be over very soon, as Factional Chairman of All Progressive Congress APC, in plateau state Hon.Ishaya Itse has call on Hon. Rufus Bature to Stop parading himself as the chairman of the party in the State particularly when the case is still pending in court.
Hon. Ishaya Itse revealed that Rufus Bature still parading himself as the State Chairman of the party when the case is still in the competent court of law amount to gross disobedience of court order which is tantamount to contempt.
The factional Chairman of the party Hon Ishaya Itse give the directive in response to Rufus Bature’s Press statement dated 31st July 2024 denied all the allegations leveled against him by Hon. Itse and his agrieved group.
He said for Rufus to still be parading himself as the chairman of the Party in the affected state , still left much to desire , more so that the case has not be dispensed off by the court.
Stressed that what is Honourable for him to do now, is for him to quietly step down from chairmanship position , to uphold the acronym of honourable attached to his name.
Itse called on the court to urge Rufus Bature led faction to step down pending the outcome of the case against them, more so that they have be served court order to maintain status quo.
In another development, the official residents of the Factional Chairman of All Progressive Congress, APC, located at Lamigo in Jos North local government of plateau state is reported attacked.
The attackers stormed the resident at the wee hour of 31st July 2024, ransacked the entire house catered away some valuables.
Itse who speak with Journalists via tel8 conversation, said fortunately he was not at home when they came, because he have to go and attend to family issues.
He however list some of the items taking away by the suspected assassins include “Close Circuit Cameras” which make the victim suspicious of their mission to make him vulnerable to insecurity.
Independent Publishers Association (IPA), plateau State Chapter has called for Caution , and appealed to those calling for protest tagged “End Bad Governance In Nigeria” to ahead the idea because it may turn to be negative ill that will do the country any good.
The appeal and caution is contained in a statement dated 31st July 2024 signed by the chairman of the association Shabu Mazadu and made available to journalists in jos, plateau state capital.
According to the statement read in part,
“We, under the auspacies of ” Independent Publishers Association” ,( IPA), appeal to the organisers and proponents of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria to renege from their proposed nationwide protests scheduled for 1st – 10th August, 2024 in view of the catastrophic impact they could have on the nation as was the case with the #EndSARSProtest where so many lives were lost, public and private properties destroyed and skyrocketed insecurity of different scopes and magnitudes.
The statement further read,there is no doubt that the country is in a serious mess with unbearable hardship on the greatest population particularly the masses caused by the government’s haphazard economic policies of subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, and power.
It’s a fact that the freedom of assembling and protest are constitutional rights of every Nigeria citizen, however in the execution of our franchise, situational and beneficial variables should be taken into cognizance to avoid escalating the problems instead of de-escalation.
The general insecurity, poverty, anger, hunger, secession agitations and high crime rate in the country, can truncate the true essence of the protests by leveraging opportunity to men of the underworld (bandits, kidnappers, vandals and terrorists) to hijack and unleash mayhem to the detriment of the country.
Sudan, Kenyan, Myanmar and Syria are examples of countries whose citizens started protests for long and ravaged them without abating worse than the situation they targeted changing.
Since the essence of the protests is to draw the attention of the government to the plight of the citizens, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said he has heard the cry of the youth and the masses and will surely act.
Based on this premise, we indulge your consideration for dialogue with the government and sparing additional space for promise fulfillment by the president.
We also call on the President to start implementing some of the given reformation demands of the would-be protesters to prove his commitment to the attainment of their grievances.
This way he can prove himself as a pragmatic leader whose agenda is to better the welfare of his subjects.
We also call on Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, not to rest on the oars of his appointees sycophancy that all is well with the youth and that the entire land is green, whereas many places are brown and desertified.
So many Small Medium Scale Enterprises, intra-investors and farmers are direly begging for boosting in the state.
If the youth are seriously engaged with productive ventures and massive production of goods are service are encouraged by the government, the scourge of hardship will drastically abate and the country will prosper.
Plateau State Budget Monitoring, Evaluation and Planing is to give insight of what was observed during monitoring and found lacking that needed government attention .
The document suppose to tell what happened as far as the activities of the government is concern in relation to budget provided .
The Commissioner of budget and Economic Planning in plateau State Chrisanthus Dawan explained this in his opening remark on Monday 30th July 2024 during 3-Days Stakeholders Engagement program for the review/ validation policy organized by Plateau State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planing held at Lamond Hotel in Jos North Local Government .
The Commissioner said the engagement suppose to be yearly rituals where you are expected to summit reports to the government to study and make recommendations if possible.
Chrisanthus further explained that the documents suppose to tell what happened as far as the activities of government are concern, in relation to the budget provided.
However revealed the categories of participants at the program to include , the planning officers of all MDAs, including the local governments. Stressed that Communique is expected at the end of three days Stakeholders Engagement program .
In his opening remark , the permanent Secretary of the Ministry represented by the Director of Administration Aliyu Baba said the state ministry of Budget and Economic Planing recognized the importance of robust monitoring and Evaluation mechanism in driving accountability , transparency , and result -driving governance .
Added that the policy document aimed to establish a comprehensive framework for tracking progress , assessing impact , and informing data driven decision making, both in short run and long runs across value chain within ecosystem.
However charged the participants to demonstrate commitment to the development of the state.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Elders in Langtang North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State have called on the State Chapter to disregard the lies and fake press statement made by the Transition Implementation Committee, ITC, Chairman of the council,Hon . Nanmwa Kumzhi accusing the LGA stakeholders of hijacking the three man squad sent to conduct ward congresses.
In a press conference held in Langtang North by the PDP Elders Forum described as unfounded rumour and fake allegations that the election went on peacefully without any hitches.
According to Elders Forum,the TIC chairman,Hon.Nanmwa Kumzhi presented falsehood information that drew their attention on Monday 29th July,2024 to brainstorm and discuss on the unfortunate , fake press release on 28th July,2024 on the just concluded wards Congress as we resolve as follow.
We thank the Governor Caleb Mutfwang on how God is using him to stabilize the party in the state,the governor in his wisdom decided to appeal to the party members to readmit those who played the card of anti-party activities in the last election to be consider .
According to them,those from the opposition parties should wait until after the conclusion of the ward congresses contrary to this directive the TIC chairman abused the order of Mr Governor went ahead and forcefully admitted some members of APC into the party just a day to the conduct of the ward congresses.
However, those who were readmitted on Friday 26th July,2024 were the ones who didn’t want the congress to hold in Langtang North LGA ,they were demanding that their names most be included in the register of 150 names submitted bin every registered in all the wards .
The statement disclosed that,they brought their own names and demanded that their names most be included , infact , some came with fake PDP voters card for example this happen in Kwampe and Miyak of Dadur district of Langtang North.
We noted that these people are not members of the PDP as of the time of the ward congresses schedule when the lists of people were comply.
The TIC chairman wanted to install his own loyal people by force who came through the backdoor from another political parties of APC ,LP and those that were even suspended from the party due to anti-party activities after the governor directive.
The Elders Forum also accused Kumzhi that since assumption of office he hasn’t any regards to the party in the council , Kumzhi preferred to work with those who fought for the victory of the party in 2023 general elections.
They pointed out that a lot of effort were made by the elders to see him and advice him on how to strengthen the relationship but he didn’t give them audience or listening ears.
We want to trace it to he was not in the country when PDP members were struggling with APC members in Langtang North and he prefers to work with those that fought the party and even voted against the governor and those who contested for the 2023 elections.
Whenever,he is contacted he has this to say,”I don’t have anybody in Langtang North LGA except he receive instructions from the governor .
We are calling on the party leadership to rely on prayers this evening as follows: we are calling on party leadership in the state to disregard the purported press statement of Nanmwa Kumzhi because elections took place in all the 14 Federal wards in Langtang North LGA through the zoning arrangements and consensus candidates emerged which was done in accordance to PDP constitution allow.
We are calling on the party leadership to rely on the reports from INEC officials and the security agencies that monitored the exercise and filed in their final report.And also the team of sent by the state Chapter on the Conduct of ward congresses held in Langtang North LGA.
Finally, we wish our party a successful outing in the forthcoming LGs elections scheduled to hold on the 9th October,2024 .
The national leadership of the Christian Association of (CAN),has stands in solidarity with the citizens of our great nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger.
The Christian Association solidarity is contained in a press release dated 29th July 2024 signed by her president Archbishop Daniel Okoh and made available to Journalists electronically in Jos, Plateau State capital.
According to the statement,the association said we recognize and deeply empathize with the pain, anger, and frustration that many of our fellow Nigerians are experiencing,the cries of the people underscore the severe difficulties faced daily as families struggle to afford basic necessities and sustain their livelihoods.
As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances.
The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable.
However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.
We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives.
These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.
In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns.
This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties. Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.
We call on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people.
Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.
Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, & urgent action is required to restore peace & order.
7. We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face.
The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive & comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, & work collectively toward a better.
We pray for wisdom & discernment for our leaders, resilience & hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times.
However pray God to grant us the peace & prosperity we earnestly seek.
The Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau State Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, has called on planners of the #EndBadGovernmentinNigeria , to think deeply with caution in their decision of staging their planned nationwide protests on 1st -10th August, 2024.
He said the country is in colossal quagmire of inflation and the greatest population is caged in burning suffering without recourse to political party, religion, region and ethnic inclination but all inclusive which the government must be proactive and pragmatic in addressing the challenges to enable the citizens enjoy the dividends of democracy by meeting their ends with less stress.
Professor Dakum’s word of caution is contained in a statement dated 28th July 2024 signed by his media consultant Shabu Mazadu and made available to this medium in Jos.
Dakum said the protestors have the constitutional right to assemble and express their dismay over government’s policies through peaceful and orderly protests,but it also behooves on them to put into consideration their decision in attempting to have their problems solved to avoid dispensing more harm than good.
The former Commissioner of Health and Information in Plateau state called on organisers of the protests to think about the peace and stability of the nation first which is the recipe of solving the hardship as crisis and unrest are only catalysts of deterioration instead of advancing lasting solution; posing that the current hardship, pains and disenchantment being experienced and exhibited by the greatest population of the citizens cannot guarantee peaceful protests, but violence and vandalism worse than the #EndSARS with capability of consuming the nation.
He suggested that the organisers of the protests should make a list of the problems they want the government to solve and how they want the government to go about them through dialogue.
Stressed that if the government fails to abide by their agreement, they can mobilize to oust it at the polls in 2027.
According to Dakum, the country has about two years to go to the polls, and with massive enlightenment the youth can bring a better peaceful change of government, instead of going through a process with potentialities of prolonging the suffering of the masses.
He attested that there is no magic anyone can do to solve the current problems with the snap of the finger, saying it’s a gradual thing that will take sometime,therefore the protests cannot bring immediate end to stagflation, adding that after the protests the government will still be given time to address the problems.
He lamented that Nigerians have been plunged into a dire situation which requires a lot of patience, hard-work and long-suffering to overcome. And that there is no fire brigade approach that can instantaneously solve the problems, saying the damage has been done.
And only through de-escalation of the problems and careful planning can the country come out of the harsh stagflation.
He asked, will the costs of goods and services return to their prices before the advent of the current administration as soon as the protests are over?
The Prof, posited by reiterating his appeal to the organisers of the protests to think deeply over their choice of action for the interests of the country and do everything with caution and consideration.
A new Cooperative Society,has emerged at the Plateau state University,Bokkos.
The Inauguration of the Cooperative society,took place at the University’s Faculty of Social Science Auditorium came with full of expectations and enthusiasm among the staff.
Chairman of the occasion,Mr. Yakubu .F Ayuba,who is the Registrar of the University and was represented by the Deputy Registrar Establishment, mr. Bindip ganyir.congratulated the PLASU SLICS for the bold step and further discourages unnecessary competitions among the Cooperators.
In his presentation during the occasion, Dr. Bernard Alkali, who is the Head of Department Accounting,University of Jos, spoke on the theme Building purpose driven future through Cooperative Society.
He encourage all staff to plan for their future and retirement, what you need at old age is peace therefore,you cannot rely only on salaries ,there is need for diversification in order to avoid mental disorder. As civil servants,there is need for action plans,review and monitor your future.
The guest Speaker further advice the participants to inculcate the habit of savings amidst economic hardship in the country.
Inaugurating the Cooperative Society,
Mrs Eliana Datong,Director of Cooperative Societies,Ministry of Commerce and Industries. Said the Cooperative should operate with shares,have a reserve and also educational fund.
Further advice the cooperative to register with the Plateau State Cooperative Financing Agency.
She pray that the cooperative will grow like a palm tree.
delivering his speech, the Interim President of the Cooperative Society.Mr. Tony Ngwen Lat pledged to work tirelessly to serve the members and uphold the values of cooperation.
as the President,Lat said his priority will be to ensure that the cooperative society reach and maintain a strong and all inclusive platform for members to survived.
Let us build a bright future for ourselves,our families and our Communities.
He also used the opportunity and appreciates the University’s Management under the Leadership of the Acting Vice Chancellor,Professor Shedrack Gaya Best for accepting the Cooperative’s proposal to run the cooperative society.
highlights of the event was goodwill messages from Dignitaries that witnessed the Occasion includes.
Dr. Anna Faka,Former Bursar of the University,The University’s Bursar ,Mr. Lawrence Kerekkum, President of the Plateau State Federation of Cooperative Societies, Mrs Hannatu Meshak among others.
Hon. Okoro Uzoma Anthony has vowed to correct infrastructural deficiencies facing Vabderpuye Ward and it environ occasion by incompetent and gross corruption of the previous administration in the ward.
As he decried high insecurity threatening the ward in particular and it environ in general, promised to tackle it head on if given the mandate to serve as counselor representing the good people of Vabderpuye Ward.
Hon. Uzoma who is contesting under the platform of People’s Democratic Party PDP, in Plateau make the promise in an interview with Journalists immediately after purchasing nomination form to vye for counsellorship to represent Vabderpuye Ward in the State local Government election slated to hold 9th October 2024.
He lamented total neglect of the Ward and it environ by successive government which make the ward lack basic amenities like motorable roads, effective drainages and others numerous to mention.
He further added that portable drinking water is lacking in the areas, which he said are some of the reasons he want to run for the position of counselor to change the narrative.
He further pointed out that the Ward practically lacked the presence of representation including erratic electricity supply, as in most cases the Ward stay for weeks, months without exaggerations without electricity supply which is affecting businesses in the area as the Ward is gradually becoming business hub of the state.
” I feel some of these abdominalitie can only be corrected if one is at the corridor of power than when you are outside, which necessitate the reasons while l want to contest for Counsellorship to change most of those infrastructural deficiencies”
On the aspects of insecurity, Vabderpuye is gradually becoming the business hub of the state, and you can agree with me that no business florish under the atmosphere of insecurity.
Anthony said as against these backdrop, when I am voted as the counselor of Vabderpuye Ward , l will ensure we work in collaboration with stakeholders in charge of security ,identify some flash points that is gradually turning into Safe Haven for criminals with the move of flushing them out.
Hon. Anthony called on his supporters to have trust in him, hold him accountable if he renegade on his manifestoes, and give him the needed overwhelming support for him to win the counsellorship seat come October 9th 2024.
The Nigeria luminary Chief Mike Ozekhome has mourn Senator Ifeanyi Uba.
According to Ozekhome,I just received the sad news of the death in far away London of my good friend, Senator Ifeanyi Uba.This is most heart-rending considering that he had visited me in my Abuja office before we flew together on the Air Space inaugural flight from Lagos to Gatwick Airport, London, on 30th March, 2024 barely four months ago.
During that trip as can be seen in the video herein, he bubbled with the sap of life like a yam tendril in the rainy season , to borrow the words of late celebrated Novelist, Chinua Achebe,in his epic, “Things Fall Apart”). Death,where is thy sting?
With your monstrous visage, why don’t you just leave us alone and stay in your pit of everlasting hell fire? God,grant Ifeanyi eternal repose of his effervescent soul,amen🙏.
I condole with his lovely family,the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the good people of Anambra South Senatorial District that he represented before his demise.
I pray to God Almighty to give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss with stoic equanimity and forbearance.
As local government elections is around the corner in plateau state Youths under the aegis of Tarok Youths has took to the streets of Lantang North to demonstrate their unalloyed support and approval for the candidature of Jinan Moses.
As they said election is not how copious you can speak English
exercising our right to vote.” A large group of Tarok Youths and Langtang Settlers, led by the well-known entertainer, Lakai Gwantim Victor (Serg Bizzymouth), came out in full force today, July 27th, 2024, to show their support for the aspirant who has gained their trust to bring about positive change in Langtang North.
As they marched through Langtang North, the citizens warmly welcomed them, filled with hope and belief in Mr. Winston Jinan Moses. The people expressed their acceptance of this young politician’s clear and brilliant ideas.
With the electorate fully convinced of their choice, let us embrace this transformational leadership and allow it to take its rightful place.
The citizens of Langtang North have been particularly drawn to Mr. Winston Jinan Moses’ platform due to several key aspects that have resonated with them:
1. Clarity of Thoughts: Mr. Moses has shown a remarkable ability to articulate his ideas clearly and concisely. His platform is well-defined, and he effectively communicates his plans and vision for Langtang North’s development.
2. Brilliance of Ideas: The citizens appreciate Mr. Jinan’s innovative and forward-thinking ideas. He has presented practical solutions to the challenges faced by the Local Government, addressing issues such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation.
3. Youth Empowerment: As a young politician, Mr. Moses has placed a strong emphasis on empowering the youth of Langtang North. His platform includes initiatives to enhance educational opportunities, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support for young people, allowing them to thrive and contribute to the development of Langtang North.
4. Transformational Leadership: The citizens are inspired by Mr. Moses’ commitment to bringing about positive change in Langtang North. His leadership style focuses on inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, promising to transform the region and improve the lives of its residents.
These key aspects of Mr. Winston Jinan Moses’ platform has resonated with the citizens of Langtang North, instilling a sense of hope and belief in his ability to lead and bring about the desired transformation.
Aspirants for the coming local government elections in Plateau state under the platform of Action Democratic Party ,ADP, Chollom Jude Chuwang and Morris Choji has promised to Librates the people of his local Government who have been hypnotized by the bad government of the previous leaders in the council.
As they separately decried gross failure of the previous administrations to alliaviate the living conditions of the people in the locality for gross failure in the provision of necessary developmental infrastructures.
Hon.Chollom Chuwang who is contesting for the position of Chairmanship under the platform of ADP in Jos South LGC, and his counterpart Morris Choji contesting for counsellorship in Kuru Ward “A”, Jos South Local Government of plateau state.
The two aspirants harps on the failure of the previous administrations piloting the Affairs of Jos South local government failure to provide the council with the necessary infrastructural development as the reasons while they decided to contest for the council elections billed to hold 9th October 2024.
Chollom who is vying for Chairmanship of Jos South local government highlighted some of the failure of the previous administration of the council to include , lack of Place for the traders in the LGC to carry out their legitimate business without been harassed by the government agency saddled with the mandate of decongesting the city center by those claimed to be trading in unauthorized place by the government.
Pointed out that under his watch as the chairman of Jos South Local Government, I will ensure that permanent locations is earmarked for these categories of business men and women to carry on their legitimate businesses undisturbed.
He also decried government failure to address the issue of education in the community where some communities in the council lack primary and secondary schools, and where they existed they lack befitting infrastructure condusive for learning, Chollom promise to upgrade educational infrastructure in his Local council if voted as chairman of the council in the coming LGC election.
He lamented the rate of crimes and criminality in the council occasion by lack of jobs for ablebody men and women of the council and its environ.
Under my watch as local council’s Chairman, I will ensure that skilled acquisition programs is Organises for at the able body men and women in the locality since there is no white collar job anywhere in the country.
With the training of this people on different skills they will be empower by giving them t starter packs which will keep them away from crimes hitherto threatening the council.
Still on insecurity, it’s not possible for insecurity to be fought and won alone without involvement of stakeholders within and outside the council, stressed that with that at the back of my mind I will ensure that all security agencies are involved in the fight against insecurity in Jos South which involves traditional leaders, security agencies and above all the paramilitary personnel.
Chollom called on his supporters to trust him and give him the mandate of Chairman Jos South Local Government, promised not to disappoint them.
On his part Hon. Muari Kwiz Choji who is an aspirant for Kuru “A” Ward , said he decided to contest for Counsellorship of the above mentioned Ward because of incompetent and gross failure of the past administration.
Called for support from his supporter and promised not to disappoint the trust they have in him if given the mandate as counsellor of Kuru “A” Ward.
Youth Wing of the All Progressive Congress APC, has called for Restraint over the planed protests expected to commence 1st August 2024 .
As the youths in plateau state has been advised to execise high level of restraint from participating in the plan August 1st 2024 nation wide protest.
The restrain of the youths in the nationwide planned protest is contained in a Press statement dated 27th August 2024 signed by it leader Nanloh Joseph and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
The Youth Wing on the Plateau advised to give President Bola Ahmed Tinibu a chance as he is working round the clock to make life more meaningful to Nigeria youths testament of his administration effort toward giving the 774 Local Government Areas full autonomy and the most recently approval of 70k minimum wage and the N 439 Billions released to the 36 plus FCT NG-CARES intervention fun.
The Plateau State APC Youth Wing also use the opportunity to call on Plateau State students studying in different institution of the country to check the list of higher institutions recently released by FG under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinibu’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in other to apply for the loan.
Furthermore, the Youth Wing frowned at those politicians who lost out in the 2023 election and are hiding under the present situation to be inciting youths to go on protest.
Similarly, the wing further use the opportunity to thank all the religious bodies like Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Evangelical Church Winning All(ECWA) and others for their timely intervention by asking their members to restraint from participating in the protest.
They also call on the JNI and ethnic groups to call on their members to do so.
The All Progressive Congress APC, Stakeholder on the plateau Honourable lshaya Itse has Felicitates with the Former governor of plateau State and Senator Federal Republic of Nigeria in 9th Assembly as he mark another Birthday Day Celebration.
As Itse described Dariye as Great Leader, lcon, Mentor and above all God fearing who has leave his foot prints on sand of history through his leadership as Governor, Senator and outside power.
Hon. Itse birthday wishes to Dariye which is contained in a release dated 27th July 2024 personally signed by him and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
He used the release to exemplify the quality leadership of the former governor of the state, Chief Joshua Dariye whom he further described as bridge builder who love to see all are happy together irrespective of Political, Economic and social status.
However wish him a.k.a “Head Boy” good health , Sound Mind and more years ahead to continue to contribute meaningfully to the Political, Economic and social development of plateau , and Nigeria at large.
Happy Birthday Celebration My Mentor.
Hon. Ishaya Itse. APC Stakeholder In plateau State.
Ahead local government election in plateau state , the Action Democratic Party (ADP),in the state has taken prayer before God to open the eyes of the electorates in the state and vote for the party in the forth coming local government elections and end the current excruciating economic, Social and other pains the people are going through occasion by incompetent government.
As the State Chairman of ADP pointed out that the only party that is prepared mentally and otherwise for governance , who have the interest of downtrodden at heart ,and ready for governance is the Action Democratic Party (ADP).
The admonitions and Supplications was revealed by the Chairman ADP Bitrus Boyi Ngah of in Plateau State in an interview with Journalists recently during the commencement of sales of nomination forms to prospectives candidates of the party who may want to contest for Chairmanship or counsellor under the ambrella of ADP in Plateau state capital.
The party chairman said with his research carried out on separate occasions, showed that the people of plateau state and by extension Nigeria are yearning for change, because they have tested the old order that has failed them woofully,and the people have decided for change ,they wouldn’t want to continue making the same mistakes but rather to embrace New order as encapsulated in ADP.
The chairman further add that is while you see a lots of aspirants who want to contest under the party are coming to purchase nomination forms either for the counselor ship or Chairmanship to exercise their civic duty.
Stressed that a lot of people have come to picked the form for both the Chairman and counsellor , but the statistics of the numbers of those that have but the form so far be ascertained for now till we check our records .
The chairman stressed that the Party is for the council’s election, and promised to give the aspirants contesting under the party every necessary backing to ensure they win the elections.
He assured the party’s readiness to make significant impact in wining reasonable numbers of local governments in the state and ward as for the counsellorship.
Added that ADP in the state is not in any competition with any party whether by numerical strength or financial muscles and neither is at war with them .
“We believed we will deliver in our capacity as party , we knows that people no more go for money bags politicians , those who deceived them, and those politicians they have treated and failed.
“We Just Just Concluded Senatorial return election when the senator under our able party came on board , PDP was excluded from the ballot paper , but we have other political parties participating , and the electorate go for the Senator which is a pointer that the electorate now go for credible candidate, said the people are yearning for true change without sentiment.”
The Party chairman added that the people have seen changes now because the senator who is coming from the Party ,ADP is a humble man.
People are coming into party with the believe that everybody loves the Party, personality of the Party .
When you see the senator , you know he is taking his time without any pressure from any quarters, following the Party direction and doing things with ease.
The party is following the steps of it symbol which is Book, meaning Wisdom , in terms of religious aspects, whether you are a Muslim or Christian ADP frowns at discriminations take everybody along.
“People are beginning to see the prospects of the party , the way people are rushing to be member of the party gives us the hope that we will win the local and other subsequent elections.
However, advised the party supporters to mobilize in peaceful nature deviod of violence but by peaceful , transparent and to mobilize the people around them,to support the candidates of the party in their various positions.
” We have been talking with our agents, supervisors to be at the collation center and those to be drafted to plasiec office to be peaceful irrespective of the out come of the election.”
Hon. Bitrus however advised the teeming supporters of ADP to be peaceful and do a purposeful campaign of peace , success ,give people hope , that voting ADP is the best thing that that would happen to the state and by extension Nigeria in general.
Reiterated the Party’s determination to ensure that every citizens of the local government where the party wins reap benefits of voting ADP into power at the grassroots.
Aspirant for October 9th Local Government elections in Lantang North LGC, Honourable Winston Jinan Moses has promised to increase the internal generated revenue of Lantang North that would make the council free from depending on monthly allocation from federations account.
As he decried the gross failure of former Chairmen of the council who only used the councils resources and other internal generated revenue to better their lots, family and cronies and left the council and its citizens in impoverished .
