Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has reaffirmed his loyalty, commitment and faith in the Catholic Church as well as the desire to always be a good ambassador wherever he finds himself.
Governor Lalong was speaking at the 19th General Assembly of the Archdiocese of Jos held at the St. Louis Parish Jos with theme ‘‘The Eucharist Our Strength Towards A Better Nigeria”.
Lalong who spoke about the importance of the Eucharist in his life said he continues to draw strength and inspiration from his relationship with God, as well as the teaching and upbringing he has received from the Catholic Church since childhood.
He therefore said the events of the past week relating to his utterance which generated controversy should not be used to judge his love, respect and loyalty to the Catholic Church which strongly teaches forgiveness, tolerance, compassion and repentance.
He said “When there is unity, love and continuity, we can do better and greater things for the Lord. May I appeal to my colleagues, my brothers and sisters in politics, to take a cue from the example displayed by the Catholic Church by closing ranks and seeing ourselves as God’s workers. That way, we can see Plateau State and Nigeria as God’s field and God’s building where we can all play our roles in fulfilling His purpose”.
Lalong also said his roots as a Catholic have shaped his thinking and enabled him to see governance as a duty to serve the people irrespective of their differences and affiliations. Love, justice, fairness and equity he said are his principal considerations at all times when decisions need to be taken, particularly difficult ones.
“We need this more than before in view of our elections coming up in 2023. I urge the Church to continue to pray for the success of the elections and also encourage the people to participate actively and peacefully. Staying away will only give room for the emergence of bad leaders that may not be suitable for the challenges of nation-building”.
He expressed the appreciation of his Government to the Archbishop and entire Catholic ArchDiocese of Jos for not only partnering with Government in several areas, but also offering encouragement, advices and prayers at all times.
Catholic Archbishop of Jos Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu in his homily stressed the significance of the Eucharist which he said makes provision for Christians to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and work towards sacrificial service as well as being honest, diligent and kind.
Speaking on the apology tendered to the Catholic Church by Governor Lalong, the Archbishop said, “Your apology is accepted. As you know from our President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, has already accepted your apology and so it goes for all of us. We have accepted it and let be sincere”.
He said since the Church encourages its members to go into politics, the intention is for him to work at making a difference in his political endeavour in line with the mandate of the church to its members who are in politics.
While assuring him that the church will not disgrace him or allow him to fail, Archbishop Audu asked the Governor to advise the ruling party on the need for unity, national integration and carrying all segments of the country along which is the major concern being expressed by Christians on the Choice of the President and Vice Presidential Candidate.
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State, Hon. Chris Hassan has congratulated its governorship standard bearer, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang for his outstanding performance at an ECWA television International organized gubernatorial debate at the weekend.
The state chairman Hon. Chris Hassan gave the commendation in his office at the State Secretariat opposite NTA Jos.
The commendation of the chairman is contained in Press released dated 15th August,2022, signed by his Personal Assistant on Media and Protocol Kafas Sumdi, made available to this medium in Jos, plateau State.
The Chairman applauded Caleb Mutfwang’s grasp of the Plateau situation, articulation, confidence and practical steps to ending incessant attacks on the citizens through Operation Rainbow, his focus on education, health care insurance, economic, wealth creation is worthy of commendation.
Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has exhibited passion, patriotism, courage and determination in the course of State-building.
His sterling efforts to build a Plateau of our dream, a home for our children, a Plateau for sojourners, and above all, to restore Plateau to it’s original status “Home of peace and tourism”
The party is so proud of your outing as her Governorship Candidate and Barr. Caleb Mutfwang remains the best hand to be entrusted with the future of Plateau State the statement concluded.
Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos ,Division has adjourned to the 30th August, 2022 for continuation of hearing on a suit filed by Federal Lawmaker Representing Jos East /Jos Federal Constituency challenging Governor Simon Lalong ,State Government ,and the Attorney General of Plateau State and Commissioner for Justice over the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Jaiz Bank to rebuild the Jos Main Market Authority .
The Jos Main market was built down in 2001 with over 4,000 shops destroyed by inferno that affected sources of livelihood of traders in the market 20 years ago .
However ,when the matter came up for hearing, counsel to claimant applicant ,Barr .Niri Darong told the court that the matter was slated for hearing today 15th August ,and the defendants in his reaction to their originating surmount have chosen to file preliminary Objections (P.O) and to allow notice of originating surmount on the fact that two applications shouldn’t taken together .
According to him ,the counsel to claimant applicant says they filed their originating surmount dated 9th August,2022 and the notice of P.O also 9th August,2022, served on the defendant objector which they filed their counter affidavit in response dated 15th August,2022 ,adding that the objector also filed another dated 3rd August,2022 in response to the notice of originating surmount .
Barrister Niri Darong told the court that they gave the objector space of time to file their response which is within 21 days on notice .
Adding that the P.O filed by defendants challenging the court for lack of jurisdiction to entertain the suit .
Speaking on the suit filed by Barr.Niri Darong, said the learned Attorney General of Plateau state said that Hon. Musa Bagos has no locus standi , meaning he has no right to sue the government of the state or any Persons said to have breached the agreement in the proposed MoU with the Jaiz bank .
He explained further that to rebuild the main market as we file response saying that the constitution has given every citizens of Nigeria the fundamental right to challenge any act of government whatever the government ,whoever the government is ,he also said that he has the right under the act of his present office to defense the right of his people that of the state constituent .
Darong stressed that the learned Attorney general has also responded by serving us with it ,and he is of the view that the court should take his objection today and we have to tell the court base on supreme court authority, the issue of originating surmount and existing surmount most be taken together and he conceded to the argument and the court graciously granted us the adjournment to 30th August, 2022 .
Barr. Darong says ,on the adjourned date the main suit and that of the originating surmount should be taken together .Meanwhile ,the issue of interlocutory injunction which they filed counter affidavit and we have response adequately he said.
The Commissioner of Youths and sport development in plateau state Victor Lapang has urged the youths to act responsibly in preparedness to take over leadership position from the Older Generation.
This is to avoid the Older persons of being skeptical of handling leadership post in their custody as they are gradually less active.
The Commissioner of Youths and Sport in plateau state,Victor Lapang handed down the advice during this year celebration of the International Youth Day celebration held at the Azi Nyanko youths center Jos, plateau State.
The event which is celebrated world wide every 12th August, is to recognize the youths , to make them feel the sense of belonging, and to sensitize them the need to be responsive in their actions.
The Commissioner further said no Older Generation will be comfortable to handle the leadership to younger ones , particularly which shows no sign of readiness to be responsible.
The guest Speaker at the occasion,who is a radio commentator , Viktor Kochili ,in his lecture title “Inter-Generational Solidarity ” said the aim for the celebration of Youth Day is to reflect what the Day hold for us, and what it met to us.
Given statistics of the Aged persons world wide ,Kochili said Age is something that will come naturally ,so it is imperative for the Youths to brace up mentally and otherwise to enable them fit into the shoes of the Older Generation.
The Speaker further stressed that if we most build Inter generational solidarity ,the youths should be able to asked themselves patinent questions like if they will be able to take care of the Aged who have been taking care of us since we were kids.
He further added that the younger people has the responsibility to make better what they felt the older generation where not able to accomplished to make better what has been bequited to them by the older generation they should discuss better what they felt the Older Generation where not able to accomplished.
On the structure of the policies makers, you should be able to ask yourself before blaming others countries , what is that enably environment h
been created for your people to build on.
And said Solidarity is key for sustainable development .He said the youths most start taking responsibility for themselves now.
The coordinator of the group,Abdulsallam Salis, said there had been clamour by the younger generation for the older generation to give way , and stressed that the time is now for them to enhance their potentials.
In their separate remarks ,the commander Operation Save Haven (OPSH) represented by the Deputy police Commissioner , said the Youths have the potentials to change things around for themselves.
He said the security out fits (OPSH)
have been using both the kenetic non kenetic approaches Organising activities that are youths related.
He however adviced the Youth in the state to stay always from activities capable of breaching the peace of the state,as the (OPSH) is ready to empower the youth who are ready.
National Orientation Agency,(NOA) in plateau State decried the low turnout of the Youths for the celebration of this year 2022, International Youth Day , and encourage them to invite their peers in the subsequent years.
She remainded the Youths that age is just a number in somebody’s life but didn’t determine your achievement in life.
And stressed that the like of Chief Obafemi Awolowo ,Zik and host of other nationalist were in their youthful age when they fought for independent for the country,and eventually succeeded.
She said the youths are more vulnerable and quick to use by desperate politians during elections period ,as foot soldiers, ballots snachers , adviced them not to make themselves available for politians to use as 2023 General Election is around the corner.
The Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said over 25 percent of youths in Nigeria are currently on drugs and stressed that drugs are the father of crimes .
Nobody with his/her right senses and stable frame of mind ,can engage in Crime unless you are into drugs.
This year 2022 , International Youth Day Celebration has it Theme as “Inter Generational Solidarity”.
Earlier , there was road walk which kicked started at the Old Airport junction and terminated at Azi Nyanko Youth Center.
In his welcome address , the state youth parliament Emmanuel Dana , welcome the youth to 2022 International Youth Day Celebration , and adviced them to seat back and listen attentively to the lecture from the guest speaker and other speakers.
As he promised that at the end of lecture they will not regret it , as they may make do with the lecture that may turn round their future endeavours.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has led a top delegation from the State to visit former Governor Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye and former Governor of Taraba State Rev. Jolly Nyame to rejoice with them over their release from prison after being granted pardon by the President.
Governor Lalong alongside his wife, Mrs. Regina, National Assembly Members as well as Members of the State Executive Council first visited the residence of Chief Dariye to appreciate God for his release and encourage him and his family.
The Governor’s visit to the former Governor of the state is contained in a press release dated 12th August,2022, signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Simon Makut Macham , and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
Lalong told Governor Dariye that the entire State received the news of his release with joy because they have been praying for him since his travails and encarceration happened.
He said so much prayer and appeal was made towards the pardon granted to him and thankfully, the President was magnanimous to accept to grant the pardon.
The Governor while appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for giving Dariye another opportunity, said this is the time for Chief Dariye to reflect and forgive people that may have offended him as has been his practice during previous challenges.
He prayed God to continue to give him sound health even as he offers advise to the State while making available his vast knowledge for the good of the people.
Responding, Chief Dariye said he was full of appreciation to God for making his release possible and also using people like Governor Lalong and President Buhari to make his release possible.
He narrated his ordeal in prison and said it was a difficult moment but God saw him through and made him survive.
Dariye also debunked the rumour that he was running for Senate describing it as unfounded and untrue as he has not bought form or done anything to that effect.
He advised politicians in Plateau to unite and rally round the Governor in promoting the interest of the citizens saying governance is an opportunity for those in charge to do their best and leave posterity to judge their efforts as no one can finish the business of Government in a day.
In similar vail, the delegation visited the residence of former Taraba State Governor Rev. Jolly Nyame who also expressed deep appreciation for the role that Governor Simon Lalong played towards his pardon and release.
Nyame said he was highly encouraged by the love and care shown towards him and Dariye, saying the experience of the past will be put behind so that they forge forward.
Governor Lalong while congratulating him over his freedom said the entire people of Taraba and Plateau States are excited with their release because they share historical ties that have bonded them together over many years.
While urging Rev. Nyame to also forgive anyone that might have offended him in the course of his ordeal, Lalong said the act of forgiveness brings total healing and freedom.
The Plateau State Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan has expressed confidence that the party will produce Alh. Atiku Abubakar as the next president of the federal Republic of Nigeria and end socio-economic woes in the country.
He gave the assurance when Atiku grassroots mobilisation alliance paid him a courtesy call at the State Secretariat in Jos.
The State Chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan Said, “Atiku has the credentials and political stamina to unite, safe guard and end economic quagmire in the country”
He urged the PDP support groups to go out and canvass votes for Atiku/Mutfwang and all PDP candidates and end era of clueless administration witness under the current ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
He commended the National chairman of the party for his sensitivity in handling the affairs of the party in all rectification.
He further added that looking at the current situation the country is going through, there is no reason for the APC to continue to remain in power beyond 2023.
And stressed that it is time now to deliver PDP from presidential, gubernatorial, National/State assembly in Plateau State
The leader of the group, Bot Bitrus, presented caps, T-shirts and gifts as samples for Atiku/okowa campaign in Plateau State.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has said that contrary to insinuations and misconceptions being imputed into his interview granted to State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa where he explained that as a Catholic and a Papal Knight, the Pope has not told him that accepting the position of Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council was wrong, the statement was out of reverence and not disregard for the Holy Father, Catholic Church or Christianity.
Governor lalong who have been in the eyes of storm recently for two obvious reasons,
One for accepting the position of Director General Campaign for APC presidential flag bearer Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu with controversial Muslim , Muslim ticket which is still generating polical heat along religion line.lalong is also facing opposition because of his unilateral decision to sign lease the state owned burnt market ,Taminus to Muslim controlled bank, Jaiz for 40 years.
Lalong however said it was unfortunate that part of the interview has been excised and used by politicians for propaganda and misinformation about his personality, faith and political persuasion. He said, “My reference to the Holy Father the Pope was to emphasise that as a Christian born and raised in the Catholic faith, accepting the assignment given to me by my party the APC of which I am a founding member does not in any way remove my faith in Jesus Christ or my commitment to the Church in Nigeria and universally. Those who know me can attest to my respect for the Church, Christianity and Spiritual Fathers of all denominations. They know my modest contribution to the growth of the Church in Plateau State, Northern Nigerian and Nigeria at large and can testify to it”.
He therefore reiterated that he has the highest regard for Christians and Church Authority and will continue to work hard in promoting the interests of Christians and adherents of other religions based on love, justice, equity and fairness which are encouraged in the Holy Bible and the Constitution of Nigeria.
Governor Lalong further emphasized that although he understands and appreciates the concerns of Christians over the emergence of Muslim, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as APC Presidential candidate and choice the of Vice Presidential nominee Senator Kashim Shettima also a Muslim, the situation does not warrant Christians within the party leaving the party or refusing to accept responsibilities because being within a system makes it easy to address grievances than being outside. Besides, he said the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was not on religious basis as even Christians voted for him during the APC Primaries.
He also appealed to Nigerians irrespective of religious persuasions to unite and work towards addressing the major challenges of the nation by actively participating in the political process and ensuring they push forward their interests rather than allowing religious sentiments to override their desire to assess issues from a wholistic perspective.
The APC Presidential Campaign DG assured that series of consultations with religious, traditional, professional, youth, women and other groups are being fashioned out to deepen engagement and remove misconceptions about the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima whom he said have a track record of treating people fairly and justly irrespective of ethno-religious differences.
The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division, Major General Ibrahim Ali has said the media are partners of the security agencies that can effectively promote peaceful coexistence in the country.
Major General Ali stated this 10th August ,2022,when the New Zonal Director Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Jos, Mrs Rifkatu Daniel in company of the Outgoing Zonal Director, Mr Peter Ochigbo paid him a courtesy call at Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) in Jos, Plateau State.
Major General Ali said objective and balanced reportage has recently helped to achieve peace and unity on the plateau and other areas covered by OPSH.
While congratulating the new director on her recent appointment, the commander urged for continued employment of media tools to advance the course of peaceful coexistence in society.
Speaking earlier, the Outgoing Zonal Director, Mr Peter Ochigbo said NTA, Jos network center has enjoyed good friendship of OPSH during his tenure and solicited for the same relationship to be extended to his successor.
He further revealed that, he will be proceeding on retirement after a sucessful career with NTA.
The Outgoing and the incoming Zonal Directors were accompanied on the visit by the Assistant Director News NTA Jos Network Center, Mr Mark Agagu.
In another development,Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Plateau state branch has commended the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) for improving the security situation in Plateau state.
The association was Speaking during a courtesy visit to Headquarters of OPSH in Jos recently the Chairman NMA Plateau state, Dr Bapiga’an William Audu expressed delight at the rate which attacks have been subdued due to concerted and relentless efforts put by OPSH.
The chairman who was recently sworn-in, said the executive members of the association would open new frontier of collaboration with OPSH to consolidate on the peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the state.
Dr Audu further stated that members of the Nigerian Medical Association does not discriminate in the discharge of their duties, among which is to provide healthcare services to the people.
The High Court sitting in Jos, plateau state Division, has adjourned the case of the Chairman Lantang North LG, Hon. Ubandoma Joshua Laven against the Plateau State Commissioner of police to the 18th August, 2022, to rule on the counter affidavit and preliminary objection.
The case which is adjourned till today 10th August,2022 for motion on notice and to enable the defendant objector, the Commissioner of police to effects the service of counter affidavit to the Claimant Applicant Ubandoma Joshua Laven.
Barrister Niri further acknowledge the receipt of the counter affidavit dated 10th August,2022 and served the same day to the Claimant Applicant Ubandoma Laven.
As the Counsel to the Claimant Respondent barrister Alex(Ms) told the court that they served the Claimant Applicant the counter Affidavit filed 10th August,2022 and served the same day.
The Counsel to the Claimant Applicant barrister Niri Darong, earlier quick to remaind the court that the Claimant Applicant is having pending application of Preliminary Objection that is yet to be entertained by the court, and however urged the court to take both the counter affidavit and the preliminary objection at the same time in the next adjourned date, instead of separate treatment before going into the substantive matter.
The Counsel to the defendant objector barrister Alex (Ms) didn’t object to the oral application moved by the counsel to the Claimant Applicant ,and the judge, Justice S.P Gang adjourned the matter to 18th August,2022,for ruling on the counter affidavit and the Preliminary objection.
It would be recalled that Hon. Ubandoma was erroneously removed from office by the state electoral umpire PLASEC, when the body conducted local government Election in the state including Lantang North LG when the tenure of the Claimant Applicant Hon. Ubandoma Laven tenure of office as chairman Lantang North LG, was still running.
Ubandoma headed for court to interprete,and assertain whether its Constitutional for the electoral body to conduct election in Lantang North local government as at the time he did when he was not sworn Into office as chairman with other of his counterparts due to electoral tribunal case.
The matter was ruled in favor of the Claimant Applicant both at High and Appeal Court,but prevented to assumed office as chairman by the state Commissioner of police for the reason best know to him, probably acting on the directives of political forces in the state.
It’s on this premises that the Claimant Applicant, Ubandoma Laven again as law abiding citizen, didn’t want to embark on jungle Justice headed to court for interpretation of the law to know if Commissioner of police or any other person or persons as the case may be, has the exclusive power in law to stop democratically elected chairman of local government, and any elected office holders from office.
The Case is however adjourned to 18th August,2022 for ruling on the two applications and hearing of the substantive matter.
The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos, has adjourned the case of Marit Ropp Community ,District in Barki-Ladi Local Government over traditional stool tussle, to 31st August,2022 for contination of hearing on the substantive matter.
The matter which involves who is the rightful owner of the traditional stool of the district after the death of the village head Danjuma Sanda,now deceased is slated for today Tuesday 9th August,2022 for mention.
The Community of Marit Ropp district of Barki-Ladi local government of plateau state have being on Dagger Drown at each other over the righful owner of the village head stool after the death of the last traditional head.
According to Mr Mashingil Moses Masok , one of the elder of the community who spoke with this medium, narrated how one Lavan Danjuma Sanda hijacked the traditional stool of the community after the death of Danjuma Sanda and refused to relinquish the traditional stool to the rightful owner as it was earlier agreed on with the elders of the community.
Mashingil said sometime last year 2021,our traditional ruler His Royal Highness Danjuma Sanda who is the village head of Maki Marit district dead.In trust ,the Galadima of Marki was made the village head pending the appointment of the substantive traditional ruler for the district.
He further narrated that the Royal Family of the late Danjuma Sanda later come out with successor in line with traditional rite of the community.