Hon. Winston was speaking in an interview with the journalists 25th July 2024 at the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Secretariat shortly after collecting his nomination form to contest Chairmanship seat in Lantang North LGC of plateau state.
On what motivated him in taking the steps to participate in the election for the Chairmanship position of the above mentioned Local government, he said, it is necessary to inject high level of hygiene into Lantang North LGC polity, added that his desire is ensure the people of Lantang North have good leadership, because the people of the local government has really suffered from what he described as maladministration.
The young politician stressed that politics in Lantang North has been reduced to sentiment , propaganda, greed and stomach infrastructure, as many politicians particularly in Lantang North are good at nothing but Perpetrating themselves in power.
Lamented that those who are suppose to beat the core of of politics are been relegated to the background,reiterated the critical ingredient sincerity of purpose, good Governance , provision of infrastructure for creating enably environment for enterprise to strive have been relegated.
Said those are some of the things that propelled him to join politics to use his power as the Chief Executive of the local council, believed that conviction the people of the LGC has showed him , and the good will they have demonstrated so far, we are certain that we are going to win this election.
Further lamented that it’s time for the local government to move ahead revealed that the Lantang North local council is the poorest LGC in the whole of Government.
“By the Grace of God, when we come board, the boundary of corporate enterprise and governance is the key to the administration.”
On what to do to bring good Governance and my advice to the people of Lantang North, said he didn’t miss word with propaganda, sentiment like who is , what family and so on.
“My message to the electorates is for them to look at the vision we have for them”.
” Forget about money politics that will finish a week or more , what is the vision for self sustainance of the people”.
However promised that when his administration come on board, by the special Grace of God, when Sworn-In within 3 years he will remove Lantang North currently over dependent on the federal allocation, will be removed there are strategic investments we
suppose to make as an individuals , question the government of not doing the same thing.
Give example of some countries which their Coast are owned by the local Councils .
Hon Habila Tonga, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) an aspirant in the October 2024 Local Government Election in Plateau state, has Formally declares his intention to contest for the Chairmanship position of Langtang North LGA.
Hon. Habila Tonga pledged that if given the opportunity to run the business of the local government in the role of its chairman, he will bring massive infrastructural development and transformation of the local government and urged delegates to vote for him and watch saying that his records speaks for itself.
Tonga expressed optimism that, if given the chance to lead Langtang North, he would alter popular perceptions of the local government governance.
The PDP Chairmanship aspirant made his official declaration on Saturday, July 20, 2024 in Jat Ward, Bwarat district of Langtang North.
while addressing the ward EXCO, thanked them for their rousing welcome adding that the reason behind his aspiration is to bring progress, human and capital development in Langtang North as the local government is being lacked behind and to solicits for their support to move the local government forward. With his campaign Slogan the HEART Project . Health, Education, Agriculture and Rural Transformation.
Responding, Jat WardPDP EXCOs thanked Hon Habila Tonga for the visit, and advocated for peaceful electioneering campaign with the promised that the Jat wardEXCOs will support his political activities to the people as he has done more than enough and charged him to remember his promises if victory smiles on him, and not to toe the path of politicians who cast away all their campaign promises behind them after winning actions. The Honorable was welcomed by a massive crowd who publicly declare their support to the aspirant in all ramifications.
“Hon. Habila Tonga has demonstrated unwavering commitment to our community through various initiatives and projects aimed at improving our quality of life. His vision for Langtang North is one of growth, unity and development, that resident’s voice is heard and valued”. Some supporters said.
There is palpable mass decamping threatening the All Progressive Congress APC,in plateau state as there are massive decamped to the ruling People’s Democratic Party PDP ,in the state ahead local government election slated for 9th October 2024 .
This is as the party, PDP has temporarily suspended the influx of decampees into the party pending it’s conclusion of it Congress billed to hold 27th July 2024.
The Acting Publicity Secretary of PDP, in plateau state, Alhaji Yaro Mairake disclosed this in an exclusive interview with this medium at the PDP Secretariat on Monday 22nd July 2024.
He said the chances of PDP sweeping the Seventeen Local Governments in the forthcoming local Government election in the state is not in doubt, in fact One hundred percent possible considering the current influx of decampees from other parties, mostly the All Progressive Congress APC in the state.
He revealed that the party has commence the sales of nomination forms for the forthcoming Local Government elections since last week, and members of the party are coming to purchase the nomination form waiting for primary and the proper election because aside from PDP in the State there is no functional political party that can contest the party he boasted.
On the responses of members to the purchase of the form, the Acting Publicity Secretary of PDP Alhaji Mairake said, it’s encouraging so far as many has come forward to purchase the form both that for Chairmanship and counselor.
However revealed the date for the party’s Congress slated on Saturday 27th July 2024.
Called on the electorates in the state to come forward again and demonstrate their usual political patriotism as they did in the last general election and vote overwhelmingly for the candidates of PDP in the forthcoming Local Government elections across board.
People’s Democratic Party PDP, aspirant in Lantang North Local Government in the forthcoming Local Government elections in Plateau State, honorable Nanven Johnson has promised to enhance administration in the local council if given the mandate in the forthcoming LGC election.
As he revealed that it has been his desire as he have been following and watching keenly over the years how the local Councils is halfhazardly run, and hope to enhanced it activities.
Nanven was speaking in an interview with Journalists during the purchase of nomination form to run for the position of Chairman in Lantang North LGC at the PDP Secretariat ahead of the council’s election slated for October 2024.
On how sure he is that he can make it through the murky water to emerge the chairman of Lantang North, he revealed that he is sure because his people of Lantang North are solidly behind his candidature they have been yearning for positive change that will enthroned development in the council.
He stressed that he is currently having Five Points Agenda as his manifestoes which by the Grace of God,he hope to pursue vigorously to logical implementation if voted as the chairman of the council.
On the issues of insecurity which have been ravaging the State, local government and by extension Nigeria as a whole, he hinted that he has outlined plans to tackle it head on, which he said is top secret which suppose not be discussed publicly including in the media because it’s security matter.Hon.Nanven maintained.
The Counsellorship aspirant for Vanderpuye Ward ahead 2024 Local Government Election in plateau state Comrade Okoro Uzoma Anthony has called on the people of Vanderpuye to shun politics of ethnicity and vote according to the competence of aspirant that can bring development closer to the people at grassroots .
As he promised to tackled infrastructural Challenges currently facing Vanderpuye if given the opportunity to serve as counsellor representing Vanderpuye in Jos North local government of Plateau State.
Comrade Anthony who is contesting under the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was speaking in an interview with our reporter in Jos, Plateau State Capital 21st July 2024 on what inspired him to join politics and how he hope to weather the storm of politics to Clinch the seat.
Anthony who has his Campaign Slogan as “A New Vanderpuye Is Here”, said he was born and bread in plateau state,and his quest to vye for the position of counsellor in Vanderpuye Ward is majorly because of gross lack of basic social amenities like Portable drinking water ,insecurities and epileptic power supply from electricity.
Comrade Anthony stressed that the issue of insecurity bedeviling the Ward is becoming a source of worry to the residents in particular,and the state as a whole, particularly as the ward is gradually becoming business hub of the state .
He lamented how some Hoodlums are terrorizing businessmen and women with their neferious activities and promised to tackle the menace head on if voted as the counselor of Vanderpuye ward in the forthcoming local government election in the state billed for 19th October this year.
He further added that all the challenges facing Vanderpuye community and others can’t be effectly tackled if one is not at the corridor of power which is the reasons he is contesting for Counsellorship position to pave way for me to help my community.
Promised to change the narrative of “Seat Down And Look ” attitude of the residents of the community who have high level of apathy for politics ,called on them to come out and involve in politics for the interest of the community in particular and the state in general.
Reiterate that Vanderpuye Ward under his leadership , he hope to bring peace initiative that will cut across all tribes, ethnic groups where they will come together and share our differences.
He however advised all to shun politics of ethnicity and tribal sentiment,and look at the competence of the person that can deliver .
“They should look the quality of the candidate so that at the end of the day, the person they voted into power, is able to represent them effectively”.
On his challenges as the electioneering campaign is about to kick start, he said he envisage tribal and ethnic sentiment which cannot be ruled out from politics, but assured that he is equal equal to the task as he is certain at the end of the day he will triumph.
Comrade Okoro Uzoma Anthony who is Counsellorship Aspirant in Vanderpuye Ward is contesting on the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The State Working Committee (SWC), of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Plateau State Chapter has commenced sales of nomination forms for the Local Government Council Elections.
The announcement of the sales nomination forms is contained in a press statement dated 20th July and signed by the Acting State Publicity Secretary of PDP Alhaji Mairake Yaro and made available to journalists in jos According to the statement
Aspirants can come to the state party Secretariat for the forms and other details in connection with the Local Government Elections
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) is soliciting for financial assistance for aspirants contesting for the ticket ahead of the 2024 Plateau State Local Government Councils Election across the 17 Councils .
Speaking on behalf of the aspirants,Comr. Timlok Fyenda Esq MIASS CPMN phd in view NNPP Senatorial candidate Plateau south in 2023 election in a world press conference held on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State party Secretariat.
He said the aspirants underwent evaluations on their academic records, eligibility, membership and voter cards, passport but they have serious constraints to provide them with financial assistance especially now that most of them are facing challenges of electioneering campaign ahead of 9th October,2024 .
Comr.Timlok disclosed that the party is willing to take over Plateau State , while addressing journalists after interface with the aspirants
He emphasized the party’s interest in producing the next Chairmen of the 17 LGAs and bringing the exemplary governance witnessed in Kano State to their region.
Comr.Timlok Fyenda Esq said: “The state Chapter have undergoes screening of eligible aspirants of the party on their expression of interest from the academic records credentials, so the NNPP didn’t have the financial muzzle to do anything except with the support of the national body .
“The party membership and voters card, their passport photographs, some of them even have a waiver, your membership dues payment and any other additional information, that is the checklist. We’re here to request .
“We will be very much interested in whoever becomes our candidates. Our interest is that we should produce by the grace of God the next Chairmen in the state.“And the kind of governance example we are learning in Kano state will also move to Plateau state by the end of their tenure.”
He highlighted his presence in the community and his previous experiences in handling security matters within the state.
I am sure there are competent people in NNPP that can win the election with landslide victory if the exercise is conducted free and fair and I am sure that their goal will be achieve ,“I’m here,to drive them with passion, drive by Sincerity, honesty and openness
The APC Stakeholder in Plateau State Honourable Ishaya Itse has Congratulates the New Iman of Jos Central Mosque Ghazali Isma’ila Adam .
Honorable Itse has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Ghazali Isma’ila Adam on his introduction as the New Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, following the demised of Sheikh Imam Muhammad Lawan Adam.
The APC Stakeholder holder in the state congratulatory message is contained in a press statement dated 20th July 2024 personally signed by him, he noted that Imam Adam’s appointment as the 10th substantive Chief Imam by the Jos Central Mosque Management Committee, Chaired by Alh. Garba Abdulkadir is a testament to his dedication, spiritual knowledge, and impactful leadership.
He explained that Imam Adam’s legacy of justice, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to the spiritual growth of the people, particularly his efforts to instil moral values in the youth.
Honorable Itse expressed confidence that Imam Adam will utilize his vast spiritual knowledge to guide the people and promote peace and unity in the state.
He hoped that Imam Adam’s influence would foster a culture of peace, love, tolerance, and kindness, in order to contribute to a harmonious working atmosphere and the spiritual and economic growth of the people.
On behalf of the APC in the state and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, honorable Itse congratulates Ghazali Isma’ila Adam on his well-deserved honour and prayed for God’s strength and good health for him to lead the congregation in prayer, guidance, and community service.
He also prayed that Imam Adam’s tenure would consolidate and strengthen peace, harmony, and prosperity for the Muslim Ummah in Jos and Nigeria in general.
The APC Stakeholder in Plateau State Honourable Ishaya Itse has Congratulates the New Iman of Jos Central Mosque Ghazali Isma’ila Adam .
Honorable Itse has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Ghazali Isma’ila Adam on his introduction as the New Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, following the demised of Sheikh Imam Muhammad Lawan Adam.
The APC Stakeholder holder in the state congratulatory message is contained in a press statement dated 20th July 2024 personally signed by him, he noted that Imam Adam’s appointment as the 10th substantive Chief Imam by the Jos Central Mosque Management Committee, Chaired by Alh. Garba Abdulkadir is a testament to his dedication, spiritual knowledge, and impactful leadership.
He explained that Imam Adam’s legacy of justice, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to the spiritual growth of the people, particularly his efforts to instil moral values in the youth.
Honorable Itse expressed confidence that Imam Adam will utilize his vast spiritual knowledge to guide the people and promote peace and unity in the state.
He hoped that Imam Adam’s influence would foster a culture of peace, love, tolerance, and kindness, in order to contribute to a harmonious working atmosphere and the spiritual and economic growth of the people.
On behalf of the APC in the state and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, honorable Itse congratulates Ghazali Isma’ila Adam on his well-deserved honour and prayed for God’s strength and good health for him to lead the congregation in prayer, guidance, and community service.
He also prayed that Imam Adam’s tenure would consolidate and strengthen peace, harmony, and prosperity for the Muslim Ummah in Jos and Nigeria in general.
Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Ghazali Isma’ila Adam on his introduction as the new Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, following the demised of Sheikh Imam Muhammad Lawan Adam.
Governor Mutfwang’s congratulatory message is contained in a press statement dated 19th July 2024 signed by Director of Press and public affairs to the governor Gyang Bere and made available to this medium in jos, plateau state.
In a congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang noted that Imam Adam’s appointment as the 10th substantive Chief Imam by the Jos Central Mosque Management Committee, Chaired by Alh. Garba Abdulkadir is a testament to his dedication, spiritual knowledge, and impactful leadership.
He highlighted Imam Adam’s legacy of justice, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to the spiritual growth of the people, particularly his efforts to instil moral values in the youth.
Governor Mutfwang expressed confidence that Imam Adam will utilize his vast spiritual knowledge to guide the people and promote peace and unity in the state.
He hoped that Imam Adam’s influence would foster a culture of peace, love, tolerance, and kindness, in order to contribute to a harmonious working atmosphere and the spiritual and economic growth of the people.
On behalf of the government and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang warmly congratulated Ghazali Isma’ila Adam on his well-deserved honour and prayed for God’s strength and good health for him to lead the congregation in prayer, guidance, and community service.
The Governor also prayed that Imam Adam’s tenure would consolidate and strengthen peace, harmony, and prosperity for the Muslim Ummah in Jos and beyond.
president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on 18th July, 2024, in the presence of NLC president, Joe Ajaero and TUC president, Festus Osifo, approved a minimum wage of 70 thousand Naira for every Nigerian worker.
He also promised to review it every 3 years. This is coming after years of struggle by Nigerian workers, with threats of strike, warning strikes and actual strikes.
The increase comes at a time Nigerians are asphyxiating under severe hardship amid excruciatingly high cost of living driven by spiraling inflation and dire economic challenges in an inclement environment of palpable government wastes, leakages and ostentatious living. Using a bag of rice as a metaphor, Nigerians have refused to indulge in any euphoria of jubilation as the 70 Thousand Naira will not even be able to buy a bag of rice which now sells for between 75 and 100 thousand naira per bag.
They wonder how this meager enhancement of salary will positively affect the high cost of accommodation, transportation, electricity, healthcare services, living standards, etc.The take-home pay of every worker ought to be a matter of public interest, especially to those minding the levers of power, because it is a critical issue affecting all workers, employers of labour and the entire economy.
Poor compensation or remuneration breeds inequality and affects productivity and this can serve as a catalyst for social vices such as stealing, banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, suicide, homicide, armed robbery, prostitution, human and drug trafficking, etc. With a view to addressing poor wages and its attendant consequences, international organizations, governments and non-governmental organizations have coined terms such as “minimum wage”, “living wage” and “reasonable wage” to describe the different types of wages every worker should be entitled to.
In this intervention, I will address these levels of wages and make a case for a “reasonable wage”; as opposed to living and the just presidentially sanctioned minimum wage of 70 Thousand Naira. DEFINITION OF TERMSIt is common knowledge that “wage” is the reward or compensation for labour.
. The terms “minimum wage,” “living wage” and “reasonable wage”, all relate to compensation for labour but differ in their definitions and implications. Here’s a brief explanation of each of those terms.MINIMUM WAGEThis is the lowest legal pay that an employer can offer employees.
It is the least amount of remuneration that an employer is required to pay wage earners for the work performed during a given period, which cannot be reduced by collective agreement or an individual contract. It is set by law and varies by country and sometimes by states or regions within a country. Sometimes, it can be arrived at by a collective agreement.
From facts obtained from Wikipedia.org on the 9th July, 2024, the minimum wage in Nigeria is ₦30,000 per month which is just 24.00 USD per month? By way of comparative analysis with some other countries globally, in Equatorial Guinea, the minimum wage is FCFA 129,035 (US$224) per month. In the Republic of Congo, it is FCFA 90,000 (US$170) per month in the formal sector. In Botswana, the minimum wage is P 7.34 (US$0.62) an hour for most full-time labour in the private sector; P 1,786 (US$152) per month. Rwanda RWF 56,668 (N64,602); South Africa R4,067.2 – R4,412.8 (N322,406.944 – N349,802.656); Kenya is KES15,201 (N172,683.36).
In UAE, there is no general minimum wage as it differs from profession to profession. However, for skilled Labourers AED 5,000 (N2,019,435); people with University degrees AED12,000 (N4,846,644); qualified technicians AED 7,000 (N2,827,209); South Korea is 2,010,580 Won (N2,161,574.558). China differs from city to city. However, Shanghai is RMB 2,690 per month (N551,181) and Heilongjiang RMB 1,450 (N 297,105). Singapore does not prescribe a general minimum wage for all its workers.
However, the minimum Singaporean wage is averaged at 6,792SGD/Month = N7,464,408).The minimum wage in Canada is set federally and by each province and territory; ranges from CA$13 to CA$16 (US$9.69 to US$11.93) per hour.
The minimum wage calculated here is a weighted average based on the relative population in each province. In Australia, most workers are covered by an award, which may vary by employee age, geographical location and industry. Workers receive mandatory employer loadings such as penalty rates or leave loading.
Minimum wages are set federally by the Fair Work Commission. For those 21 and older, not covered by an award or other instrument, (as of July 1, 2023) – the minimum wage is $A 882.80 (US$600) per week, or $A 23.23 (US$15) per hour Casual workers are paid a loading of typically 25%, resulting in a minimum of A$28 (US$18) per hour for those workers.
Workers under 21, apprentices and trainees not covered by an award, have a minimum wages set at a percentage of the ordinary rate. For those under 16, this is 36.8% or A$7.87 (US$5.25) per hour; $A 9.83 (US$6.56) with the casual loading. In France, it is €1,709.28 (US$2022) gross per month, €11.27(US$12.5) per hour. 12.41 per hour is the minimum wage in Germany, a higher minimum wage is often set by collective bargaining agreements and enforceable by law. In Ghana, it is ₵18.19 (US$1.2) per day. In Morocco, it is MAD 3,500 (US$349) per month in public sector, MAD 3,111 (US$310) per month in private sector, 84.37 Dh, (US$8.42) per day for agricultural workers. In Palestine, it is 1,880 ILS (US$582) per month.
In the United States of America, the Federal nationwide minimum wage in the United States is US$7.25 per hour. States may also set a minimum, in which case the higher of the two is controlling; some territories are exempt and have lower rates.
As of January 3, 2022, effective state minimum wage rates range from US$7.25 to US$15.00 per hour, with an average of about $12.00 across all minimum wage workers as of 2019. Local government minimum wages exist as well, the highest of which reach to $17.13 per hour.
The minimum wage in the United Kingdom is: £11.44 stg (US$15.67) per hour for those aged 21+ £8.60 (US$11.78) per hour for those aged 18–20£6.40 (US$8.77) per hour for those aged 16-17, apprentices aged 16 to 18, and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year of apprenticeship. Employees under the age of 16 are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
It is important to note that the term “minimum wage” does not mean minuteness or paltriness. The goal of the minimum wage is to ensure a basic standard of living for workers. However, the extant #30,000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) minimum wage in Nigeria cannot guarantee a basic standard of living. With this wage, it will take a worker three months to earn enough to buy a mere bag of rice.In January 2024, the Federal government had inaugurated a 37-member tripartite committee to review the National Minimum Wage.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had insisted on a minimum wage of #250,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) given the uncontrollable inflation in the country and the value of the ever-depreciating naira against the dollar in an economy that is fast being dollarised.A BRIEF HISTORY OF MINIMUM WAGE IN NIGERIALet us recall that the late Premier of Western Region, the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, had successfully implemented the first minimum wage policy in Nigeria.
From October 1954, the minimum wage paid by Awolowo to Westerners actually doubled that paid to workers of the same level in other parts of Nigeria. Western Region government paid 5 shillings and six pence minimum wage to workers at a time that workers in the North were paid only two shillings and eight pence. He had wanted to implement a national minimum wage.
He had indeed made it one of the cardinal agenda of his administration if elected as Prime Minister of Nigeria, an ambition that never came to pass. Chief Awolowo had lost in the 1959 elections to Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, KBE, PC, Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister however failed to do anything about a national minimum wage law to help Nigerian workers.The late President Shehu Shagari it was who eventually signed the first national minimum wage legislation into law in September, 1981.
The Nigerian Labour Congress, under the leadership of the late Hassan Sunmonu, had trenchantly advocated for this bill. All full-time employees were protected by this new rule, with the exception of seasonal workers and those employed by businesses with less than 50 employees.
The monthly salary was 125 naira. This wage at that time approximated to US$204 at the 1981 exchange rate of US$1 = 0.61 naira. Based on the current currency rate of approximately US$1 = #1,530 naira, the amount paid to Nigerians as minimum wage in 1981 would be equivalent to nearly USD312, 120 naira at the 2024 rate. The new enhanced minimum wage in the country is still a mere #70, 000.00 (about US$ 46) per month, less than 15% of the salary earned by the average Nigerian 43 years ago! This means that the quality of lives of Nigerians have actually depreciated, rather than being enhanced.
This is the grouse of not just the organized labour, but of average Nigerian worker.THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF A NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE Fixing the national minimum wage is a constitutional issue given the provisions of Part 1, item 34 of the (Exclusive Legislative List) Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
By virtue of the provisions of item 34 cited above, the National Assembly can, via legislation, prescribe a minimum wage for the federation or any part thereof. What it prescribes is binding on everyone, including the Federal, States and Local governments in Nigeria.
LIVING WAGE This is an estimate of the amount of money needed for a worker to meet their basic needs, which include food, housing, water, education and other essential expenses, while also allowing for some discretionary income. It is an income that allows an individual or family to also afford adequate shelter, clothing, childcare, healthcare, transportation and other basic needs such as personal care items, savings for unexpected events etc. It is that wage that is higher than the minimum wage.
Unlike the minimum wage, the living wage is not legally mandated but is often used as a benchmark for fair wages. It aims to provide a standard of living above the poverty line and it is calculated based on cost of living and basic needs.
Given that the cost of living is already killing the living in Nigeria, the government and the organized labour should look at a living wage. REASONABLE WAGE.
A reasonable wage is one that fairly compensates an individual for his or her work, covering basic living expenses and ensuring a decent standard of living.
The concept of a reasonable wage can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, job role, and cost of living. Here are some key aspects to consider when determining what might constitute a reasonable wage:FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN FIXING A REASONABLE WAGE Living Wage:
This is the minimum income necessary for a worker to meet his or her basic needs, including housing, food, healthcare, and other essentials. A living wage is often higher than the minimum wage and is adjusted for the cost of living in different areas.Market Rate:
Wages should be competitive with what other employers in the same industry and region are paying for similar work. This helps attract and retain talent.Skill Level and Experience: Employees with higher levels of skill, education, and experience typically command higher wages.Job Responsibilities: The complexity and responsibility of the job should be reflected in the wage. More demanding or critical roles should be compensated accordingly.
Economic Conditions: The state of the economy can influence wage levels. During times of economic growth, wages may rise, while during downturns, wage growth might slow or stagnate.Legal Requirements: Wages must comply with federal labour laws, including minimum wage regulations.Company’s Financial Health:
The ability of a company to pay its employees is also a factor. Financially stable companies are more likely to offer higher wages.Benefits and Perks:
Non-wage benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks contribute to the overall compensation package.A reasonable wage is a balance between these factors, ensuring that employees can live comfortably while employers remain competitive and financially sustainable.
THE EFFECTS OF POOR TAKE-HOME PAY DUE TO LOW MINIMUM WAGES THE ECONOMIC IMPACT
Any wage that cannot meet basic standard of living is nothing but exploitation and should be condemned by all. Workers earning minimum wage often struggle to meet basic needs, such as housing, food, healthcare, and education, which can perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
Low minimum wages contribute to widening income inequality, as the gap between the highest and lowest earners increases. Experience has shown that workers with higher disposable incomes are likely to spend more on goods and services, stimulating demand and economic growth. Conversely, low take-home pay can lead to decreased consumer spending, slowing economic growth.
THE SOCIAL IMPACT The social impact of law minimum wage is more worrisome than the economic impact. Financial stress from low wages can lead to poor mental and physical health outcomes, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and chronic illnesses.
Also, inadequate income can result in poor living conditions, limited access to nutritious food, and insufficient healthcare.Low-income families may struggle to afford educational opportunities for their children, limiting social mobility and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Higher minimum wages can provide families with the resources needed to invest in their children’s education and future.
LABOUR MARKET IMPACT Low wages can lead to high employee turnover, as workers seek better-paying opportunities. This can increase costs for employers due to recruiting and training new employees.
Fair wages can improve employee morale and productivity, as workers feel more valued and motivated. Higher minimum wages can attract more individuals into the labour force, increasing labour market participation rates.
While, low wages may discourage people from entering or remaining in the workforce, particularly if the costs of working (e.g., transportation, childcare) outweigh the benefits.
GOVERNMENT AND POLICY IMPACT
Low-wage workers often rely on government assistance programs, such housing subsidies, to make ends meet. Thus, raising the minimum wage can reduce the burden on these programs and potentially lower government spending.
The minimum wage is a contentious issue in political debates, with arguments about the balance between fair pay and potential negative effects on employment. Recently, the Federal Government of Nigeria said it can pay what it can afford, even as some of the states have distanced themselves from the benchmark of #60,000 (Sixty Thousand Naira).