Unfortunately,the person which the Stool was entrusted pending the selection of the rightful owner from the lineage of the late village Head emerged, but he refused to step down for the enthronement of the person.
But regrettably,the person holding brief ,Lavan Danjuma Sanda refused to vacate the stool despite the fact that the traditional stool is by heritage ,the act causing problem in the district.
He further narrated that last month, July, 2022 to be precise, the father of the Acting village Head institue court injunction on the whole community of Marit Ropp district indicating interest on the traditional stool that he is entitled to it, when he knows that the seat is not contestable,but by heritage.
The stakeholders of Marit Ropp district is however using this medium to call on the state government Bako lalong to wade into the matter before it degenerate into full blown crisis in the locality.
However,as at the time of this report,the counsels representing the parties in court could not be reach to state what transpired in court.
The Plateau State Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan said, “despite Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye conviction, the former Governor has continued to enjoy respect, honour and loyalty from the people of Plateau state and political class beyond the state”
Hon. Chris Hassan, while reacting to the release of the former Governor as having made legendary contributions to the State through his re-engineering project.
The chairman People’s Democratic party (PDP), plateau state reaction is contained in a press statement dated 9th August,2022, signed by the Personal Assistant on Media and Protocol to the PDP state chairman Kafas Sumdi,and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
The Chairman said Plateau citizens cannot forget in hurry the landmark achievements of Dariye’s administration including citadel of learning, infrastructure, health care, security, industries to create employments, generate wealth and boost the socio-economic of the state.
He also remember the popular slogan of the former Governor “To leave Plateau State better than we met it”.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Kawun Mushere’s administration to the development of the state through establishment of Plateau State University, and other humanitarian services, which has helped in raising men who have impacted the society positively in their various fields of human endeavours.
Hon. Hassan further describes Chief Dariye as a seasoned Accountant, astute administrator, grassroots mobilizer, kind-hearted, generous, and a worthy son of Plateau.
On behalf of the PDP family in Plateau State, we rejoice over your release, thank God for His faithfulness over your life and His mercies that has been preserving you.
A Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos Division on Monday ,has adjourned suit filed by the embattled Chairman of Lantang North LGC, Unbandoma Joshua Laven against Plateau State Commissioner Of Police to 10th August,22 for argument on injunction brought before it by the Claimant Respondent against Commissioner of police .
The suit , brought by Laven sought the following reliefs of interpreting the right of Commissioner of police stopping him to resumed office as the Executive Chairman of Lantang North LGA .
Counsel to Joshua Laven ,Barr. Niri Darong told the court that the matter was slated today 8th August 2022 for mention is for the court to interpret whether the police Commissioner has the power in law to stop an elected local government chairman, reference case of hon.ubandoma Laven as chairman of Lantang North , when the court of competent jurdiction has pronounced him the legally elected chairman.
The counsel to the Claimant Applicant in the matter barrister Niri Darong , said my Lord although the matter is for mention,but the Claimant Respondent , Commissioner of police has just serve us with counter Affidavit,as against this back ground we applied to the court to grant us few hours and study the document in line with the law.
The application of the Claimant Applicant Unbandoma Laven was not opposed by the Claimant Respondent the Commissioner of police.
The presiding Judge, Justice S.P Gang , however, adjourned the matter till 10th August,2022,for argument on the matter.
In an interview with the counsel to Hon. Unbandoma Laven ,Niri Darong, said as you are aware the High Court sitting in Jos, plateau state,has entered judgement in favor of hon.ubandoma as the rightful chairman of Lantang North local government.
That INEC err in law to have conducted election for the seat of chairman of Lantang North local government for , when the tenure of the sitting chairman , Unbandoma Laven is still running having sworned into office 19th oct,2018.
He said in 2019 the appeal court affairmed it decision and the Plateau State Commissioner of police stopped the Claimant Applicant, Unbandoma Laven,to resume office
as the legally elected chairman of the stated LG,and imposed the illegal chairman Zulfa Rivem as the chairman.
Niri said this informed the reason why we are in court for interpretation whether the Commissioner of police has the power to stop democratically elected chairman to assumed office when the court has declared himself so.
And however lamented the turn of events when , sadly,the High Court in a suit brought before it,ruled that the chairman is not duly nominated by the People Democratic party (PDP),in the local government to contest the election.
He further said his client filed an appeal challenging the High Court judgement but sadly ,the court of appeal affairmed the High Court Judgment that Unbandoma Laven was not duly nominated by PDP to contest the chairmanship seat of the local government.
Barrister Niri decried the dismantle of democratic structure in Lantang North local government of plateau state which the seat is currently occupied by illegal chairman barrister Revenm Zulfa.
In summary,this why we are in court.
Unbandoma further stressed that the Claimant Respondent has filed counter Affidavit out of time,the Claimant Applicant plea with the court to grant us 24 hours to respond to their counter Affidavit,my Lord Justice S.P Gang in his magnanimity give us 10th August,2022 to respond to their counter Affidavit and to argue it.
He debunked the rumour making around that the Claimant Respondent has appealed the High Court judgement which entered judgement in favor of the Claimant Applicant,”yes we heard that they have appealed the matter,but my client Unbandoma Laven have not been served with the appeal notice,
even the matter they claimed to have appealed at the supreme Court, plateau state government, Commissioner of police, commissioner for chieftaincy Affairs of plateau state, where said to be Party in the suit.”
He added that the client has not received the service notice,but they claimed to have send it through WhatsApp,we have confirmed from our client , Unbandoma,but denied any receipts of court process through any means.
However stressed that the person that claimed to have sworn to the affidavit of the notice is not know as we speak and is not know in the court of appeal , he said.
He lamented the fragrant disobedient of court order which is against court rule, as lawyers were trained to obey the decision of the court.
“If non lawyer disobey the decision of the court,is frowned at as lawyers disobey the court decision.
As man of honor, as lawyer you must obey court order”.
“In court judgement sometimes you win,sometimes you loose ,it shouldn’t be a ground to invite anarchy,we are bound as man of honor to obey court decision”.
In fact, lawyers are minister in the temple of Justice, just as the court bailff enforces the court judgement,same the lawyer ensure his client obey the decision of the court, whether for or against.
“In any legal battle, someone most win, that doesn’t mean I should bring down the house , if that happens all of us will go in for it.”
The crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP), between Amb.Yohanna M.D Margif camp and that of Dr Patrick Dakum will soon come to an end as stakeholders of the Party are working round the clock to resolve it under peaceful means .
Our correspondent gathered they are working towards ensuring that the hitherto aggrieved persons come to meaningful resolutions ahead the forthcoming general elections in Plateau state .
Amb. Yohanna Margif have been engulfed in series of internal wrangling with security agencies after securing the ticket to fly the party ticket for Governorship in 2023 General Election, but owning to the recent crises bedeviling the LP in Plateau state they alleged he was arrested in Abuja in connection to many fraudulent activities .
However ,Amb.Yohanna M.D Margif who spoke to this medium in an exclusive interview , said he was just framed up by his political distractors to push him aside rubbish his personality which he described as unfounded and untrue.
According to our medium the matter would soon be resolve amicably without any issue because Margif is willing and ready to hand the party ticket to Dr. Patrick Dakum as the flag bearer of LP and they are working toward unveiling it .
Our source appeal to supporters of Margif and Dakum to sheaths their sword and imbibe the spirit of political tolerance and allow peace to reign .
Its was gathered that the two political gladiators hailed from the same zone of Plateau Central senatorial district and they all belong to one party so there is need to harmonize all differences and work for oneness to kick the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state out of power for causing untold hardship for the citizens of the state, and by extension Nigeria as a whole.
This medium authoritatively gathered that with the intervention of stakeholders every crisis in the party will be brought under control as Margif promised to allow Dr Patrick Dakum to fly LP ticket .
Some of the stakeholders whose name were not mentioned lamented that the state can’t be thrown into crises while they seat back and watch,and call for total suspension of any aggrieved members to forgive each another a chance they maintained.
Military the codenamed Operation SAFE HAVEN(OPSH),has reported to have killed eight notorious bandits in Sabongari village of Wase local government of Plateau State on Sunday night 7th August,2023
It was gathered that the incident occurred in a joint operations between the Military, Vigilante and hunters who have been working together to flush out the bandits and other criminal elements in the locality.
The report revealed that the joint operations between the military and unconventional securities outfits in the area which started on Saturday lasted throughout Sunday evening left not fewer than eight bandits terrorizing the area of recent, dead.
Abdullahi Usman, a resident of Wase who also confirmed the incident said the Military and the bandits clashed in Zurak and Yaddi Lawan which was taken over by the bandits, and served as their base which the security burnt down and reclaimed .
He said” Some of the bandits were killed while some have ran out of the community”.
Spokesperson of the Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Ishaku Takwa, confirmed the incident and said 8 bandits were killed during the operation in the area.”
However, communities in Wase local government council had been under siege by heavy attack of bandits in the past few weeks.
When yours sincerely set out to write this, I did not have Jeffrey Archer, the famous English author, who wrote in 1977 ‘Shall we tell the President’ in mind. In fact, I wanted to achieve one purpose: Interrogate why, despite the presidential pardon since April 14, 2022, Chief Joshua C Dariye is yet to leave the Kuje Correctional Facility back to the embrace of his family, friends and political associates.
His conviction and incarceration has been a subject of partisan consideration by different people.
Those who know are quick to point out that his case and that of his co-traveler, Rev Jolly Nyame are allegedly shrouded in political manipulation and worthy of consideration; if only we could situate his voyage without being accused of being partisan also.
It has been opined, if his ‘sins’ are placed side by side with those of his colleagues who served in other states during the same period, today, Dariye should be walking free on the streets of Abuja and elsewhere. For me, and indeed many others, that is the irony of how life has been skewed to treat some Nigerians. In this category, Dariye’s case falls squarely; for which it is proper to examine, if only a cause could be fought for.
Not many of us would have been close to former Governor Joshua Chibi Dariye of Plateau State, but the fact that he was once the governor of my state makes him a candidate for my prayers. It should not stop there; his state of health deserves to be my concern also, if we are interested in honouring those who offer service to the state.
But even if that is not a reason to be considered, for me and many staff who worked and are still on the payroll of Plateau Publishing Corporation (publishers of) The Nigeria Standard, to his credit; they are able to access their gratuity and pension when they retire.
Working with the Plateau Publishing Corporation as its Chief Accountant enabled him to become acquainted with the plight of its workforce on retirement. Therefore, in 2005, while serving as governor of the state in his second term, he set in motion the process for the scheduling of the corporation.
Today, hate or like him; he is highly revered for his magnanimity and setting in motion a process that puts into consideration the toiling of many who would have returned home to their families and friends in penury and perhaps using their new station to go about begging for pittance to survive from different sources. No one can take away the openhandedness of Senator Joshua Dariye; in fact, many can go to town protesting on his behalf, if any person thought otherwise.
But the Khawung Mushere, and one who is today popularly referred to as the Head Boy of Plateau politics, without doubt, cannot be limited just for the consideration of individuals.
Beyond what we may have thought he did for organizations in the state and all; he has gone through hell and back in the course of service to his state. It is for this reason that people are asking for his freedom.
Governance can be tasking as well as demanding. Sometimes during the life of any administration, mistakes could be made against the state. The travails of Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye admittedly were against the state, and during his trial which took some time, he reportedly consented to that in a statement.
It should be noted that former Governor Joshua Dariye has never admitted to being a Saint, neither do I confer on him the staff of such an office. His case can be described as one who has risen from grace to grass; but, like the beetle, it will be difficult to kill its resilience.
Many have been worried long before now and wondering why if those who allegedly took home bigger sums belonging to their states are today playing roles that determine the course of Nigeria; the case of Dariye cannot be swept under the carpet; even though a judgment was entered, but more importantly that the Council of State had recommended for his pardon. That changed his story and put smiles on the faces of his family members, friends and associates.
The trial of Dariye, which was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for a 23-count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of funds, on the strength of a statement he was alleged to have made in 2007 forming the thrust of the proceedings.
His trial before Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Gudu, Abuja had commenced on January 25, 2016 with the EFCC presenting exhibits, including the statement, alleged to have been given to All States Trust Bank, (now defunct), on the disbursement of the said N1.162 billion diverted from the Ecological Fund meant for the state, to private companies and individuals.
As a layman, I am tempted to ask: If the giver is punished, what should be done to the one(s) who were freely given part of the money? Does the law not provide that those who benefit from the ‘largesse’ not be punished also? Did they not encourage him, and yet they were left to walk freely while he languished in jail?
Did the court not order the EFCC to repatriate the N80m and other funds recovered during investigation to the coffers of Plateau State government? Why was it that the court however did not make any pronouncement on the N100m said to be paid to Marine Float, a company alleged to be owned by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar? How long will it take the EFCC stay on the matter investigating? What about the N100m collected on behalf of the PDP South/West by Yomi Edu former Minister of Special Duties and N66m for PDP in Plateau which was shared among the 274 wards?
Senator Dariye, who was governor from 1999 to 2007, was jailed for laundering public funds to the tune of N1.162bn and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Dariye’s prison term was later reduced to 10 years by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, while his conviction was affirmed by the Supreme Court.
But, it is in the clemency granted by President Muhammadu Buhari that we would like to situate our concerns and draw the attention of the president considering that much is expected.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, had hinted that the NCS was not responsible for the delay. According to him, the duo could not be released by service until a correspondence from the Ministry of Justice stating so was received. ‘The moment we get that, we will affect their release. It is a presidential pardon, no doubt, but there must be a document to back their release. They can’t be released on pronouncement alone.’
That indeed is a fact; however, what should interest all who have followed the case is the quality of Nigerians who have joined the fray for the struggle to allow the former governor return home to the embrace of his family.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Abubakar Umar’s call on the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to issue the warrant for the release of ex Governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame; is, if anything is instructive for the struggle to free Dariye.
He had in a statement said: ‘The Attorney General should, in obedience to the directive of the President, transmit the warrant to the agencies responsible for the release of Governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame without any further delay. Besides, I am sure the President will remain steadfast in implementing a decision approved by the National Council of State even if it might seem somewhat unpopular with a section of the public.’
We have maintained, so also is Colonel Umar that in ensuring that the duo’s release is made possible, it should be noted that: ‘At a time when most Nigerians are calling for equity in every aspect of our national life, Governors Dariye and Nyame do not deserve to be singled out but treated like everybody else’.
It should be noted that if you take the travails of the two former governors as personal, then the vigorous war that will be waged for equity and fairness concerning their treatment may not make headway. Regrettably, ‘both spent two years in detention, while their trial lasted. They have now served a further four years after their conviction, making cumulative six years of a ten year sentence.
‘It is remarkable that the two are so far the only former Governors who have been convicted and have remained in jail even though their colleagues Governors have similarly been accused or facing prosecution. A few were actually found guilty and jailed–but still managed to remain free!
‘Regrettably, the public’s antagonism might well have intimidated the government resulting in the Justice Ministry’s hesitancy in issuing their release warrant to the Ministry of Interior and the National Correctional Service’.
We are, like many others, worried about the alleged ‘seeming selective nature of the anti-corruption war targeted at the two governors while their colleagues walk free.’ It is expected that in the interest of justice and fairness, Nigerians should walk the streets calling for the conclusions of cases involving other former governors. Justice is the meat meant for all, it should not be selective.
His counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN) during the trial had ‘begged the court to be lenient on Dariye, stating that the offence was committed in 2001, two years when the 1999 Constitution came into effect and that Dariye as part of the first sets of leaders after the enactment, was ignorant of the financial laws’.
He had said to the Judge, ‘mistakes were made, my Lord, should this man be punished by our mistakes? My Lord, appeals against your judgment hardly succeed. When we get there (appellate and apex courts), they tell us you were right in your judgment, so we are appealing for a non-custodial sentencing.
But the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) would not want to hear any of that, as he urged the court to impose the maximum sentence to serve as deterrent. It was at this point that, Dariye, irked by what was to befall him signified to the court that he wanted to say something.
Given the chance, Dariye, who was visibly angry that prosecution counsel said he didn’t show any remorse, said, “You cannot predict my state of mind. Let us not spoil tomorrow because of today. Can you raise your hand to swear there is a saint in Nigeria?”
You could be right to ask, like Senator Dariye: Is there a saint in Nigeria? Could we not like Col Umar also demand to ask the same question?
At that point, and always in any court, that is the season where heroes are either made and villains could be left to be remembered. Truth, he took his fate with equanimity; and today, the Lord has turned his captivity into dancing. He knows that when there is a casting down, certainly, a lifting will take place, on account of the one who is seated in heaven and guides the affairs of men.
Before long, the Khawung Mushere, Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye will be back to where he belongs. And you can be sure; the Head Boy shall be welcomed!
Justice Christy C. Dabup has convicted by sentencing Mallam Muhammad Nasir Ambursa for six months with Option of fine.
#100,000.00 and one month with #50,000.00 for failure to make it known to his employer regarding his employment as Registrar of the Federal College Of Veterinary Medical Laboratory Technology, (FCVMLT) ,Vom Plateau State in Jos South Local Government Council on Thursday 4th August, 2022 .
The Court held that the defendant was convicted on two count charge which is punishable under section 138 of the administration of criminal Justice with a fine of 100,000.00 or option of six months jail, and one month with #50,000.00 that he should be remainded in Jos correctional centre failure to pay the fine.
The judge also ordered that the defendant should refund all his salary ,allowances ,benefits , he enjoyed while occupying the office which is to be computed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and return the money into federal treasury .
Hon Justice Christine Dabup in delivering the judgment says,the defendant was a former staff of JSC ,(Judicial Service Commission ,and was compulsory retired sometimes in 2003 on count of his misconduct .
However ,the judge also said when the defendant applied for employment with the NVRI he didn’t explain his position after he saw the advertisements published in Daily Trust newspaper of 29th ,August 2006 ,adding that linking his present appointment letter to that of the NJSC and JSC Kebbi state to enjoy another pensionable job is a total failure to explain himself to the panel and couldn’t indicate it in his curriculum vitae .
The defendant claims that his appointment letter read ,1979 and he was retired prematurely sometimes in 2003 when he was 45 years of aged and I spent 21 years in service but the ICPC charge him under section 138 of penal court law of Northern Nigeria of 1963 bothering on two issues which the prosecution counsel was able to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt that the act committed by the defendant was a total breach of civil service rule .
The judge disclosed that his position as the chief registrar didn’t indicate that he applied for transfer of service after his former appointment letter was prematurely terminated by his first employer ,Judicial Service Commission ,JSC ,in Kebbi State over unruly behaviour he exhibited while in office .
The court order for restitution of the administrative privileges he has ever enjoy while occupying the office and the court described the intentional act omission is an ingredients establish by the prosecution counsel in his case to prove beyond reasonable doubt through the documents P1,P2,&P3 from the foundation ,so all plea by defendant lack merit so all the issues were resolve in favour of the prosecution counsel .
According to the court ,the Federal Republic of Nigeria should recomputerize the defendant salary ,allowances and benefits and charge him to pay them back into the coffer of the federal government because they illegally payed to him.
Mohammed Nasiru who claimed that after his compulsory retired in office in 2003 and pick fresh contract work with JSC and when the advertised vacancy for the seat Registrar with NVRI, Vom.
The judge, Christy Dabup , jailed Mohammed Nasiru after convicting him for failure to furnished NVRI with documents of his position , as he refuses to Input compulsory retired letter b, on all the 2 counts filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Commission (ICPC) act of 25 subsection 2&6 of the commission .
According to judgment jail terms ranging from six months to one month , which are to run concurrently.
His convictions on two six months for count 1, one month for count 2, of which recompute all his salary ,allowances and benefits with fund of 100,000.00 and 50,000.00 respectively.