My advice is that policymakers and organized labour should also consider the impact on small businesses, employment rates, and overall economic health when determining minimum wage levels. Also, there should be a periodic review of minimum wage to reflect the economic reality of the times.
POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES
As noted earlier, the extant minimum wage is Nigeria cannot sustain any good standard of living. There should therefore be a gradual increase or a periodic review of the minimum wage to reflect the economic realities. Also, adjusting the minimum wage based on the cost of living in different States can ensure that wages are more appropriate for local economic conditions.
People who work in urban areas should be compensated more than people who work in rural areas. Wage review should take into consideration, the cost of housing, transportation, food, etc.Combining minimum wage increases with other supportive measures, such as tax credits and job training programs, can provide a more comprehensive approach to improving the livelihoods of low-wage workers.
CONCLUSION :
Addressing the issue of poor take-home pay through minimum wage policies requires a nuanced approach that considers the economic, social, and labour market impacts, as well as potential policy solutions to support both workers and employers. It is doubtful if the Tinubu government calmly took these into consideration.
A situation where workers can neither fend for themselves, nor their families is deplorable and must be avoided. It can lead to chaos, anarchy and uncontrollable social unrest. The festering crisis in Kenya which has led to citizens literally baying for the blood of a once-upon-a-time populist William Ruto is an eye opener to any sensible and reasonable government.
Granted that president Tinubu has obviously shown some concern and sensitivity to the plight of Nigerian workers by this new enhanced minimum wage, I dare say it has not done much to ameliorate the quagmire Nigeria is currently meshed in. Not to accept this reality and play the proverbial ostrich is unhelpful.
Time is not on government’s side to take more drastic steps to stem the corrosive hunger, anger and mass disenchantment currently ravaging Nigeria. For now, it is a case of minimum wage, maximum rage.
Hon Ishaya Itse has sympathetize with Pyem Nation in general and Gindiri in particular over the sad demise of the District Head Alhaji Tanko Adamu in the early hours of this morning 18th July 2024 Honorable Itse said the death of the District Head came to him as a rude shock
Stressed that he is deeply saddened that the traditional ruler who was reportedly hale and hearty yesterday afternoon passed on, in his sleep over the night.
The death of the traditional ruler is regrettable, because the late Alhaji Tanko Adamu was a man of peace, community mobilizer and builder who put in his all for the development of Gindiri District and the State at large.
Honorable Itse however condoled with the Plateau State, Mangu traditional Council, Pyem Nation and Members of the deceased immediate family over the irreparable loss.
And pray the Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the late Alhaji Tanko Adamu, Aljana’at Fidaus.
3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN while conducting operation to recover arms from a gunrunners’ hideout at Sangasa Village in Fann District was attacked in the early hours of 10 July 2024. During the operation, a member of the team, an immigration officer, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration CL Agwom, was killed by the criminals.
Following the incident, troops conducted follow-on operation in the district to recover illegal arms and ammunition and other dangerous weapons inline with the core mandate of the operation. During the operations that lasted for one week, the team arrested 8 suspects and recovered both automatic and locally fabricated weapons as well as different calibres of ammunition from Ratas, Ratoso and Sangasa Villages all in Fann District in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Specifically, the following were recovered during the operation:
a. Twelve AK-47 rifles.
b. Twelve Fabricated AK-47 rifles.
c. Fifteen Dane guns.
d. Fifteen AK-47 magazine.
e. One AK-47 drum magazine having capacity of 75 rounds.
f.Two hundred and fifty rounds of 7.62 mm (Special).
g. Two cartridges.
h. Two bottles of gunpowder.
i. One sword.
j. One complete pair of military woodland camouflage dress.
k. One pair of military combat boot.
l. Two spears.
m. One bow and eight arrows.
n. Seven motorcycles.
The huge recoveries of arms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons as well as military uniforms from Fann District in just one week further affirms that the district is a criminal enclave.
Hence, the false propaganda by miscreants and other misguided persons are merely to divert attention from the large cache of weapons in the hands of unauthorized persons in the district.
Let me therefore seize this opportunity to reiterate that 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN will leave no stone unturned in its quest to mop up illegal arms and ammunition within the Joint Operations Area in line with its mandate.
We therefore urge the public to continue to collaborate and avail security agencies with credible information that will aid in securing law-abiding citizens in the Joint Operations Area.
Also, as part of efforts to arrest criminals complicit in criminal activities in Fann District and environs, the following persons are hereby declared wanted by security agencies:
a.Mr Timothy Zakka Dung also known as Timaya.
b.Mr Sam P
c. Dachun Job
d. Yakubu Ishaku
Any person with useful information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects should kindly contact the closest security outpost
Let me conclude this brief by acknowledging the courageous and brave efforts of Late Assistant Superintendent of Immigration Christopher Luka Agwom who paid the supreme price during the operation to recover arms and ammunition at Sangasa Village on 10 July 2024.
The officer, a Jarawa by tribe, who hails from Risek Community in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State, was very hardworking and reliable. He rose to become the Administrative Officer of Sector 4 Operation SAFE HAVEN through his dedication and commitment to duty. The death of the officer has left a vacuum not only to the young widow and 3 children he left behind but to the entire 3
Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN. The late officer was laid to rest at Rizek Community in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State yesterday 16 Jul 24.
Let me assure you that his sacrifice will not be in vain as we would not be deterred by false propaganda by miscreants and other misguided persons. 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN remain resolute in its drive to rid the entire Joint Operations Area of criminalities.
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF ITS MEETING IN ENUGU, ENUGU STATE ON WEDNESDAY, 17TH JULY 2024.
The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of H.E. Governor Bala A. Mohammed, CON, held a meeting at the Enugu State Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
2. The meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues that border on our critical national interest, the state of our party particularly the forthcoming congress, the unprecedented hardship faced by majority of Nigerians as a result of the dismal performance of the APC-led Federal Government, the minimum wage negotiations, and the recurring issue of inter-governmental relations with special reference to local government autonomy and funding.
3. Following exhaustive discussions and consultations, the meeting resolved as follows:
i. UPCOMING PARTY CONGRESSES
a. In the spirit of the founding fathers of our great party who adopted internal democracy as the fundamental principle on which our party was built, the congresses leading to the election of party leaders, at the various tiers, must be all-inclusive, transparent, fair and in strict compliance with the constitution of the party.
b. To ensure the successful conduct of the congresses across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
ii. OFF SEASON ELECTIONS
On the off season elections in Edo and Ondo, the forum:
a. Admonishes all the parties to the elections to ensure that campaigns are issues-based, violence-free and in strict compliance with the provisions of the electoral act.
b. Urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field that guarantees transparent, fair and unimpeachable elections as any act of bias will be totally resisted.
c. Urges Mr. President to show leadership as a true democrat by refraining from making any statement suggestive of political interference in the entire process.
iii. THE ECONOMY
The Forum notes with dismay and grave concern the mismanagement of the economy by the APC-led Federal Government.
iv. MINIMUM WAGE NEGOTIATIONS
The minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted. In the face of the attendant unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of majority of our people, the Forum resolves as follows:
a. That Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified and therefore commands the total support of the Forum
b. While the Forum fully supports Labour’s demand, agreement must take into consideration the ability to pay by the local government, sub-national and federal government.
b. While negotiations are ongoing, we appeal for restraint in both utterances and actions that could lead to the complete breakdown of law and order and ultimately, the collapse of the economy.
v. SUPREME COURT RULING ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT ALLOCATION
a. The Forum believes in the efficacy of the local government system which ensures that governance is brought closer to the people as provided for in the constitution.
b. Will continue to support the autonomy of the Local Governments as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
c. Forum holds the Supreme Court in the highest esteem, and is committed to obedience to court orders. However, the Forum urges that implementation of the court decision must be done in a manner that does not create a trust deficit between the federal governments and sub-national governments while also ensuring that the system does not suffer.
vi. THE CRISIS IN RIVERS STATE
The Forum notes the crises in the Rivers State Chapter of the party and commits to ensuring peace. The Forum has resolved to stand by His Excellency, Sir Sim Fubara, Governor of Rivers State; while at the same time employ wider consultations with stakeholders for a peaceful resolution and thus find a lasting solution to the crises.
vii. RESTORING THE NATION’S PAST GLORY
The Forum regrets that the 16 years of tremendous development under the PDP-led Federal Government, during which the country witnessed single digit inflation, the establishment of the existing anti-corruption institutions and higher standard of living for every Nigerian has been eroded during the life span of the lacklustre APC-led Federal Government.
The Forum identifies with the Nigerian populace in these troubling times and promises to bring back those good old days, of low inflation rate, affordable food, fuel and transportation, steady FDI inflows resulting in high naira value and the greater quality of human life as recorded.
In that regard, the meeting commended the Governors of PDP-controlled states for their innovative approaches to governance in many fields especially infrastructure, education, health, women and youth initiatives and the timely delivery of developmental projects, across the country.
The forum therefore calls on all Nigerians to refrain from anarchy as we all march towards the return of the PDP to power in 2027.
The meeting thanked the Host, His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah for hosting the first meeting of the PDP Governors in recent times outside Abuja and for holding the Party together not only in Enugu State but in the entire South Eastern Geo-political Zone; as well as extolled his virtues and achievements as evidenced with major landmark projects and interventions.
Those in attendance were:
i. Gov. Bala Mohammed, CON – Bauchi State – Chairman ii. Gov. Siminalayi Fubara – Rivers State – Vice Chairman iii. Gov. Peter N. Mba (Host) iv. Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri – Adamawa State – Member vi Gov. Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State – Member vii. Gov. Douye Diri – Bayelsa State – Member vii Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta State -Member ix. Gov. Godwin Obaseki – Edo State – Member x. Gov. Seyi Makinde – Oyo State – Member xi. Gov. Caleb Mutfwang – Plateau State – Member xii. Gov. Agbu Kefas – Taraba State – Member xiii. Gov. Dauda Lawal – Zamfara State – Member
Signed.
Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON Chairman, PDP Governors Forum// Governor Bauchi State
It is with immense gratitude and joy that I make this address following the successful Elections Petition Tribunal ruling in Bauchi State on July 16, 2024 which asserted our victory in the February 3rd, 2024 Re-run elections of which we emerged victorious.
The Tribunal has affirmed my election as the duly elected Member Representing the Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency under the Labour Party (LP).
The petition filed by Hon. Muhammad Adamu Alkali of the PRP challenging our victory was dismissed for lacking Merit, and the People’s mandate stays solid.
I solemnly extend my heartfelt appreciation to the people of Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency and the entire people of Plateau State for the undistracted Faith in my capacity to Represent us amidst all challenges. Your support and belief in me have been my cornerstone- the fuel for this Journey of ours. I am deeply honored to serve you.
To the people and Government of Plateau State, your steadfast support and gracious commitment to the “Plateau Peoples Party” project is essential and embedded in me.
Together, we have shown that with Perseverance, Unity, and Faith, we can overcome any obstacle. Let us continue to pray and work towards better days for our precious constituency and our dear State.
I thank God Almighty for His continued guidance and blessings, and I pray for His wisdom in all our future endeavors. Thank you once again for your kindness, support, and belief in our shared vision.
*Hon. Amb. Daniel Asama Ago* (The Anki Kaboh)
*Member House of Representatives, Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency*
Bemoaning the clearly anti party attitude activities and actions of the Wase Transition Interim Committee Chairman, Hon. Hamisu Anani Wase, various sources within the Wase PDP and the Wase APC confided in Wase Concerned PDP Youth* that it appeared Wase chapter of the PDP had the premonition that Hon. Hamisu Anani was on the verge of exiting PDP to APC when it nominated him the Plateau State Deputy Director General (DDG), Atiku-Mutfwang 2023 Campaign Council.
This is contained in a press statement dated 16th July 2024 signed by it Chairman Comrade Garba Sulaiman Sani and Secretary Comrade Richard Lohfa
Secretary General and made know to this medium in Jos, plateau State capital.
The release stressed that, it was the singular step taken by the Wase Chapter of the PDP that stopped Hamisu Anani from leaving the PDP for the APC along with his brother, one Hon. Engr. Hamza Haruna Wase who had left us for the APC.
Hon. Anani was aggrieved and angry with the Wase top PDP stakeholders because he was pacified by them to shelve his House of Reps membership ambition for the collective good of the party in Wase following his several unsuccessful attempts.
This unanimous decision by the LGA stakeholders did not go down well with Hon. Anani, hence he perfected all consultations and plans to leave the party for the APC.
Our sources add that another reason for his wanting to exit the PDP as that time was the failure of his choiced GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANT, HON. KEFAS WUNUGAK (KEFIANO) to clinch the PDP governorship ticket for the State. Note that Anani had no any relationship, whatsoever with Governor Caleb Mutfwang before his appointment as the DDG Campaign Council.
He was for KEFIANO. No more. No less.
It was the culmination of these two factors, that Hon. Anani felt had no business any longer, whatsoever in the PDP and wanted to join the APC. He was determined to leave the PDP if not for his appointment as DDG, Atiku-Mutfwang 2023 Campaign Council.
That was how he was tamed ahead of the 2023 elections to remain with the PDP or better said, in the PDP. But the bottom line or the most pertinent question is, is he actually with the PDP? Of course he may be in the PDP, agreed.
It would be recalled, to tame him the more, we have it on records that he was well taken care of during mobilisations and campaigns according to conditions he gave for his participation but all to no avail as he eventually sabotaged the struggle.
Too unfaithful and selfish to let go all the preselection issues. He perceived all the Wase PDP stakeholders who supported shelving his aspiration as lifetime enemies.
As we write this piece the enmity is there. In fact that is the main reason that Hon. Anani punishes virtually everybody in Wase chapter of the PDP as he got the opportunity of being the TIC CHAIRMAN.
The reader would agree with us that maltreatment of party members is tantamount to working for the oppositions and also an antiparty act. That is the state of affairs as regards to the PDP in Wase today. It is an open secret that PDP members are suffering in the hands of Anani in Wase.
No responsible leader or member of the PDP in Wase is happy with the way things are being run under the vengeance seeker/missioner, Hon. Anani. One would wonder whether Anani is a PDP member as he claims.
It is therefore obvious, Hon. Anani remains in the PDP not because of the love of the Party but because he was appointed DDG, Atiku-Mutfwang 2023 Campaign Council and looking for opportunity to”avenge” himself.
His vindictiveness and desires for vengeance are never hidden or abated as he makes them known at any given opportunity.
However, in fairness to him, records show that he was relatively committed to ensuring Governor Caleb Mutfwang victory in Wase but sabotaged, subverted and jeopardized the PDP chances and eventual victory in the Houses of Reps and Assembly elections. He was not sincere in his support for the Houses of Reps and Assembly candidates.
We therefore, find it sanctionable for any Party member or leader to be selective in his support. It is antiparty. So, Anani deserves punishment for anti party not reward for perhaps supporting only the Governor in the recent general elections but today he is our TIC Chairman. And he has not faltered in his vengeance mission.
What are we saying as the *Wase Concerned PDP Youth* ? It is clear, that such individuals are not to be trusted let alone entrusted with the future of our dear party in whatever capacity.
With the aforementioned antecedents and how he currently engages in antiparty activities such as supporting loyalists of major opposition party for appointments in the state and local government civil service at the expense of our party loyalists; giving support and assistance in festive periods to opposition to detriment of party leaders and members.
For instance in recent Sallah, he gave rams to opposition members and leaders in Wase when most of our Stakeholders could not have chicken to kill for their families; discriminating against loyal party members because of the reasons earlier mentioned; general maltreatment of party members and lack of responsibility and genuine love for the party among other unpleasant issues that tarnish the image and popularity of our party in Wase LGA.
If Anani is left unchecked to continue with the destruction of our party in Wase, no doubt we would soon come to terms with reality as our people will definitely do the needful. No one else can just overnight turn people into slavery in the 21st century and expect them to be content with it.
We are in a free world where there are abundance of choices.
Moreover, it suffice to say Hon. Anani is in the APC with his soul and spirit while in the PDP with his flesh and blood. We have monitored all our local, community and tribal social media platforms where serious political discourses take place. We discover that members of the major opposition party (APC) in the state are the ones praising and celebrating Anani and craving for continuity of his Chairmanship in Wase. What does that tell a true party man? As Williams Shakespeare would say “The good for our enemies; bad for our friends.”
“The bad for our enemies; good for our friends.” On this note, this our yardstick. Why would members of the opposition celebrate him at the time members of his claimed party are filled with disillusionment, dissatisfaction and disenchantment.
It means he is against the interests of the party he claims to belong to. It is therefore indisputable to say that Anani is APC and he works for the APC in Wase but it takes responsibility and unwavering love for our party to understand that.
It appears, our party, the PDP is at a crossroads in Wase particularly in respect to her 2027 ambitions. To either discard Anani and shape her political future or cling to him and squander the future.
This is what is now on the table of the PDP LEADERS AND STAKEHOLDERS in Plateau State and particularly the number one PDP leader in the State and our amiable Governor, His Excellency Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Remember, it is said, “A stitch in time saves nine.”
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been assured that the delivery dates for the AH-1Z attack helicopters purchased by the Federal Government remains on track.
The assurance is contained in a press statement dated 16th July 2024 signed by Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Edward Gabkwet and made available to this medium.
The assurance came when the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde met with officials of the United States Government and Bell Textron Company in the first Program Management Review (PMR) meeting to discuss progress made so far on the supply of the AH-1Z attack helicopters to the NAF.
The 5-day meeting, which began earlier today 16 July 2024 at NAF Headquarters, majorly aims at reviewing the progress made so far regarding the manufacture of the aircraft, ensuring a smooth transition as well as provide technical guidance to the NAF.
This collaboration demonstrates the assurance and strong partnership between Nigeria and the US in enhancing the country’s air power capabilities.
Speaking during the meeting, Air Vice Marshal Olatunde noted that the PMR meeting underscores the impending delivery of the AH-1Z attack helicopters to boost NAF’s close air support and ground attack capabilities while also enhancing its modernization efforts. He also stated that the AH-1Z Helicopters, when inducted into NAF Order of Battle, will surely bolster its firepower and operational capabilities, particularly in counterterrorism and counter insurgency operations.
Speaking earlier, the US Government AH-1Z Program Management Office team leader, Mr Kevin Stone, noted that the collaboration between the NAF and the US military was a testament to their shared commitment to regional stability, peace and security, adding that the successful implementation of PMR is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s ability to tackle security challenges and ensure the safety of its citizens.
A major area of discourse was the follow-up sustainment case, which is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reduces downtime through comprehensive support services.
Jengre Old Students’ Association (JENOSA), has sympathetized with the government of Plateau State Over the collapsed of Saint Academy School building that has claimed not fewer than Twenty Students and scores injured currently receiving treatments in separate hospitals in the state capital.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the
Government and people of Plateau State following the tragic disaster at SAINTS Academy, Busa Buji, Jos.
The sympathy message of JENOSA is contained in a press statement dated 13th July 2024 signed by it General Secretary Pharm. Augustine Ajijelek, National President, National Executive Committee, and all
JENOSITES and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau State.
According to the press statement,the association said his hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of 22 young lives and pray for those injured in this terrible incident.
This tragedy has deeply affected not ony the immediate families and the school community but also the entire state.
We stand in solidarity with you during this difficult time and share in your grief.
We pray that the Almighty God receives and reposes the precious souls of the departed children. May He grant
them eternal rest. For those injured, we fervently pray for their swift and complete recovery.
To the bereaved families and the SAINTS Academy community, we ask that God provides divine comfort and
the strength to bear this immense loss. May they find solace in the memories of their loved ones and the
support of the community around them.
We commend the Plateau State Government for its prompt response and the measures taken to ensure proper
treatment for the injured. Your swift action and support for the affected families during this crisis are truly
appreciated.
As fellow members of the educational community in Plateau State, we stand ready to offer any support we
Following the Thursday Supreme Court’s judgment granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government areas of Nigeria as sought by the Federal Government, Plateau State Labour Party Governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, welcomes the development qualifying it as a landmark achievement which will spur rapid development at the grassroots; and calls on the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to speedily set-up a monitoring team as watchdog against possible financial misappropriation at the third tier of government. Dakum hail is contained in a Press statement dated 12th July 2024 signed by his media consultant Shabu Mazadu and made available to this medium in jos Dakum said”The Supreme Court’s Judgment on LGA autonomy is a supreme booster for grassroots development. The EFCC should setup a unit to monitor financial dealings.”
Dakum stressed that the lamentation on rural areas underdevelopment occasioned by confiscation of local government’s funds disbursed from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, by state governments through joint accounts which over the years has denied them (LGs) absolute financial autonomy to develop at their pace, and their subservience imposed by the second tier of government through undemocratic means of leadership, are now history.
He said, “Rural transformation is the fastest means of developing the country both infrastructural and humanly wise through the protection and promotion of the socio-econic wellbeing of the citizens at the grassroots, which will automatically reflect progress at the states and federal levels. This can be achieved by securing financial autonomy of the local governments (as obtained yesterday through the Supreme Court’s judgment) coupled with uninterrupted democratically elected chairman and councilors and also the prudent and judicious use of public funds.”
Dakum congratulated the Federal Government for taking the giant step in liberating the LGs , saying is a good omen of better things to come if financial leakages are blocked and visionary, patriotic and hard-working people are elected to oversee the affairs of the third tiers of government
Honorable Ishaya Itse has expressed pains over the collapsed Of Saint’s Academy school building that claimed scores of innocent lives and many injured currently receiving treatments at various hospitals in the state Honourable Itse expressed pity and sadness that children whose parents defies all odds despite the bitting economic realities could witness such untimely death of their children and wardsThe APC Stakeholder Itse however condoled with the parents who lost their children in that unfortunate building collapsed and Plateau State government the fortitude to bear the colossal loss as he wished the injured speedy recovery Called on the state Government to as matter of urgency set up investigating committee comprising the relevant agencies in the state saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and evaluating the standardization of building in the state to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the collapsed of saint Academy Academy School building He advised Governor Mutfwang to ensure any person or persons found culpable directly or indirectly shouldn’t made to face the full wrath of the law to serve as deterrant to others Hon Itse maintained
In another similar development the APC Stakeholder in the state Honourable Ishaya Itse also expressed his deepest sadness over the demise of the Chief Iman Of Jos Central Mosque Sheikh Lawal Adams Abubakar as he condoled with Muslims Ummah in the state in particular and Nigeria as whole over the shocking death of the Islamic Leader who passed on few days ago Hon Itse said the death of the Islamic Leader is a great set back not only to Plateau State alone but entire country particularly now that his Spiritual contributions will be needed considering what the country is going through at moment Further sympathized with the Muslims Ummah to take solace on the spiritual believes by the Holy Koran that the deceased has completed his assessment here on earth However prayed with the immediate families of the deceased Islamic Leader Sheikh Lawal Adams Plateau State and Nigeria Muslims Ummah for Almighty Allah to give them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss
The death of Alhaji Lawal Adams Abubakar has been described as colossal loss to the Plateau State Muslims Ummah in particular where until his death was the Chief Iman of Jos Central Mosque,and Nigeria in general.
The description over of the loss of the Islamic Leader Sheikh Lawal Adams is contained in a press release dated 11th July issued by jasawa Development Association signed by its president Alhaji Yawale Muhammad and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau State.
According to the release,the news of the death of our revered Islamic leader Sheikh Lawal Adam Abubakar was indeed shocking, especially as he passed away at this trying moment when his spiritual supplications are direly needed to help us overcome our plight.
His lifestyle was humbleness personified. His in-depth dedication to the cause of Allah, advancing the core tenets of Islam, and promoting the real values and virtues of Prophet Muhammad SAW, expressing his great love both in actions and manners, were highly noticeable amongst our Ummah and even beyond, worthy of emulations.
Sheikh Lawal Adam might have exited the world, but his unwavering efforts at peaceful coexistence, tolerance, justice and fairness to all manner of people will remain indelible in us.
On behalf of the executive committee of the Jasawa Community Development Association and the entire Jos Muslim Ummah, I wholeheartedly express our condolences to the immediate family of the late astute cleric, the Jos Central Mosque committee, the Fityanul Islam as well as Jama’atu Nasril Islam.
It is our fervent prayer that Allah would console and strengthen the family and all of us to endure the deepest pain of his inevitable and irreplaceable loss.
We pray that Allah would bestow His endless Rahma and Magfirah upon the late Sheikh Lawal Adam and that Jannatul Firdaus be his permanent place of abode.
The supreme court judgement today, July 11, 2024, directing the Federal Government to pay allocations due to Local Government Areas directly to their account thereby abolishing the old practices of State-Local Government Joint Account,is timely and courageous
What the judgement has done is more like interpreting section 162 of the Constitution, which provides for a joint State-Local Government Account. In which case, money is normally paid to state governors’ accounts and then for them to disburse to the local governments for them to share. But what has been happening is that, as I noted in 2020,over three years ago, the state governors, have been behaving like ”bandits”, waylaing local governments funds along the way and thus impoverishing them leaving them with nothing to work, just a little for salary. And nothing to actually work for the people whom they represent.
I agree totally with the judgement of the supreme court to grant full financial autonomy so that money is released and paid directly to the 774 local government councils which constitute the third-tier of government,to develop their places because the LGAs are grass rooted and nearest to the people. Rather than allow overbearing state governors throw their weight around and muzzle the local governments and seize their purse,they will now allow LGs breath some air of freedom.
If you take a look at our situation, Nigeria is operating a very lopsided federation,more like a unitary system of government. Where the federal government is supposed to be a small government,it is controlling 67 items on the exclusive legislative list. That is why the federal government gets the lion share of the federation account , the lion share of the money that comes to the federation account to the tune of 52.68%. The states get 26.72% while the entire 774 local government councils in Nigeria get just 20.60% of the monthly allocation by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RLASMC.
The question is, what is the federal government doing with almost 53% of the national income? That is because it is a government that is behemoth.That is elephantine. A government that intrudes and intervenes in areas that should not concern it at all. What is the federal government’s business with licensing cars and trucks for states? What is its business with the Marriage Act, dealing with how people marry and wed in Nigeria and how they live together as husband and wife and separate or divorce? What is the federal government’s business with unity schools? A whole FG operating secondary schools? What is their business? Why is the FG not allowing states generate their own power, operate their own railway stations, if they have the capacity? Why should the federal government not allow states have their own police force? Even for the local governments to have their own police force as we have in the United States and other advanced countries of the world where even tertiary institutions have their own police?