The judge ordered that the terms of imprisonment shall run concurrently beginning from the 4th August, 2022, the date he was arraigned.
It implies that Former staff of JSC ,reappointed are pensioner will spend the shortest sentence which is six in jail.
According to the judge, an ICPC witness, who testified during the trial, pointed out that Mr Mohammed Nasiru failed with D1-D11, through the witnesses .
Barr. Chesil Drenkat told journalists that the judgment is well captured and explicit very clear considering the manner they have been pursuing the matter .
He stressed that the judgment was well Marshall and is very direct because the two issues canvass largely in favour of the prosecution counsel which he succeeded in proving his case beyond reasonable doubt .
Barr Chelsil disclosed that the appointment of Mohammed Nasiru was wrongly employed and he has to return all declaratory statement to refund all entitlement given to him .
Counsel to the defendant ,Barr .M.I .Hassan said ,we are very grateful to my Lordship for explosive judgment having carefully consider the 1st count charge is 100,000.00 and second count charge is 50,000.00 .
He said they’re going to apply for records of proceedings to see whether to appeal the judgment which decision would be taken after .
Barr.Hassan explained that his client appointment with NVRI earlier in 2007 spark off someone to petitioned the ICPC that he Link his present appointment letter with JSC and the court find merits in what the prosecution counsel said .
I Remain LP Governorship Candidate In Plateau-Amb—Amb.Yohanna Margif
By,giwa alex, Jos
The Gubernatorial Candidate of Labour Party, Plateau State, Amb. Yohanna Margif said he remained the authentic standard bearer of the party in the state and urged Plateau people to disregard anyone parading himself as the new candidate of the party.
Margif in a press statement issued in Jos on Saturday said his life has been under threat to withdraw from the contest and that he has never contemplated to withdraw and that he will not withdraw from the 2023 election.
“My attention has been drawn to a purported and illegal primary election by some disgruntled political elements who disguised themselves as members of Labour Party in Plateau State, I wish to state clearly that I am the only and authentic governorship candidate of Labour Party in Plateau.
“You recall that a primary election of the Labour Party was conducted on the 9 June, 2022 at Retnan Hotel and Event Centre, Bukuru where I emerged the candidate of the party and certificate of return was subsequently presented to me by the National Chairman of the Party to affirm my candidature as the standard bearer of the party for 2023 election.
“Since then, I have taken deliberate steps in collaboration with other members of the party in Plateau and at the National Secretariat to put the party in better perspective to win the 2023 election. I must say without contradiction that my effort since I join the Labour Party has endeared several persons from different political parties into the Labour Party.
“I wish to state clearly that I have not in any way contemplated withdrawing from the 2023 governorship election in Plateau State and I will not withdraw from the race. I am in the contest to win the election and give Plateau people good governance that will enthrone development.”
Margif added that the governorship ticket of the Labour Party under his custody is not for sale and that he is into the race to win.
“I am not in the contest to withdraw, and the ticket of Labour Party in Plateau State is not for sale, therefore those who are clamouring for the ticket and misleading gullible Plateau people and Nigerians that I have withdrawn from the race should desist forthwith.
“The illegal and concocted primary election that brought together people who are selling groundnut, Kunu, Banana, Moimoi among others as delegates at the King’s Palace Hotel allegedly owned by the Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, is null and void, and cannot hold water.
“It has become very expedient for me to place on record that my life is under threat as some politicians, particularly aspirants who contested the APC primary election and lost have being mounting pressure on me to withdraw from the race. I wish to state clearly that I have not withdraw from the race and I don’t have any plan to withdraw.”
He called on his ardent supporters to remained calm and disregard any rumour that he has withdraw for a fresh primaries as he is vying for the office of the Governor of Plateau state to bequeath good infrastructural legacy and return Plateau to the people
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has today 4 August 2022, commissioned the newly remodelled Maxwell Khobe Cantonment gate, newly built Quarter Guard, Access Road and donated new hilux van to 3 Division Regimental Sergeant Major.
In his remarks, the COAS said the projects will improve the security of the Cantonment and provide conducive ambiance for the personnel of 3 Division to enhance professional discharge of their roles. He said the Nigerian Army will not relent in ensuring infrastructures of the barracks are modernised and given a face-lift.
Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Armour Corps, Major General Suleiman Idris, the COAS charged the troops to remain committed professionally and ensure maximum utilisation and maintenance of infrastructures. He applauded the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE for initiating the developmental projects and effective utilisation of resources to improve the infrastructural needs of troops in the Cantonment. He assured the COAS commitment to more to wellbeing of the Nigerian Army personnel and dependents.
Appreciating the COAS for his continues guidance and support to troops welfare needs, the GOC 3 Division and Commander OPSH, Major General Ibrahim Ali said the initiative to embark on the projects was in line with the COAS cardinal principle of Administration aimed at rekindling professionalism in Headquarters 3 Division. He revealed that the Quarter Guard is meant to be on the right side of the enterance into Military formation.
General Ali further stated that the projects were aimed at leaving a befitting legacy for the Division. He revealed that more developmental projects will soon be unveiled and commissioned in the Cantonment.
While briefing the Special Guest of Honour before the commissioning, the Commander 43 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Kabaju Kazir said the project which is in three faces has, the Gate, the Quarter Guard and the Road network. He noted that the road network was expanded for condusive passage by motorists and pedestrians alike.
Highlight of the event was the inspection of the projects, group photograph and Inspection of the newly constructed Quarter Guard by the Special Guest of Honour.
Troops of 3 Division Nigerian Army Jos, plateau state have been reminded to conduct themselves professionally while discharging their constitutional roles of defending the country and in aid to civil authority.
This was made know today, 3rd August 2022, by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division who doubled as Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, during a monthly lectures titled “Civil – Military Cooperation: A Force Multiplier in Military Operations ” held at Headquarters 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos.
The GOC and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN noted the significance of cordial relationship between the security agencies and the public in enhancing military operations.
He revealed that sucesses in contemporary Operations is easier in an environment where citizens voluntarily support troops activities.
Speaking on the topic, the guest lecturer, Dr Plangsat Bitrus Danyil, said continous enlightenment of troops on civil military cooperation activities is necessary to engender trust of the civil populace for enhance military operations. She noted the service rendered by military hospitals, schools and Mammy markets as key to promoting cordial relationship between the military and the populace.
Dr Plangsat further noted the significance of effective communication, Planing, Coordination and assessment for excellent Civil Military cooperation in Nigeria. She also called on the citizens to take possession of their military and divulge useful security information to the security agencies for prompt response.
Delivering his welcome address, the Divisional Training Officer, 3 Division, Brigadier General Suleiman Adamu note the changing nature of conflict from conventional to asymmetric warfare in which the activities of non-state actors is increasing day by day. This he said requires continuous enlightenment of troops on emerging trends.
The event was attended by Principal Staff Officers at Headquarters 3 Division, Commanders and Commanding Officers as well as soldiers of 3 Division related formations and units.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was among the thousands of sympathizers who paid their last respects to late Aren Eggon Dr. Bala Angbazo who joined his ancestors recently.
The funeral service which took place at ECWA Church Alushi, Akwanga Local Government Nasarawa State witnessed tributes from various top government officials, religious leaders, captains of Industry and sons and daughters of Eggon nation.
Governor Lalong described the late Aren Eggon as a father who used his knowledge, power and influence to improve the lives of the people of Eggon, Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.
He said the late Royal Father served his people with dignity, honesty and selflessness which brought about rapid development in education, health, agriculture and human capital development.
He particularly appreciated the Royal Father for his role in sustaining peace and stability in his domain and the State as well as offering wise counsel to him in his political career and leadership of Plateau State.
Lalong while praying God to grant the family, Eggon nation and Nasarawa State the fortitude to bear the loss, said the legacies of the Royal will continue to linger in the land.
The Governor of Nasarawa State Engr. Abdullahi Sule, APC Chairman Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, among others were at the funeral.
The Commander Special Task Force, Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding (GOC)3 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Ibrahim Ali has said OPSH is guided by the principles of neutrality and fairness in the discharge of its roles.
The commander made the disclosure today 3rd August 2022, while hosting a delegation from the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue at Headquarters OPSH in Jos.
Major General Ali applauded the organisation for its role in mitigating conflict in communities.
He revealed that OPSH has adopted non-kinetic strategies to eradicate violence-tendency that could create chaos in society.
General Ali further maintained that OPSH has zero tolerance for human rights violation and operates to create a secured environment for growth and development to be achieved.
He alluded that the meeting would strengthen the relationship between OPSH and the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue in areas of information sharing and quick response to security threats.
In her earlier remarks, the leader of the delegation and Project Associate of the group, Mrs Olufemi Ellison Domkap lauded Operation SAFE HAVEN for always acting on credible information provided by the group in order to respond swiftly to security challenges within its jurisdiction.
The team leader noted the contribution of the group in influencing the lives of troublemakers in society to embrace peaceful living and friendliness among diverse ethnic and religious groups.
She highlighted the need to strengthening the capacity of women for the enhancement of back-door conversation during conflict resolution.
While suggesting that traditional rulers should be trained in the areas of mediation and conflict resolution, the team leader urged communities to adopt local method of dispute resolution for permanent peace to be achieved.
Highlight of the event was presentation of plaque and group photograph.
The Longing and Langai Communities of Mangu local government of plateau state has raised the alarm of being accused of their Involvement in the alleged killing of six,and missing seven Fulanis in local government.
As they said the accusation by the Chairman of the Miyyeti Allah Cattles Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Mallam Nura Abdullahi in a DailyTrust Newspaper publication dated 2nd August 2022 ,is an indication that the Fulanis are planning to lunch an attack on the innocent Communities who knows nothing about the killing and the missing of the said victims.
The group under the auspices of Pyam Youths Movement (PYM) Mangu local government of plateau state , raised the alarm in a press statement dated 2nd August,2022, signed by the PYM National President,Arch.Henry Nadoma,Hon . Yusuf Fyale, National Secretary,Hon.Isa Musa, National Publicity Secretary and made available to this medium in Jos, Plateau State.
According to the Press released which read in part said,our attention have been drawn to statements credited to Plateau State Chairman of the Miyyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Mallam Nura Abdullahi, carried on daily trust newspaper of 2nd August,2022, and as we qoute
“That six hearders have been allegedly killed and seven others declared missing in Mongi and Langai communities of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State after an alledged invasion by a Bauchi -based group called “Yan Babeli”
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However, we wish to categorically, state that this statement is not only false and misleading but a deliberate act to misrepresent facts for mischief and deciete.
The released further read that,while it is true that some Fulani heardsmen were arrested and summarily executed in an unclear circumstances by a Bauchi based (YAN BABELI) vigilante, the killings did not occured in any part of Pyam Chiefdom or Mangu LGA of Plateau State, as reported by the media.
The killings occured in Bauchi State territory of the border as well as their burial supervised by the Fulani leader and top security personnel including the STF personnel from Mangu and Tafawa Balewa LGA’s of Plateau and Bauchi State respectively.
The group how expressed concern by the l Chairman of the Miyyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) Mallam Nura Abdullahi that the victims where killed in the two communities of Mangu local government of the state that the Killers where invited into the Communities by the Traditional Rulers that invited the Bauchi based (YAN BABELI) vigilante to arrest and killed the 6 Fulani people.
This is totally false, untrue, baseless and mischievous and a precursor and guise to perpetrate evil against our people.
“We wonder the basis of this allegations even when the Fulani have established that those who made the arrest and killings of their people were not even from Plateau State, and what link or connection do we have with the Bauchi based vigilante group for them to make such wild allegations of linking our leaders to the arrests and killings of the Fulani people.
Truth be told Pyam Chiefdom Traditional Rulers as well as subjects prior to the arrests and killings did not even know of the existence of the Bauchi based (YAN BABELI) vigilante,let alon hiring them for any operation against anyone in Pyam Chiefdom.
It is also a fact that the Bauchi based vigilante did not inform or report to any Pyam Chiefdom Traditional Rulers or even the security agencies about their coming to Pyam Chiefdom, for the operation, arrests and killings of the Fulani people. It is also a fact that the Fulani leaders did not inform the Pyam Chiefdom Traditional Council of the arrest and killings of their people resident in Mungi and Langai areas of Pyam Chiefdom as well as the burial last week Friday 29th July, 2022.
Our people are peaceful and law abiding and have maintained a high degree of restraint in the interest of peaceful coexistence within the Chiefdom, despite the provocation as a result of the criminal activities of some Fulani bandits over the years.
Our people are going through hell at the moment and have suffered from the atrocities of the Fulani bandits that have killed so many innocent people including traditional rulers and have kidnapped so many people including our paramount ruler HRH Charles Mato Dakat held in captivity for several days last year, but we remain peaceful and have never taken the laws into our hands by resorting to violence and lawlessness in expressing our grievances.
As lovers of peace and promoters of peaceful coexistence amongst the various ethnic nationalities resident in Pyam Chiefdom, our accommodating nature shouldn’t be taken for granted, as we have endured the atrocities of terrorist elements for long and calling on the security agencies to now, come to our aid ,to end the unabated banditry against our people.
“With the subtle threat for reprisal by the Fulani if those responsible for the killings of their people are not arrested within the time frame they set we are strongly calling on the security agencies to as a matter of urgency investigate the allegations by the Fulani leader and unravel the circumstances of the killings of the Fulani people and also to act on the threat in order to avert any possible reprisal attack on our people in Mungi and Langai areas and anywhere else in Pyam Chiefdom and Mangu LGA of Plateau State.”
The 50th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, NBCYC, will commence tomorrow, Tuesday, August 2, 2022.
The programme will be held at the First Baptist Church, Eket, Akwa Ibom state. The week-long conference will end on Saturday, August 6, 2022.
The 2022 edition marks the 50th celebration and it is themed “Jubilee”, Leviticus 25:10-11.
The special guest at the Golden Jubilee celebration is the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr Israel Adelani Akanji while the Lead Speakers is the President of the Ethiope-Delta Conference, Rev Dr Jonathan Ihwighwu. Other speakers are the Director, Youth, and Student Ministry, Rev Dr Olawuyi James; National Coordinator, Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, Rev IbukunOluwa Joshua and the President of the body, Pastor Enunuaye Onajite among other men of God.
In a statement issued and signed by the NBCYC President, Pastor Enunuaye Onajite, he urged members not to miss the Golden Jubilee celebration as the Conference would not be an annual ritual but rather, an avenue to commune and thank God for the past fifty years.
Enunuaye said ” We are grateful to God for the grace to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference.
“I urge all youths of the Nigerian Baptist Convention to turn up for this special Conference because this is our year of Jubilee and the Lord is waiting to bless us specially.
“We have outlined various programmes that would add value to the Conference. Among the programmes includes Words, prayers, sports, seminars, Jubilee celebration, and musical concerts among others.”
The youth President urged members not to travel at night given the security situation of the country.
Youths of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, have congratulated the newly elected President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh describing him as a worthy successor to the immediate past President, His Eminence, Rev Dr Samson Supo Ayokunle.
In a Congratulatory message signed by the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, Pastor Onajite Enunuaye, he said that the overwhelming acceptance of Okoh’s nomination is a testament to his divine ordination for a time like this.
He called on the new President to continue the vision of rebranding CAN to win more souls for Christ, protect Christians in Nigeria, and for greater efficiency of the body.
He said “I congratulate His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh on his nomination and election as the new President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
“I also congratulate our father and mentor, the immediate past President, His Eminence, Rev Dr Samson Supo Ayokunle for successful completion of tenure of office.
“As a Baptist youth, we are proud of his modest achievements while he held sway. He brought monumental development to the body and the fruits are evident everywhere.
“We are however not surprised by his achievements as his legacies abound in the Nigerian Baptist Convention where he completed a two-term in office and retired recently.
“We urge the new President to continue with the vision of his predecessor and we assure him of our utmost support.” He concluded.
Okoh is the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church International, Onitsha, and emerged the new leader of CAN after getting 100% votes of all 259 delegates who participated in its 12th General Assembly. He is expected to serve a single term of five years.
Meanwhile, the body has condemned the Muslim-Muslim Presidential tickets of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2023 General election.
Enunuaye said that the party is insensitive to the religious diversity of the nation stressing that such a ticket is unacceptable to Nigerian Christians.
“Fielding the same faith ticket whether Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at the presidential level is unacceptable to us. This is insensitive and condemnable.
“The reason adduced for the ticket is even more insulting to the sensibilities of Nigerian Christians. How could anyone claim that there is no competent Christian in the entire North to serve as his running mate? This is unacceptable, hypocritical, and condemnable.
“As youths of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, we believe in competence and we desire good governance. However, we do not believe that competence resides in one faith alone. We are simply asking for fairness, justice, and equity upon which democracy is built.
“However, since all appeals to the candidate and party yielded no positive result, and we are being taken for granted, we will not lament rather, we will use our Permanent Voters Card to vote against the Muslim-Muslim ticket and for the protection of our faith.”
The chairman of Hydroelectric Production Areas Development Commission (HYPPADRC), Barr. Joseph Irtaf, has said the commission will continue to embark on projects that will positively impact on the rural communities under its mandate.
He made the statements, Monday, at the formal commisioning and handing over of motorised solar boreholes to the communities that of Jebu Miango, in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“HYPPADEC is doing its best at ensuring the improvement in the living condition of the communities within its working jurisdiction, amongst the states that are within its scope.
“I am happy to the first HYPPADEC projects in Plateau State.”
We appreciates President Muhammadu Buhari, for making available the resources, to construct the borehole in Jebu Miango Bassa LGA,” he said.
The State coordinator of HYPPADEC, Abubakar S. Tanko, said the commission has so far constructed 11 solar boreholes and some schools in Plateau State.
“Youths were also empowered, and very soon a school will be constructed for the Miango community,” he assured.
The Chairman, Bassa LGC, Hon. Stephen Igmala, whuke appreciating HYPPADRC, said now that a source of having clean water to the community, improved health is guaranteed.
“We must appreciate HYPPADEC for assisting the Bassa Local Government Council, by taking off the economic buden of constructing the borehole that will alleviate the sufferings of the rural people,” he said.
Hon. Igmala said the commission has provided electricity, water, motorcycles to some youths within the LGA, he further requested for more.
The Bra-Irgwe Rev. Ronku Aka (rtd), said they are happy that President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the HYPPADEC, have remembered their people.
“Our people are very happy to have this project cited in our community,” he said.
Plateau State Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has received the royal blessings of Mangu Traditional Rulers and Plateau elders to win the 2023 governorship election in the state.
He noted that Plateau has been a home of PDP and the people are united to return the party to power to provide credible leadership that will enthrone massive development in the state.
Barr. Mutfwang disclosed this when Plateau people across the 17 Local Government Areas defied torrential rain to give him a rousing welcome at his home coming to Mangu Local Government Area.
“I honestly feel very elated, there is nothing that is good as being accepted by your people and I see that my candidature has brought joy and excitement to the people of Mangu Local Government Area and Plateau people at large.
“I am glad to have been accompanied home a mammoth crowd of people are across the state to make my first journey home since I picked the PDP ticket, it is so gratifying.”
Mutfwang who left an indelible footprint as former Executive Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area said he had the opportunity of working closely with people at the grassroot and assured that every ethnic group would be given a sense of belonging if trusted with the mandate to lead the state as Governor in 2023.
“we had a seamless and mutual respectful relationship with the elders and by the grace of God if given another opportunity, we will continue to demonstrate respect for the traditional institution, we will continue to demonstrate respect to our elders and most especially, we will commit ourselves more than ever before to the service of the people.”
Mutfwang said further, “We are engaging critical stakeholders across the state to ensure that we get prepared ahead of the electioneering campaign, we are reconciling party members and making sure that we sensitize people so that when the campaigns start in earnest, we will go in as a united people.”
He encouraged the crowd to participate actively in the INEC voter’s registration and vote for massively for PDP to reclaim and rebuild Plateau and Nigeria.
Mutfwang described the torrential rain downpour as a sign of God’s blessings that will usher victory during the 2023 polls.
The Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hon. Josephine Piyo applauded women for coming out in their numbers to received the PDP governorship candidate who has great consideration for women in the rebuilding of Plateau State.
She said Mutfwang would be gender friendly in providing leadership in Plateau if given the mandate, having cede the deputy governorship position to women and assured that women will play key role in the government.
The PDP Zonal Vice Chairman, North Central, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan described the turn-out as victory in waiting and urged the people to vote for PDP from top to bottom.
He called on PDP members to work assiduously for the success of the party ahead of the 2023 election.
The state party chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan, said the emergence of Caleb Mutfwang as flag bearer of the party has strengthened its acceptability towards wining all elections in 2023.
He said the party has embark on reconciliation with all those who contested the party’s primaries and lost with a view to go into the election as a united front.
Chairman of Mangu Traditional Council, the Mishkaham Mwaghavul , Da John Putmang described the reception accorded to Mutfwang and the PDP stakeholders as a sign of good thing to come in 2023.
He expressed gratitude to Plateau people, particularly the PDP for trusting their son, Caleb Mutfwang with the PDP ticket to lead the party for the 2023 Governorship election.
Da. Putmang admonished the party to run issue based campaign, devoid of campaign of columny, bitterness, rancour and uncultured behaviour to attract more followers, who will vote the party to power.
He said Plateau people will endorsed the kind of change the state desire in 2023 and urged Mutfwang to be forthright, honest and sincere in dealing with all sections of the state.
President Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Sir Joseph Gwankat expressed joy that the PDP picked Caleb Mutfwang as their candidate and urged him to run an all inclusive governance by carrying everyone along if voted into power in 2023.
The publisher of Beacon Newspaper published in plateau state,Comrade Shabul Mazadu ,the Minister for Women Affairs,Dame Pauline Tallen and Member representing Pankshin, Kanam and Kanke(PKK)at the Federal House of Representatives , Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gadi, were among the recipient of “Magazine Peace and Security Award ” organised by “First Samaritan Love Foundation”held at the Crest Hotel Jos, 29th July, 2022.
Shabul Mazadu, a seasoned journalist , and publisher of the Beacon Newspaper on the Plateau, was bestowed with the award by the Foundation for his unrelented efforts in supporting the course of the youths both thick and thin including using his platform as journalist , even when it’s not convenient to him.
In his response, to the award, Comrade Shabul thank the organisers for the award, and stressed that the award will spur him to do more in the support of the youths and downtrodden who are helpless in the society because according to him” To Whom Much Is Given Much Is Expected”.
In a similar development, the Minister of Women Affairs , and the former Deputy Governor of plateau state, Dame Pauline Tallen who also received an award for her selfless efforts in championing the course of women and girl child in the state in particular and the country at large.
The minister represented by the former Director of Nigeria Institue Of journalism (NIJ) Jos campus, Mrs Martina Kure appreciated the award which she said is very dear to her heart and would spur her to do more in fighting for the course of the helpless women folks and the girl child who are grossly subjugated daily by the society largely because of their gender as female child.
The minister frowned at the constant reported cases of violent against women in Nigeria by the male folks and vowed to use her office as Women Affairs Minister to protect women who are unjustly violated and ensure they get Justice to serve as deterrent to the others.
On his part, the Member Representing Pankshin,Kanke and Kanam ,and chairman Committee on Navy in the Federal House of Representatives,Rt.Hon.Yusuf Adamu Gadi who is among the award recipient as best Representatives of his constitutent,thanked the organisers for the award,and for being metriculous enough to have identify him for the award, which he said will enable him to do more in the service to his people who queued under the scorching sun to vote for him as member of the federal house of Representatives.
Gadi adviced the Electorates to shun the current dust being raised following the APC Muslim/Muslim ticket ahead 2023 General Election, and adviced them to vote for competence ,and the person that can deliver the dividend of democracy irrespective of religion and ethics lineage.
Other recipants of the award includes, the Deputy Speaker of plateau state House of Assembly,Saleh yipmong, Majority leader of the state house of Assembly,Nanlong Daniel,kifiano motors and host of others.
High point of the event was donation for the support of the foundation.
The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) 3 Division, has trained women and Youths drawn from Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos, Miango and Jebbu Bassa communities of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau state.
The graduation ceremony held 30th July 2022, at Salamatu F Yahaya Skills Acquisition Centre, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos, plateau state, also witnessed presentation of free starter packs and certificates to the beneficiaries.
Delivering her address, the Chairperson NAOWA 3 Division Chapter, Mrs Hauwa S Ali said the training was conceived out of the desire of NAOWA to compliment the efforts of the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to ameliorate poverty in the barracks and its surrounding communities through skills development programmes.
She congradulated the trainees for being parts of the training and thanked the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA)and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN for his untiring support to NAOWA aspirations.
Presenting Starter packs and Certificates to the graduands, the Special Guest of Honour, the GOC 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali noted that, the training will enhance the living conditions of the families of the beneficiaries.
He further said 3 Division is committed to empowerment and welfare development of the troops, their dependants as well as the host communities in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, LieutenantGeneral FarukYahaya. The GOC further urged the graduands to make good use of the skills and the starter packs acquired. He commended NAOWA for always fashioning programmes that impart positively on the welfare needs of the less privileged in society.
The participants received training in computer appreciation , Bag Making, Barbing, Catering, Hair Dressing, Make up and Tailoring.
The event was attended by the Brra Ngwe Iregwe, Rtd Rev Ronku Aka, the paramount ruler of Irigwe chiefdom and Chairman Bassa traditional council, the Acting Utu Ugo Kiche of Bassa, His Royal Highness Ati Adamu Ingmala and Principal Staff Officers from Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army Jos.
The Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has kick-start the fourth edition of the annual peace tournament Tagged:”Major General IS Ali Peace and Unity Football Tournament 2022 .
The opening ceremony held today 30 July 2022 at Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos,was attended by dignitaries within and outside Plateau State.
Delivering his opening remarks, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Jos,who doubled as the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali disclosed that the tournament was significant in the peace-building process towards ensuring lasting peace on the plateau and in all the local government areas within OPSH Joint Operation Area. He noted that the core essence of the tournament was to use sports as a unifying tool to emphasize the benefits of peaceful coexistence, unity and teamwork.
Represented by the Deputy Commander OPSH, DCP Mohammad Rabiu, the commander described football as a universal sport that bonds people of diverse ethnic, cultural, political and religious affiliations together. He promised to do everything possible to ensure successes recorded in the peace building efforts are not reversed.
The commander further urged the people to join hands together to move away from behavior that could subvert the collective growth of the people and enhance harmonious living.
Also speaking, the Chairman House Committee on Navy and member representing Kanke/Kanam federal constituency, Rt Hon Yusuf Gadi in his remarks, applauded Operation SAFE HAVEN for improving the security of Plateau state and other areas within its jurisdiction. He maintained that the
tournament would help to unite youths of diverse religious, cultural and political differences. He also pledged to continually support any initiative of OPSH designed to sustaining peaceful coexistence in the state.
Climax of the ceremony was the ceremonial football match between the 2021 Champions, Barkin-Ladi Boys and Zango Kataf FC.
The immediate past speaker of the House of Representatives National Assembly Honorable Yakubu Dogara has raised concern over the recent choice of by Muslim , Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressive Congress ( APC) ahead 2023 General Election.
The former speaker who is the guest speaker at the Northern Leaders Summit raised expressed concern,at the event held in Abuja 29th July,2022 at Nicon Luxury Hotel.
“The summit which has it Theme:
Righteousness Exalts A Nation, But Sin ls A Reproach To Any People.” Proverbs 14:34.
Full Text Of His Speech.
I consider it great honour and privilege to be invited as the Guest Speaker at this all-important August summit of eminent religious leaders and top-notch politicians from across all the States of the Federation. Permit me to start by profusely thanking all those involved in putting together this summit and all the delegates who have sacrificed time and their busy schedule in order to honour us with their presence, which we do not lightly esteem. I understand we are here to talk about our nation and how political choices may impact our faith and likely exacerbate the escalating parlous security situation and stymie our match towards an inclusive, peaceful and prosperous nation.
Not a few have expressed concerns about national outlook on all presidential tickets. Also, not a few worry that the debate was becoming corrosive, and of course, with this kind of spitting of bilious views into the political wind, there was bound to be lots of nerves in the air.
When we talk about a Muslim-Muslim ticket; God forbid that we should be understood to be objecting to Muslims or that we don’t want Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to be president. It is not about Senator Kashim Shettima either, but it about what is right and what is wrong. It is about justice, fairness and equity. It is about Nigeria; it’s diversity and how it can be harnessed in an inclusive manner for the greater good of all of us. Be that as it may, some of us really wanted Asiwaju to be president because he has sacrificed much for our Party, the APC and for what he represents to so many people. So, our position cannot be against Muslims or Islam. That fact cannot be denied in any way.
But when it comes to choosing between the love and admiration I have for an individual and what is right and what I believe represents my vision for Nigeria, my choice will clearly be for the latter. After all, my rise to the position of Speaker was never going to be possible without the support of some Muslim members who believe that our diversity must be reflected in national positions for the unity, peace and advancement of our dear country. What gives me more hope about the Nigeria project is that there are many of our Muslim brothers and leaders who did not only warn the APC, but have had to call out the APC for adopting a Muslim-Muslim ticket which resulted into the Party ructions we are witnessing today.
In 2015, when we were called “janjeweed party”, my response was usually very simple. I could then say that, HE John Oyegun was the chairman of my party and my Vice-Presidential candidate was Pastor Yemi Osinbajo. We don’t enjoy that luxury anymore as the President, Senate President, Speaker and his deputy; Senate and House Leaders; National Chairman and the Deputy National Chairman; Presidential and the Vice-Presidential candidates are all Muslims, leaving the Christians with just the position of VP Osibanjo and Deputy Senate President Omo-Agege at that level in a Country whose population is fairly split between Muslims and Christians. Granted this scenario, can any God-fearing Muslim, Christian nay even the amoral and the atheist say this is fair, just and righteous? Does this represent the act of a just God? This is the real context of objections from the Christian community not just the Presidential ticket and the VP slot.
For me, it is a rude awakening and I am so happy it happened sooner than later. The very fact that they said we should not worry about a Muslim-Muslim ticket while a Muslim-Christian ticket gave them sleepless nights should make you worry the more. To worry about a Muslim-Christian ticket while counselling others not to worry about a Muslim-Muslim ticket is the very textbook definition of cognitive dissonance and an attempt at gaslighting gullible Christians. Truth must be told that anyone who is not bringing us together is consciously tearing us apart.
Furthermore, I do not want to speak to the argument that there is no Christian competent enough to be Vice-President because as we all know, that is hogwash. It only speaks to the need to deliberately exclude – whereas the need now is for inclusion.
The other funny argument in the media is the claim that without a northern Muslim on the ticket, elections cannot be won. The implications of that argument are quite unambiguous; Northern Muslims don’t vote for the South – even if the candidate is a Muslim like them – and, of course, don’t vote for Christians. However, nothing can be further from the truth. If you stretch this argument further, it may lead to questions such as, “if Muslims in the North don’t trust a southern Muslim for any reason(s), why should Christians in Nigeria trust a Muslim from the South and North?” These are the kinds of arguments I hate to engage in and which we must avoid if we hope not to injure the health of our Republic.
Other unhelpful framings of the debate by the so-called pundits posits that Christians in the North are so small in number that their votes don’t count. This strange argument seeks to reinforce the satanic agenda of dividing the church in Nigeria into North and South, and also ignores the fact and reality that Nigeria is evenly split on religious lines. These pundits are still not smart enough to tell us what is in the Muslim-Muslim ticket for southern Christians. The argument also ignores the fact that our official policy excludes religious affiliation from census data. There is therefore no scientific basis for these bizarre conclusions. Let us now look at a model for managing diversity.
If the UK offers any example, in 2005, the Tories had only two non-White MPs. Just within over a decade, this has changed dramatically – all the way to the top ranks of the party, including the last three chancellors of the exchequer in a row: Javid, Sunak and Zahawi. In addition, Patel was home secretary; Javid – health secretary; Kwasi – business secretary and; Zahawi – education secretary.
Before the pruning down of candidates for the Conservative Party leadership to two; six of the candidates were members of ethnic minorities. Braverman, Sunak and Javid are the children of immigrants while Chisti and Zahawi were born outside of the UK: in Pakistan and Iraq respectively; and our own Kemi was partly brought up in Lagos. All these happened in the conservative UK where the entire population of minority ethnic group is a paltry 14% – thanks to David Cameron under whose leadership the Tories embraced the idea of “sponsored mobility” which was thought to be good for the country because it will help prevent politics from polarizing along racial lines.
As we speak, the UK may well be on the verge of becoming the second major Western democracy to have a non-White leader in Sunak. Sunak who took the oath of office as Chancellor with his hand on the Bhagavad Gita and placed Diwali candles on the steps of his office on Number 11 Downing Street, shares the same faith with just 1.03 million Britons representing just 1.6% of the U.K’s total population. This is how democracies all over the world are managing diversities within their borders. Compare this to the US under Trump where the Republican Party was and is still in danger of becoming the party of White grievances and White reaction against an increasingly diverse America. Is it in vain that the Democrats had to settle for a woman and a black VP in Kamala Harris? Women issues are treated as minority issues and what percentage of US population is black? Just 13.4% in case you don’t know. In these two, we have two models to borrow from; either to play the politics of exclusion which the Muslim-Muslim ticket represents or to make politics all-inclusive in order to heal our national fault lines and unite our disparate peoples for nation building. The latter must be the choice of every patriotic and sensible Nigerian.
Why do I consider the decision by the APC to settle for a Muslim-Muslim ticket not a bold but bad decision? There are ample reasons but I will highlight a few for want of time and space.
It is a bad decision because it fuels inequality. We must always bear in mind that the liberty we enjoy is as rare as it is fragile. Inequality has a way of upsetting the balance due to the universal law of cause and effect. Throughout history, every revolution has been waged to either consolidate or destroy inequality. Just like all revolutions, they first seem impossible and then improbable until they become inevitable.
When you think of revolutions, what comes to your mind? Is it the pictures of savage invasions, crushing battlefield defeats, sacked cities and unlucky rulers put to death or a cascading series of minor, individually unimportant failures which are now replete in our polity? You may not understand the structure of revolutions until you trace the progression of the Nazis from an unpopular fringe group to the most powerful political party in Germany. Those who are dismissive of those who built conflict generating structures such as the Muslim-Muslim ticket in a pluralistic society always end up as enablers of revolution or violent changes. That was how Nazism was dismissed as a fringe idea that will never make it into the mainstream of civilized Germany until it led to the death of an estimated 40 million people.
It is a bad decision because it breads division which is counter-productive to our collective aspirations for a united and prosperous nation. My last check reveals that the word division is a construct of the word “vision” with a prefix “di” which means double in Latin. Just imagine what double vision does to an individual, much more a Nation. Our national creed or motto if you like, is unity and faith, peace and progress. Embedded in this great idea is the fact that unity precedes peace and progress. The question therefore is, how do we unite our disparate peoples in a manner that ensures peace and progress? This is not the only question, it is every question.
Of course, our strength is not in numbers but unity. You are not strong because you are many, you are strong because you are united. Nigeria cannot survive if we merely tolerate each other or if the happiness of one group is the unhappiness of the other group. But if we are united, we will be indomitable. And if all of us: Muslims, Christians, atheists, the old, the young, women and men work together and pray together in unity: believe me; we will be invincible. On the corollary, many are the Nations and Empires that could not withstand divisions.
The largest construction project ever on earth – the erection of the Tower of Babel came to an abrupt halt due to divisions. The almost 3200 years long recorded history of the Egyptian empire collapsed due to divisions when Cleopatra the last Pharaoh killed her brother Ptolemy the 13th who was a joint heir to the throne and married another of her brother, Ptolemy the 14th before she had him also killed so that her son can succeed her as the pharaoh. The all-powerful Roman Empire just like the British Empire after it, decayed and died not on account of invading armies but just because they could not withstand the contradictions within. Need we say more about Yugoslavia and the USSR?
The US too is currently struggling and if they don’t invent ingenious ways to heal divisions, the US dominance, just like all the other empires before, might soon become history. If we think we can encourage divisions in the scale we are witnessing and not see what those Empires and Nations saw, then we are of all men and women most miserable.
In addition, the inability to distinguish the Nigeria of 1993 from 2022 gave me cause to fret the more. An indispensable attribute of a leader in crisis is to be able to recognize a departure of events from routine to novel. The inability to spot an infliction point in moments of gripping visceral fear across the nation represents an irredeemable fatal error of judgment. There has never been a time in our history that we are as divided. We are battling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, secessionists and all manner of challenges.
Consequently, anyone who thinks that events in Nigeria in 2022 are not novel but routine as they were in 1993 is totally incapable of finding solutions to challenges currently ravaging our dear nation.
As for the nodding dogs who have sold themselves to lying spirits by deliberately believing in lies or are refusing to accept the truth, rebuke them in love. We may, after all, be dealing with fallen angels. We must never forget that every generation has its own Jannes and Jambres who withstood Moses; its prophets of Baal who withstood Elijah; its Sanballats and Tobiahs who withstood Nehemiah; it’s Esaus whose profanity will drive them to sell their birth rights; its Gehazis who will surrender to seducing spirits in order to feed their greed; its Hamans who will plot to annihilate Gods people: the list goes on. On this class of people, the scripture has already placed a curse, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20. But just as those they withstood overcame, we will also overcome if we faint not.
The harder they try to make us bow to the golden image of greed, the more we should chant to their chagrin the answer given by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – who said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up”.
In closing, let me reiterate the fact that we are here to talk about what is right and what is wrong. To my mind what is right is not just to win elections but to unite Nigerians both now and after the elections so that we can collectively build a Nigeria that works for all regardless of creed. As President Obama warned, “if you have to win a campaign by dividing people, you are not going to be able to govern them. You won’t be able to unite them later” This is spot-on because anyone who wins an election by dividing us would have to keep us divided in order to govern us. This is not what any reasonable and peace-loving Nigerian wants.
As long as God remains the God of justice, may we continue to resist injustice to our sinews, no matter who is for or against it because it is the requirement of the just God. Let us go out from this summit with the resolve to seek out our Muslim brothers and sisters who believe in unifying our people in order to usher in the much need peace and advancement for Nigeria to unleash her true potentials. I am sure we will jointly agree on a platform that would advance our collective search for unity, peace and development. Believe me, the only alternative is the road to Yugoslavia. God forbid! If we want to see Nigeria exalted, we must insist she does the right things.
Former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has declared that the 2023 elections will be all about religion, started by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Lawal spoke at the APC Northern Christian Leaders Summit Abuja 2022, on Friday.
Absolving Christians from bringing religion into Nigerian politics, Lawal warned that the ruling party should be ready for the consequences of a same faith ticket in 2023.
According to him, blaming Christians and heaping insults on Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) will not get APC anywhere.
He said “the PVC and prayers will be our weapon of choice and we will mercifully deploy them in 2023.”
The former SGF said that the agenda of Muslim-Muslim ticket is just unfolding and Christians will resist it.
He said: “We will not give up until we get Justice. I have heard friends and colleagues within and even outside the APC express some shock and even disbelieve over our reaction to the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 general elections.
“Our opposition has some historical basis. There were times in the past when Christians produced the Deputy Governors in Kebbi, Niger and Kaduna States. Now it is wholly Muslim-Muslim tickets. It is worth noting that all these are happening in APC-controlled states. They are threatening to do likewise in Gombe, Kogi and Adamawa States.