The truth is that the federal government is over bloated and over pampered. That is why it is using too much money and make the centre become too attractive,eating deep into funds that ought to be meant for the states and local government areas. The states take not only that which belongs to the states, but also waylays at source that which is meant for the local government areas. No Nation grows that way.
So, I see this judgment as epochal,having far-reaching effect because money will now be made available directly to the local government areas who will no longer be subservient, like fawning slaves to state governors. In fact, the judgement even went further to say that no state government has the power henceforth to dissolve local government areas. This is because we have been seeing cases where in spite of the provisions of section 7 of the 1999 constitution that give autonomy to local government areas, states normally go ahead and dissolve local government areas ND appoint caretaker committees for them.This is whimsical and capricious.The Supreme Court has said this can no longer go on and that henceforth, no state government should ever be able to dissolve any local government area in Nigeria for any reason whatsoever and howsoever.
The judgement is salutary, timely and regenerative. It should be upheld by all governments and people in Nigeria for better democratic dividends.I see this as victory for our wobbling democracy, even if we are far removed from true fiscal federalism where the federating units control and utilize their God-given resources while paying royalty or tax to the central government. This case is one big plus for tested court room gladiator, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation, who initiated the case at the apex court, invoking its original jurisdiction.Surely,to jaw-jaw is better than to war-war. God bless Nigeria.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his warm birthday wishes to Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, National Vice Chairman (North Central) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang commended Hon. Shan’s leadership and dedication, particularly his efforts in uniting the party during the last election, which resulted in a strong performance for the PDP in Plateau State and the North Central region.
He described Hon. Shan as a humble leader who has left a lasting legacy of fairness, justice, and unwavering commitment to serving the PDP, Plateau people and Nigeria at large. Governor Mutfwang praised his kindness and visionary leadership, which have positively impacted countless lives.
On behalf of the Plateau State government and its people, Governor Mutfwang wishes Hon. Shan continued good health, longevity, and continued success in leading the party to future victories.
Ordinarily, it should have been apt using: “The challenge of being used and dumped”. I am, however, constrained not to choose that. Therefore, I shall not add anything more to the headline
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech to celebrate the recent Democracy Day speaks volumes. However, it left an area dear to many of us unanswered.
Many Nigerians who have passion for the media and its place in Nigeria’s evolution, are aware of the critical role The Nigeria Standard played in the struggle for the actualization of June 12.
Except they choose to down play its place in Nigeria’s political history, the paper was outstanding at that moment of history. To ignore it is to suggest the action could be deliberate.
After all, many who profess to hold the late Commissioner of Police, Joseph Dechi Gomwalk in ‘high esteem’ are not ready to come out publicly in defense of one of his signature institutions!
The Nigeria Standard, by the reckoning of some, is a foremost legacy project of the Gomwalk administration, which has paid its dues.
The President paid glowing tribute for the roles some “irrepressible” Nigerian journalists played in the course of the struggle. Many of us waited to know which ones would be mentioned.
Reading through the speech, I found no reference to The Nigeria Standard’s role, particularly where the media’s contributions were mentioned. None!
I don’t know if any one read where The Nigeria Standard got a mention for its role in the struggle for the actualization of June 12. We do not hold any grudge.
Perhaps, it is inadvertent slip in the President’s speech, perhaps not. Whatever it is, certain facts and parameters have to be established.
The fight for democracy couldn’t have started and ended with the Lagos -Ibadan press. Contributions also came from other zones too.
Despite being a government newspaper operating during a military era, The Nigeria Standard editorial team was bold enough, as its founder, late CP Joseph Dechi Gomwalk demonstrated throughout his leadership, to stand for the truth and sanctity of June 12, and with the masses.
He, it was, who founded the newspaper that gave the people of Middle Belt a voice, and has, since then, been celebrated for that.
Gomwalk’s death in 1976 for alleged complicity in that year’s abortive coup is shrouded in official mystery. However, today, many remember and acknowledge, for the right reasons, thanks to Chief Anthony Goyol, whose book, Gomwalk: A Man of Vision, chronicled the works of the pathfinder of modern Plateau and champion of Middle Belt renaissance, that his era was a defining moment for the zone and indeed Nigeria.
The establishment of The Nigeria Standard group in 1972, 52 clear years in July this year was a leader (Gomwalk, a 1961 first class graduate of Nigeria’s premier University, the University of Ibadan), setting the standard he envisaged for the industry.
The newspaper went for the best hands available then in the industry. It didn’t matter where they came from, The Nigeria Standard was home to all.
The crop of editorial staff hired then (and even later), were, in more ways than one, like their medium’s founder: fearless, with an abiding love for justice and integrity in all they would do.
You couldn’t blame them. It is often said, the person who stays with the loader of cement bags becomes more like him before long. You have two choices: stay away or be a friend.
Most journalists who practiced during the military era have one interesting story or another to relay. Over time, their experiences served to enable them make choices, either to be combative, advocating or demanding for justice or to just play along in the newsroom, treating press releases.
The fire in the The Nigeria Standard newsroom did not burn its staff or the ideals they held dear. It enabled readers and even leaders, who appreciate the meat in the struggle, to fall in love with the newspaper (for average readers) and treat it with respect (especially for government officials and advertisers). Its reporters were aware of the general mandate of their medium, and the essence of the struggle it was involved in as a result of historical and political factors.
The Plateau Publishing Corporation ground remained fertile with ideas and other interactions, thus giving the workers latitude to be at their best, without inhibitions by the newspapers’ editors and even its proprietor, the state Government. What guided those who work or have worked there was the training one was privileged to receive everyday.
No wonder, in those good old days, the newspaper became a darling in state and national stations’ papers’ reviews, and for reading delight in offices and homes. Many will recollect that if they went to buy newspapers, they had no choice than to pick The Nigeria Standard and any other newspaper of choice
Such was the effect of the titles on their readerships and the nation’s psyche. That being the case, it spurred it’s editors and reporters to be committed to doing what was just and right.
The newspapers did not forget the ideals that gave birth to them and its staff were prepared to damn the consequences, if their actios were in tandem with those values. If you must know, they made sure they stayed committed to what their founder dreamed of, a medium always on the side of the struggle with the people.
For years, successive editors and reporters of the paper were haunted, incarcerated, or even sacked from their duty posts for their reports and leader commentaries.
In fact, some were sacked, reinstated; and again sacked and chased to go into the ‘wild’ (if you permit the usage). Out for greener pastures, they became instant success stories in their now found homes, giving proof of the quality stuff they are made up. The Nigeria Standard loss was always the gain of other media houses.
Some of them who are alive today, and we can mention a few names, are a reference point in the profession. They have remained consistent, mentoring many more in the profession and the struggle for a better Nigeria.
A number of them were constant guests at security agencies’ offices, yet, it did not deter them; rather, they were imbued and committed to keep faith with media practice and to give their best to the readers. Their efforts paid off in several regards.
Therefore, when the 1993 general elections were held; The Nigeria Standard, as usual, played a pivotal role right from the beginning of the transition programme to the primaries of the two political parties at the Jos Township Stadium and Portharcourt, where Chief MKO Abiola and other candidates emerged.
The offices of the newspaper were repeatedly visited by political office seekers those years, always stretching many of us to different interview sessions, transcriptions and features for publications.
The Nigeria Standard, like many others, played a significant role in advancing the cause of democracy. Its editorial on June 21, 1993 titled, This is our Stand, stands out. That was one of the most powerful editorials one has ever read. Published in the heat of confusion orchestrated to undermine democratic rule and prolong dictatorship, the editorial left neither readers nor government that sanity must prevail. It took on the military, judiciary, associations and the media for their dubious roles in the June 12, 1993 general elections, which Chief Abiola won.
Following “orders from above”, six of its senior editors namely, Emma Gogwim, Cyril Ogah, Gideon S Mitu, Wilson Yale, Harris Dawurang, Usman Ikpokigye Abu, resigned in protest, as they refused to retract the editorial. They resigned when government wrote, and had its own softer version of the editorial published the following day. The government editorial was titled: The need for Caution.
It must be stated here too, that one other person resigned his appointment in solidarity with The Nigeria Standard editors, Danjuma Abah, then, Deputy Chief Sub- Editor. He insisted that what his editors did was right, and chose to take the same path with them.
The editors who sacrificed their offices were without paid jobs for over a year, before being requested to return to their duty posts, with some concessions made to them. I have always wondered how they survived, but one thing I know is, they became hot cakes, than they were needed in Jos.
The fact that they stood their ground, convinced that what they did was right and timely in the struggle to enthrone democratic rule, drew applause from various quarters, but not from the powers that be. Such power mongers have always known that ‘those boys in Jos’ were not easy to conquer.
For long, those of us that remained on ground went about with our shoulders held high, as if to tell our traducers and all who cared to listen, that if they knew anything from history, it is that the editors would not suffer shame. And so it was.
The newspaper kept faith for some time until its fortunes started to nosedive. Several governments, both military and civilian treated its concerns and operations with levity. And, because the title suffered unmerited neglect, (as its woes remained basically untreated), they festered, placing it at a disadvantage in the competitive newspaper industry.
It appeared as if government was only interested in the payment of staff salaries, without engaging them in their statutory responsibilities. Government failed to inspire staff; thus, the tone of activities at the organisation was on the decline.
But for the ingenuity and patience of staff, The Nigeria Standard titles would have long closed shop. For one, the Goss Community printing press bought by the founder was only being “managed”.
For another, being on the street on a consistent basis was difficult. Indeed, at its low point, editorial and advert executives suffered certain inanities whenever they went to cover events or canvass for adverts.
However, thanks to Governor Jonah David Jang, The Nigeria Standard was saved from the mockery it was being subjected to by its traducers. Before he left office, Jang bought and installed a digital printing press, which uplifted the operations of the titles.
Governor Joshua Chibi Dariye had, before then answered the prayer of staff of the newspaper house. Before Dariye’s intervention, staff retired without pension, given paltry sums as gratuity (which could come in instalments!?
In 2005, Governor Dariye changed that story. Being an old employee himself, he knew the difficulties staff go through after their services were ended. Credit to him, came to their rescue.
In a write up authored, former Governor Sule Lamido holds strongly that it is not possible to “deconstruct and reconstruct the narrative of the actual history of June 12”.
Titled “Hallucinating June 12: There was June 11 before June 12”, the former governor posited that the struggle as a “national sacrifice’ was hijacked by NADECO elements, so much that today, the victory has taken a different dimension.
No one can rewrite history. No amount of attempt at changing what has taken place can reduce the contributions of the media outside the Lagos -Ibadan press. While the press in that axis was haunted during the struggle, The Nigeria Standard shone brightly, complementing their efforts and that of media elsewhere were pained by the actions that aborted June 12 .
How many young people today know the role played by Chief Solomon Daushep Lar in the struggle to birth democracy? How many youth, and the older ones are aware he sacrificed to convey the letter addressed to Abacha by G18 demanding the enthronement of democracy?
He concluded that article by stating that “all those mentioned in the President’s speech belong to the ‘Sidon look’ group! No amount of deconstruction and reconstruction to stand history on its head can bury the truth”.
For me and many others, we still celebrate Emma Gogwim Kayi, Cyril Ogah, Gideon S. Mitu, Wilson Yale, Harris Dawurang, Usman Ikpokigye Abu and Danjuma Abah and The Nigeria Standard for what they did and what they represent.
But these are only part of a whole. We cannot forget other staff in the editorial, advert, circulation, computer, security, printing and drivers who, collectively, made the production, circulation and reading of The Nigeria Standard a habit. Readers and other patrons of the paper also share in this glory.
Standard is a voice that remains relevant. It will be good if all of us treat it so.
In a demonstration of philanthropy to the public during a heartwarming ceremony held at the 3 Division Medical Hospital and Services, 3 Division/ Operation SAFE HAVEN ((OPSH), demonstrated profound commitment to community welfare by donating a wheelchair to Mr. Mathew Mustapha 14 years, a physically challenged secondary school student of Government Secondary School Mr Ali Jos and ordered the 3 Div Medical hospital to take up his free medical treatment. Additionally, three sewing machines were presented to beneficiaries of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MDHIP)
The GOC/Commander OPSH, while making the presentation to the student narrated that, he first saw Mathew during a tree planting campaign exercise organized by Plateau Peace Building at Mr Alli area Jos and felt compassion while noticing how he struggled with his old tricycle to get to his destination. General Abubakar immediately ordered the student be brought to 3 Div Medical Hospital for free medical care and other assistance.
He further noted that the presentation of the sewing machines to the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme beneficiaries is aimed at promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment. He directed that the recipients who will undergo training in tailoring at the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association Skills Acquisition Centre Jos, will have the tools needed to start their own businesses, thereby improving their livelihoods and contributing to the economy.
Witnessing the donation, the Director General Plateau Peace Building Agency, Dr Julie Sandas applauded the kind gesture of the Nigerian Army and called on organizations and individuals to emulate the kind gesture towards supporting the vulnerable members of the society.
While appreciating the Force, the grandfather of the student Mr Thaddius M Shaibu revealed that Mathew was an orphan born with physical disabilities and underlying health issues that required medical attention.
He stated that, since taking over the responsibilities of caring for Mathew and his two other siblings, nobody had come to his aid untill he was informed about the philanthropic gesture towards his grandson.
He said, providing Mathew with mobility and free treatment will significantly enhance his mobility and daily life, enabling him to pursue his education with greater ease and independence. He further prayed for the Military to always succeed in their mission of securing the citizens.
On his part, the Commander 3 Division Medical Hospital and Services, Brigadier General AA Omobethai expressed gratitude for the generous contributions to the hospital. “These donations will have a lasting impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.
The wheelchair will transform Mr. Mathew’s educational experience, while the sewing machines will provide sustainable income opportunities for the programme’s participants,” He stated.
Dr Patrick Dakum has Felicitates with the Chairman of labour Party in Plateau State Honourable Grace Zamfara on her Birthday Celebration .
Dakum felicitation message is contained in a Press statement dated 9th July 2024 personally signed by him and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
The statement according to Dakum said with great pleasure on behalf of myself, family and Consolidation for Greater Plateau, felicitate with Hon. Grace Zamfara, Plateau State Labour Party, LP, chairperson as she clocks a year older today, 9th July, 2024.
He further stressed that for me to commend your contributions to the growth and stability of democracy in Plateau State and the entire country in various capacities most especially as LP chairperson, and has led the Party in securing two House of Reps seats and one House of Assembly’s.
However said as she you celebrate, I wish you more happy and prosperous years ahead, sound health, divine knowledge and understanding as you pilot the affairs of our great party.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) in plateau State Hon.Ishaya Itse has Felicitates with Muslims Ummah in Plateau State , Nigeria at large on the occasion of the celebration of Islamic Year 1st Muharram 1446AH (equivalent to 7th July 2024).
The APC Stakeholder in the state urged Muslims to use the occasion to renew their faith and live by the good examples of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Urged Nigerians of all faith to remain steadfast and put their trust in God in face of the current economic challenges facing the country whole and plateau in particular.
Urged Nigerians and the citizens of Plateau not to loose hope on the administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu because there is light after the dark tunnel which the country is already there at better days.
Hon.ltse prayed for the Almighty Allah to lessen the burden of nigerians to ripe the dividend of better package the APC government led by Ahmed Tinubu have in stock for the citizens of plateau by extension Nigeria in general.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the officers of men and women of the Nigerian Army as he described them as the most Embodiment of patriotic and selfless elements of the nation which embodies with people who have volunteered, sacrificed, fought and died, so that the nation would live in peace.
As the president said as security challenges increased in the last decade and half, the Nigerian Army has risen to the challenge to keep Nigeria safe,I am aware that you are now deployed in all states of the federation making sacrifices daily in a bid to secure Nigeria.
The president made the commendation in his speech during the 2024 Army Day Celebration Grand Finale held at the 3 Division Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos the state capital.
The president stressed that as Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of the Country,his administration is committed to building a well-equipped, and truly professional army that will remain the pride of the nation.
Further add that he is committed to provide the force with all that are needed to enable them fulfil their constitutional responsibilities which informed the federal government decision have approved the payment of Group Life Assurance for all members of the Nigerian Army who died in the line of duty.
The force that is today the Nigerian Army was a crucial element in the colonial era and has continued to play vital roles since post independence, Over the years, the Nigerian Army has played critical roles in the security, development and continued existence of Nigeria, lamented that never in the history of Nigeria, has so many owed so much to so few.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu further revealed in his speech that he has approved the purchase of attack helicopters and other necessary equipment to heightened the combat efficiency and dexterity, enablers for the Army to carry out your assignments more proficiently and effectively.
“Judging from the excellent parade and the display I have watched this morning; I am convinced that the Nigerian Army has justified the trust reposed in them for the defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria. I feel proud as your Commander-In-Chief as I watch the array of equipment and your dexterity in handling them.”
In his earlier address at occasion, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja appreciated the attendance of Mr. president Ahmed Bola Tinubu ably represented by the Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar at the occasion of Grand Finale of 161 Army Day Celebration 2024 ,used the opportunity to reeled out the achievement of the Army in the period under review.
The Chief of Army further explained that a week-long activities heralding this year 2024 Army Day Celebration with a specific theme selected to commemorate the anniversary of the existence of the Nigerian Army,this year’s NADCEL is themed ‘Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative For Combating Contemporary Security Challenges Within a Joint Environment.
Said plateau state for this year venue is chosen to showcase how much we can achieve when the government and the people cooperate and collaborate with the military.
Revealed that the experience in ongoing operations nationwide has continued to highlight the importance of a whole-of-society approach to our efforts and the need to gain the buy-in of the citizenry to support our actions.
” Consequently, we have spent the last few days of the celebration mentoring the Nigerian Youth through public speaking engagements, we also awarded prizes to winners of the maiden edition of the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition organized for children in primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions across Nigeria”
The Army Chief added that In line with this year’s NADCEL theme, we had lectures on topical issues affecting all aspects of the Nigerian Army’s transformation so that, going forward, the army can better meet its constitutional obligations, as we also had an interactive session with media executives to further enlighten the public and put relevant issues in perspective.
He further revealed that the Nigerian Army used the auspicious event to offer free medical services to indigent Nigerians and commissioned several quick impact projects in communities within the host State to elicit their support and cooperation.
“We had the opportunity to host our veterans to a happy hour, which was quite an exciting and nostalgic reunion,moreover, serving retired personnel, as well as other golf lovers, were treated to a golf tournament. “
“Today, we are gathered here to witness the crescendo, which is the Grand Finale involving a parade and presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, armament and equipment display, exhibitions on the historical transformation of the Nigerian Army, as well as display of some research and development efforts.”
And explained that Nigerian Army remains committed to its mission statement, which is ‘To Win all Land Battles in Defence of the Territorial Integrity of Nigeria, Protect Her National Interests and Accomplish other Tasks in Aid of Civil Authority.’
He stressed that with fulfillment of this responsibility, sometimes demands that we make the ultimate sacrifice,as against these backdrops,we are continuously engaged in preparing ourselves for this onerous duty by honing our skills and competencies for this task.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja however reeled out achievements of the Nigerian Army under his watch to committed to improving our operational effectiveness to meet the ever-changing violent and complex threats to the nation.
“In the last year, and since the last NADCEL, the Nigerian Army has acquired (2) helicopters and numerous battle enablers, some of which will be displayed in course of this occasion. The Army has also expanded and deepened its training activities for operational effectiveness.”
The measures Lagbaja said have enabled us to successfully contain the activities of bandits in the North-West while the heinous crimes of Boko Haram Terrorists have been brought to an all-time low.
The incidences he maintained,of farmers-herders conflict in the North-Central has equally been curtailed, and we have gained the upper hand against the criminal groups in the South East, South West as well as the South South Zones.
“We are not oblivious to how badly our people require and demand security of their lives and properties across the nation, and we are focused on the ultimate goal of achieving the total elimination of all threats to our dear nation and its people within the shortest practicable time.”
” Recognizing that the soldier is the first weapon of war, we are committed to improving the welfare and administration of our troops at all levels, In this regard, we have launched the Affordable Housing for All (AHOOAS) scheme that would provide subsidized housing for troops when they leave the Army. “
” So far, over 500 apartments have been built for the men and women of the Nigerian Army who have subscribed to the AHOOAS scheme,we are not oblivious of the plight of soldiers who have become disabled in the course of operations to defend the nation.
Therefore, a portion of the houses have been specifically reserved for this category of personnel.
Revealed the Nigerian Army has commenced the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries of Group Life Assurance scheme to dependents of soldiers who paid the supreme price in the defence of our dear nation as approved by Mr President with and revealed that this gesture has greatly increased morale in our barracks throughout the country.
“We greatly appreciate the leadership Mr President, members of the National Assembly and the Honourable Minister of Defence and his staff for their continuous support and prompt attendance to our needs. We also appreciate the support and collaboration of the Defence Headquarters under the able leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, our sister Services, and other security agencies and organizations whose collaboration and synergy has enabled the gains made so far by the Nigerian Army.”
” As a people’s army established for the defence of Nigeria and Nigerians, we are committed to the careful adherence to the rules and boundaries that define legal and ethical conduct.”
In this piece, Peter Ameh examines the political marriage between the governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia and a former governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai dated back to the 2023 general election.
In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, the people of Benue State witnessed a strange union and unholy romance between the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Reverend Hyacinth Alia, and the then governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
This union became public shortly after Hyacinth Alia, emerged as the APC gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 governorship election.
In July 2023, photos of Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia and El-Rufai graced the social media. A picture of the duo was released after their closed-door.
Many questioned what a supposed priest was doing with a religious bigot and an extremist, a divisive figure, a man who made a mockery of Jesus Christ on his Twitter handle, and worse of it all, a security threat. The Benue people saw both of them as unequal yoking.
Some thought that, since Alia was a novice in politics, he was probably building political alliances and synergy with party members within the northern region. However, facts later emerged that the relationship was not about the unity of the party, but the agenda of one man, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
In December 2022, Alia traveled to Kaduna State, and this time, it was alleged that he held a meeting not just with El-Rufai but groups like Miyetti Allah, brokered by Nasir El-Rufai.
A pressure group in Benue State, the Benue Coalition for Democracy(BCD), under the leadership of Ternenge Bendega in a press statement urged Alia to withdraw from the race since it is clear that El-Rufai and leaders of Miyetti Allah organization will pilot his administration.
The Benue pressure group alleged that Alia was not fit to be governor, having collected N5 billion from the enemies of the state.
The group in the statement condemned Alia for being too desperate to be governor of Benue state at the peril of innocent people and farmers of the state.
Part of the statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart that I write today on behalf of all lovers of democracy in Benue State. We are saddened and worried by the desperation displayed by the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC in the state, Hyacinth Alia, ahead of the 2023 elections.”
We also received some disturbing information that the APC governorship candidate in Benue State has collected a whopping sum of N5 billion from two northern Governors – Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna and Aminu Masari of Katsina to fund his campaign and numerous court cases.
“According to our informant, the deal was struck between Alia and his sponsors that if he wins the election, he will repeal the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State and cede parts of the state to Fulani pastoralists to take over and settle in,” the group disclosed.
In a move that appeared like his (Alia’s) commitment to the deal with Governor El-Rufai, the suspended priest started telling the people of Benue State that he was going to reconcile Benue people with the Fulani herdsmen so that they could co-exist together with the herders. This campaign message didn’t go down well with some Benue citizens, and anytime the governor was asked questions bordering on security, he shied away and told the people that, security matters and strategy were not issues to be disclosed in public.
With the deal sealed between Alia and El-Rufai in Kaduna, the former governor of Kaduna State was in Makurdi, two days before the governorship election with more financial support to see how things were going as regards the governorship election.
Unfortunately for the APC, it was alleged that the funds from El-Rufai were directly made available to Alia and not through the party.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT.
Shortly after Alia assumed office as governor, herdsmen started returning to the state in what seemed to be fulfilling the deal with El-Rufai. the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State was relaxed without an official pronouncement and cows were grazing everywhere. They are still grazing in Benue State today, thereby causing renewed insecurity in the state.
Recently, Governor Hyacinth Alia attempted to repeal the law prohibiting open grazing in Benue State by conducting a public hearing in Gboko local government Area of Benue State. The people on seeing the proposed amendment openly condemned repealing of the law.
THE PLOT TO DECAMP TO SDP AHEAD OF 2027 .
Shortly after El-Rufai fell out with the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which was occasioned by the failure of the former FCT Minister to scale through his ministerial screening, Governor Alia and the former governor of Kaduna State began to look for an alternative platform. It seems that El-Rufai has been nursing the ambition to be President even when the existing political arrangement has shifted power to the South after Muhammadu Buhari has just completed the tenure of the north.
Alia who also has deliberately fallen out with the main APC in Benue State was left with no other option than to reunite with a former chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Barnabas Gemade, a man who has been funding the SDP in Benue State since 2018.
Senator Gemade was also one of the three governorship aspirants on the platform of the APC that challenged Governor Alia’s nomination as APC gubernatorial candidate in Benue State to the Supreme Court. Gemade challenged the nomination of Alia and sought the outright cancellation of the primary election that gave him the ticket, a move that would have left the APC without a governorship candidate in Benue State for the 2023 election.
All this development has shown that APC was originally not Gov Alia’s option but since the opportunity was given to him on a platter of gold, he took advantage of it and having achieved his aim, he has decided that he will destroy the platform that couldn’t detect his hidden mischief owing to the fact that he is a priest and should be honest and gave him the ticket, just few months that he joined the party.
Surprisingly, it is Gemade who was Alia’s top political enemy that has suddenly become his political godfather. Meanwhile, everyone in all the political camps in Benue knew that Senator Akume, the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was the one who single-handled birthed the idea of the direct primaries that produced Alia, without which he could not have come close to the ticket in the indirect primaries. Akume also fought legal battles from the lower courts to the Supreme Court to ensure that Alia’s ticket was not destroyed.