“It is also now a recurring practice in the north, whereby any Christian traditional ruler that dies is replaced with a Muslim prince albeit from the ruling family even if the most qualified and preferred prince is a Christian. The recent case of Billiri Chiefdom in Gombe State is still fresh in our minds.
“Proof of its anti-Christian agenda is that our party itself has completely eliminated northern Christians from its National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Council (NEC). All our protestations as party members have been completely ignored by the party leadership. But as members of the APC, we have the right to continue to express our indignation at these happenings and will not give up until we secure the justice that is due us.
“The main purpose of this historical narrative is to let you know that for The APC, a Muslim-Muslim ticket has been a longterm political strategy and not a one-off decision. Thus, all these talk of competence as the reason for the choice of the Muslim VP is balderdash and diversionary. This is a calculated anti-Christian exclusion agenda that is being implemented.
“One might ask: why is the APC itself mute about our rejection of this Muslim-Muslim ticket? And why has none of the other perpetrators of this crisis reached out to Christians for a dialogue? Why are they instead hiring fake Bishops and take church groups to further embarrass the Church? Why are they embarking on a vicious media war against CAN and the Church instead of seeking reconciliation? Truly, things are not adding up.
“So why are Northern Nigerian Christians in particular against the Muslim-Muslim ticket? I will try to enumerate just a few more reasons in addition to the ones I have already enumerated above:
“We see this ticket as an assent to the current and continuing educational, economic and political marginalisation of the Northern Nigerian Christians.”
The former SGF reel out employment data in tertiary institutions based in the North alone, both Federal and State-owned Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education that favours the Muslims more than Christians.
“Federal Colleges of Education Provosts 23. Muslims 22 Christian 1.
“State Colleges of Education Provosts 31. Muslims 24, Christians 7.
“Of course, it goes without saying that employment to all other positions from the Registrar down to the cleaner in these institutions will be replicated in a similar manner.
“This scenario is what we find in all agencies of governments in the north. Therefore, we view this Muslim-Muslim ticket as an extension of this practice of exclusion to the uppermost level of government.
“Christians all over the country see this Muslim-Muslim ticket as a deliberate and premeditated attempt to introduce and firmly entrench religion into the politics of this country. This, of course, will lead to further disharmony in the hitherto fragile coexistence of the Nigerian society, disrupt peace and hamper both social and economic development of the country.
“Christians and indeed most enlightened Nigerians are at a loss as to why people that intend to govern a country with our kind of diversity would chose this path to power. This is very divisive and must be rejected by all patriotic Nigerians.
“Implied in this ticket is the insinuation that northern Muslims are not willing to vote for a ticket that has a Christian on it and on which they are not represented. It is our believe that northern Muslims would have seen the Justice in a Muslim-Christian ticket and would have given it their overwhelming support had the party been inclined to do so.
“A corollary to this mindset is that Christians should also not vote for a ticket in which they are not accommodated. Unfortunately, this is the message we get loud and clear from this Muslim-Muslim ticket. This is truly a wake up call for all Nigerian Christians. We didn’t start this religious politics, APC and it’s candidates did; so all of us should take note and act as appropriate.
“So our dear APC colleagues, spare us these sanctimonious lectures on “competence” and the cliche “religion of the candidates do not matter. The truth is that the 2023 presidential election will be all about religion, and sadly, you started it; religion does matter in this context, so be ready for the consequences.
“It is important to reiterate that we Nigerian Christians, want to live in peace and harmony with all practitioners of other religions. We want to enjoy social and economic developments like other parts of the world, but without peace, justice and religious harmony, this is not possible.
“On our part, we neither seek to oppress nor dominate any one or any religion. But we will also resist any one trying to discriminate against us and our religion. We were not the ones that started this fight. The APC started it and must be ready to carry the cross it has created. Blaming Christian’s and heaping insults on CAN will take them nowhere.
“For, how do they expect Christians to keep silent when a northern state governor publicly states that they pressured Tinubu to get a northern Muslim VP because they did not believe him to be a good Muslim? Is the VP going to be the National Deputy Imam? How do they expect us to keep silent when another northern state governor goes to Osun State and urges them to vote for someone just because he is a Muslim? Was he there for election campaign or “dawah”? What can be a better example of religion in politics than demonstrated by these governors?
“Clearly, there is an agenda to politically, religiously, and economically suppress and oppress the Northern Christian. But we are up to the task. We will protect ourselves. The PVC and our prayers will be our weapons of choice and we will massively deploy them in 2023.
“But while we are ready to battle this politics of exclusion and oppression, we are open to discussions with any one who wants to engage with us in good faith.
“As I always do, want to end with this quotation from Romans 8:31: “What then shall we say in response to these things.
“If God is for us who can be against us?” May God bless and reward all our collective efforts at seeking to live in peace with one another in Nigeria, our blessed country.”
The crisis rocking the All Progressive Congress (APC) Plateau State Chapter over the alleged kangaroo Governship Congress which produced Dr.Nantawe Yilwatda as the Governorship Candidate of the party is far from being over.
This is as the Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State, under the aegis of Plateau Project Two, have vowed to fight and resist the injustices that marred processes culminating in the various primary elections of the Party.
Rising from a meeting held at Rayfield, Jos, and attended by most of the aspirants for various elective offices on the Party’s platform, including eighteen gubernatorial aspirants, the Plateau Project has observed that delegates election of the Party did not take place, beside imposition and undemocratic processes, a skewed process that saw governor Simon Bako Lalong imposing a gubernatorial candidate on the party.
This is contained a release signed by Barrister Oumar Shittien as the Chairman, and Chief Amos Gizo as Moderator, the Plateau Project Two resolved, among other things, “that all petitions complaining about lack of delegates election and imposition of candidates shall be pursued to their logical conclusions.”
It also resolved that, “all court cases in respect of the same complaints shall also be pursued and concluded.”
To avoid the body derailed from their mission and vision to stay focused, the PPT set up a “committee of elders and representatives of all the aspirants to closely monitor the political situation and make recommendations to the Plateau Project Two Council”, as the meeting which ended unanimously endorsed by members, also elected Barrister Oumar Shittien as its Chairman.
BENIN CITY – THE family of late Ededuna Walter Obaseki has appealed to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II to prevail on some members of the family to release vital documents of their late patriarch including his death certificate and other needed documents to them to get his entitlements from the British government he served during World War II.
They said in the process, he earned the British War Medal awarded by King George VI, and several other British awards like the CBE, KBE, CB and others.
In a letter addressed to be Oba dated July 1 2022, signed by Mercy Ededuna Obaseki and made available to journalists yesterday, the family said their patriarch died 82 years ago and that they suspect foul play among members of the family which they claimed has led to them not being allowed access to their father’s documents.
They said they became suspicious of this when in one of their family meetings they announced a commemoration event which they wanted to embark on but they were discouraged from going ahead.
Part of the letter reads “I hereby write and solicit for your support in retrieving our fathers documents and Estates.
“We also want you, our Royal Father Sir, to use your voice to help us make our demands from the British Government so that they will also speedily grant our wish that our father’s entitlements be paid to us.
“The main reason we are reaching out to you and your office is so that, we can be able to retrieve the things (documents and properties) that belong to our father Sir Ededuna Walter Obaseki” claiming that the documents were passed on to some members of the family through their patriarch’s half-brother, Ikuobase Gaius Obaseki “those documents are now needed to process our father’s pensions and gratuity with the British Government, including some other documents of his estates which they refused to hand over to Sir Ededuna Walter Obaseki’s children.”
The Chief Judge Plateau State, Honourable Justice David G. Mann has commended the troops Operation Safe Haven for their efforts in ensuring peace returned on the plateau.
The Chief Judge made the commendation Thursday 28th July,2022 when the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army ,who doubled as the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali paid a courtesy visit to his office at High Court of Justice Complex, Aliyu Makama Street, Jos.
Justice Mann noted the continues peace enjoyed recently on the Plateau was as a result of the concerted efforts of the troops deployed on Operation SAFE HAVEN under the command of a hardworking leader Major General Ali .
He said individuals, groups and organisations have felt the positive impact of the strategies employed recently by the Commander to consolidate on the peaceful coexistence on the Plateau.
The Chief Judge further noted the significance of synergy among officials involved in the Criminal Justice System. He said all must work together towards achieving a peaceful and united society devoid of criminalities.
Earlier in his remarks, the GOC 3 Division, who is also Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, noted the significance of stiffer punishment to deter criminal minded persons from breaking the law.
He however reaffirmed the commitment of Operation SAFE HAVEN to the rule of law and professional discharge of its responsibilities devoid of any sentiment.
GOC/ Commander also condoled with Judiciary and the family of the President Customary Court of Nigeria Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem over the unfortunate denise of her son.
As the 2023 general elections draws nearer, a group under the aegis of All Progressives Congress (APC) Concern Vanguard in Plateau State chapter has accused the Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, of planning to kill the APC and bring on board the Labour Party (LP), as a ruling party in the state.
In a press statement made available to REALITY today, signed by one, Samson Pam, as Chairman and Nicholas J. Fabian, as Secretary, the group alleged that, it is of the knowledge that, the Governor had a closed door meeting with the candidate of Labour Party (LP) in Plateau State to urge him to sell his position for cash.
“We are concerned on why the Plateau State Governor, being a Legal Practitioner and knowledgeable of the weights of the pending cases, but has resulted to sort for an alternative Political Party and another candidate, a possible shift from APC to Labour Party (LP) and filling his closest ally in the person of Prof. C. J Dakas (SAN).
“The Governor was in negotiation with the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Amb. Margif Yohanna, at a closed door meeting on the 25th/ 07/2022, where Lalong attempt to pay off the sum of Five hundred million naira(#5000,000,000) in order to pave ways for his new anointed candidate, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN)”. The group allegedly stated.
The group further stated that, the press statement is to also advise, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN), to steer clear from the plan as it would damage the image he has already built on the Plateau and the country at large.
“This writing is also an advice to, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN) not to stain his integrity and reputation that the Plateau people are giving him as one Legal giant in the history of Plateau. “Please, allow Governor Lalong to face his fate and accusations by Plateau Youths as the reasons for Sen. Dariye’s continuous detention despite his pardon announced over four months ago”.The group berates the National Chairman of the Party, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, for not taking any step in resolving all the conflicts that arose after the governorship primary election in the state.
READ THE APC CONCERN VANGUARD TEXT IN FULL BELOW:-LALONG SACRIFICING APC FOR LABOUR PARTY ON THE PLATEAU BY THE PLATEAU APC CONCERN VANGUARD.
Gentlemen of the Press, We have addressed you severally on all the electoral processes on the Plateau, ranging from the State House of Assembly, Federal House of Representatives (Reps), Senate and the Governor, up to the APC Party hierarchy, from the Wards, Local Governments, State and the National Working Committee (NWC), which were all compromised for the selfish interest of the Plateau State Governor.
You will also recall that, Aspirants from all the aggrieved groups have written, several complaints and petitions up to the National level and were given deaf ears. Why? Because, the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu has been bought over and it was easier for the Petitions not to be heard since the NWC has already compromised not minding whether the APC as a Party, wins in the State or not.
Why APC just lost in Osun State amongst other reasons was the Non – Challant attitude towards internal complaints and petitions under the leadership of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu.Why is the NWC not caring about complaints and petitions in the first place? It was because they were a product of the same imposition and illegalities.
The above mentioned lack of internal democracy and reconciliations has resulted to so many post primary court cases in APC, under Abdullahi Adamu and that’s why the Plateau cases are still in court at various levels.We are concerned on why the Plateau State Governor, being a Legal Practitioner and knowledgeable of the weights of the pending cases, but has resulted to sort for an alternative Political Party and another candidate, a possible shift from APC to Labour Party (LP) and filling his closest ally in the person of Prof. C. J Dakas (SAN). The Governor was in negotiation with the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Amb. Margif Yohanna, at a closed door meeting on the 25th/ 07/2022, where Lalong attempt to pay off the sum of Five hundred million naira(#5000,000,000) in order to pave ways for his new anointed candidate, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN).It will interest you to know that, another reason why Lalong is desperate for the shift is the fact that, he lost the APC Presidential running mate and the possible SGF slot that will not be zone to North Central because of the seat of the National Party Chairman, which has been zoned to us.All these, at the expense of not paying the state workers their four months’ salaries and also for the extra efforts to shift the APC Aspirants cases from the 4th to 17th August, 2022, thinking it will elapse within the Electoral Act timing, which will end up making the APC in Plateau not to have a candidate in 2023. This explains the reason for his shift to Labour Party (LP).
This writing is also an advice to, Prof. C. J. Dakas (SAN) not to stain his integrity and reputation that the Plateau people are giving him as one Legal giant in the history of Plateau. Please, allow Governor Lalong to face his fate and accusations by Plateau Youths as the reasons for Sen. Dariye’s continuous detention despite his pardon announced over four months ago.In conclusion, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu should do the needful, if he wants the party in Plateau State to have a head way, except if he has planned that, the APC should die at his time, in his hands or at his watch. As the National Party Chairman does not allow them think your age is the reason. We advise as a concerned group. Chairman: Samson Pam Secretary: Nicholas J. Fabian
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was among thousands of sympathizers who converged at ECWA Unity Church Rayfield Jos to pay last respects to Deloh Naomi Jugu who died recently at the age of 82 years.
Governor Lalong described her as a mother who was loving, principled and passionate for the development of Plateau State and Nigeria as well as resolute for the protection of the lives of women, children and the less privileged.
Lalong said Ngo Naomi Jugu was a fearless politician who never tolerated injustice but would rather give up her rights and comfort to fight for equity, fairness and justice.
The Governor further stressed that her life story is one of Service, diligence and excellence because she carried out her assignments with the fear of God and love,this made her serve various Governments in the State and at the National level in many capacities.
Governor Lalong said she left indelible footprints in the sands of time which will need to be filled by those she has mentored and raised in the area of politics, community service, business and education among others.
In his sermon, Rev. Ayuba Ashishe challenged Christians and Nigerians of other faiths to bear in mind that they will one day give account of themselves before God who has the records of their activities.
He said the Book of Revelation in the Bible is very clear that every soul with stand before God to be judged according to his deeds without discrimination or any escape. He said Late Deloh Naomi Jugu was a committed Christian who did her best to follow the ways of God at all times.
The family of the deceased appreciated Governor Lalong for his support, respect, and love towards Mama Naomi Jugu while she was alive and even at her death.
They described her as a caring and loving mother who did not only raise her biological children, but also trained many who have become great persons in politics, business, education among others.
The Tax Appeal Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau state capital has ruled that Bleneson Service Nigeria Limited to pay sum of 8.153, 265, . million naira over tax defaults to the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS).
The Five-Man Panel, North Central Zone Tax Appeal Tribunal, Hon. Richard Umar Bala ordered the Appellant Bleneson Service Limited to pay the said tax default amount within 30 days of the judgement.
Honorable Richard Umar Bala give the order in a judgement in a matter between Bleneson Service Nigeria Limited, who is the Appellant and Plateau State Internal Revenue Service respondent, delivered on Wednesday, 20thJuly, 2022.
The Appellant, Bleneson Service Nigeria Limited brought the appeal dissatisfied with the demand notice of various tax liabilities served by the respondent, demanding a notice of liability (AWD2A) dated 2th December, 2021, some date on the Appellant notified the letter of tax liability in the aggregate sum of #173,834,718,42, One hindered and seventy three million, eighteen naira, forty two kobo, only, for the period of 2018 to 2019 years of the assessment.
The component of the liabilities included: PAYE #5,393,370,00, withholding tax on rent #800,000,00, development levy less remittance #22,100,00, Business premises less remittance #15,000,00, 10% development levy on contracts #130,000,00, 10% penalty #13,623,04,00, 12% interest #28,608,398,70, failure to file annual returns, #500,000,00, less payment on audit exercise #5,127,197,28.
In reply to the demand notice, the Appellant Bleneson service Nigeria Limited wrote a later dated 17th December 2020, (AWD3) wherein it informed the respondent that its finance and accounts along with procurement department where working tirelessly to reconcile the audit report with their records to revert back to them, the respondent, as soon as it was completed.
Another letter dated, 11th, January 2021, (AWD4A-B) ,respondent at paragraph 3, informed the Appellant that its assessment demand notice of 2nd December 2020 had become final and conclusive since 5th January 2021, gave the Appellant till 31st January 2021, to pay up, warning that it may revert to the Appellant to embark on enforcement of payment of tax liability.
Subsequently, others correspondence and efforts between the parties could not lead to amicable settlement.
This appeal was brought on five grounds seeking the reliefs number (I) to (iii) as contained in the notice of appeal.
Annexed with the appeal notice were appellants list of one witness which was later increased to two upon a motion granted by the tribunal to the effect, sworn statement of witness and relevant documents.
The respondent upon being served with the appeal, filed its respondents dated and filed on the 9th February, 2022, accompanied with the list of one witness statements on oath and relevant documents.
The respondent PIRS, filed it response on point of law,and backed it with the necessary section of tax law showing why the body is not acting out of the law that set it up which both parties argued citing the relevant of both the Nigeria constitution and tax law.
The tribunal in it judgement,said Plateau Internal Revenue Service, is a body created by the Plateau state government with the mandate to collect taxes of all forms on behalf of the government for the purpose of provisions of enssential amenities for the state.
As against this back ground ,the tribunal ruled that Bleneson Service Limited should pay Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) the total sum of 8.5million naira as the amount the company defaulted as tax from 2018-19.
The tribunal further directed the Appellant, Bleneson Service Nigeria Limited to pay the said amount into the coffer of the state government within Thirty(30) days of the tribunal judgement to avoid the wrath of the tribunal which may amount to court contempt.
In an interview with the counsel to the respondent PSIRS, barrister Peret Ayuba commended the industry put by the tribunal that earned her client PSIRS, victory at the tax Tribunal.
Barrister Ayuba further said the judgement is a landmark judgement ,as it will serve as detriment to those who may want to embarked on this kind of fruitless effort to challenge the legality of internal revenue service in carrying out it constitutional function.
All efforts to speak with the counsel to the Appellant was not successful as he was conspicuously absent from court.
The Special Task Force code named Operation SAFE HAVEN has trained 165 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on community watch and security information gathering process in Riyom local government area of Plateau state.
Delivering his keynote address at the passing out ceremony at Riyom Township Stadium, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali said security of the communities requires continuous collaboration and support of the people.
He averred that timely sharing of information with the security agencies is key to peace and security of the communities.
Commander Ali who was represented by the Deputy Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, DCP Mohammad Rabiu reminded the trainees of the oath of allegiance which they swear ,and warned them to be more vigilant and impartial in the discharge of their duties.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander Sector 6 Riyom, Colonel Hassan Gwani revealed that the trainees were drawn from various communities that cut across religious and ethnic background.
“The trained vigilantes are to work with the security agencies in monitoring activities of criminal elements and report accordingly ” he said.
In their separate remarks, Member Representating Riyom in Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon Timothy Dachung and the Chairman Riyom Local Government Area, Hon Mafeng Gwalson applauded Operation SAFE HAVEN for initiating measures to secure the communities on the Plateau.
They alluded the improvement of the security situation in the state sequel to the new measures recently employed by the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali.
The speakers noted the importance of security patrols, vigilnace, and continues collaboration with the community members in taming the tide of insecurity on the plateau.
In his vote of thanks, the Ata Ateh of Ganawuri, His Royal Highness, Da Yakubu , pledged the continues support of community leaders and the people of Riyom to the troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN.
He expressed optimism in the capacity of the troops to secure the people when given the necessary support.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of writing materials to primary school pupils and oath taking ceremony, administered by the Chief Magistrate of Riyom, Justice Noknaan Dreakat.