However, shortly after Alia was sworn in, he turned his heel against Akume to the utmost shock of everyone in all the parties. Gov Alia has shown that he is not someone to be trusted at all despite being a Catholic priest that is supposed to represent trust and gratitude. Governor Alia buried his differences with Gemade and both got reunited.
Gov Alia’s hatchet men have been deriding the person of Senator Akume, the SGF, who has single-handedly funded and nurtured the APC to the current strength it possessed in Benue state by emerging victorious both at the state and federal elections in 2023.
However, as political events are developing in Benue and at the national level, it has been observed that the union between Gov Alia and El-Rufai is being reinforced. This subtle reunion was observed through the instrumentality of one Dr. Francis Terna, a former appointee of El-Rufai, whom Gov Alia appointed to head a new educational agency that the Gov created without the backing of the law.
A few months after the reunion between Governor Alia and Senator Gemade, the former governor of Kaduna State visited the National Secretariat of the SDP in Abuja, where he met with the national chairman of the SD, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam.
There was, however, a mild drama at the tail-end of the meeting shortly after a photo session when someone was heard cautioning those taking photographs against leaking the photo of the visit on social media but El-Rufa’i quickly responded, saying ‘I don’t care’.
Since the visit of El-Rufai to the National Secretariat of the SDP, the crisis rocking the APC in Benue State has taken a more dangerous dimension, with no hope in sight for peace.
The APC, after its 146th meeting of the National Working Committee, the party ordered aggrieved party members and proxies in Benue State who have individually gone to court over the leadership crisis in the state to withdraw their cases or risk facing disciplinary action.
While Comrade Austin Agada, the authentic State Chairman of the party in Benue State who is loyal to the party withdrew his case against the suspended Welfare Secretary of the party in Benue State, Benjamin Omakolo, who has been parading as State Acting Chairman, the Benue APC faction loyal to Governor Alia refused to withdraw its plethora of cases against the party.
They boasted that they wouldn’t withdraw their cases and nothing was going to happen to them.
Many in Benue believe that the APC faction loyal to Governor Alia is doing everything possible to ensure that the crisis escalates beyond the level it is now, so that the party will not win any election in 2027.
Recently, Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, a member of the House of Representatives who represents Konshisha/Federal Constituency held a Thanksgiving service in his constituency in Konshisha Local Government and the caretaker chairman, Philip Achuah and the Benue State Commisoner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, demonstrated their overzealous loyalty to Gov Alia by organising thugs that beat up the Honorable member and those who attended the occasion and dispersed them. The purpose of all these unhealthy developments is to eventually break away with large followers to the SDP and work with El-Rufai for his presidential ambition.
They often make open provocative comments, attacking the SGF and the APC stakeholders that fought for the victory of Gov Alia at the polls. For instance, the Chief of Staff to Governor, Hon. Paul Biam, recently said that members of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) are more acceptable and valued than the original APC members who don’t belong to that faction.
Meanwhile, Gemade who has been the financier of the SDP in Benue State since 2018 is now the leader of Governor Alia’s ‘Benue political stakeholders’ with SDP members in Benue State given recognition as Benue political stakeholders while APC leaders watch from a distance. It will also be recalled that Senator Gemade was the candidate of the SDP in 2019 for the Benue North East Senatorial election.
There are also rumors of the plan to get Governor Alia’s cronies to emerge as SDP local government chairmanship candidates, who will be declared winners, using the agency of the State Electoral body, should the governor not succeed in having his factional APC chairmanship candidates elected.
Sources around the governor indicate that an ally of Rotimi Amaechi, who was Governor Alia’s choice for ministerial appointment, Emmanuel Jime, is also backing the plot to decamp to the SDP. On one occasion, a video that has gone viral showed Jime fuelling some violent statements that if he were the governor, he could have done worse than what Alia is doing.
A few days ago, the Omakolo faction, backed by Gov Alia of the APC in Benue State, through its Organising Secretary, James Ornguga, announced a thank you tour across the 23 local governments of the state by Governor Alia, beginning from Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 – June 22nd, 2024.
Findings reveal that Governor Alia intends to use the tour to garner the support of the people ahead of their decamping to the SDP. They are enthused by the presidential ambition of Mallam El-Rufai on the platform of the SDP. Governor Alia will use the next 10 days to gather people who will eventually decamp with him to the SDP.
The Alliance between Governor Alia and El-Rufai is waxing stronger on all fronts. A few days ago in Makurdi, precisely on June 12, 2024, at a Public Lecture titled, ‘‘Nigeria: 25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy: The Moral Question On Governance in Benue State,’’ the former governor of Kaduna State was represented at the event by his son, Bello Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai was represented by his son as the chief host at the launch of four books by El-Rufai’s former appointee now Alia’s appointee, Dr. Terna Francis. All these are ways of deepening the bond between Governor Alia and El-Rufai as we march towards 2027.
In Benue State, the signs are glaring that Governor Alia will contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the SDP, while El-Rufai will be the Presidential candidate. Amaechi’s loyalist, Emmanuel Jime, is also expected to be the Senatorial candidate of the SDP for Benue North West Senatorial District.
As at the time of writing this piece, the Benue State Secretariat of the SDP in Makurdi is wearing a new befitting look for a party that intends to take over the state.
Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has expressed deep appreciation to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, for his collaboration with other security agencies in resolving conflict issues and promoting lasting peace in the state.
Governor mutfwang commendation is contained in a Press statement dated 5th July 2024 signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Gyang Ebere and made available to Gnewsreporter in Jos
Receiving the Chief of Airforce at the New Government House Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang appealed to all stakeholders—government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community representatives—to redouble their efforts in addressing banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that in the state.
Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to returning displaced persons to their ancestral homes. He also highlighted efforts to expand the cultivation of farmland to enhance food security in the nation.
The Governor praised the Air Force for providing facilities to store palliatives and offering medical services to civilians. He acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s confidence in the Chief of Air Staff.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar described Governor Mutfwang as a visionary leader who vigorously addresses insecurity with the desired commitment. He called for collaborative efforts to end the menace in not just Plateau State, but other parts of the State.
Sympathizing with the people of Plateau State on the recent security breaches, Air Marshal Abubakar pledged to assess Air Force facilities and introduce new perspectives to tackle such challenges.
He emphasized the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to prioritize peace and security in Plateau State.
Following recent mayhem launched on Ukum local government of Benue state which led to lose of lives and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed by suspected bandits the governor of Benue state Hyaincent Alia has address the citizens of the state.
In his state broadcast he said he is deeply saddened by the recent events in Ukum Local Government Area. The unprovoked and senseless killing of 6 (Six) innocent lives by bandits on Tuesday night has left us all in mourning.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time
Since the advent of our administration, several efforts have been put in place to eliminate the activities of bandits. Consequently, the combined efforts of our security agencies push back some bandits from their handouts and subsequently neutralized two bandits, recovered seven motorcycles, two English pistols, a Toyota Camry, and commercial tricycle and lots of charms. As a reprisal, some bandits hit some soft target and killed the earlier aforementioned six civilians at Ayati, believing that the members of the Ayati community were responsible for giving information on their operations and locations and handouts.
This led to an initial protest of anger and frustration of family members and women regarding the killings of their loved ones on the Ayati-Sai road down to Sankera, understandably. Regrettably, these peaceful protests were hijacked by bandits and miscreants who had carefully planned to undertake and unleash mayhem on businesses and peace-loving people of Sankera.
I assure you that I have listened. The mayhem caused by these heinous acts of violence has not gone unnoticed and I stand with you in condemning these atrocities. Full military intervention has been ordered. My heart goes out to the three soldiers and two police officers who were wounded in the line of duty protecting lives and properties of citizens in Sankera.
They have all been treated and discharged. I had earlier in the day directed the Deputy Governor, who had visited and carried out on-the-spot assessment of the scenes of these devastating destructions.
However, let me make it clear that while we empathize with the pain and frustration felt, we must channel our energies towards constructive actions. Destruction of public property and chaos only serve to compound our challenges and divert resources that could be better used to address the root causes of these issues.
Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Benue State. We are intensifying our efforts in collaborating with the security agencies to bring the perpetrators of these violent and criminal acts to justice. Already, we have started getting positive results. We are also working on preventive measures to ensure such incidents does not reoccur, now or in future.
Development remains at the forefront of our agenda. Despite the challenges we face, we are committed to attracting and bringing forth development to all parts of Benue State. We understand that peace and security are the bedrock of development and we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of a safe and prosperous Benue State.
To our dedicated workers, your welfare remains a top priority of our administration. We recognize the sacrifices you make daily and we are committed to ensuring that your rights and well-being are protected. We will continue to implement policies that support your growth, development and overall welfare.
I appeal to the good people of Sankera and its environs to remain calm and exercise restraint. Let us work together to rebuild our communities and restore peace. Your government is here for you and we are committed to addressing your concerns with urgency and diligence.
Let me for the last time extend our hands of fellowship to all our youths who have chosen to reside in the forests and continually launch attacks on innocent citizens that our administration may no longer guarantee the olive branch extended to them.
Let us not allow the actions of a few to destabilize us. We will not sit back and allow anyone or a group to frustrate the peace of the State and destabilize the government of Benue State.
To this end, our government will in the next few days, set up a commission of enquiry to investigate the remote and immediate causes of this mayhem. Additionally, more actions will be taken to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to bringing these retrogressive activities to a total end.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Thursday held a productive meeting with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja. The discussion focused on improving road infrastructure, health, education, and the agricultural sectors in the state.
Governor Mutfwang, who was received by the Minister Counsellor, Zhang Yi, highlighted the presence of Chinese construction companies in Plateau State and emphasized that the government has created a conducive environment for their business operations.
The Governor stated that his visit to the Embassy was aimed at familiarizing himself and exploring potential partnerships and financial support for road infrastructure projects, as well as the training of Plateau youths in ICT.
Governor Mutfwang noted that he has engaged with several Chinese construction companies in the state and will continue to do so to foster economic growth in Plateau State.
Minister Counsellor Zhang Yi welcomed Governor Mutfwang and assured him of the unwavering support of the Chinese government.
He emphasized the strong, cordial relationship between China and Nigeria and reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening these ties for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Jos Metropolitan Development Board JMDB is to Commence the state executive order 003 8th July 2024 for the Control of indiscriminate erections of buildings in Jos/Bukuru master plans.
As against this backdrop, the officials of JMDB will be coming out to verify Processing/Approval for ongoing buildings.
This announcement is contained in a press statement dated 4th July 2024 signed by the General Manager Jos Metropolitan Development Board JMDB Arch. Hart Bankat and made available to this medium in Jos.
According to the statement, owners of demolished buildings will bear the cost that falls within the greater Jos Master plan.
The statement further said those that shall be liable will be fined accordingly.
The General Manager advised the general public to adhere strictly with the stipulations on the government Executive Order, and cooperate with the officials from the board.
The statement further said for those that are yet to comply should endeavor to come to the board office for verification and Regularization of their building.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive atmosphere for personnel of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities of ensuring peace and security in the state.
He saluted the courage and determination of the Nigerian Army personnel who have made huge sacrifices to keep Nigeria as a united nation.
Governor Mutfwang made these remarks on Tuesday while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos. The Chief of Army Staff was in Jos for the 2024 Nigerian Army Day celebration.
Mutfwang praised the Nigerian Army for choosing Jos to celebrate years of steadfastness and resilience in combating external and internal aggressions, identifying Jos as a testament to their unwavering commitment to peace.
“We are glad that you chose Plateau State this year as the venue for the Army Day celebrations. To us, it is an honor. It is a sign of the confidence you have in Plateau State, that at least in the last one year, you have done remarkably well.
“This is not surprising because I would recall that when the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs were appointed last year, there was some sort of celebration across the nation. This was not only because the security architecture was being done to reflect our federal character as a country, but of course, because a cream of very competent officers were chosen.
“I am sure that Mr President’s confidence in you has not been misplaced and the Nigerian people are also happy that you have served distinguished as Chief of Army Staff since the coming on board of this administration,” he stated.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, said he was in Jos for the 2024 Nigerian Army Day celebration and highlighted that it would help cement the relationship and deepen collaboration with the state by learning from past experiences with the hope of achieving more.
Gen. Lagbaja appreciated the Governor for supporting all military formations in the state and promised to give their best in safeguarding lives and property.
He intimated the governor that as part of the celebration, the Nigerian Army has initiated some projects with direct benefits to the people.
“I am in Plateau to take part in the activities lined up for the Nigerian Army Day celebration, 2024, and I want to seize this opportunity to proficiently thank you for receiving my team and I at the Government House.
“The platform of the NADA 2024 has afforded us the opportunity to bring a large number of Nigerian Army personnel and our equipment to Plateau. This will go a long way to cement the friendship, the understanding, and the cordial relationship that exists between the Nigerian Army, the government, and the good people of Plateau State.
“We commissioned some special intervention projects, renovation of schools, and provision of some critical infrastructures in some communities in Plateau State. Five of these intervention projects will be commissioned as part of Nigerian Army Day 2024.”
The Army Day celebration 2024, with the theme “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment,” has a series of activities from the first to sixth of July.
Hon .Ishaya Itse one of the stakeholders of APC in plateau state has commended Former Governor of Plateau state and senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 9th Assembly Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye aka Kwao Mushere Ahmed Idris Maje Suleh Abdullahi , Dame Pauline Tallen, Sen.Bako Lalong and other APC Stakeholders for their desirous efforts in reconciling aggrived members of the party ahead local and general election 2027.
Hon.itse specifically thanked the former governor of plateau state Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye the Kwao Mushere Hon.Ahmed Wase Honorable John Dafaan, Abdullahi Suleh and APC Stakeholders for their desirous efforts to reconcile aggrieved members of the party that will act as litmus test in local government elections which is just around the corner and ultimately 2027 general election.
He stressed the reconciliation of the aggrived members of the party will help to facilitate in repositioning the party towards testing it political potency on the forthcoming Local Government Elections which is just around the corner and the 2027 general elections in the country.
Honourable Itse further add that the reconciliation process will help in great measures to check anti party activities which characterized the 2023 general election occasioned by aggrieved members of our great party.
However encouraged perceived aggrived members to resprocate the good intentions of senator Dariye’s and other leaders of the party who initiated the reconciliation process and give them the benefits of doubt of reconciliation and embrace the process .
Thank Senator Dariye for his leadership role he is always known for to bring back the already disunited party back on track of unity commended honourable Ahmed Idris Maje for agree in chairing the process of reconciling the party.
Itse who was the only candidate that was the only candidate of the Party who picked nomination form of the party for the position of Chairmanship in Plateau State and was allegedly robbed by the cabals of the party extended his commendation to the governor of Nasarawa State ,His Excellency Abdullahi Suleh for hosting the reconciliation meetings in Nasarawa State ,and other stakeholders of the party including the immediate past Minister of women Affairs and social development Dame Pauline Tallen hope the meeting will bring an end to Sharp division currently tearing the party apart.
He further adviced theleadership of the party to ensure that at the end of the deliberation those to be rebuked are rebuked and the aggrived are compensated if the need be which will portrail a true reconcilation he maintained.
Ahead of the Plateau State Independence Electoral Commission,PLASIEC , Local Government Councils Election ,the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters Group have urged voters to vote massively for the candidate of Hon. Shehu Bala Usman as the sole endorse aspirant for the seat of Jos North Local Government Council of the state.
The concerned APC supporters ,Hon.John Yakubu as the Chairman , Abubakar Muhammad the Secretary of the group said they have endorsed Shehu Bala as the flag bearers of the party in Jos North , urging Plateau citizens to reap bountifully in the area of peaceful coexistence amongst the diverse group of the council.
Hon Bala Shehu has demonstrated capacity in managing the fragile peace in Jos North LGA when he organized Christmas Carol ,constructed road network within the major town under his stewardship so he deserve a second chance.
Since 2001 the state was engulfed in incessant crises were the situation was brought under control,if given the mandate the atmosphere business would improve as he is an astute leader who has restored love ,unite leaders of various ethnic groups to speak in harmony by playing key role in rebuilding process.
In Plateau State,Hon . Shehu Bala has shown that the APC is a party to be trusted in the North Central region and elsewhere in the country. The infrastructure renewal, massive empowerment of youths and women are all clear signal that hope abounds in Jos North LGA .
“His legacies as Executive Chairman of Jos North are still there for all to see, a capacity which he equally demonstrated to ensure that the state enjoyed peace throughout the 8 years of Governor Simon Lalong regime
The positive impact of his administration was organizing Christmas Carol and Carol Christmas lightening and Ramadan festival celebration which is first of it kind with equality and good governance exhibited.
Hon Bala Shehu ensured that all the ethnic groups were carry alone,no religious discrimination and building of police outposts across the council and roads construction .
The administration harped on the education infrastructural of public schools were desks, teaching equipments and construction of PHCs including boreholes, support to religious organizations both Muslims and Christians benefited immensely through the evangelism outreach .
The installation of streets light , provision of effective security network to safeguard lives and properties of Nigerian with the contribution of drainages , culverts towards easing waterway in vulnerable communities.
The peace building, confidence constant religious interface with the Stakeholders meeting and the traditional rulers to support government effort.
Dr. Patrick Dakum has Condoles with the family of Pa Jonah Ropshak Dashom who passed away on June 27, 2024 after a prolong ailment.
Dakum condolences is contained in a press statement dated 30th June 2024 personally signed by him and made available to this medium in Jos, state capital.
Dakum said Pa Jonah has paid his dues in service to humanity in the education sector where he taught profuse number of scholars at the primary school level, actively worked as member of Teachers Registration Council, Supervisor, Primary Schools Education and Deputy Director at Plateau State Universal Basic Education where he retired in 2008.
He groomed his children very well who also are serving humanity with great passion and patriotism of which is Pharmacist Manji Dashom a staff of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN.
I hereby on behalf of myself, family, friends, associates and Consolidation for Greater Plateau, commiserate with the Dashoms; May the Almighty God comfort you at this moment of grief, and grant you the grace to bear the irreparable loss of your dearly beloved husband, father, uncle and grandfather.
Take solace in the Lord as he promise never to leave or forsake us in our moments of sorrows, pain and needs.
Be comforted with the legacies of good grooming your patriarch gave you and the exemplary life he set for you and others to follow.
May his soul rest in peace in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, amen.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, along with numerous of his well-wishers and political associates, has extended heartfelt congratulations to former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Isaac Kwallu, on the occasion of his birthday.
In a heartfelt congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang described Hon. Kwallu as a beacon of hope and a refined legislator whose enduring impact on his constituents remains immeasurable.
He praised Kwallu’s commitment to redefining the status of his constituency and changing the poverty narrative through the empowerment of youths and women during his tenure in the House of Representatives.
Governor Mutfwang congratulated Hon. Kwallu on this milestone and saluted his administrative prowess, marked by resilience, integrity, and commitment to excellence.
He noted that Hon. Kwallu embodies humility, selflessness, and kindness to the less privileged in society. His enduring legacy of love, justice, fairness, and peaceful co-existence, the Govermor said, has remained a source of inspiration and hope to many.
While wishing him a memorable birthday, Governor Mutfwang, on behalf of the good people of Plateau State, prayed that God will bless him with sound health and the strength to continue championing the cause of his people.
Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam at the Federal House of Representatives Rt.honourable Adamu Gagdi, has again come hard on the Federal government over unabated insecurity in country that is being handled with levity.
Dr. Gagdi said this is because the people of plateau and by extension the country as a whole have not wake from their slumber on the need to hold the Federal Government saddled with the responsibility of providing security that is under his constitutional purview for it citizenry whom they sworn an oath to protect both thick and thin are being abandoned to the risk of insecurity in the country.
Gagdi who is the Chairman House committee on Navy at the Federal House of Representatives was speaking during the launching of Peace and Security Magazine with the Theme fighting insecurity with held at Crispan Hotel and suites Along Rayfield Road on Friday 28th June 2024 .
He harped his indictment on the Federal Government on obvious grounds that as law makers is his duty and responsibility to strive and make law for the advancement and development of his constituent in particular and the entire country as a whole.
Having these at the back of our mind and guided by the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria, we at that committee proposed that committee be set up which will comprise the federal ,state and local government level to enhance information flows regarding insecurity that have been incurable illness in the country, that has claimed many lives and unquantified properties destroyed.
Lamented that the government for reasons best know to them flagrantly refused to implement the committees report while lives and properties of innocent citizens are being wasted daily by different classes of insecurity with different acronyms ranging from Armed banditry ,kidnappers ,Boko Haram, Farmers Herders Clashes and other insecurities satanic vices.
Hon.Gagdi who is one of the award recipient at the event flanked by his wife Hajiah Laya Adamu Gagdi further added that his understanding of the gathering at the event is all about ways to address the problems of insecurity bedeviling plateau state in particular and the entire country as a whole.
Stressed that security isn’t only limited to the use of guns, bombing of bandits and Boko Haram which i have Said loud and clear in several fora.
Add that the constitution donates power to the parliament to make law for peace and order and the maintenance of Peace was the first thing that was mentioned in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in any other nations constitution
The second timer in the House Of Representative, Representing Pankshin Kanke and Kanam at the National Assembly further revealed that even the Holy Bible for the Christians and Koran for the Muslims which were the first constitution before man-made constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria make security as bedrock for any meaningful development.
He however reiterate that if this gathering at this event is all about security of the country, you should expect me to be at the event as one of the most qualified security experts in Nigeria, and the Representatives of the people of plateau by extension Nigeria in general what other gatherings would I attend order than security of this country he questioned.
He narrated how not only himself impacting on the lives of the citizens of his constituent but his wife Layla passion to compliment his efforts without my knowledge selected 33 women 11 from each of the local governments , trained them on different skills ranging from tailoring and other skills , bought complete working tools for them to start with each of the numbers of trained women .
I am not the one that cultivated the idea both revealed that he have foundation inherited from the family,the platform she is currently using to impact positively on the lives of the downtrodden in the society like the Thirteen Three Women she just graduated from the foundation and about to face life.
He challenged politicians and financially placed individual in the society to develop same mindset that will help significantly in reducing poverty in our various Constituencies in the state and Nigeria as a whole which in turn will help in reducing insecurity in the country because as the popular adage goes An Idle Mind Is Devil Workshops.
Sequel to the recent demolition of shops and shanties within Jos North and Bukuru Metropolis to bring back the lost of serene beauty of the State and its environs ,the affected traders of the demolition exercise has drawn legal battle with government and its agency Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) saddled with the responsibility of controlling illegal structures in the State.
As the chairman of Kugiya Market, one Mr Emma debunked the insinuation by the government that they have notified the Market management severally over the demolition to give way for free operation of rail services and Tin City Metro Buses recently brought by the government as palliatives to subsidize the removal of petroleum subsidy by the federal government.
The Chairman of the market, Emma whose second name is not know as at the time of this report, debunked the insinuation in an interview via phone call with this medium in Bukuru , Jos South Local Government , plateau State 12th May 2024.
He vehemently denied that no time he was approached let alone having meetings with the government or it officials relating to the relocation and demolition of the market, add that the authority of Nigeria Railway have even contacted me on clarification over the matter , which I also explained to them the way i am doing now.
He further added that the Chairman of Market Association Isa Abba has also debunked claim of the knowledge that the government would demolition all shops in Kugiya,what I am privy of ,is that JMDB would dislodge traders who are trading along roadside around Kugiya Market.
The Chairman said his close relationship with the authority of local Government make me privy to get immediate information of any eventuality.
“And he has a branches under him, when Government called me for the Inauguration of the committee, if Government called for a meeting, I will be the first to called the chairman of Kugiya market, Emma and he always came along with Gali.”
” Sometimes we go together, if I was alone immediately I came back, they are the one I use as informat first of anything we had discussed.”
The government embarked on Tv, Radio and Public Address System that the government would commence demolition of all illegal structures in the Metropolis and its environ.
The plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) is a regulatory body established by the Plateau State Environmental Protection Law of 2001, with amendments in 2003. PEPSA is responsible for overseeing and enforcing environmental regulations, waste management practices, and sanitation standards within Plateau State, Nigeria.
With a mandate to ensure public health and cleanliness, PEPSA plays a critical in maintaining the environmental integrity of Plateau State. The agency’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities, including:
i. Implementing regulations pertaining to waste disposal, cleanliness of tenements, and proper maintenance of drainage systems.
ii. Conducting inspections of tenements to ensure compliance with sanitation regulations.
iii. Enforcing prohibitions against activities detrimental to public health and sanitation, such as indiscriminate waste dumping, burning of refuse, street hawking, and unauthorized parking.
iv. Designating and managing refuse disposal sites, issuing permits for waste disposal, and regulating the transportation of refuse.
v. Collaborating with other government agencies, local authorities, and stakeholders to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices.
vi. Setting up enforcement bodies, making regulations, and conducting regular inspections to ensure adherence to environmental laws.
vii. Impounding vehicles, issuing fines, and prosecuting offenders who violate environmental regulations.
PEPSA operates under the supervision of the Plateau State Government’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development and works closely with relevant stakeholders to achieve its objectives. Committed to safeguarding public health and preserving the environment, PEPSA plays a vital role in promoting a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Plateau State and its residents.
VISION:
Our vision is for Plateau State to become a model of environmental sustainability, where every individual enjoys a clean and healthy living environment.
MISSION:
PEPSA is committed to realizing this vision by proactively enforcing environmental regulations, promoting responsible waste management, and fostering partnerships with communities and stakeholders. Through education, advocacy, and innovation, we strive to protect public health, preserve natural resources, and enhance the quality of life for all residents of Plateau State.
Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Bako Lalong has mourned the death of veteran broadcaster Nanyak Tyem Miner who passed unto glory recently at the age of 69.
Senator Lalong said he received the news of the former Director News at the Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) with shock and sadness.
Senator Lalong condolence Message is contained in a Press statement dated 26th June 2024 signed by his Special Adviser on Media Dr. Makut Macham and made available to this medium electronically.
He said the late Nanyak Miner was a household name in the media landscape of Plateau State and Nigeria during his years of practice where he contributed significantly to the development of the media profession, Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
Senator Lalong said he has lost a worthy constituent whose passion for development, peace and harmony was very high having spent many years using his career as a journalist to promote unity in the Senatorial District and State as a whole.
He also recalled that the late Nanyak Miner trained and mentored many younger journalists who have grown to take strategic spaces in the media industry and are equally involved in promoting the development of the State and the nation.
While controlling his family, the Tarok nation, PRTVC and the media industry in general, Lalong said no one can question God who gives and takes life.
However, he expressed optimism that the legacies of the deceased will continue to be remembered for many years to come as he left behind good records of service, patriotism and sacrifice.
A High Court sitting in Sokoto presided over by the Honourable Justice Kabiru I. Ahmed, on the 13th of June, 2024, granted in favour of the Plaintiffs/Applicants ( District Heads ), exparte applications for the maintenance of status quo ante bellum in Suit Nos: SS/M.290/2024 and SS/M.293/2024 , between Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal and Alhaji Abubakar Kassim (the Plaintiffs/Applicants) V. the Governor of Sokoto State, Attorney General of Sokoto State and the Sokoto Sultanate Council the Defendants/Respondents.
The maintenance of status quo ante bellum order further directed, amongst others, a stay of all actions and or further actions in connection with all matters dealing with and or pertaining to the removal and or enthronement of District Heads in Sokoto State particularly the 1st and 2nd Plaintiffs/Applicants, as the District Heads of Tambuwal in Tambuwal LGA of Sokoto State and the District Head of Kebbe in Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State, respectively.
The injunctive relief is to operate against the Governor of Sokoto State, the Attorney General of Sokoto State and the Sokoto Sultanate Council pending the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction filed before the same court and fixed for 23rd of July, 2024,for hearing.
The court went through the affidavit evidence and the written addresses of counsel attached to the motions and stated in its ruling that it found merits in the applications and therefore granted the orders. One Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal and Alhaji Abubakar Kassim deposed to the affidavits attached to their respective motions.
Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal stated that he had learnt through the media that a Committee was set up to investigate the appointment of District Heads made by the erstwhile Governor of Sokoto State, including his and he subsequently heard on April 23, 2024, that he had been removed as the District Head of Tambuwal without any formal communication or opportunity to be heard to present his case.
He deposed further that on April 29, 2024, based on the purported Committee’s recommendations, he received his termination letter from the Sokoto Sultanate Council, but was not given any fair hearing before this termination, violating his right to due process. The termination, according to him appeared punitive, capricious, and a gross abuse of power, especially since some other District Heads appointed with him were not so removed.
He further deposed that due to the actions of the Defendants/Respondents, he has faced significant prejudice, anguish, embarrassment, financial loss, and had not received his monthly salary of N81,000 since his removal; and that despite these breaches, the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, went ahead and set up another Committee to draft a White Paper, further indicating a malicious intent.
On the part of Alhaji Abubakar Kassim, the purported allegations he was confronted with parole by the Committee set up by the Governor of Sokoto State and which he responded to parole was done without having the opportunity to see his purported accusers nor allowed to ask them questions. Similarly, the allegations which formed the basis of the Committee’s recommendations to the Governor of Sokoto State were allegations that he was never confronted with.
The Committee’s recommendations ventured into criminal allegations and or findings for which he was neither confronted nor given the opportunity to be heard on these novel allegations.
The court considered the Applicants’ argument that the Respondents’ attempt to appoint a new District Head during the ongoing legal process, would cause irreparable harm if not restrained and therefore granted the interim injunction to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing of the substantive application for interlocutory injunction.
The Hon. Justice K. I. Ahmad, in his ruling agreed with the written address of Counsel to the Plaintiffs/Applicants, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN and Prof Ibrahim Abdullahi, SAN,who argued the application,and granted the order of maintenance of status quo ante bellum and stay of all actions and or further actions in connection with all matters dealing with and or appertaining to the removal and all enthronement of District Heads in Sokoto State..”.
The District Heads positively affected by the court’s interim order of maintenance of status quo ante bellum (injunction ) are:
1. Alhaji Buhari Dahiru Tambuwal – District Head of Tambuwal in Tambuwal Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.
2. Alhaji Buhari Muhammad Abdulrahman – District Head of Illela in Illela Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.
3. Alhaji Nasiru Shehu Umar – District Head of Dogondaji in Tambuwal Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.
4. Alhaji Aliyu Barade – District Head of Wamakko in Wamakko Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.
5. Alhaji Atiku Bello Ayama – District Head of Gongono in Tangaza Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.
6. Alhaji Sule Ajiya Kalambaina – District Head of Kalambaina in Wamakko Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.
7. Alhaji Abubakar Kassim – District Head of Kebbe in Kebbe Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.
8. Alhaji Ibrahim Bello Dansarki – District Head of Tangaza in Tangaza Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.
9. Hon. Kabiru Marafa Acida- District Head of Alkammu in Wurno Local Govt Area of Sokoto State and;
10. Alhaji Usman Abdullahi – District Head of Talluwa in Bodinga Local Govt Area of Sokoto State.
By this development, the Honorable Court has mandated the Defendants/Respondents and their representatives, agents, servants and or privies (by whatever name called) to maintain status quo ante bellum and halt any actions related to the removal or enthronement of District Heads in Sokoto State.
These orders are effective pending the hearing and determination of the motions for interlocutory injunctions already filed before the court and which have been adjourned to the 23rd of July 2024,for hearing.
More accolades have continued to trail the Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as Forbes, the leading global media group has honoured him as one of the three best Nigerian governors providing good governance.
Alongside his Bayelsa and Osun State counterparts, Senators Diri Douye and Ademola Adeleke respectively, all of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the global media company has rated the performances of the three governors as worthy of world recognition and commendation.
While Diri of Bayelsa state is a two-term governor who just kick started his second term in February 2024, Ademola and Mutfwang are first term governors. Ademola is getting to three years in office while Mutfwang is barely a year in office. The Plateau governor effectively assumed office in January 2024 after a protracted legal battle over the 2023 governorship tussle which ended early 2024.
The letter addressed to the Governor dated …… and signed by Mark A Furlong, reads, “It is with great pleasure that Forbes Media and the creators of Forbes Best of Africa from America
wish to inform you that you have been nominated for the FORBES BEST OF AFRICA
VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AWARD”.
For years Forbes has been monitoring and assessing governments across the globe as a way of encouraging good governance and through its awards, Forbes acknowledges and celebrates exemplary leaders, top businessmen,
political leaders and dynamic personalities with records of making far-reaching impacts and
positive contributions to the development of their respective countries, sectors and industries.
The letters adds,” Since your appointment( election emphasis mine)into office, you have exemplified exceptional leadership in managing the
state of affairs in Plateau State. Your strategic vision has not only fostered significant development
within the state but has also set a benchmark for good governance in Nigeria.
Implementation of significant
reforms and policies that has positively impacted the socio-economic landscape of Plateau State.
Demonstrating transparency, accountability, and good governance
practices, thereby fostering a culture of integrity and ensuring the effective use of public resources.
Successfully attracting domestic and foreign investments into
Plateau State, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
Significant contributions to the development of critical
infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals, which has enhanced the quality of
life for the citizens.
Community Programs and projects aimed at improving the living standards
of the people, especially in rural areas including your efforts in poverty alleviation, youth
empowerment, and social welfare.
Enhancing access to quality education and healthcare services,
which are fundamental for sustainable development.
Conflict Resolution and Effective measures to address and mitigate conflicts within Plateau
State, promoting peace and stability.
Strengthening security infrastructure and strategies to ensure the
safety of residents, thereby creating a secure environment conducive to growth and development.
Demonstrating a clear vision for the future development of Plateau
State and implementing innovative solutions to address challenges.
Promoting environmental sustainability through policies and
projects that protect natural resources and promote green energy.
Previous awards and recognitions from reputable
organizations, which signify Governor Mutfwang’s contributions and impact, and many more, has provided a strong foundation for your consideration for the
Forbes Best of Africa Visionary Award.
For these reasons, the Forbes Best of Africa Award committee has decided to honour you with the
above mentioned award. The award would be conferred on you during the FIN annual International
Business Round Table and Forbes Best of Africa Award Ceremony.
This prestigious event will be
held on the 28th of June 2024 ( Friday)at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal”.
The strategic essence and significance of this event cannot be overemphasised. It serves as a platform for global leaders,
industry titans, and visionaries to converge, exchange insights, and foster collaborations that drive
meaningful economic growth across continents.
According to Forbes, “Our aim is to facilitate strategic alliances that not
only benefit individual businesses but also contribute to the socio-economic development of
diverse regions”.
Previous recipients of this prestigious award includes; H.E Sam Matekane the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, MD of First Bank Nigeria, Paul Adefarasin, and many more.
Also to receive the Forbes African awards are the Senate President Godswills Akpabio, a former governor, foreign affaits Minister Tuggar Maitama Sule and other eminent leaders across the country.
It is on record that only few Nigerian leaders have qualified for the Forbes global recognition so far, making it a great and lofty height for whoever has attained the feat.
Those invited at the global media event include: policy makers,
entrepreneurs, politicians, opinion leaders, the media partners, religious leaders and international
investors.
Dr Golu Timothy Is
Special Adviser To Governor Caleb Mutfwang On Strategic Communications
In a bid to elevate the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, to a cargo airport and eventually an international airport, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has hosted the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubumi Kuku, in a strategic meeting aimed at enhancing the airport’s status.
Governor Mutfwang welcomed the first female Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FAAN to Plateau State, expressing profound appreciation for the Airport Authority’s dedication and selfless service at the Jos Airport. He expressed confidence in the leadership capacity of the Managing Director to transform the airport’s fortunes.
He told his guest that Plateau State is blessed with agricultural produce in high demand worldwide, particularly vegetables, and pointed out that enhancing the airport’s status would significantly aid in exporting these products.
Governor Mutfwang disclosed that his administration has inaugurated a committee comprising former aviation staff to develop a blueprint for improving the existing infrastructure to ensure effective services at the airport.
He said the visit of the Managing Director has sparked hope and confidence that the Jos Airport will receive the necessary intervention for its upgrade. He assured that the state government would provide the necessary cooperation and intensify its efforts to ensure the airport receives a new lease on life.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubumi Kuku, acknowledged the strategic location of the Jos Airport within the aviation industry and assured that it would receive the required attention. She noted that the airport was designated a cargo airport due to Plateau’s centrality in Nigeria and promised to ensure that it is upgraded.
Mrs. Kuku emphasized the need for major infrastructure improvements at the Jos Airport to enhance its operations to meet international standards.
A committee comprising members from the Plateau State Government and the Airport Authority was mandated to meet and develop a plan for upgrading the Jos Airport.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has commended the Nigerian Immigration Service for implementing effective frameworks to monitor and control the influx of people who pose security threats to the state and the nation.
Governor Mutfwang made the remarks on Monday while hosting the State Commandant of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Grace Nkangwung, at Government House Rayfield, Jos.
He praised the valuable contributions of the Service during State Security Council Meetings and expressed confidence in Commandant Nkangwung’s ability to surpass her predecessor in enhancing the security of Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized the critical role of the Immigration Service in regulating the migration of people in and out of the country. He stressed the need for collaboration to eliminate criminal elements within the state.
He explained that while the state is open to visitors, they must adhere to the laws to maintain order. He urged the Immigration Service to work closely with the government to minimize criminality in the state.
Grace Nkangwung, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Immigration Service, highlighted her extensive experience in various northern commands, including land and air border patrol and migration management. She assured that she would leverage her expertise to provide quality service in Plateau State.
In a related development, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has shown a keen interest in partnering with the private sector to develop the value chain in the mining industry for revenue generation.
The Governor made this commitment during a meeting with an international conglomerate, Bisy Group from Australia, at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
Welcoming the Chief Executive Officer of Bisy Group, Raven Bi, and the Management of Plateau Minerals Development Company, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the vast potential of mineral deposits in the state.
He recalled the significant contribution of the state’s extractive industry to Nigeria’s GDP in the 1960s.
Governor Mutfwang criticized the rampant surface mining activities in the state, which generate minimal revenue, and called for the adoption of technology in mineral exploration.
He expressed a strong political will to collaborate with the private sector to add value to the state’s mineral deposits for the benefit of the people, adding that revitalizing the mineral sector is central to his policy agenda.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Bisy Group, Raven Bi told the Governor that his company which is a world-class partner in strategic mining consultancy, is in the state to explore the possibility of mining Lithium in the state, using technology.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs And Social Development in plateau state Mrs Caroline planglang Dafur has strongly advised parents to always observe behavior of their children/wards to detect early involvement in Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The observation according to the commissioner will assist affected parents the opportunity to nip the negative behavioural tendencies of the child/wards and to tackled it on time and avoid escalation to unimaginable stage.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and social development in the State gives the advice today 26th June 2024 during her address to mark this Year International Day Against Drugs Abuse And Illicit Trafficking , held at the New Government House Little Rayfield in Jos-South local government , plateau state.
She said as the Theme of this Year International Day Against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking suggested,”The Evidence Is Clear Invest In Prevention”, parents are suppose to watchout for strange behaviors of their children/wards who don’t love using the house toilet and other facilities in the house , particularly when they are present in the house.
Added that the parents should also watch their children when they keep to themselves and avoid everybody and remain inside the room when all the others families are in the sitting room ,such child is definitely up to something suspicious that the parents needed to find out without delay.
She advised parents who loss hope on their children/wards simply because he/she indulged in Drugs Abuse should not, instead involve the services of pastor that can given them spiritual advice and counseling , alternatively they can be rehabilitated with the assistance of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), saddled with the responsibility of counseling the children and rehabilitating them, however advised parents to take the children to such places for rehabilitation.
The Commissioner revealed that the sensitization against drugs abuse will definitely water down the grassroots, this informed the presence of the 17 Local Governments Transition Implementation Chairmen’s wives in attendance who are going to take this campaign to their various local council to replicate same sensitization that is taken place today at the state level.
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Stressed that we deliberately make all the Chairpersons at the LG in the state to attend the event for them to go and replicate same in their various local governments enable them know the danger of drugs abuse, and it inherent consequences . The commissioner maintained.
Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have arrested alleged notorious gunrunners, bandits, arms couriers and recovered arms as well as ammunition in several intelligence-driven operations carried out in Plateau and Kaduna States within the last one week.
The arrest is contained in statement dated 24th June 2024 signed by Media information officer to OPSH Major Samson Natip Zhakom and made available to this medium in jos, plateau state capital.
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According to the statement, on the 21st June 2024, troops conducted operation to flush out armed militias and other criminals in suspected bandit’s hideout at Pandam forest in Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, troops recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 magazines and 75 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
As combined operation with a sister security agency on 21 June 2024, troops tracked and arrested a notorious gunrunner along Riyom-Abuja Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The suspect was arrested while on his way to supply 35 AK-47 magazines to another gunrunner who, unknown to the first gunrunner, had earlier been tracked and arrested in Kano State on 20 June 2024.
Further information obtained from the arrested suspect led to the immediate arrest of the major arms supplier at Manchok in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna, while making efforts to receive the 35 AK-47 magazines from the first gunrunner for onward delivery to bandits in Zamfara State. Troops proceeded for search operation in the home of the major gunrunner and recovered the 35 AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), 3 Bajaj motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and items suspected to be local charms.
The general public is appreciated for furnishing security agencies with credible information leading to the massive recovery.
The populace is further urged to continue to cooperate with security agencies in ensuring a crime-free environment.
It is a fact that ideologies rule the world, emanating from people who understood the essence of their existence and curved a niche of guiding principles to direct their sojourn upon the earth.
Their principles and philosophies serve as guide to others especially if they are progressive. Dr. Nnnamdi Azikiwe said, “Life is an odyssey, Man comes into this world and while he lives, he embarks upon a series of travels, gaining experience which enables him to formulate a philosophy of life.” So is Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum.
Dakum, a multidimensional careerist of humanitarian services has advanced practical norms which exquisitely guided him into extraordinary successes in all his fields of endeavours medically, spiritually and politically; thus making him a trailblazer in diverse and multiple fronts.
Politically which is the centre of concentration of this piece, Dakum’s philosophies toe the path of Zikism and Awoism that served as guides to Africa and Nigeria in particular. Though Zikism is not revered and taken as prototype by the Eastern Region where he hailed from, Awoism is very much in effect in the South West, and is used as political and developmental template.
Dakum did not write a memoir on his political belief, but his submissions and postulations in many fora, electioneering campaigns and interviews on media outlets, likewise walking the talk, gave rise to the ideology, “DAKUMISM.”
From the outset of the Fourth Republic, he was a Commissioner of Information and Health whose performance was remarkable and his legacies highly contemporarily and excellently effective to this very day.
As his contemporaries divorced their professions and career and stick to political prostitution since 1999 to date in different administrations without mentorship of upcoming youth, he wasn’t cajoled to toe such path by the juicy privileges of being in the corridor of power, but went ahead to start the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, with five persons using his profession as Public Health Doctor to liberate the country and grant it health security. This depicts his mentality of bettering the lives of the people in every way he finds himself.
His vision has yielded results of expanding IHVN with the workforce of over a thousand employees, covering 23 states of the Federation; and with over four hundred thousand HIV/AIDS patients receiving free medical treatment from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, which he oversees in Nigeria.
While most of his contemporaries as commissioners and other political appointees since 1999 are being recycled as old cargoes as LG chairmen and political advisers, and like crabs in a can, domiciled in Plateau and gasping for survival through political patronage and best described as fish in well, Dakum is hitting the limelight both nationally and international touching lives, making his tribe, Plateau State and Nigeria proud.
Dakum who values family life trained his children with his profession without seeking to be in the corridor of power first to send them overseas for studies and making them rich with public funds as a then governor whose son celebrated being a billionaire in his father’s first year in office.
Amazingly, a Public Health Doctor exhibits political awareness and expertise in words and practice on and above most of the best political scientists. His guru in politics was bred from the inbuilt passion of replicating the developmental strides of developed countries in his third world country, Nigeria, starting from his state, Plateau.
Dakum is of the school of thought like Zik and Awolowo who postulated that the first prerequisite of joining politics is preparedness excluding self-centered and the greed for wealth, but a call to service. In view of this, he criticized the mentality of envisage politics as monetary conduit pipe saying, “The mentality of being rich as a result of being in politics is a huge problem that must change.” And further calls for the advancement of political offices synonymous to civil service. He said, “The less financially beneficial the job of the politician is, the better for democracy. And when I said less financially, I mean let’s put the politicians on salary scale and subject them to the civil service rules.”
This clarion call was born out of Dakum’s desire for rapid development of the country which cannot be achieved by spending hugely out of the meager resources of the nation on political office holders instead of on infrastructures.
Dakum doesn’t see winning elections as the ultimate participation in democracy, and losing as inferiority, and shamefacedly. He believes that every participant in the game is heavily contributing to its success including the voters, the umpire (INEC), the judiciary, aspirants and candidates, campaigners and all others.
He said, “Many politicians don’t understand that the democratic journey requires participation and not only winning elections. If I don’t win, it doesn’t mean that I did not contribute with a vital role. We are not in one party state.
And any country that moves into one party state, its development will go down because nobody will ask critical questions that need to be asked.
But if there is healthy competition between the political parties, and at the end of it, you didn’t win; it doesn’t mean you have not contributed.” In essence he is saying that the people should partake in building a viable and virile democracy and not necessarily joining the game to win elective positions.
While most politicians use defamation to win elections, Dakum doesn’t believe in that. He is not a coward, as only cowards use such approach. Chief Obafemi Awolowo said, “But it is mean and cowardly, and an evidence of weakness and utter demerit, for any group of people to attempt to commend themselves to the public by the negative process of belittling and condemning others. Strong, courageous, resourceful and self-confident people are never afraid of rivals or competitors.”
Dakum’s campaign hinged on what Awolowo said, “What our people want to know above all things else is not the defect or incapacity of this or that organization, but the plans and programmes which we have for improving their lots and the relative merits of such plans and programmes.”
His belief is also in line with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s postulation which says, “I will not score an off-side goal; I will not hit below the belt; I will not beat the gun in order to become the Executive President of Nigeria.” Dakum said you cannot win an election through fraudulent means and attribute it to God, adding that God will judge whoever does that.
Such spirit hamstrung him from deploying thugs in his campaign and character assassination. Other things he frowns at are the use of ethnicity, religion and money and the involvement of god-fathers. He said, “As a politician I must campaign based on issues.”
He added, “The unifying factor should be the desire to move the state forward and consider candidates vying for elective positions based on their antecedents and capacity to deliver good leadership.”
This pragmatic approach earned him the European Union Observers applauds in the 2023 general elections and declaration as the best and cleanest campaigner in Plateau.
Dakum wants elections to be cleanly and keenly contested, adding that using criminality in politics will barricade the defeat of crime in the society and frustrate the rule of law which is recipe for lawlessness.
Dakum believes in party democracy on a clean sheet before the secondary elections. He said, “My personal opinion is that there has to be democracy within political parties, otherwise the occupiers of parties will be decision makers. And whoever wants to run in an election must be elected.
So, if there is no democracy in the party, general elections will be null and void.”
Contrary to non-sportsmanship exhibited by losers in elections, and sabotage to governance instead of concrete criticism, Dakum believes in defeat acceptance, support for good governance he said, “We have a government, we should work towards making it succeed because it will be for our good. But it doesn’t mean that when it comes to elections we do not have our opinion that someone else will do better.”
He believes in advising the incumbents and holding them to account. He said, “To you journalists, do you have the pamphlets given to you during elections?
If you do, then begin to read and challenge the winners.” “I will advise that whatever it is you have as advice, rally round and give the governor. Never should you wrongfully fight to occupy an office whether in Plateau or at the Federal level, but do it in the fear of God and integrity.”
On the role of opposition in politics, Dakum believes that they must be active as Awolowo said, “It is the duty of the opposition to express its views candidly in opposition to any government measure which in its view is not in the best interest of the people.”
On the prevailing winner takes all, Dakum believes in bringing capable hands irrespective of their affiliations to achieve results in government since the essence of governance is to better the welfare of the governed and to develop the society.
On court litigations, Dakum believes the defeated should go to court and all court verdicts should be obeyed. And in the case of dissatisfaction with court’s judgment aspersion and attacks should not be options; instead, concerted efforts should be made to correct all ills.
There are so much to talk about on Dakumism which will run into volumes, however this summary should draw every Plateau citizen to reason and reminisce whether the political cliché has impacted positively on the state and developed it infrastructural wise, enhanced unity amongst the ethnic blocs, eradicated corruption, boosted the economy and harnessed human resources for greater productivity and survival.
If the old way isn’t working, and our democracy is endangered, then we must do as Tupac Shakur said, “It’s time for us as people to start making some changes… you see the old way wasn’t working so it’s on us to do what we gotta do to survive.” And the way out is new ideology which is DAKUMISM.
In his determination to foster a robust economy for the benefit of Plateau citizens, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has held talks with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The talks focused on enhancing security, economic prosperity, and the standard of living in Plateau.
During a visit to UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah and her team at the UN House in Abuja, Governor Mutfwang highlighted the state’s potential for economic prosperity and sought UNDP’s support in enhancing local capacities to achieve these goals.
He requested a partnership with the UNDP to establish a lasting security network, develop agricultural value chains, and revitalize mining and tourism sectors to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their significant interventions, such as the robust initiatives at the Police Staff College in Jos, and said that the state would greatly benefit from the continued support.
He informed the Country Representative that his administration inherited substantial security challenges but has revitalized the state-owned security outfit “Operation Rainbow” to aid in intelligence gathering and support conventional security measures.
“We are here to explore ways to deepen collaboration between the UNDP and Plateau State to advance the cause of improving humanity in Plateau State. We commend the UNDP for their major project at the Police Staff College, which will benefit the state,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
He also sought UNDP’s cooperation in capacity building to equip security personnel with the necessary knowledge to address the state’s security issues.
Governor Mutfwang identified poverty as a fundamental challenge and solicited partnership to build a sustainable economy by addressing the basic needs of the people. He outlined agriculture, mining, and tourism as key economic drivers and announced plans for an Economic Summit. He sought UNDP’s support to promote these opportunities.
The Governor told his host that the state Government has established the Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission to address gender issues such as violence against women and rape. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in governance, by ensuring the deployment of resources to benefit the people.
UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah congratulated Governor Mutfwang on his election and leadership over the past year. She expressed enthusiasm to collaborate with him to advance humanitarian efforts in Plateau State.
Attafuah said the UNDP would develop a template to assist states like Plateau in building resilience in agriculture, economy, and health sectors to enable them to withstand unforseen situations. She also emphasized the UNDP’s focus on good governance, climate change, inclusive growth, and agricultural value chains and expressed the desire to transform Plateau State.
Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has again floored the federal government owned anti corruption agency (EFCC) saddled with the responsibility of charging and prosecuting anybody including government officials that alleged to have involve in money related fraud.
The recent case is the human rights actives Mike Ozekhome against EFCC is among the numerous judicial victories he had recorded against the Agency since it was set up.
The recent victory against the government is the case of Mr Abiodun Agbele ordeal of nearly (8) years tortuous trial came to an abrupt end on Friday,21st June, 2024, when a Federal High Court presided over by the Honourable Justice Nnamdi Dimgba ruled that Abiodun Agbele had no case to answer in a 24-count amended charge bordering on alleged money laundering of #1.219 billion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Abiodun Agbele and three others.
The EFCC had accused Abiodun Agbele and three others of indirectly accepting #1.219 billion in cash through an official of Zenith Bank in Akure, Ondo State, from the then minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, on behalf of Ayodele Fayose in June 2014. Agbele was alleged to have carried out this act without going through a financial institution contrary to te provisions of section 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
MeThe EFCC also accused Agbele of aiding a company called De Privateer Ltd to take possession of #200 million which was allegedly part of the #1.219 billion, on behalf of Fayose, contrary to section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. Honourable Justice Dimgba found no proof of any of the essential ingredients of these counts such as to call on Abiodun Agbele to stand full trial.
Mr. Abiodun Agbele along with 3 other Defendants were initially arraigned before the Federal High Court on an eleven-count charge (which later had one court struck out), to which they had pleaded not guilty. The charge dated 26th July, 2016, filed by Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Wahab Shittu, SAN, had accused Agbele of some alleged offences said to be contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended in 2012) (MLA).
Mr. Agbele in the initial charge was alleged, amongst others, between 4th April, 2014 and 13th November, 2014, to have conspired with others who are at large to commit illegal act to wit: laundering the sum of N4,685,723,000,000.00 being sum transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser with Central Bank of Nigeria by Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd), which he knew or reasonably ought to have know that the said funds formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) the then National Security Adviser, and thereby committed the offence said to be contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering Act, 2011.