The Management of Qua’an-Pan LGC, Plateau State, has assured that it will not relent in providing adequate support for the success of the 2022 Trial Census exercise.
The Executive Chairman, Hon. Ernest Abner gave the assurance Tuesday July 19, 2022, while addressing the National Population Commission (NPC) Team in his office at the Council Secretariat.
Represented by the Secretary to the Council, Hon. Gideon Godenaan Dashe, Council Chairman assured that the Local Government will provide the needed support to ensure that the team carry out their assignment successfully and urged them to reciprocate that gesture by doing their job diligently.
He commended the Federal Government, through the National Population Commission (NPC), for the efforts being put in place towards the realization of the exercise, appealing to all stakeholders and households to cooperate with the team.
Earlier, the Leader of the team, Hon. Tangoedoe Dakup, had expressed appreciation to the Council for the warm reception accorded the team and appealed for necessary support towards the success of the exercise.
He expressed confidence in the ability of his team to deliver, assured that they will be properly guided.
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi had proven, even before he ventured into politics that he is an embodiment and good example of people needed for good governance in public offices.
To the hospitality guru, it was good enough that he remained the philanthropist that he is well known. With the milk of human kindness that he is endowed with by the almighty creator, Hon.Yusuf Babayo Gagdi would have preferred to remain on the side of the people rather than succumbing to the pressures from his people to go into Second term.
However, as a smart and intelligent man, he quickly understood that, venturing into Second term would afford him the opportunity to do more for his people whom he dearly loved, by judicious application of public resources.
Nevertheless, his decision to succumb to the will of his people did not come easy. It took series of emissaries, pleas and courtesy calls, which spanned almost a decade, for him to accede to their request to go second term. At the point he succumbed, it was already obvious that, through philanthropism, he was already doing what a public officer could offer through selfless service of immeasurable quantum.
One, he was already a leading employer of labour through his massive exploits in construction etc, which spread across the Plateau State .
Second, his passion for lifting many out of poverty circle through various forms of empowerment scheme was not in doubt. Consequent upon this resolve, Rt.Hon, Yusuf Babayo Adamu Gagdi floated empowerment outlets and skill acquisition centres for the emancipation of youths from the iron-grip of poverty.
The election that heralded Yusuf Gagdi’s administration in 2019, stands as a record breaker till date. It was a landslide victory that could not be questioned. It was like referendum by his people that gave him the mandate to extend his philantrophic and administrative wisdom that stood him out in the private sector to the public sector.
Babayo’s victory in that election was a validation of the ‘time tested’ truth that, “One good turn deserves another.”
Mindful of the fact that, “trust is a burden,” Babayo Gagdi moved swiftly, without delay, to justify his known empowerment and skill acquisition zeal by rolling out formidable and robust youth programs to keep them off the street aside engaging them in available political appointments to enable them realise their potentials.
Just three years of his administration, Hon. Babayo Gagdi kept the flame of leadership burning. His landmark achievements, made will make his re-election a walkover.
Because of the humane and people oriented policies of his Administration leadership, he never lacked the overwhelming support of his people by the show of love, support and cooperation of his people, he had virtually transformed all areas of human endeavours in the Pkk, through provision of critical infrastructures.
No wonder, the political bulldozer’s residence and office have become a beehive of activities for politicians seeking for endorsements, advise, encouragement and wisdom to run for elective positions.
Because of his large heartedness, particularly, in the area of human capital development, side by side with economic empowerment, Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi took on the role of political leadership and father of all.
As members of the peaceful Vwang Community, the host of Karl Kumm University, Vom open the gate of the institution for academic activities to take -off, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Nanven Audu Gambo has assured the people that the management will do justice by considering a qualified candidate from the community for the position of Register.
Prof. Gambo disclosed this on Monday 18th July,2022, when Vwang community led by the President, Vwang Development Association (VDA), Jonah Gworu; Berom Youth Moulders-Association and other associations resolved the lingering misunderstanding that has delayed the smooth take off of academic activities in the institution.
It could be recalled that youths from the host community under the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) had closed down the institution for over one year following the refusal of the management to honour the Memoranda of Understanding signed with the Vwang community and the announcement of Dr. Daniel Kim as Registrar of the Institution.
Prof. Gambo expressed excitement over the action of Vwang people who open the gate of the institution and described them as hospitable, accommodative and trustworthy saying that justice would be done for all parties involved.
“I want to appeal to Vwang community that let us mend the broken trust, as believers, trust is very critical in sustaining harmonious relationship, we must learn to trust one another.”
The VC emphasized that he had earlier called on the Gwom Rwey Vwang, Da Gyang Balak to inform him that the Registrar of the Institution has been appointed a Registrar at the University of Jos, and that a suitable candidate from the community may wish to apply once the position is advertised.
He added, “Right now, we are about to conduct interview for the position of the registrar and we have had four applications from people who are interested in the position but we will have to shortlist only those who meet our criteria and I don’t think the community should entertain any fear for now.
“We are not totally insensitive to our commitment in terms of responsibility to the community, there is what we call Corporate Social Responsibility and that will manifest when we have grown the University to certain level, that is when the community will appreciate the University more.
“We want you to give us the benefits of doubt, that we will do what we have promised by the grace of God. If we believe in God, then we should be hopeful at all times ” he appealed.
The Head of Civil Service, Plateau State, Engr. Sunday Hyat who represented Governor Simon Lalong at the peace meeting, appreciated Vwang community for listening to Government to open the University’s gate.
He explained that the Governor had mandated him with Commissioner for Higher Education, Plateau State to resolve the lingering crisis rocking the institution and ensure that each party get justice for the smooth take off of the institution.
Engr. Hyat said they had series of interface with the community members which yielded a fruitful result; and commended the resilient of the youths who insisted on doing the right thing, and assured them that the community stand to gain alot if they join hands with the management to grow the institution.
” The Governor made a commitment, now that he had played a role in fostering understanding between the University and the community, we will now channel our energy towards the National University Commission (NUC) to ensure that the license of the University that was suspended is secured now that there is understanding between the institution and the community.”
President, Vwang Development Association (VDA), Mr. Jonah C. Gworu expressed delight over the efforts of the Head of Service, Commissioner of Higher Education and Governor Simon Lalong who directed the duo to wade into the lingering impasse.
He urged Management of the University to implement the terms of agreement reached with the community for a healthy and mutual relationship.
Chairman of Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Barr. Emmanuel Mangu who open the gate gave the University two weeks ultimatum to appoint a qualified candidate from the community to the position of the Registrar and honour the Memoranda of Understanding signed with the community.
Vwang community had donated land which Karl Kumm University was developed valued at N1.4 billion and trailer of cement worth N1.5 million for the smooth take off and progress of the Institution.
The chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Plateau State who doubled as the chairman Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Hon. Abubarkar Dogara has said ,the recent Muslim Muslim ticket by the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential Candidate Ahmed Tinubu and the public out cry is obviously an indication that Nigeria has lost interest in their leadership.
He said the ugly trend is so worrisome to the Inter Party Advisory Council,as he stressed that unless this frightening trend is address this may spelt doom for the country.
The SDP, chairman in the state Hon.Abubakar Dogara was speaking in an interview to this medium in his office in Jos over the weekend.
He said, it’s the handiwork of desperate politians because as far back as 1993, there were never religion issue in Nigeria politics . Nigerians vote for competency , capacity in the people they want in power.
The chairman Inter Party Advisory Council Abubarkar Dogara also what said as God would have it ,the crops of politians voted into power in that period under review,performed creditably well.
He, however, lamented that the case is different today which causes distrust among Nigerians because of that they no longer have trust on their Leadership which no longer by competent ,but on the basis of religion and ethnic affliction which lead to the failure of Leaders and governance.
Speaking on Plateau Politics ahead 2023, Hon, Dogara said there is going to be massive Change in Plateau politics in 2023.if you look at the ruling party APC, in the state,most of them who contested primaries for various positions are currently aggreived because of high level of impunity that greeted it conduct.
Going to the largest opposition Party PDP,the same thing is playing out,so the aggrieved persons are now looking for an alternative political party to execise their franchise.So you will see drastic change in 2023 as no body can predict what may likely happen and which Party that will take over the state in 2023.
The Social Democratic party in the state stressed that voting pattern in 2023 election is going to change entirely as voting is going to take individual pattern against the previous party voting pattern.
This ugly tend is a great Concern to the Inter Party Advisory Council as people no longer trust political parties due largely because of lies and deceit of those given the opportunity before.
He further add that people now care less on Party, they vote for you,if are not okay , they move to another political party , political is just a Vehicle he maintained.
He said another source of concern is the Muslim Muslim ticket that has and still generating inferno in the Nigeria political space. As I earlier said in the course of this interview,this thing played out 1993 between MKO Abiola of blessed memory and kingbe ,but then there was trust amongst the Nigeria people.
On the issue of bandit, incessant kidnapping of innocent citizens on the state on highways, worse still even right inside their houses, Hon.Abubakar said the ruling APC, government failed woofully because they renegade on the oath of office he took to defend the Nigeria citizens and properties.
What we expected from the government on the kidnapped victims by the kidnappers who are still languishing in the “Den” of their captives is for the government to secure their release from their captives ,and we have capable security personnel ,and we have send the security to trail them with the view of smoking them out.
He however lamented that government of Mohammadu Buhari is not having the political will to put an end to the incessant attacks and kidnapping going on in different parts of the country.
The IPAC, chairman charged the Electorates across the country and Plateau State in particular to avoid money Politics in the forthcoming Election as voting in line with money line, you jorpardize your future and the future of your children.
“We hope in 2023, politians will guard against those money bag politicians , that can’t secure their future, children and their ground children”
” What happened in Ekiti State during the last election , SDP, was at the verge of winning the election , there has no time in the history of elections in this country that a vote was bought for Ten Thousand Naira ,it happened in Ekiti last governship election,under the watch of security agents ,so if this country collapse,all of us collapse with it.”
” That is why we are drawing the attention of the Electorates ahead 2023 General Elections in the country , security agencies, INEC and other stakeholders in the country to ensure they check mate those politians bringing the money they looted from government coffers to buy the conscience of Nigerians to perpetrate themselves in power “
He warned particularly politians on the Plateau that the era of money Politics is no longer invoke.
However,there is a serious indication that there are awareness ,and religious bodies have woken up to their responsibility and sensitizing their followers in every nook and crannies of the state to go and Register for PVC,and vote out those crops of politians away from the power both at States and national level.
On the reposition of Social Democratic Party (SDP) on the plateau ahead 2023 General Elections.
” If I could remember , since 2018 we have reposition the party . Recently we have conducted our party’s state Congress to elect the state Executive across board 207 Federal electorial wards .We have structures in the 17 local government of the state.”
” Recently,you can see the influx of decampee from the ruling APC to SDP.At the central zone recently,Hon.Leo Dikon decamped to the party ,and he is now our Senatorial Candidate in plateau Central Zone.We are just waiting for the election, as we are already having one senator in place.Even in Bokos LG,we received another giant decampee to the party ,one Yakubu Maram is now in the party veing for the the position of state house of Assembly under the Platform of SDP,the party is having candidates in all the positions, State to national.”
The chairman further stressed that the party is being reposition ,”we are making consultations ,we are hoping that we are going to take over the Little Rayfield 2023.We are going to replicate what happened during Fidalise Tapgun as the Governor in the state under the platform of Social Democratic party (SDP),by the grace of God,it may respect itself in 2023.
My call to Nigeria ahead 2023 General Elections,is that they should vote candidate that has the capacity to deliver, they should not vote person because of his religion or ethnicity.
He said during the administration of Timothy Buba as the chairman of Jos North ,the Muslims felt with Timothy as chairman of the council, they will be maginalize because he is a Christian,but suffice to point out that under his administration he carried everybody along irrespective of their religious background.
“Today Shehu Bala is the current chairman of Jos North local government ,the question is that whether he doing something different.When Buba was there,some of the Christians at the council fought him to finish.Today those who are against Hon. Bala’s policy are the Muslims from his side.”
He said there is no religion and ethicity in governance .My advice to the voters is not to vote base on religion or ethicity which is trying to divide us more.
“Unfortunately, politians are very happy using religion as weapon to divide us. I ‘m’ appealing to the people of Nigeria and plateau state ,to vote people who have the competent to deliver and accessable after voting into power”.
Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, BCM, governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Plateau State, on Sunday attended the launching for purchase of musical equipment of the Church of Christ In Nations, COCIN, Yantrailer Jos.
Barr. Caleb Mutfwang who was represented by Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, called on the church to manifest the righteousness of God in order to make the world a better place, and also enjoined the congregation to be focused in pursuance of God’s love and interventions in their daily lives.
Expressing his joy to be fellowshipping with them, the gubernatorial flag bearer solicited for their prayers and support as he prepares for the campaigns ahead 2023 General Election, adding that only God can help him accomplish his mission to unite the people and rebuild Plateau State.
Barr. Caleb Mutfwang later joined members of the congregation to donate for the purchase of the musical instruments.
It would be recalled that barrister Caleb Mutfwang emerged the Governship flag bearer of PDP Governship primaries of the party keenly and transparently conducted at Land Field in Jos South local government of the state.
Rev.Adelokoji Okejimi Ijaola (1971-2022): Celebrating a Life Lived for God and Humanity“I believe nothing is impossible and unachievable. I have a passion for Excellence and have been commissioned to raise leaders in all areas of life.”The above quotation summed up who he was – a dogged fighter of Christ who believed that nothing was impossible and unachievable through Christ who strengthened him. He lived the full length of his life for excellence and died even while fulfilling the great commission to raise leaders in all areas of life.Born to the Adelokoji family 50 years ago, Ijaola set out early to identify his mission for the world he would only serve for short but impactful years. He started by acquiring education at different levels. After his primary and secondary education, he was admitted into the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State where he bagged a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1997. He was a member of the Editorial Team during his studentship.He did not rest on his oars and in 1999; he secured admission into the University of Lagos where he bagged a Master in Business Administration and Management (MBA) 2001. Having received calls, in 2011, he was admitted into one of the oldest theological seminaries in Africa, the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Oyo state where he bagged Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Theology in 2005. In 2014, Adelokoji obtained a Doctor of Ministry, Theological and Ministerial Studies from the same institution. While in the Seminary, Adelokoji was the President of the Master of Divinity Student Fellowship and Coordinator, of Theologue Magazine. He did not just stop there; he was a Fellow, Institute of Information Management, Fellow Institute of Management Consultant, and a Chartered Management Consultant.In 1999, Adelokoji joined the services of Lenoil Petroleum and Petrochemical Company Ltd, Lagos as a Marketing Executive. He was responsible for the marketing of the product, relating with customers, and serving as a link between the production, laboratory, and the consumers of company products. By July 2000, he worked as Marketing Manager, International Telecommunications Company Limited. He was there between July 2000 and August 2002. To the admiration of his employers and colleagues, he was responsible for the development of business ideas for the company; coordinating all the clients of the company; liaising with the Managing Director on how to move the company forward, and supervising the marketers of the company.After his ordination, then Pastor Adelokoji served at New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos before he was appointed as the Senior Pastor, New Jerusalem-City Baptist Church, Lagos. He was responsible for general coordination of the various aspects of the Church life, preaching, counseling, motivating, and building leaders. He was there between August 2005 and July 2015.As a result of his unforgettable impact at the New Jerusalem-City Baptist Church, Lagos, he was appointed as the Director of Publications of the Nigerian Baptist Convention in August 2015. He served in this position until his demise on June 18, 2022, after a brief illness. During his time, he effectively coordinated the Publications of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and also served as the Business Manager of the Department. The department witnessed exponential growth in kingdom business. The transformation included the change of the name from Baptist Press to BP Productions Limited. Dr. Adelokoji did not just contribute to the growth of the Baptist publications; he created the opportunity for Christian Writers to connect to promote Christian literature when he created a WhatsApp group that has been a networking channel for Christian Writers and publishers in Nigeria.Adelokoji in one of his popular quotations said “I am always seeking an opportunity to make a strong contribution to organizational goals through professional, social and technical skills already acquired as well as continued development of the same and new ones.” Testimonies abound that he lived true to this quotation. He used his physical and spiritual skills acquired over his 50 years in life to serve God and expand His kingdom and humanity. In his sermon titled “Returning Home” during the burial service, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel A. Akanji said “We observed that all losses in Luke 15 were recovered. There is always recovery with God. We have not lost.Citing the parable of the lost son, Akanji said “the older brother was lost to nearness while the younger was lost to distance. Some people are close to the kingdom of God but not ready to enter. The Father in the Parable was God Himself. He helps us to understand what it meant to return home. The lost son’s expression shows us how to return home. To die and leave this world is portrayed as how to return home. Our brother has just returned home to our Father. Returning home is also like Supper Time. Jim Reeves expresses that in his song, “This World is Not My Home…” and also the song “Come Home its Supper Time…” (Let us meditate on the words of these songs).He continued, “Returning home is returning to the Father. According to the Catholic Catechism, God is our Origin and Destination. He is also our dwelling. God is expecting us home because he had gone to prepare a place for us. Returning home is returning to the Father’s compassion. Returning to the Father’s eager welcome. The Father ran to the son. Philip, Craig, and Dim wrote a song, “When God Ran…” Returning home is returning to the Father’s elaborate acceptance. He showed that acceptance can be plotted. Eccl. 3 – a time to embrace and a time to refrain. Naomi also did a similar thing when she encouraged Ruth to go to Boaz well dressed. Esther also was going to see the king and there were conditions to meet before seeing the king – Esther 5:1. The lost son never met any of these conditions to elicit acceptance, yet the Father accepted him. Returning home means returning to the Father’s elaborate forgiveness. He confessed his failure and sin. Before he could finish, the Father had embraced him and never made reference to what he did. The Father had the right to reject him; instead, he had compassion for him. Return to the Father’s Elaborate Honor. His father ordered to give him a ring and change his robes. Return to Flabbergasted surprise. Immediate action was taken to change his life and appearance.”He added that “Returning home is returning to the Father’s rich treasures. He was given robes and sandals and the fattest calf was prepared for him. Returning home is returning to the Father’s Empowerment. He was henceforth recognized as the father’s son. Returning home is returning to the Father’s Elaborate Celebration. Returning home is returning to Father’s Theology. This son was dead but he is alive now. He was lost but now he’s found. That is the Father’s Theology. Returning home is returning to the Father’s Unquestionable Authority. No one dared to question the Father’s authority to question his decisions for receiving and celebrating a lost son. He instead urged those complaining to join in the celebration. Some people will question God for admitting some people into heaven when we get there. Hence there will be three surprises in heaven; some you think will be there, will not be there; some you think will not be there will be there, and you will be there…the question being, how did I get here…?”He affirmed that “Today, we believe our Brother Adelokoji has returned to our compassionate, forgiving, sacrificial, overlooking, celebrating, accepting Father. During his 50th Birthday, all the songs were geared toward salvation. He dedicated his birthday to the salvation he received” He concluded.Hundreds of testimonies have poured in for the Lord’s general that has gone to be with Him. In his tribute, Rev Dr. Julius Omomoola described Adelokoji as the “brain box of the family Churches”. He said “I have served as a lead pastor of New Heritage Baptist Church, Shomolu, Lagos and New Estate Baptist Church is one of the churches of the New Estate family churches where Pastor Adelokoji served first as the pastor and also served as one of the leaders of the New Estate Family Churches where he served as a Secretary for many years. While he was serving as a Secretary, I served as the Chairman of the body, and like I did mention during the message that Adelokoji was the brainbox of that family Church and he is many things to many people.“We can’t describe Adelokoji in paragraphs, in volumes, not to speak about him because he was truly larger than life. He was a man that was sold out to God, sold out to the work of the Lord, sold out to humanity and he touched many lives in many places. I want to thank God that today we have reasons to celebrate his life, it is not a loss, it is a gain to the kingdom of God that God sent him to this world and he impacted this life, this world before God called him back and like I did mention that William game said ‘the value of a man’s life is not computed by his duration, not how long you live but the kind of impact. He made his life to be a donation; a donation to his family, a donation to the Church, and the Convention and the body of Christ. Look at what God used him to do in the Publication Ministry of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. He left a great legacy in the ministry and even beyond the Baptist denomination. I know of several Churches who get our materials, is it Sunday School, and is it Daily Encounter, and then send these materials outside the shore of this country. At a point, the publication ministry declared profit. God has used him, so we want to thank God that yes we miss him on this part but of eternity, but we know he’s at home with God. My counsel again to the family is that they should take solace in the fact that their husband and father were a gift to the world and a great blessing to the world.“People have a lot to thank God for about his life and I think that’s what life is all about that life is about service. Life is about giving and Ade was someone that not only gave his life but also gave his time, gave his ideas, and resources to be a great blessing to life. I think we need to learn lessons from this. To his wife, to his children, they need to just take solace in the fact that yes the one who God brought as their father and the husband to our sister was a blessing and God sent him to impact life and I know that the legacy he has left behind is not going to be erased overnight. These things will keep speaking. The life that he touched will keep speaking, and even the institution he affected will keep reflecting the fact that he passed by and he made a great impact, so, we are just here as pilgrims, we are not going to be here forever like someone testified that Jesus only lived 33 and half years and look at the impact, so what about Methuselah who lived for many years and nothing were written about him as regards to impact, but we have volumes that we can write, we can see, we can testify about Adelokoji Ijaola. I think that should be our consolation.” While narrating her experience with Adelokoji, Mrs. Jide Oshodi Adunni said “I was the Youth President in 1999 and 2000. By the time we were preparing for Youth Week in 1999, our Youth Pastor was indisposed just a day before Youth Week Sunday and we gathered, we prayed, we sought the face of the Lord and some of my Executive were mentioning Adelokoji, brother Adelokoji, until then I never knew him. So, I say okay bring him out. When he came, we told him, will you be able to be Youth Pastor for this week? We have this issue and he joined us, we prayed together and he fit in everything that had been planned. He added his contribution and that year was a powerful Youth Week year. Ever since we have been working together, the following year, the year 2000, he was my Secretary and by the time I left in the year 2000 end, he was the Youth President in the year 2001, and we continued to work together.” She described Adelokoji as “very amicable and dependable.”She continued “When I begin to describe him, it will be as if I’m talking about God. He is a son of God and every factor of God is in him to the point that 20 years after, I was still looking out for him to hand over my son to. He is a man of God, even when he is at New Jerusalem Baptist Church from here, I and my husband will drive down to do service with them once in a while, just because of the love, the fact that you know if this man speaks, you will hear from God. You will know that it is God that sent him to say this, to do this. I still just cannot believe that I will wake up tomorrow and see that it is a dream.”Admonishing the family, she said, “I know the family has his spirit in them. I know Mrs. Adelokoji will be strong to continue with life, to continue with the ministry she must not let the investment her husband placed in her life go down the grave. I know you cannot spend a day with Adelokoji and you are not imparted talk-less of spending years in the same bed with Adelokoji and you tell me you are not equipped. No, she is equipped. The Lord will use the rest of us to spur her. So, I still know that she will grow strong, she will continue to be strong and the children too, what daddy has put in them, they can never forget, and God will uphold them. In his tribute, Adelokoji’s friend and in-law, Orisegun Bemi Okorodudu, said “Revd Adelokoji Ijaola was first my friend then he became my in-law and we accepted him as a son and a brother-in-law in the family because he was someone that always stood by the family. He was the visible in-law among in-laws. He was ever-present at every point in time. I happened to be the immediate younger brother of his wife. I remembered back then when we were friends, he told me he was interested in my sister then and I took the message to my sister that first time she declined but eventually, we continued the prayer. I and the late Revd Ijaola continued the prayer and eventually, she accepted it and we thank God for that, and my prayer is that God will continue to uphold her and the family.”In his testimony, the Pastor of New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, a traditional Church of Adelokoji said, “Adelokoji was for me a spiritual son. He was first, my Youth President, a very hard-working one for that matter, who set his standard for a successful generation of youth in the Church. Secondly, I wedded him by the grace of God, when he was ready to get married, and he married another daughter of the Church, so two of them were members of the Church. God brought them together under my spiritual watch and thirdly, God gave me the grace also to commission him to ministry to go to Seminary for training. When he finished his training, he resumed at New Estate Baptist Church under my spiritual watch, and then as he was finishing, God opened the opportunity of service in one of our Churches in New Jerusalem Baptist Church where he went to serve. We allowed him to serve there and he served there excellently for 10 years. It was from there that the Convention extended a call to him to go and serve as Director of Publications. So for me, he was a wonderful person like the preacher said we call him our brain box. He was fantastic at organizing, putting things together, and ensuring that things begin and finish successfully. We will miss him. Our message to the family is that they should just keep trusting God, turning to him and talking to him at all times, and entrust their lives to the hand of God. They will have no reason to be afraid. I must say here they will live a better life than when even he was around because God will continue to be their shepherd, and will meet them at the point of their needs. So, the sorrow, the anguish, and the pain must be allowed to go because better days are lying ahead”.Adelokoji has been volunteering as a Life Coach and Financial Coach since 1998 for BLEM, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Christian Circle among others. He authored several books. Among them were; Financial Intelligence (2008); The God of Pleasant Surprises (2011); and Family Finance and Wealth Creation (2013).For a Seven-Star General like Adelokoji, their departure services are always special. Maranatha Baptist Association conducted a commendation service at New Jerusalem-City Baptist Church, Lagos. This was followed by a Service of Songs by the AKLS Family Churches conducted at New Estate Baptist Church, Lagos, while the Lighthouse Baptist Church, Ibadan, Oyo state conducted another Service of Songs. The Nigerian Baptist Convention moved the ‘Baptist Building’ to Oritamefa Baptist Church, Ibadan where the Burial Service was conducted before his body was returned to his maker at the Oritamefa Baptist Church, Ibadan cemetery on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Adelokoji was happily married with children.Fare thee well, Director of Directors, Ijaola.
The Plateau State National and House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, has Friday 15th July,2022 reserved date for judgment into the Petition of Muhammad Adam Alkali and his People’s Redemption Party (PRP), seeking for the annulment of Hon. Musa Agah, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as winner of the February, 26th 2022, bye-election into Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency.
Counsels to the petitioners, Yakuba H. Ruba SAN, that of the respondents Sunday Odey Esq, and that of INEC MA Attah Esq, have both adopted their final written addresses, relying on Constitutional, electoral law, INEC election guidelines and subsisting court judgements to canvassed their arguments.
It would be recalled INEC conducted the bye-election into the vacant seat of Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency following the untimely death of Hon. Haruna Maitala in a ghastly motor accident on 2nd April, 2021 along Jos Abuja road.
The returning officer for that election declared that PDP candidate Musa Agah winner.
However, the Petitioners, not satisfied, approached the tribunal to challenge INEC declaration hinging their Petition on three grounds which include, allegations of over voting in many areas in favour of the PDP and it’s candidate and non useage of the BVAS in multiple polling units.
The third ground is the allegation that the 1st Respondent (PDP), did not nominate and sponsored a candidate at the bye-election for the office of Member, House of Representatives Bassa/Jos North federal constituency conducted on the 26th February, 2022 in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) and the Electoral Act.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed sadness over the demise of the paramount ruler of the Eggon nation HRH Bala Angbazo who died at the age of 89.
Governor Lalong expression of sadness is contained in press statement dated 15th July,2022, signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs Makut Macham and made available to this medium in Jos.
Governor lalong said he is saddened by the death of the royal father who was a great ruler of not only the Eggon people, but a father to many across Nasarawa, Plateau States and beyond.
According to him, the Late traditional ruler who spent 41 years on the throne having been installed in 1981, did a lot to promote the good of his people and protect their rights within the then Plateau State and later Nasarawa State when it was created.
He said “HRH Bala Angbazo was a man of tremendous wisdom and courage who loved people and promoted peace, unity and oneness. He never discriminated against anyone nor promoted hatred or division against people based on ethnic, religious or political considerations. He was a man of peace who did a lot to create harmony among his subjects and across the nation”.
Lalong further said the late monarch will be remembered for his passion for education which saw him encouraging the establishment of schools and making frantic efforts to enroll children from all segments of society particularly those from remote areas.
He also worked hard to advance the economic prosperity of his people through agriculture and entrepreneurship by leading with good examples that were emulated by many.
While commiserating with the immediate family, the Eggon nation and the entire Government and people of Nasarawa State, Lalong said the late monarch will continue to be remembered for his legacies of patriotism, love and passion for tolerance, peace and progress.
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Plateau State has praised Governor Simon Bako Lalong for his untiring commitment to restoring peace to the State and adopting transparency, accountability and open Governance approach in discharging his mandate to the people.
During a visit to the Governor at the Government House Rayfield Jos, Chairman of the CSOs in Plateau State Mr. Gad Peter Shamaki said they are delighted that Plateau State has continued to witness incremental peace and stability since Lalong came into office because of his determination to unite the people and address issues that ignite insecurity and crises.
He cited the creation of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, the signing of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, and the adoption of the Open Government Partnership Initiative among others as some of the laudable achievements of the Governor that have turned around the fortunes of the State nationally and internationally.
Shamaki also said the Governor has carried along the CSOs in his administration by listening to their advises and also partnering in various programmes and projects of the State.
He assured the Governor of the commitment of the CSOs in Plateau State to engage, collaborate and support the Government as it continues to serve the people.
Also contributing, Prof. Para Mallam, Steve Aluko, and Jessica Venkat representing various CSOs, thanked the Governor for always listening to their advises and also implementing some of their recommendations.
They also raised concerns about politics where they urged him to use his office as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum to advocate for politics of inclusion and proper representation of minority groups in the North Central and other parts of the country.
In his response, Governor Lalong thanked the CSOs for their cooperation and collaboration in the course of his service to the people of Plateau State.
Lalong said he has benefitted a lot from the honest criticisms, encouragement and genuine efforts of the civil society who have also played their part in carrying out programmes and projects that directly affect the lives of the people.
He attributed the passage of some of the laws such as VAAP, Child Rights Act, Disability Rights Act among others to the persistence and technical support of the CSOs who are passionate about the improvement of the lives of the people.
He assured them that his Government will continue to do its best in delivering on its promises to the electorate as well as ensuring that Plateau State continues to be the home of peace and tourism.
On the concerns raised about political representation and inclusivity, he said he will continue to canvass for politics of inclusion which he used in Plateau State give people sense of belonging and garner greater participation.
He advised the CSOs to encourage all eligible citizens to go out and obtain their PVCs which will give them the opportunity to ventilate their grievances in the ballot box and ensure that those who are elected will serve their interests.
In preparatory to the commissioning of the Peter and Anna Bawa hospital in Kwande, Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, in October 2022, His Royal Highness, the Long Kwo of Kwo Chiefdom, Miskoom Fidelis Longtoe Attahiru I,
The visit of the Royal Father to the cite of the hospital is to have first hand inspection of the facility readiness for the official commissing in October,2022.
The Royal Father who was at the cite of the hospital said he is satisfied with the stage of work at the hospital .
Justice Christy L.Dabup of High Court No2 of Plateau State on Thursday 14th July,2022 has adjourned for judgment on the suit filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria against the Former Governor David Jonah Jang and the cashier in the office of SSG ,Mr Yusuf Pam .
The matter which came up for adoption of final written addresses for both counsels to close their case ,a mild drama eschew between the prosecution counsel ,Rotimi Jacob ,SAN,and the counsel to the 1st defendant ,Chief Mike Ozekhome,SAN, over a fresh motion brought by the prosecution.
The prosecution counsel told the court that the matter was adjourned for adoption of final written addresses he want to file notice of appealing the ruling on trial within trial so urging the court to allow him move his two applications which is dated the 8th day of July, 2022.
He sought the court order to grant him the prayers which is supported with affidavit and a written address for his appeal .However, Chief Mike Ozekhome in a swift reaction said they’re not opposing the motion because it doesn’t have any effect to their argument .
However, the counsel to the second defendant ,Barr.Sunday Odey raised complained that they’re served with two motions which is targeted at their client ,Mr Yusuf Pam but the business of the day was for adoption of final written addresses and things is taking a different twist .
When they finally resort to move and adopt their final written addresses which the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacob said he will take 5 minutes each to response to their adumbrate which that shall be done after the counsels to the accused persons completed their adoption .
And Jacob argued vehemently that it is his right to reply them all on point of laws ,and he proceeded to adopt his motion dated 8th July,2022 ,on pages 161 and 167 of 13 paragraphs urging the court by seeking the leave to reply after the adoption on point of law .
The two legal gladiators Chief Mike Ozehomie and Rotimi Jacob clashed over allotted time , when Jacob was addressing the court saying that it’s my right to be allow but Mike Ozekhome and Rotimi Jacob both barked back on top of their voice that has been the attitude of the prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacob trick to intimidate and harassed judges .
As a result of the development the court proceedings became rowdy with action of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, exposing and blasting each others of records of practice and years called to bar .
The trial of Former Governor Jonah David Jang by Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over money laundering amounting to 6.3billion naira meant for Small medium and Micro finance Enterprises which was earmarked for small business operators in the state that Jang allegedly siphon and misappropriated when he held sway as governor from 2007-15.
When the court resumed sitting , the counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacob told the court that he is having two two motion he hopes to move, subject to the court convenience of your Lordship .
Initially Chief Mike Ozehomie counsel to the 1st defendant Jonah Jang didn’t oppose the motion,but in quick reaction the 2nd defendant Yusuf Pam represent by barrister G. S Odey vehemently opposed the motion on the ground that the court was adjourned till today 14th July,2022 yeahfor adoption of final written address by Parties, that the application for motion by the prosecuting Counsel Rotimi Jacob go contrary to the last adjournment for adoption of final written address.
After argument , it was however resolved by the court that the proposed motion of the prosecuting counsel should not be allowed to stall the day sitting which is earmarked for the adoption of final written addresses by Parties.
More so, the court added that the prosecutor counsel still have the ample time even after the judgement to try his motion at the court of appeal.
On adoption of final written address, Chief Mike Ozehomie (SAN)seek the leave of the court to allocate some few minutes to each Parties subject to the over riding convince of the court to breathe life into the adopted final written address.
The proposal which the judge , Justice Christy Dabup approved, and five minutes each were approved to the Parties to adumbrate.
In his quick reaction the prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacob(SAN) seek the leave of the court to be give the opportunity to adopt last given the opportunity to respond to the issues that might have raised by 1th and 2nd defendants in there separate adoptions.
At this stage Mike Ozehomie SAN, disagreed with his proposal and adviced him to complied with the court decision, but the prosecuting counsel was at this point speaking and shouting on top of his voice as all efforts to call him to order proved abortive by the judge could not yield any fruitful result.
At this point the Justice Christy Dabup abandoned the court and went into his inner chamber , while the court sitting was temporary brought to a close.
After five to ten minutes, the judge resumed sitting while the two legal gladiators apologize to the court for unprofessional behavior and allowing their emotions to over ride self-control, Justice Dabup accepted their separate sincere apology.
In his adoption of final written address, the 1st defendant who is the former Governor of the state, Jonah David Jang told the court to discharge and acquit him from all the charges brought against him by prosecution because they lack merit.
The 1st defendant which file his writing address on the 10th June,2022 represented by his counsel Mike Ozehomie SAN, said the former governor of the state and former Senator of the federal republic of Nigeria did his almost best during his administration with developmental projects across the state for everybody to see.
Ozehomie further stressed that it’s very important to discharge the 1st defendant considering his enormious achievement as the first citizens of the state and senator of federal republic of Nigeria in the 8th Assembly and he should be given more awards by the state and federal government for his developmental achievements during his administration.
The counsel to the 1st defendant said despite the instructions by the Honourable court that not more than 30 pages of final written address should be written by the parties.
However, the prosecuting counsel come up with almost 200 pages of final written address, a ploy he said to rope the 1st defendant in the case that was not earlier formulated by prosecuting counsel which they have woofully failed.
Ozehomie reiterated the need for the 1st defendant to be discharge and acquitted with apologies from the government for putting him through harrowing experience.
In another similar development the 2nd defendant standing trial alongside with the 1st defendant who was a cashier in the governor office during the administration of the 1st defendant Yusuf Pam asked the court to discharge and acquit him from all the charges leveled against him by the prosecuting counsel.
Speaking through his counsel S.Oyawole Mr Pam said all the money they alleged that he laundered is not traceable to his account as he was just talking directives from his principal as an obident civil servant.
The case have been adjourned to date that will be communicate to the Parties.
Following the recent turned of political events in Nigeria where Ahmed Tinubu the presidential candidate under the All Progressive Congress (APC) platform picked Kashim Shettima a Muslim like himself as running mate,has continued to raised concern.
This is as a religious body under the auspices of the Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) have observed with sadness and regret what will culminate into our collective doom as a result of the working of some few who claim to be sages and the determinants of our collective destiny.
As against this background,the body have come out smoking as they have decided that a few clueless, corrupt politicians and whose integrity is questionable can no longer claim to hold the solution to the challenges of insecurity, unemployment, education, health and underdevelopment while they are part of our problems and unresolved problems of yesterday.
They said after critical observation of the intrigues of Nigerian politics and the inter play of religion with negative consequences on our democracy and security, these culminated in the use of religion as a tool. This we can no longer accept and neither shall we remain passive in the face of this distortion and danger.
Only those with radical Islamist ideology or terrorists will insists on A Muslim-Muslim ticket for APC.
Those making reference to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Muslim-Muslim ticket of Alhaji Moshood K. Abiola and Babagana Kingibe in 2003 are either not true students of Nigerian politics or simply do not wish well for the sustainability of this fragile Democratic experiment.
In any case, those in doubt of the failure or consequences of a Muslim-Muslim ticket need no prophets to discern the clear experiences of 1993 failure of the Abiola-Kingibe Muslim-Muslim ticket and the worsening security situation in Kaduna State today which is largely attributed to the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The greatest fallacy is the assertion and claim of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu of associating his decision to pick Senator Kashim Shetimma a fellow Muslim to “the spirit of 1993”.
This decision of Tinubu and APC to is a direct insult and disrespect to the sacrifices and sensibilities of Christians beyond the North. Tinubu, the APC and those who share in their sentiments against the neglect and disrespect of Christians in the North should bury their heads in shame and safe sensible Nigerians from the semantics and rhetorics meant for those unschooled in the craft and deceit of the undemocratic impostors.
The exclusion of a Christian in the choice of a running mate despite the highly qualified number of Christians in the North have not only alienated the Christians from the number two position in Nigeria but also a consolidation and perpetuation of the Buhari-APC intolerance of Christians. This confirms the plan to continue legacy of the highly concentrated Muslims appointments to key position by the APC government since inception in 2015.
Northern Christians and indeed Nigerians as a whole have never been unsafe as when Kaduna is under a Muslim-Muslim ticket and the north is being dominated by APC Governors and an APC President.
We are not unaware of the radical Islamists likely infiltration of other popular political parties. Therefore, caution is required and necessary as we traverse the path to redefining and reclaiming our destiny.
If the APC and Islamists persist in imposing a Muslim-Muslim on Nigerians Christians as an Islamic agenda, then we, along with other true democrats and allies will proof we have an option: to resist the impostors or go our different paths rather than be willing slaves of religious dominance.