The EFCC also alleged that Mr. Agbele with others now at large, on or about the 17th day of June, 2015, directly took possession of the sum of N1,219,000,000.00 (One Billion, Two Hundred and Nineteen Million, Naira) being part of the N4,685,723,000,000.00 transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser with Central Bank of Nigeria, when he knew or ought reasonably to know that the funds formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki the then National Security Adviser, and Musiliu Obanikoro (the then Minister of Defence for State) to wit: theft and corruption and thereby committed the offence said to be contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering Act, 2011.
All the Defendants had pleaded not guilty to all the counts and the matter proceeded to trial. In the course of trial however, the Complainant vide an Amended Charge filed on 7th March, 2024, after calling a total number of 8 witnesses,amended the charge to 24 counts, to which the Defendants equally pleaded not guilty to all 24 counts.
The prosecution in proof of its case against the Defendants through its counsel,Mr Wahab Shittu, SAN, called a total of 16 witnesses. Upon EFCC concluding its case, Mr. Agbele, instead of opening his defence, filed through his counsel, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, a no-case submission, praying the court to discharge and acquit him of those offences as the prosecution had failed to establish any of the essential elements of the offences he was charged with,such as to require him to open a defence in the matter. The prosecution through its counsel,Mr Shittu, joined issues with Prof Ozekhome, lead counsel to Mr. Agbele, insisting that Agbele had a case to answer.
In his well-considered ruling delivered on the 21st day of June, 2024, Hon Justice Dimgba, ruled that the prosecutor had failed to prove the essential elements of the offences with which Mr. Abiodun Agbele was charged. The Court found that the case, as put forward by the prosecution, was simply a case of cash-in-transit between bank officials.
He found that notwithstanding that Agbele, the 1st Defendant, was physically present when the cash was being moved in Akure, Ondo, State, there was no scintilla of evidence to show that he knew that the cash was tainted with alleged illegality. The court also found that none of the witnesses called by the prosecution knew the source of the fund. Indeed, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro whose name appeared on the charge and who testified for the prosecution,testified in favour of the Defence when he stated emphatically that only the then National Security Adviser ( NSA ),Col. Sambo Dassuki and Mr Ayodele Fayose ( the Ekiti State Governor),could speak about the source of the cash.
The court found that Mr. Adiodun Agbele and the three other Defendants were not privy to the source of the funds.It therefore held that before the court can ask Agbede to enter his defence in the matter, the prosecutor must prove that the source of the fund was tainted with illegality and that the Defendant knew or ought to know about that. In this wise, the court held that the prosecutor ought to have subpoenaed two vital witnesses in the persons of Ayodele Fayose and Sambo Dasuki, to testify as to the source of the fund as stated by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.
The prosecution’s failure to do this was fatal to its case. The court clarified that merely being in possession of cash alone, no matter how huge, without more, cannot sustain those charges. There must be evidence that the cash formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity and that Ayodele Fayose and the 1st Defendant knew and benefitted from such proceeds.
The court therefore discharged Abiodun Agbele of the 23 counts he was charged with. It however called on the second Defendant company, Silver McNamara,to enter its defence on the remaining count as it did not file a no cases submission.
Plateau State Governorship Candidate on the platform of Labour Party, LP, in 2023 General Election, professor Patrick Dakum has advocated for salary scale for all the serving and would be politicians in the state which will be in line with the country civil service rules.
The advocacy if implemented will ease financial pressure on the country democracy which is at the verge of being financially suffocated by the politicians financial entitlement.
The CEO of Institute Of Human Virology said the less financially beneficial the job of the politician is, the better for democracy.
Dr. Dakum was speaking recently over the hardship the citizens are currently going through as they can no longer afford one square meal a day, while politicians are swimming in millions.
He said “when I said less financially, I mean let’s put the politicians on salary scale and subject them to civil service rules.”
” Of course, they will not be 35
years in service or whatever, they should have more allowances to cover up for the pensions of four years they will be in office
Dakum who has be very passionate over the welfare of the citizens of the country stressed that “let us further institute a lifestyle audit that will lead to investigation particularly the politicians and their flamboyant life at the detriment of the impoverished classless citizens of the country.
In his determination to foster a robust economy for the benefit of Plateau citizens, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has held talks with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The talks focused on enhancing security, economic prosperity, and the standard of living in Plateau.
During a visit to UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah and her team at the UN House in Abuja, Governor Mutfwang highlighted the state’s potential for economic prosperity and sought UNDP’s support in enhancing local capacities to achieve these goals.
He requested a partnership with the UNDP to establish a lasting security network, develop agricultural value chains, and revitalize mining and tourism sectors to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their significant interventions, such as the robust initiatives at the Police Staff College in Jos, and said that the state would greatly benefit from the continued support.
He informed the Country Representative that his administration inherited substantial security challenges but has revitalized the state-owned security outfit “Operation Rainbow” to aid in intelligence gathering and support conventional security measures.
“We are here to explore ways to deepen collaboration between the UNDP and Plateau State to advance the cause of improving humanity in Plateau State. We commend the UNDP for their major project at the Police Staff College, which will benefit the state,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
He also sought UNDP’s cooperation in capacity building to equip security personnel with the necessary knowledge to address the state’s security issues.
Governor Mutfwang identified poverty as a fundamental challenge and solicited partnership to build a sustainable economy by addressing the basic needs of the people. He outlined agriculture, mining, and tourism as key economic drivers and announced plans for an Economic Summit. He sought UNDP’s support to promote these opportunities.
The Governor told his host that the state Government has established the Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission to address gender issues such as violence against women and rape. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in governance, by ensuring the deployment of resources to benefit the people.
UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah congratulated Governor Mutfwang on his election and leadership over the past year. She expressed enthusiasm to collaborate with him to advance humanitarian efforts in Plateau State.
Attafuah said the UNDP would develop a template to assist states like Plateau in building resilience in agriculture, economy, and health sectors to enable them to withstand unforseen situations. She also emphasized the UNDP’s focus on good governance, climate change, inclusive growth, and agricultural value chains and expressed the desire to transform Plateau State.
The Nigerian Army (NA) has taken a significant step in enhancing its operational capabilities with the delivery of the first batch of new aircrafts.
The berthing of the aircrafts marks a significant milestone in the development of the Nigerian Army Aviation’s capacity to provide air support for ground operations. The aircraft BELL UH-1H (HUEY) helicopters, were formally received by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in a brief ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Thursday 20 June, 2024.
This cheering news is contained in a Press statement dated 20th June 2024 signed by Director Army Relations Major General ONYEMA NWACHUKWU and made available to this medium electronically.
According to the statement, receiving the aircrafts, General Lagbaja, noted that the renewed drive to establish an NA Aviation wing was conceived by the then-former COAS, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah (rtd), in 2014, with a three-phase ten-year implementation plan.
The COAS extolled former Chiefs of Army Staff, maintaining, that their tenacity and drive, along with the collective efforts of personnel and Nigerian Government’s political will, have been instrumental in realizing the fruition of NA Aviation.
Gen Lagbaja appreciated the various successive administrations for their support in training NA Pilots and Ground Crews as well as putting in place requisite structures. The COAS profoundly expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to fund the acquisition of NA platforms and providing all support to actualize the dream.
The BELL UH-1H Helicopters are equipped with advanced sensors and enablers to conduct a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, rescue, logistics, transportation, and medical evacuation.
The Army Chief also appreciated the forerunners, particularly the sister services and the Nigerian Police Force Aviation wing, for their support and encouragement. He noted that the NA is spurred to serve the nation better with the acquisition of the new platforms and provide Nigerians, an enabling environment for economic prosperity.
In his remarks, the Coordinator, NA Aviation, Brigadier General Musa Alkali, stated that the arrival of the NA Aviation vanguard platforms is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of the NA Aviation, in line with the COAS’s Command Philosophy.
Brig Gen Alkali stressed that the acquisition of the platforms is a clear demonstration of the NA’s aviation resolve, which started 40 years ago to continuously improve and adapt in the face of an evolving security landscape, adding that this will boost the NA’s reconnaissance, surveillance, and air mobility capabilities.
The Coordinator acknowledged the tireless efforts of those involved in the execution of the NA Aviation plan, as well as the international partners.
Earlier, a Consultant for the Nigerian Army Aviation, Major General Emeka Onwuamaegbu (retired) who is also a trained Helicopter Pilot, lauded the Nigerian Army for sustaining the vision over the years that saw to the actualization of the Nigerian Army aviation.
The immediate Deputy Speaker in the house of representative , and member Representing Wase Federal Constituency in the house of Representative Honorable Ahmed Idris Maje has hosted the All Progressive Congress APC Stakeholders of the Party with the need to reposition the party in the state ahead the next election. Honorable Idris Ahmed hosted group comprised the stakeholders of APC party to celebrate Eid-EL-Kabir 2024 sallah celebration which coincides with the honorable Maje’s birthday.
The gathering of the party’s stakeholders can best be described as tripartite celebrations because it also involves the warming of house which which can be best referred to Sallah celebration, his birthday held in Abuja.
The event was attended by several prominent figures of the party, including two former Governors of Plateau State , Simon Bako Lalong Joshua Chibi Dariye former Senators, Deputy Governor and a Minister.
Others Notable attendees included, Dame Pauline Tallen and others.
The event also saw the presence of serving and former Senators of the house of Representatives , State Assembly members and elders of the party.
The relaxed atmosphere created conducive environment for discussions on national issues geared towards fostering progress for of the nation.
Hon. Idris Wase used the opportunity to advocate for peaceful coexistence and promotion of diversity for the common good of the APC on the plateau and Nigeria in general.
Hon. Ishaya Itse of the All Progressive Congress APC in plateau state has commended the Former Deputy Speaker House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly Hon Ahmed Idris Maje ,member Representing Wase Federal Constituency in the House of Representative for accepting the responsibilities to be among those nominated by the party hierarchy to reposition the party , reconcile aggrieved member ahead coming local government election other subsequent selections in the state.
Itse also congratulate the honorable member for his birthday celebration as he described him as bridge builder who has used his position as politician likeable by the people of his Constituency bring them together under one ambrella which has facilities bound of unity among them .
Itse commended the Honorable member Ahmed Idris Wase for accepting to reposition the party to reclaim the seats in the coming elections in the state is a testament that he believed that APC still have more dividend of democracy to offer to the people of plateau despite the temporary set back in the 2023 General election.
He further said that the members of APC in the state without menacing words has undiluted support for Hon. Idris Maje, and assured to queue behind him in his quest for the repositioning the party in the state that would be envy of all.
Called on the Hon. member to try his possible best by bringing the member of the party into one ambrella hitherto factionalize occasion by misunderstanding within the party .
Hon. Itse called on the members of the party to give honorable Wase the maximum support to do his best to reposition party to be litmus test in the forthcoming local government election in the state when the councils electioneering campaign eventually flag off in the state.
Wished him happy birthday celebration prayed as God add year to his age, Almighty Allah Wil also increase him in wisdom to the benefits of his constituent, plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
As Governor vows not to discriminate against anyone
The Muslim Ummah in Plateau State, led by the State Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), on Wednesday, paid the traditional Eid-el-Kabir Sallah Homage to the Executive Governor of Plateau State at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos.
The congregation, comprising clerics, community leaders, women, youths, and the elderly, expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for his generosity, kindness, and support towards Muslims in the state.
Delivering the Sallah message, Alh. Dr. Haruna Muhammad Sambo, the JNI Chairman and Emir of Wase, conveyed deep appreciation to Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State Government for their developmental efforts which have benefited the Muslim community and the entire state.
He highlighted the Governor’s commendable initiatives, including the rehabilitation of road networks around masallacin Juma’a, Zololo Junction, Mango street, Delimi Street, Bauchi road and Rikkos main road among several others and support provided for the 2024 Hajj logistics and mobilization.
Alh. Sambo praised Governor Mutfwang for introducing metro buses and revitalizing the railway, which he said have gone a long way to alleviating transportation challenges for citizens.
Expressing concern over recent incidents involving enforcement of Executive Order 003 by a Task Force, he called for enhanced collaboration to ensure smooth implementation for sustainable peace and cleanliness in Jos under the Greater Jos Master Plan.
Governor Mutfwang, in his address, thanked the Muslim Ummah for their steadfast support since the beginning of his administration. He acknowledged their unwavering commitment to justice and fairness during challenging times.
“I know many of you stood for justice when we faced adversity. This support has given me the strength and confidence to lead a government that prioritizes fairness, justice, and equality, without any form of discrimination,” Governor Mutfwang affirmed.
He emphasized, “Our policies aim to benefit all citizens and create a conducive environment for visitors to Plateau state. I appreciate the cooperation of Islamic clerics, particularly during our efforts in Terminus, and sincerely thank you for it.”
Governor Mutfwang assured continued openness to advice and collaboration from individuals and groups dedicated to Plateau State’s growth and development.
Staff of industrial Training Fund(ITF), plateau state, Isah Dimlong is currently at the eyes of storm as his wife Nyirot Dimlong has dragged him before High Court sitting in Jos for abuse/attempted murder.
The defendants Isah Dimlong from Pankshin local government got married few years back the marriage that has produced two children a boy and girl.
The case which came up for mention, the complaints Nyirot (Mrs) is urged the court to dissolve the marriage which has broken down irretrievably that can no longer Savage.
The complaints accused the defendants of constant abuse which in most cases has landed her in the hospital bed on admission.
She accused the Defendant of being temperamental who flamed up in any slightest provocation.She said the relief being sort is for her best interest to walk away from the marriage peacefully than die, as the defendant has attempted to kill her on several occasions.
The complaints also among other relief sort Urged the court to grant her the custody of the two children which she promised to always made them available when he (Defendant) wish to see them.
The Defendant was in court . Having listening to all reliefs sort by the complaints, the presiding judge adjourned the matter till 21st July 2024 for continuation of hearing.
The Factional Chairman of APC on the plateau Honorable Ishaya Itse has Condemned in Strong term the attack by some miscreants on the Task Force carring out the directive of the government in implementing order 003 of decongesting Jos and Bukuru Metropolis of street trading and illegal structures.
The Factional Chairman of APC in State described those behind the attack as enemies of the State who never wish the well only to take the state back to dark days of blood bath occasion by those who never want to see the state move forward Economically and other sphere of development now the citizens are getting over those days.
He commensurate with those who loss love ones ,and those who loss properties for Almighty God to comfort them, and the injured for God to grant them speedy recovery.
Itse called on governor Mutfwang to set up investigation of enquiry to unravel the remote cause of the attack and ensure those behind the callous attack are brought to book.
The honorable Chairman use the press statement to commensurate with the Executive Governor Caleb Mutfwang and those directly and indirectly affected by the senseless attack.
Staff of industrial Training Fund(ITF), plateau state, Ishaya Dimlong is currently at the eyes of storm as his wife has dragged him before High Court sitting in Jos for abuse/attempted murder.
The defendants Ishaya Dimlong from Pankshin local government got married to her beloved wife Mrs Nyirot Dimlong few years back in christian wedding that has produced two children a boy and girl.
The case which came up for mention, Mrs Nyirot urged the court to dissolve the marriage which has broken down irretrievably that can no longer savage.
The complaints accused the defendants of constant abuse which in most cases has landed her in the hospital bed on admission.
She accused the Defendant of being temperamental who flamed up in any slightest provocation.She said the relief being sort is for her best interest to walk away from the marriage peacefully than die in it as the defendant has attempted to kill her on several occasions.
The complaints also among other relief sort Urged the court to grant her the custody of the two children which she promised to always made them available when he (Defendant) wish to see them.
The Defendant Mr Dimlong was in court . Having listening to all reliefs sort by the complaints, the presiding judge adjourned the matter till 21st July 2024 for continuation of hearing.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has Condemned in Strong term the unfortunate attacks on the Task Force responsible for enforcing Executive order 003 by some criminal elements in Bukuru Jos South Local Government.
The Task Force is mandated to regulate buildings and vehicular traffic within the Greater Jos master plan in Jos Bukuru Metropolis.
The governor’s condemnation is contained in a Press statement dated 17th June 2024 signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor Gyang Ebere and made available to this medium in jos.
He said the condemnable sad incident occurred on Monday 17th June 2024 at the Bukuru market in Jos South Local Government Area, where lawless individuals brazenly assaulted members of the joint Task Force.
Governor Mutfwang expressed deep regret over the shameful actions of these miscreants, who not only targeted the Task Force but also endangered the lives of traders.
He emphasized that the market was designated by the government to accommodate lawful business activities with an appeal to street vendors to relocate accordingly.
The Governor lamented the reckless behavior of the attackers, who wielded dangerous weapons to inflict harm and loot shops, resulting in the destruction of vehicles owned by innocent traders. Tragically, one of the suspects fatally shot his accomplice during the chaos.
Governor Mutfwang condemned the incident as entirely avoidable, questioning the motives of those who flouted Executive Order 003 and resorted to violence against law-abiding citizens.
He called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend all perpetrators and ensure that they face justice without delay. He reiterated the State government’s unwavering resolve to confront troublemakers decisively.
Highlighting the broader purpose of Executive Order 003, Governor Mutfwang clarified that its intent is to safeguard Jos from deterioration into a slum and a haven for criminal activities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with law-abiding citizens across all divides to foster peace and unity in the state.
Governor Mutfwang appealed to religious and community leaders in the affected area, to guide their followers against unlawful conducts and implement measures to thwart criminal elements who may exploit the situation to cause disorder.
Governor Mutfwang expressed appreciation to all security agencies for their dedication and urged them to intensify efforts to restore calm amidst the current challenges. He sympathize with members of the public whose vehicles and other properties were vandalized as a result of the incident.
The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, EAPEAN, has felicitates Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-Al-Adha.
In a statement signed by the President of the Association, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo said it was a significant moment of sacrifice and love.
The statement read:
“The Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) wishes to felicitate with all Muslims in Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-Al-Adha.
“This auspicious celebration is a significant moment for our Muslim brothers and sisters to reflect on the values of sacrifice, obedience, and devotion to faith.
“As an organization that represents the interests of private employment agencies in Nigeria, we recognize the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our workforce.
We acknowledge the significant contributions that Muslim employees make to our industries and communities.
“On this special day, we join Muslims across the country in celebrating the spirit of Eid-Al-Adha.
“We pray that the blessings of Allah be upon us all and that this occasion brings us closer to peace, harmony, and prosperity. We wish all Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-Al-Adha celebration.”
Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) formerly known as Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN) is the umbrella organization of licenced Private Employment Agencies (PEAs) also known as recruiters in Nigeria.
EAPEAN provides a platform for Private Employment Agencies to interact with the regulatory body (government), labour communities, and other relevant institutions within and outside Nigeria to develop and promote International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards and ethical practices in the recruitment, deployment, and management of outsourced personnel in Nigeria.
Member Representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in House of Representatives Honourable Daniel Asama has commended governor Caleb Mutfwang for his outstanding leadership and vision on his recent signing of memorandum of understanding (Mou) for the establishment of international Hospital in Bomo in Bassa local government.
This initiative is a testament to your commitment to the development of Plateau state and to transform the state as Hub for medical tourism.
This commendation is contained in a statement dated 14th June 2024 personally signed by the honorable member and made available to this medium in Jos .
The statement which reads in parts said:
I wish to express my utmost appreciation for your outstanding leadership and vision. Your recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of the Bomo International Hospital in Bassa LGA is a testament to your commitment to the development of Plateau State.
The $500 million initiative to transform Jos into a hub for medical tourism is a remarkable step forward for our healthcare sector. This project will provide top-notch healthcare services and position our state as a leading medical destination in the country.
Your dedication to the well-being of Plateau State’s residents is truly commendable. The establishment of Bomo International Hospital will attract patients from far and wide, boosting our healthcare industry and economy by creating jobs and stimulating local businesses. This initiative will enhance Plateau State’s reputation as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
On behalf of the residents of the Bomo community, Bassa LGA, and the entire Plateau State, I extend my sincere appreciation for your visionary leadership. We look forward to the fruition of the Bomo International Hospital with great anticipation.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has admonished the Muslims in plateau not only allow their celebration marking this year Eid-EL-Kabir centred on merry making, but should be used as spiritual sobre reflection and pray to Almighty Allah to intervene on Nigeria current situation.
This Governor Mutfwang said is very important considering the plethora of challenges currently bedeviling the country Nigeria ranging from starvation, insecurity and other unpleasant vices in some parts of the state and Nigeria at large.
Mutfwang represented by the Commissioner for Sport and Youths development Hon. Lanwadi Dati give the admonishment during the Eid-EL-Kabir prayers to mark this year 2024 celebration held at Jos Central Mosque 16th June 2024.
He Felicitates with Muslims Ummah in the state , by extension Nigeria in general for peaceful celebration but however enjoined them as they celebrate to remember and pray for the state and the nation as a whole for Allah to take control of the current challenges that is gradually engulfing the whole nation.
However encouraged them not to loose hope for the country as these present challenges, with fervent prayer will definitely come to pass and become history by the Grace of Almighty Allah.
In another similar development, Senior adviser on Religious Affairs to the immediate past governor of Plateau State Alh. Sani Mudi decried the high cost of living which has hampered this year celebration of Eid -El-Kabir.
Mudi said despite the various challenges the Muslims where able to meet with the obligations of ldi like the sacrifices of Ram for those who could afford it.
They have been able to meet with the high cost of Ram and skyrocket of prices of food stuffs in the market, they have been able to meet up with the necessary things that make the celebration worthwhile.
He stressed that lslam is religion of peace, and Muslims Ummah are peace loving adherence to the Islamic teachings ,thank Almighty Allah that this year Eid-EL-Kabir Celebration like the previous ones is celebrated peacefully devoid of rancor.
But quick to lament the current economic challenges in the country that has incapacitated must families from carrying out the celebration the way it should .
Appeal to the government at all levels , Federal , State possibly local government to prioritize the welfare of the citizens to feel the impacts of the dividends of democracy.
Admonished the people of the state and Nigeria to pray without seasons for their leaders in the positions of authority for the success of the state and country.
Sued the two religion ,Muslims and Christians to embrace peaceful Coexistence with one another that will enthroned viral development in all levels of government in the State and the country at large.
However wish Governor Caleb Mutfwang and president Bola Ahmed Tinubu well ,prayed that Allah will guard and protect them in their respectives endeavors as they pilot the affairs of the state and the Nation in separate capacities.
In this piece, Peter Ameh examines the political marriage between the governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia and a former governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai dated back to the 2023 general election.
In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, the people of Benue State witnessed a strange union and unholy romance between the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Reverend Hyacinth Alia, and the then governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
This union became public shortly after Hyacinth Alia, emerged as the APC gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 governorship election.
In July 2023, photos of Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia and El-Rufai graced the social media. A picture of the duo was released after their closed-door.
Many questioned what a supposed priest was doing with a religious bigot and an extremist, a divisive figure, a man who made a mockery of Jesus Christ on his Twitter handle, and worse of it all, a security threat. The Benue people saw both of them as unequal yoking.
Some thought that, since Alia was a novice in politics, he was probably building political alliances and synergy with party members within the northern region. However, facts later emerged that the relationship was not about the unity of the party, but the agenda of one man, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
In December 2022, Alia traveled to Kaduna State, and this time, it was alleged that he held a meeting not just with El-Rufai but groups like Miyetti Allah, brokered by Nasir El-Rufai.
A pressure group in Benue State, the Benue Coalition for Democracy(BCD), under the leadership of Ternenge Bendega in a press statement urged Alia to withdraw from the race since it is clear that El-Rufai and leaders of Miyetti Allah organization will pilot his administration.
The Benue pressure group alleged that Alia was not fit to be governor, having collected N5 billion from the enemies of the state.
The group in the statement condemned Alia for being too desperate to be governor of Benue state at the peril of innocent people and farmers of the state.
Part of the statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart that I write today on behalf of all lovers of democracy in Benue State. We are saddened and worried by the desperation displayed by the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC in the state, Hyacinth Alia, ahead of the 2023 elections.”
We also received some disturbing information that the APC governorship candidate in Benue State has collected a whopping sum of N5 billion from two northern Governors – Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna and Aminu Masari of Katsina to fund his campaign and numerous court cases.
“According to our informant, the deal was struck between Alia and his sponsors that if he wins the election, he will repeal the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State and cede parts of the state to Fulani pastoralists to take over and settle in,” the group disclosed.
In a move that appeared like his (Alia’s) commitment to the deal with Governor El-Rufai, the suspended priest started telling the people of Benue State that he was going to reconcile Benue people with the Fulani herdsmen so that they could co-exist together with the herders. This campaign message didn’t go down well with some Benue citizens, and anytime the governor was asked questions bordering on security, he shied away and told the people that, security matters and strategy were not issues to be disclosed in public.
With the deal sealed between Alia and El-Rufai in Kaduna, the former governor of Kaduna State was in Makurdi, two days before the governorship election with more financial support to see how things were going as regards the governorship election.
Unfortunately for the APC, it was alleged that the funds from El-Rufai were directly made available to Alia and not through the party.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT.
Shortly after Alia assumed office as governor, herdsmen started returning to the state in what seemed to be fulfilling the deal with El-Rufai. the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State was relaxed without an official pronouncement and cows were grazing everywhere. They are still grazing in Benue State today, thereby causing renewed insecurity in the state.
Recently, Governor Hyacinth Alia attempted to repeal the law prohibiting open grazing in Benue State by conducting a public hearing in Gboko local government Area of Benue State. The people on seeing the proposed amendment openly condemned repealing of the law.
THE PLOT TO DECAMP TO SDP AHEAD OF 2027 .
Shortly after El-Rufai fell out with the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which was occasioned by the failure of the former FCT Minister to scale through his ministerial screening, Governor Alia and the former governor of Kaduna State began to look for an alternative platform. It seems that El-Rufai has been nursing the ambition to be President even when the existing political arrangement has shifted power to the South after Muhammadu Buhari has just completed the tenure of the north.
Alia who also has deliberately fallen out with the main APC in Benue State was left with no other option than to reunite with a former chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Barnabas Gemade, a man who has been funding the SDP in Benue State since 2018.
Senator Gemade was also one of the three governorship aspirants on the platform of the APC that challenged Governor Alia’s nomination as APC gubernatorial candidate in Benue State to the Supreme Court. Gemade challenged the nomination of Alia and sought the outright cancellation of the primary election that gave him the ticket, a move that would have left the APC without a governorship candidate in Benue State for the 2023 election.
All this development has shown that APC was originally not Gov Alia’s option but since the opportunity was given to him on a platter of gold, he took advantage of it and having achieved his aim, he has decided that he will destroy the platform that couldn’t detect his hidden mischief owing to the fact that he is a priest and should be honest and gave him the ticket, just few months that he joined the party.
Surprisingly, it is Gemade who was Alia’s top political enemy that has suddenly become his political godfather. Meanwhile, everyone in all the political camps in Benue knew that Senator Akume, the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was the one who single-handled birthed the idea of the direct primaries that produced Alia, without which he could not have come close to the ticket in the indirect primaries. Akume also fought legal battles from the lower courts to the Supreme Court to ensure that Alia’s ticket was not destroyed.
However, shortly after Alia was sworn in, he turned his heel against Akume to the utmost shock of everyone in all the parties. Gov Alia has shown that he is not someone to be trusted at all despite being a Catholic priest that is supposed to represent trust and gratitude. Governor Alia buried his differences with Gemade and both got reunited.
Gov Alia’s hatchet men have been deriding the person of Senator Akume, the SGF, who has single-handedly funded and nurtured the APC to the current strength it possessed in Benue state by emerging victorious both at the state and federal elections in 2023.
However, as political events are developing in Benue and at the national level, it has been observed that the union between Gov Alia and El-Rufai is being reinforced. This subtle reunion was observed through the instrumentality of one Dr. Francis Terna, a former appointee of El-Rufai, whom Gov Alia appointed to head a new educational agency that the Gov created without the backing of the law.
A few months after the reunion between Governor Alia and Senator Gemade, the former governor of Kaduna State visited the National Secretariat of the SDP in Abuja, where he met with the national chairman of the SD, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam.
There was, however, a mild drama at the tail-end of the meeting shortly after a photo session when someone was heard cautioning those taking photographs against leaking the photo of the visit on social media but El-Rufa’i quickly responded, saying ‘I don’t care’.
Since the visit of El-Rufai to the National Secretariat of the SDP, the crisis rocking the APC in Benue State has taken a more dangerous dimension, with no hope in sight for peace.
The APC, after its 146th meeting of the National Working Committee, the party ordered aggrieved party members and proxies in Benue State who have individually gone to court over the leadership crisis in the state to withdraw their cases or risk facing disciplinary action.
While Comrade Austin Agada, the authentic State Chairman of the party in Benue State who is loyal to the party withdrew his case against the suspended Welfare Secretary of the party in Benue State, Benjamin Omakolo, who has been parading as State Acting Chairman, the Benue APC faction loyal to Governor Alia refused to withdraw its plethora of cases against the party.
They boasted that they wouldn’t withdraw their cases and nothing was going to happen to them.
Many in Benue believe that the APC faction loyal to Governor Alia is doing everything possible to ensure that the crisis escalates beyond the level it is now, so that the party will not win any election in 2027.
Recently, Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, a member of the House of Representatives who represents Konshisha/Federal Constituency held a Thanksgiving service in his constituency in Konshisha Local Government and the caretaker chairman, Philip Achuah and the Benue State Commisoner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, demonstrated their overzealous loyalty to Gov Alia by organising thugs that beat up the Honorable member and those who attended the occasion and dispersed them. The purpose of all these unhealthy developments is to eventually break away with large followers to the SDP and work with El-Rufai for his presidential ambition.
They often make open provocative comments, attacking the SGF and the APC stakeholders that fought for the victory of Gov Alia at the polls. For instance, the Chief of Staff to Governor, Hon. Paul Biam, recently said that members of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) are more acceptable and valued than the original APC members who don’t belong to that faction.
Meanwhile, Gemade who has been the financier of the SDP in Benue State since 2018 is now the leader of Governor Alia’s ‘Benue political stakeholders’ with SDP members in Benue State given recognition as Benue political stakeholders while APC leaders watch from a distance. It will also be recalled that Senator Gemade was the candidate of the SDP in 2019 for the Benue North East Senatorial election.
There are also rumors of the plan to get Governor Alia’s cronies to emerge as SDP local government chairmanship candidates, who will be declared winners, using the agency of the State Electoral body, should the governor not succeed in having his factional APC chairmanship candidates elected.
Sources around the governor indicate that an ally of Rotimi Amaechi, who was Governor Alia’s choice for ministerial appointment, Emmanuel Jime, is also backing the plot to decamp to the SDP. On one occasion, a video that has gone viral showed Jime fuelling some violent statements that if he were the governor, he could have done worse than what Alia is doing.
A few days ago, the Omakolo faction, backed by Gov Alia of the APC in Benue State, through its Organising Secretary, James Ornguga, announced a thank you tour across the 23 local governments of the state by Governor Alia, beginning from Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 – June 22nd, 2024.
Findings reveal that Governor Alia intends to use the tour to garner the support of the people ahead of their decamping to the SDP. They are enthused by the presidential ambition of Mallam El-Rufai on the platform of the SDP. Governor Alia will use the next 10 days to gather people who will eventually decamp with him to the SDP.
The Alliance between Governor Alia and El-Rufai is waxing stronger on all fronts. A few days ago in Makurdi, precisely on June 12, 2024, at a Public Lecture titled, ‘‘Nigeria: 25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy: The Moral Question On Governance in Benue State,’’ the former governor of Kaduna State was represented at the event by his son, Bello Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai was represented by his son as the chief host at the launch of four books by El-Rufai’s former appointee now Alia’s appointee, Dr. Terna Francis. All these are ways of deepening the bond between Governor Alia and El-Rufai as we march towards 2027.
In Benue State, the signs are glaring that Governor Alia will contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the SDP, while El-Rufai will be the Presidential candidate. Amaechi’s loyalist, Emmanuel Jime, is also expected to be the Senatorial candidate of the SDP for Benue North West Senatorial District.
As at the time of writing this piece, the Benue State Secretariat of the SDP in Makurdi is wearing a new befitting look for a party that intends to take over the state.
The leadership of Unijos Staff Multipurpose cooperative society limited UJSMCSL has finally off-Set over Forty families of the deceased members benefits following the release the long awaiting third party remittance from the integrated personnel and payroll Information System (IPPIS).
President UJSMCSL Ukpo G Aondohemba made this known in an emergency congress meeting occasioned by the appointment of an external auditor for the society on Thursday,13th June,2024.
At the historic event which took place at the faculty of management Sciences of the University, the EXCO activated for the first time in the history of UJSMCSL,the power of congress to appoint external auditor for the cooperative.
Recall that in the past EXCO interview professionals and board of trustees appoint external auditors, however article 32 item 6 on page 20 in the amended bye law which states that :
The external auditors shall be appointed by the general meeting following a recommendation and submission of three candidates from the Executive Committee to audit all the accounts of the society and produce audited reports in accordance with accounting standard, was activated by the Aondohemba led administration.
The congress who chose based on merit went for Martins Kutus Oloruntoba and co chattered accountants who scored highest,a total of 81.8% in the interview now appointed by congress as the new external auditor for the cooperative.
The president who responded to questions filled in by cooperators subjected the second item of the agenda which is the proposal by management for the cooperative to invest 30 million in the Unijos micro finance bank,to the investment committee for further scrutiny and action based on congress decision.
The unfortunate misstep and subsequent fall of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during this year’s Democracy Day celebrations ( which he has since humorously dismissed as a form of Yoruba “dobale” -genuflection )-quickly swirled around and became the stuff of internet gossip and street-corner small-talk.
Reactions varied widely but, many tended to make light of it, while others (the usual suspects?) saw it as evidence of the President’s physical incapacity to cope with the tedious demands of his office. Political opportunism also set in, with yet others seeing the mishap as an “I-told you-so moment”, openly voicing their belief that the President’s main opponents in the last election – Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi (particularly the latter) – would not have suffered that fate, given their presumed better physical fitness.
Some of these remarks were, undoubtedly, uncharitable – especially in the lead-up to the Muslim festival of Id-el-Adha (or Sallah) just a few days away. President Tinubu is, of course, a Muslim. As a fellow human being, he deserves our sympathy and prayers for sound health – an indispensable requirement for the rigours of that job, popularly believed to be one of the most demanding and powerful in the world.
With power surely comes huge responsibility and citizens’ expectations for performance. Whether the President scores a pass mark or not in terms of job approval rating is for history (or posterity) to judge. One year is certainly too short to make the conclusion that he has failed. So, let us collectively hold our fire and bid our time. But even at that, no one can deny the fact that Nigerians are in theirs worst years, dying of hunger,squalor and wretchedness.
The middle class has been wiped out with less than one percent of state captors enjoying national largesse.Perhaps, the second year in office would be a more appropriate time to asseess him to determine whether the IMF and World Bank-induced economic policies will boost production, create jobs,bring down prices and alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian masses. Suffice it to say that to me,it is yet still early in the day and the jury is still out.
This is all the more so, in my opinion, because, history is replete with world leaders who put a physical foot (or both feet) wrong (some more than once) and got up, dusted themselves and forged ahead, stamping their feet (pun intended!) on the sands of time, leaving indelible footprints and track records of achievement and performance on the job and in history.The following are a few examples:
I. President Joe Biden:
He has famously stumbled on the steps of Air-Force One on at least three occasions, getting back on his feet each time, unassisted and moving on. He is 81 and warming up to run for a second term against maverick Donald Trump.
II. Former President Gerald Ford:
One of the most accident-prone world leaders ever , dead or alive,was former US President Gerald Ford. His catalogue of falls spanned virtually every surface, including aircraft steps (again!) while on a visit to Austria in 1975 when his bum knee gave way. He even fell on the stairs of the White House. Though the official reason for this was a bad knee gave way, this did not stop cynics from tagging him as something of a bumbling klutz! Yet, Ford is remembered for managing the worst economy in the four decades after the great depression augmented by spiralling inflation and recession.
III. Ronald Reagan:
Yet another former American President, he also endured a similar indignity in 1984 in Seattle, Washington. Luckily for him, it was not captured on video and only still images thereof exist of his so-called pratfall. But he went on to impact on America with his Reaganomics,overhauling the income tax code exempted millions of low income earners.
His charm, eloquence and courage after the assassination attempt on him remarkably revived America’s pride in the presidency and the nation.
IV. Barack Obama:
This first black
American President whose grandfather was a Kenyan cattle rearer also came a-cropper when, sometime in 2015, his trademark sprightly confident jaunt failed him while disembarking from Air Force One. He ended up in a heap, needing no less than 12 stitches to his hip.
V. Hillary Clinton:
While the husband of the former First Lady was dodged more by salacious ex-marital stories than physical falls, his wife probably took ‘the Fall’ (pun intended!) when, as Secretary of State to former President Obama, she stumbled while on her way to her car at the State Department, fracturing her elbow in the process.
VI. Robert Mugabe:
Sometime in 2015, the former Zimbabwean President Mugabe was famously captured prostrate on a red carpet following a fall at a public event.
VII. Margaret Thatcher:
Britain’s first female Prime Minister ( “iron lady” ) also came ‘crashing down’ sometime in 1982 while on a trip to China, as she made her way out of a Town Hall (no pun intended!).
VIII. Thorning-Schmidt:
Also in 2015, the then Prime Minister of Denmark (also female) lost her footing and landed on her knees as she disembarked the stairs of the Elysee Palace in Paris, France.
IX. Xi Jinping:
the incumbent President of China, came close to falling down during the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg in Russia in 2019, but for eagle-eyed aides who stepped in at the last moment.
X. Boris Johnson:
Another former British Prime Minister, he also lost his balance when he tripped and fell during a military commemorative event in 2015.
XI. Vladimir Putin:
Russia’s long-reigning president also fell during a game of ice hockey in Moscow in 2019 when he (ironically) tried to applaud spectators.
Even former Vice President Mike Pence tripped while running up the steps of Air Force One in a remarkably similar circumstances as President Joe Biden. In July, 2023,Fiji Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka,was forced to cancel an official visit to China after falling and hurting his head.
The foregoing shows that President Tinubu is in good company when it comes to presidential falls and that, as stated by a famous sage, it is not falling that matters, but rising each time you fall.
However, beyond merely getting up and forging ahead, it is the kind of legacy one lives behind – what one will be remembered for-that counts. Therefore, let us all collectively and individually join hands in the spirit of goodwill echoed by the words of our old (now new) national anthem, in wishing the President a successful (and accident-free!) tenure.
We cannot afford for him to fall and fail because we shall be the worse for it and bear the brunt together. The circumstances of his fall, are, however, reminders of the labors of our heroes past (a verse from our now discarded national anthem!) – this time the presumed winner of the June 1993 President, Chief M.K.O. Abiola,who was matyred in redemptive messianism.
In this connection, I commend former President Muhammadu Buhari ( as I did in 2018,even though he was not my idea of a good president) for ensuring that the National Assembly passed the requisite law, by which June 12 of every year ( rather than May 29) is marked as a public holiday. I recall my remarks on this issue 6 years ago, on the passage of that law, when I observed as follows;
“On June 12, 2014, I moved a motion at the National Conference that, not only should June 12 be declared a national holiday and the real Democracy day, but that Chief M.K.O. Abiola and all the souls of the faithful departed of those who gallantly lost their lives fighting for the realization of June 12, be remembered and immortalized.
I demanded for one minute’s silence for those heroes. The leadership of the Conference led by Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi agreed with me and a minute silence was accordingly observed. To me, it is not the right argument that PMB, did it for political reasons. Yes, he may very well have done it to shore up his battered political image and fast dwindling democratic credentials. But, the inescapable fact is that he has done the right thing for which history will remember him.
This is the more reason, I believe the argument should now go, why he should retire quietly to his Daura home, having done one great thing for which he would be remembered.”
( see https//:diplomaticwatch.com,june-12-as-nigeria’s-democracy-day-president-buhari-has-done-the-right-thing-for-which-hhistory-will-remember-him-ozekhomee-san , june 8,2012).
Lessons of June 2012
I believe that the best way President Tinubu can demonstrate that he has learned the lesson of the tragic events in our national history which that day represents is captured in my advice a year ago. As they it still very pertinent, I would like to reiterate it here:
“What this present government led by President Bola Tinubu should borrow from the June 12 lesson, is good governance of peoples’ policy and not anti-people’s that will further impoverish the already beleaguered people, who are already prostrate on their bellies. Policies that will make life better for the people. But, most importantly, Tinubu must listen to this, even if it is few things he can do. He must take steps to give Nigerians, a peoples’ Constitution, people-driven Constitution made by the people themselves, subjected to a referendum.
You cannot amend the present Constitution which is a schedule actually attached to Decree 24 of 1999. It’s a militarily imposed Constitution. No amount of amendment can cure it of its original sin for being made by the military and not by Nigerian people. Even the preamble that says we the peoples of Nigeria do hereby give to ourselves the following Constitutions tells a lie about itself. Therefore, Tinubu must take deliberate steps, to ensure that the Constitution drafting committee, through a constituent assembly of the people, is established and the product that will emerge from it will give Nigeria a true federal system, not the present unitary system where the Federal government controls 67 items on the exclusive legislative list up to how you conduct your marriage through the marriage Act.
Until he (Tinubu) makes a people’s Constitution subjected to referendum which will enjoy peoples’ legitimacy as was done in Iraq, Iran, Eritrea, South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, Kenya,until he takes that deliberate step, Nigeria will continue to suffer of perpetual motion on its axis without progress.”
Isaac Newton’s Law of Motion regarding gravitational force teaches us that much. It is therefore unhelpful to make a big issue of Tinubu ‘s misstep and fall on June 12,Democracy Day. Given the excruciatingly difficult times we are in,we appear to have completely lost our decency, humanity and sense of empathy,care and affection one for the other.It does not matter whether it is the President or the common man.
We must desist from this ungodly trajectory and allow our religious teachings temper our political cravings for blood and vendetta with Godliness.God bless Nigeria.
As parts of proactive measures to combat crime, ensure public safety, and address security concerns within the State, the Plateau State Police Command has made available active response phone numbers for residents of the State and the general public to use in case of emergencies.
Please take note of the following active response phone numbers for each Area Command, Tactical Team and Division:
DC ADMIN
08035508819
DC STATE CID
08033036061
DC OPERATIONS
09025911911
AC ADMIN
08032923978
AC OPERATIONS
0803044224
COMMANDER, 66 PMF
08033565847
COMMANDER, 8 PMF
08035645797
AREA COMMAND METRO
08061674202
AREA COMMAND BUKURU
08034519400
AREA COMMAND LANGTANG
08036160804
AREA COMMAND PANKSHIN
08037766903
‘A’ DIVISION
08036980132
KADUNA-VOM DIVISION
08039648676
SHENDAM DIVISION
08036478012
WASE DIVISION
08036329749
LARANTO DIVISION
08036482647
MANGU DIVISION
08039434834
BASHAR DIVISION
08035926002
BASSA DIVISION
08036010545
ANGWARE DIVISION
08032497734
BARKIN LADI DIVISION
08036703619
ANGLO–JOS DIVISION
08033397853
QUA’ANPAN DIVISION
08063606182
‘C’ DIVISION
07089798032
NASSARAWA GWONG DIVISION
08031191828
KANKE DIVISION
08034435573
LANGTANG NORTH DIVISION
07064531974
GINDIRI DIVISION
08106103983
RANTYA DIVISION
08032696568
BUKURU DIVISION
08036361916
BOKKOS DIVISION
07035574082
RIYOM DIVISION
08060212171
MIKANG DIVISION
07031930300
NAMU DIVISION
08039746131
JENGRE DIVISION
08065389669
LANGTANG SOUTH DIVISION
08022243691
PANKSHIN DIVISION
08037730787
DENGI KANAM DIVISION
07036109523
MAIJUJU DIVISION
07033412971
ANGWAN ROGO DIVISION
07047114444
SWAT
08084666282
ANTI BOMB SQUAD
007034197120
ANTI KIDNAPPING
08032225570
ANTI CULTISM
07037526620
ANTI CYBER CRIME
08128855155
EAGLE EYE
08136676023
PPRO
08060545670
COMPLAINT RESPONSE UNIT
08067884627
In addition, the Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc* encourages the general public to report any unethical conduct by Police personnel during their duties to the office of the PPRO or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) using the following phone numbers:
In view of the complementary roles played by both the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in maintaining law and order, protecting National security and ensuring the effective management of Nigeria’s borders and immigration systems, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Asesina today received the Plateau State Comptroller of Immigrations, Mrs Grace Cyrus Nkangwung, (PCC).
In her remarks, Comptroller Grace Cyrus stated that the aim of the visit is to familiarise with the Commissioner of Police, as well as discuss ways through which the two agencies can interrelate in terms of intelligence sharing and possible training of their personnel to ensure Border Security, combat Human Trafficking and other Transnational crimes within the State. She went on to highlight some of the immigration services offered by the State Command, and some of the ways through which the Police can come into play for better productivity.
The Comptroller of Immigrations commended the CP for his unflinching willingness to work in synergy with all sister security agencies on the Plateau, which has contributed immensely to the peace currently being enjoyed in the State. She therefore solicited for the support of the Command going forward.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police in his response, assured the Comptroller that the Plateau State Police Command under his leadership will continue to work together with the Nigerian Immigration Service on the Plateau in a coordinated and cooperative manner to the end that the two agencies maximize their strength, resources and expertise to effectively address the complex challenges of border security and transnational crimes within the State.
As far back as December 29, 1987 37 years ago,Prof Mike Ozekhome, had already taken on the Federal Government of Nigeria on behalf of the Nigerian masses regarding the issue of subsidy removal on petroleum products.
Ozekhome had sued the then military dictator, President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, joining the then Ahmed Forces Ruling Council AFRC,and the Attorney General of the Federation, against removal of petroleum subsidy.This is a matter that is still generating ripples across Nigeria till date, as it is the like wire,heart and soul of the Nigerian economy.
Ozekhome had argued that it was a misnomer for Government to talk about removing oil or petroleum subsidy since no one can subsidize his God-given natural product. He had posited that the government did not take cognizance of the fact that oil was produced in Nigeria as against the countries copiously cited by the government where oil was supposedly cheaper.
He had also argued that government’s position was akin to a farmer measuring his piece of yam before eating it by comparing its worth or price with what it is sold to people who do not themselves produce yams.
He further argued that government’s argument as put forth in the media was not enough to warrant any sudden or gradual withdrawal of petroleum subsidy. The Honourable Justice Idowu Agoro, then of the High Court of Lagos State, disagreed with Ozekhome in his ruling on the preliminary objection filed by late Moshood Adio ,the then Director of Civil litigation ( later Chief Judge of Oyo State and Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia).He struck out the suit on 29th December,1987.
The government through Adio had argued that Ozekhome lacked the locus standi to institute the action; that the action was speculative; and that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case. The court agreed with him and held that no citizen could question or prevent “the merit,desirability or expediency” of anything done or planned to be by the country’s president or the Ahmed Forces Ruling Council ( AFRC ).
The court also ruled that the decision “whether or not to to remove subsidy on petroleum is a matter within the absolute power of the AFRC which no court could dabble into”.
He however ended by assuring the plaintiff ( Ozekhome) that all hope was not lost “since the record of the present military regime showed that it was a listening government”; and that he believed “all shades of opinion would be considered and evaluated before taking a decision on whether or not to remove the subsidy on petroleum”.
That optimism was apparently not shared by the IBB regime as the government went ahead anyway to remove the subsidy and hike prices of petroleum products on four different consecutive occasions-1986-from 20k to 39.5k per littre; 1988,from 39.5k to 42k); 1989,from 42k to 60k; and 1991,from 60k to 70k ).
These increases in the fuel price per littre triggered mass protests across the streets by Nigerians who kicked against the IMF-dictated economic policy. A littre today sells anything between N620 and N850. Had the then government up to the present one listened,Nigeria would not be in her dire straits today.
Thus, what Prof Ozekhome saw and fought for in 1987 ,37 years ago,has come to hunt us ever since and even till date.
This is like the case of a motion for return to the old more meaningful and aggregative National Anthem which he had also championed and won by the consensus of the 492 delegates on the 2nd of July, 2014,at the 2014 National Confab. This eventually came to pass ten years later on 28th May,2024,when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to a bill that returned the old National anthem.
Surely,some patriots sit down, think and plan ahead for the good of the Nigerian nation.Following is the National Concord newspaper report of the story as published on December 30, 1987.
As far back as December 29, 1987 37 years ago,Prof Mike Ozekhome, had already taken on the Federal Government of Nigeria on behalf of the Nigerian masses regarding the issue of subsidy removal on petroleum products.
Ozekhome had sued the then military dictator, President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, joining the then Ahmed Forces Ruling Council AFRC,and the Attorney General of the Federation, against removal of petroleum subsidy.This is a matter that is still generating ripples across Nigeria till date, as it is the like wire,heart and soul of the Nigerian economy.
Ozekhome had argued that it was a misnomer for Government to talk about removing oil or petroleum subsidy since no one can subsidize his God-given natural product. He had posited that the government did not take cognizance of the fact that oil was produced in Nigeria as against the countries copiously cited by the government where oil was supposedly cheaper.
He had also argued that government’s position was akin to a farmer measuring his piece of yam before eating it by comparing its worth or price with what it is sold to people who do not themselves produce yams.
He further argued that government’s argument as put forth in the media was not enough to warrant any sudden or gradual withdrawal of petroleum subsidy. The Honourable Justice Idowu Agoro, then of the High Court of Lagos State, disagreed with Ozekhome in his ruling on the preliminary objection filed by late Moshood Adio ,the then Director of Civil litigation ( later Chief Judge of Oyo State and Justice of the Supreme Court of the Gambia).He struck out the suit on 29th December,1987.
The government through Adio had argued that Ozekhome lacked the locus standi to institute the action; that the action was speculative; and that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case. The court agreed with him and held that no citizen could question or prevent “the merit,desirability or expediency” of anything done or planned to be by the country’s president or the Ahmed Forces Ruling Council ( AFRC ).
The court also ruled that the decision “whether or not to to remove subsidy on petroleum is a matter within the absolute power of the AFRC which no court could dabble into”.
He however ended by assuring the plaintiff ( Ozekhome) that all hope was not lost “since the record of the present military regime showed that it was a listening government”; and that he believed “all shades of opinion would be considered and evaluated before taking a decision on whether or not to remove the subsidy on petroleum”.
That optimism was apparently not shared by the IBB regime as the government went ahead anyway to remove the subsidy and hike prices of petroleum products on four different consecutive occasions-1986-from 20k to 39.5k per littre; 1988,from 39.5k to 42k); 1989,from 42k to 60k; and 1991,from 60k to 70k ).
These increases in the fuel price per littre triggered mass protests across the streets by Nigerians who kicked against the IMF-dictated economic policy. A littre today sells anything between N620 and N850. Had the then government up to the present one listened,Nigeria would not be in her dire straits today.
Thus, what Prof Ozekhome saw and fought for in 1987 ,37 years ago,has come to hunt us ever since and even till date.
This is like the case of a motion for return to the old more meaningful and aggregative National Anthem which he had also championed and won by the consensus of the 492 delegates on the 2nd of July, 2014,at the 2014 National Confab. This eventually came to pass ten years later on 28th May,2024,when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to a bill that returned the old National anthem.
Surely,some patriots sit down, think and plan ahead for the good of the Nigerian nation.Following is the National Concord newspaper report of the story as published on December 30, 1987.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his heartfelt condolences to Senator ID Gyang over the demise of his younger brother, Ishaku Dung Gyang.
As Governor Mutfwang described Ishaku as a community leader who dedicated his life for the promotion of peace and unity within his community.
Mutfwang condolence message is contained in a Press statement dated 13th June 2024 signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor Gyang Ebere and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
He highlighted Ishaku’s selfless life which was committed to fostering family harmony and moral values among siblings.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized Ishaku’s profound impact on his community and beyond, noting that his demise has left a void that will be hard to fill.
The Governor prayed for God to grant Senator ID Gyang and his family the fortitude to bear irreplaceable loss and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
gnews.com 
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