After wide consultations, Arewa Christians and other patriots have observed the correlation of the hate, provocative and inciting messages by growing number of Muslim clerics with APC’s imposition of Muslim-Muslim ticket. This we believe is a well calculated and a deliberate ploy proving the dominance and subjugation of people of other faith.
We demand that the D.S.S.S, O.N.S.A, Police, D.M.I and N.S.C.D.C to immediately set the machinery to arrest, charge and prosecute all Muslim clerics whose audio and video are on social media.
We use this medium to put on notice the security organizations concerned that the actions of such publicly known and unknown religious clerics have been directly and remotely related to the recent heightened intolerance, disturbing religious attacks as well as motivation and confidence for the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Where our concerns are not looked into immediately, then this shall confirm our fears for the reasons behind Muslims appointment to head security organizations. Failure to arrest the perpetrators of these hateful, insulting and inciting religious teaching will proof where the loyalty of our security operatives is; whether to their religion or to our cooperate existence as a nation.
Not taken urgent steps will spell doom for Nigeria. This is obvious in view of the fact that radical Islamic teachings calling Christians arna or kafirai is no longer acceptable in describing Christians and provoking actions against Christians.
We wish to state in clear and categorical terms that, in accordance to our Faith Jesus Christ is the son of God.
We believe in the birth of Jesus Christ through the Virgin Mary and His death as well as His resurrection on the third day.
Any form of our Faiths’ denial or misrepresentation in accordance to the Faith of others is no longer acceptable to Christians.
It is unfortunate that under the watch of his Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, leader of the Muslim Ummah and who doubles as co-chair of the council of interreligious affairs and interfaith chooses to be silent despite his knowledge of the derogatory, insulting inciting and provocative words used by Islamic Clerics against Christians. This has become common from places of worships as well as in private and in public. Should the reverse have been the case, will Muslims have tolerated such from Christians?
To collaborate the conspiracy of the political class and the religious, today, Islamic Clerics are publicly calling the shots or commending the decisions of Muslims or political parties decision that resonate with their stance or favors Islam while denigrating Christians. While this is true and the security operatives choose to look the other side, this is unacceptable as it is an aberration.
While our position above can not be contradicted, this can no longer be acceptable. The truth is that we have a choice beyond “their” party and candidate as we are not an enslaved colony or a people under subjugation in a democracy.
However, let those without honor, those who beg to eat from the crumbs or chose to bow to a Pharaoh continue in their horse trading.
Therefore, in view of the foregoing, we call on all those who cherish unity, freedom, peace, security and democracy to unite against those few who believe that leadership and power is their exclusive preserve and that they hold monopoly over solution to our problems.
In truth those old politicians have since lost touch with the reality of governance but resort to their illegitimate riches with the collaboration of religious leaders to whip sentiments in other to hold on to power.
It is therefore time to revolt against the APC Islamic agenda or any political party or politician covered with the garb of religion or political manipulation rhetorics in deceit to hold on to power.
Therefore, ACIPA shall work with others and network with allies across both Faith to promote, inclusiveness, unity, Fair playing ground and democracy in resistance to the imposition of Islamic dominance.
The decision of APC have confirmed our fears of a hidden agenda. Henceforth we shall only consider the Candidates of People Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (L.P) as options to chose from in the Presidential race as we trust God in charting the paths towards a more suitable political party and a candidate with the credentials and abilities to restore and develop Nigeria without fear of alienation, dominance, sentiments and bigotry.
The Yoruba playwriter, Ola Rotimi in the epic play “The God’s are not to blame” captured the destiny of Bola Tinubu succinctly.
The protagonist, Olawale, the evil child was destined to kill his father and marry his mother. When the father was told by the witches at Olawale’s birth the king did everything to frustrate the evil prophecy from coming to pass. The child was thrown to evil forest to die. The weeping child was sited and picked by an old woman who was childless and brought him up in another village.
As he grew up there was problem that made him migrate to his original village under his biological father king where he distinguished himself as a warrior.
His destiny came into fore when there was crisis and he ended up unknowingly killing the king father and marrying the queen, his mother. It took a natural calamity befalling the community when the gods began to react for the evil child true identity to be known. The gods were consulted and it was revealed that Olawale, the king killed his father and married his mother. To appease the gods and restore sanity to the community, Olawale had to abdicate the throne and went into exile, because the gods must be right and humans are mere pawns in chessboard of destiny. Olawele fell at the height of his glory.
There is no doubt that Tinubu has come to the end of his political career and glory. He is simply fighting against his destiny already determined because of his inordinate ambition to be king like Olawale. Therefore, the gods are playing a fast one on him. In his desperation to escape that he will not be king he is compromising here and there, betraying his family, his tribe and the national interest just to prove the gods wrong. The last being the choice to marry the bokoharamist, who will eventually kill him, his wife, his children and his tribe. He doesn’t know that the nearer he thinks he is to the throne by marrying the queen mother, the closer he is to going into exile.
Take it or leave by this time next year, if Tinubu is not in exile he will be on his way to exile.
Unfortunately, for him whom the gods want to kill they first make him mad so that every sense of reasoning will be lost. My people added that when death wants to take a dog it makes it difficult for it perceive the saint of an excreta.
The very Political death destined for Tinubu has driven him to irredeemable Political decision of Muslim-Muslim ticket. Despite the handwriting on the wall. He mooted the idea in 2015 and wisdom prevailed he jettisoned it. Because it is his destiny to suffer disgrace on the altar of presumptuousness as Olawale was, he has revived and gone ahead to implement the agenda. One prays that he doesn’t frustrate the gods by taking right advice of changing his mind now that the INEC window is still open.
I am convinced that it is the prayer of faithful Nigerians that is driving him mad. One woman prayed that her enemy should make a costly mistake to advance her cause.
Tinubu’s madness is simply driving the cause of millions of Nigerians who are crying and weeping that Olawale must face his destiny.
His downfall will start from his nuclear home. His so called Christian wife and pastor will revolt against his decision. His so called Christian son will rebel against his decision not by their making, but by the fulfilment of his destiny. His tribesmen will reject him because their eyes of understanding will open and they will see the Afonja destiny in his life.
The church will reject him as a hypocrite who lured a Christian woman to marriage and despise the Christian faith.
God will reject him for trusting in the arm of flesh. His decision is based on his permutation that northern Muslim votes will deliver the nation to him.
The Muslim ummah will reject him because they know he is not a true Muslim.
Then will his name BAT playout (an organism that is neither a mammal nor a bird.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed optimism of a lasting peace and an end to recurring violence in Bassa Local Government of plateau State to where attacks have led to loss of lives and destruction of properties, farmslands and Livestock.
Governor Lalong who witnessed the signing of the expression of commitment to peace between the Irigwe and Fulani communities in Bassa Local Government Area said he was happy that there is a genuine and collective effort to address the spade of violence that has grossly affected people of the area and the State in general.
He said “Today’s gathering which is at the instance of the leadership of the Irigwe and Fulani is for these two communities to tell the whole world that they had tested the bitter pills that violent conflict serves but now willing, ready and able to chart a new course for themselves by first forgiving the past in order to reconcile the future”.
He said upon coming into office in 2015, his administration inherited crisis but was determined to confront the challenges head-on, which enables him to immediate develope a policy framework in a way that moves away from the reactive approach to being proactive.
“The nearly two-decade experience of violent conflict between Irigwe and Fulani of Irigwe Chiefdom has given my administration sleepless nights.
Yet the Governor further said, we never for once relented in our effort and desire to expand the frontiers of Peace and security in those communities in particular and, the entire Bassa Local Government Area in general.
My personal involvement in the mediation of this conflict ,the governor stressed,was hinged on the ongoing interventions of both the Plateau State Peace building Agency and the State Inter-Religious Council who have worked closely with other stakeholders, including external actors to bring peace and stability in communities ravaged by internecine conflict” he said.
While commending the Brra Ngwe for his personal commitment to the pursuit of peace as well as other stakeholders including the Fulani representatives, the Governor urged the parties to take full ownership of this Document. “It is your document and you must ensure that you enlighten and sensitize your respective communities on the importance of respecting all the articles contained there-in.
The Governor further stressed that be assured that on its own part, Government will support and monitor your commitment towards the implementation of this “Agreement”.
He warned that Government will not relent on its duty of maintaining law and order and ensuring that those who attempt to truncate the implementation of the peace agreement are dealt with according to the law.
In his remarks, the paramount ruler of Miango HRH Brra Nngwe, Rev. Ronku Aka (Rtd.) thanked the Governor for his foresight in setting up the “Peace Building Agency”, and empowering it to work towards resolving conflicts and restoring peace and security among the Irigwe and Fulani in Bassa as well as other parts of the State.
He said the the people of Bassa want to put the ugly events of the past behind them to live in peace and unity with one another and pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without molestation.
Chairman of the Bassa Internal Peace and Security Committee Mr. John Power and the Co-Chairman Alh. Ya’u Idris signed the peace agreement on behalf of the Irigwe and Fulani communities.
Those who also signed as witnesses include Chairman Bassa Local Government, Chairman Plateau Inter Religious Council Prof. Pandam Yamsat and his Co-Chairman represented by Emir of Kanam, President Irigwe Development Association, Chairman MACBAN, Kaduna Peace Commission, Commander Operation Safe Haven, Police Commissioner, PIDAN, Inter Faith Mediation Centre, United States Inistitue for Peace among others.
Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu said the Governor has directed him and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to immediately put in place machinery for Gazetting and working out the policy framework for immediate implementation.
DG Plateau State Peace Building Agency Joseph Lengmang said the Goverment will continue to count on the support of the parties to implement the Peace Agreement to further deepen the Peace in the area by providing critical social infrastructures that would in turn, strengthen social cohesion among the people.
He said the Governor has also directed the Plateau State Peace Building Agency to work in conjunction with security agencies as well as local and international partners to support the safe return and resettlement of all victims of violent conflict in Miango and it’s environs as well as the provision of pyscho-social support and additional trainings to youth groups and women.
Various speakers in their goodwill messages commended Governor Lalong for his determination to see the end of crisis in Bassa by facilitating several dialogue sessions, capacity building trainings, consultations and Peace advocacy among the leadership of ethnic associations like the Irigwe Development Association (IDA); the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN); the Gan Allah Fulani Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN) amongst so many others.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed optimism of a lasting peace and an end to recurring violence in Bassa Local Government of plateau State to where attacks have led to loss of lives and destruction of properties, farmslands and Livestock.
Governor Lalong who witnessed the signing of the expression of commitment to peace between the Irigwe and Fulani communities in Bassa Local Government Area said he was happy that there is a genuine and collective effort to address the spade of violence that has grossly affected people of the area and the State in general.
He said “Today’s gathering which is at the instance of the leadership of the Irigwe and Fulani is for these two communities to tell the whole world that they had tested the bitter pills that violent conflict serves but now willing, ready and able to chart a new course for themselves by first forgiving the past in order to reconcile the future”.
He said upon coming into office in 2015, his administration inherited crisis but was determined to confront the challenges head-on, which enables him to immediate develope a policy framework in a way that moves away from the reactive approach to being proactive.
“The nearly two-decade experience of violent conflict between Irigwe and Fulani of Irigwe Chiefdom has given my administration sleepless nights.
Yet the Governor further said, we never for once relented in our effort and desire to expand the frontiers of Peace and security in those communities in particular and, the entire Bassa Local Government Area in general.
My personal involvement in the mediation of this conflict ,the governor stressed,was hinged on the ongoing interventions of both the Plateau State Peace building Agency and the State Inter-Religious Council who have worked closely with other stakeholders, including external actors to bring peace and stability in communities ravaged by internecine conflict” he said.
While commending the Brra Ngwe for his personal commitment to the pursuit of peace as well as other stakeholders including the Fulani representatives, the Governor urged the parties to take full ownership of this Document. “It is your document and you must ensure that you enlighten and sensitize your respective communities on the importance of respecting all the articles contained there-in.
The Governor further stressed that be assured that on its own part, Government will support and monitor your commitment towards the implementation of this “Agreement”.
He warned that Government will not relent on its duty of maintaining law and order and ensuring that those who attempt to truncate the implementation of the peace agreement are dealt with according to the law.
In his remarks, the paramount ruler of Miango HRH Brra Nngwe, Rev. Ronku Aka (Rtd.) thanked the Governor for his foresight in setting up the “Peace Building Agency”, and empowering it to work towards resolving conflicts and restoring peace and security among the Irigwe and Fulani in Bassa as well as other parts of the State.
He said the the people of Bassa want to put the ugly events of the past behind them to live in peace and unity with one another and pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without molestation.
Chairman of the Bassa Internal Peace and Security Committee Mr. John Power and the Co-Chairman Alh. Ya’u Idris signed the peace agreement on behalf of the Irigwe and Fulani communities.
Those who also signed as witnesses include Chairman Bassa Local Government, Chairman Plateau Inter Religious Council Prof. Pandam Yamsat and his Co-Chairman represented by Emir of Kanam, President Irigwe Development Association, Chairman MACBAN, Kaduna Peace Commission, Commander Operation Safe Haven, Police Commissioner, PIDAN, Inter Faith Mediation Centre, United States Inistitue for Peace among others.
Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu said the Governor has directed him and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to immediately put in place machinery for Gazetting and working out the policy framework for immediate implementation.
DG Plateau State Peace Building Agency Joseph Lengmang said the Goverment will continue to count on the support of the parties to implement the Peace Agreement to further deepen the Peace in the area by providing critical social infrastructures that would in turn, strengthen social cohesion among the people.
He said the Governor has also directed the Plateau State Peace Building Agency to work in conjunction with security agencies as well as local and international partners to support the safe return and resettlement of all victims of violent conflict in Miango and it’s environs as well as the provision of pyscho-social support and additional trainings to youth groups and women.
Various speakers in their goodwill messages commended Governor Lalong for his determination to see the end of crisis in Bassa by facilitating several dialogue sessions, capacity building trainings, consultations and Peace advocacy among the leadership of ethnic associations like the Irigwe Development Association (IDA); the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN); the Gan Allah Fulani Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN) amongst so many others.
The Christian political leaders under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) within the nineteen (19) Northern States
met in Abuja on the 11th of July 2022 to deliberate on the issue of the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket and its implications to the Nigeria nation.
As the meeting noted with concern the resignation of some high profile Christians from the APC across the States of the Federation, as a consequence with more to follow unless concerted efforts are made to redeem our party from hate mongers and those who seek to exploit religion to
perpetuate their self-interests as opposed to national interest.
After extensive deliberations, the meeting came to the following conclusions:
That as Christians within the APC, we cannot in all fairness to our consciences and faith go to our various constituencies to campaign for a Muslim – Muslim ticket.
That Nigeria is a multi-religious and a constitutional democracy and NOT a theocracy with religion as a major national fault line which cannot be whimsically manipulated without dire political consequences on our peaceful co-existence as a people.
That the current Nigerian environment and political atmosphere of the nation is
different from what occurred in 1993 and therefore a Muslim – Muslim ticket is
unacceptable. It doesn’t take the smart to know that the Abiola/Kingibe victory in 1993 turned out to be a pyrrhic victory as there was never a President Abiola nor Vice President Kingibe. Is that what we want a repeat of in 2023?
The selection of a Muslim running mate is a display of crass insensitivity to the complexity of modern Nigeria and the entire Church.
The communique jointly signed by Prof. Dorcan Sheni, Dr.Ishaya Bauka and Prof. Saidu Ibrahim respectively further read ,is also a betrayal of the advocates of unity and peaceful co-existence with our Muslim brothers including notable Imams who had forewarned the party and the candidate from traveling that treacherous route and that the APC has always come under the suspicion of the Church as pursuing an islamization agenda. Hence the various labels of the APC as: Islamic Movement, Islamic brotherhood, janjaweed party, Boko Haram party etc, etc. Now with all the positions in the hands of our Muslim brothers, it would take ingenious mendacity to prove otherwise.
That if the APC said a Muslim – Muslim ticket would be injurious to the health of our nation in 2015, has that situation therefore radically changed to make Muslim – Muslim ticket good for the health of our nation in 2023, if we may ask?
That the rejection of a Muslim – Muslim ticket by Christians would undermine the electoral fortunes of the APC and its candidates across all States and constituencies where Christians enjoy numerical advantage. By so doing APC has recklessly thrown its Christian candidates under the bus across the nation.
That considering the fact that PMB, the chairman or the party, deputy Chairman North, President of Senate
the Speaker and deputy Speaker, and now both the presidential candidate and his running mate etc are all Muslims and assuming that such lopsidedness does not violate S.14 (3) ot the Constitution, if this was to be reversed so that all these were Christians, Can any contentrous Muslim in Nigena attempt to sell such patently unjust and unfair arrangements to the Muslim Ummanh in Nigeria?
The APC party constitution preamble states “will guarantee equal opportunity for all mutual and peaceful co-existence respect and understanding, eliminating all forms of discrimination and social Injustice among Nigerians. The Muslim-Muslim ticket appears to have violated this provision.
That Mr. President being also the Leader of APC is urged to intervene in this matter in order to ensure justice, equity and fair play in the interest of the peace and and stability of this great nation and save our party from disintegration. we believe that
PMB who fought to keep Nigeria one, will not allow Fanatics on both sides to wreak havoc on what remains of the tapestry that binds us as a people. We can avoid the dire political consequences of the contraption called “same faith ticket.
We are disheartened that someone who wants to be a leader for all sections of the country is resorting to religious exclusively as a tool for winning an election. This will certainly result in a massive revolt against the party. Leadership is all about
inclusiveness, justice and equity.
CONCLUSION
At this moment of National peril, we believe that what should be paramount in Nigeria is unity. For without unity we cannot build any political party or candidate that elevates the greed of a few people above the need of generality of the people has no business running the affairs of Ngeria.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed delight over the candidacy of Ibrahim James Pam who has been shortlisted for the post of the Registrar, International Criminal Court, Hague-Netherlands.
Governor lalong happiness is contained in a press statement dated 12th July,2022, signed by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs Makut Macham and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state capital.
Governor Lalong while congratulating Ibrahim James Pam for being the only Nigerian shortlisted among the twelve candidates for the position, expressed optimism that he will be successful in the selection process going by the experience and knowledge he brings along.
Lalong said Pam who has worked for over two decades in the area of International Criminal Justice, investigations and prosecution of the Rome Statutes crimes, internal oversight, administrative and criminal investigations, fraud risk management and fraud prevention among others, will bring enormious value to the office when appointed.
Ibrahim Pam worked previously worked meritoriously with the International Criminal Court in the Hague; the African Development Bank; and is currently an Executive Director with the Green Climate Fund in South Korea.
Governor Lalong while assuring him of the support and prayers of the people and Government of Plateau State said his candidacy is not only a thing of pride for Plateau State and Nigeria, but of the entire African continent.
He wishes him well and urges him to continue to demonstrate the true Plateau spirit of resilience, honesty, diligence and excellence.
The recent selection of the former Bornu State Governor Kashim Shettima as the presidential running mate to Asiwaju Tinubu under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate for 2023 General Election has continue to generate reactions from Nigerians.
The move which the Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese Reverend Father Mathew Kukah described as team selection which is done by anybody depending what they think will give them fair chance.
According to the Reverend Father,”this is what you call team selection and everybody will choose depending on what they think will give them a fair chance. So people will take responsibility for the choices they have made,for me, its not something to lose sleep over”.
“If people feel unhappy with the kind of choices that have been made, that is why we are democrats, you can’t force it. We outsiders cannot force a choice of any candidate.
“It is now left for you to look at the choices that have been made,and there is no guarantee that all Christians will vote for Christians and all Muslims will vote for Muslims.”
Christians Association of Nigeria(CAN) Kaduna State Chapter has decried the Muslim/Muslim ticket of All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential aspiration of the party.
The body raised the alarm in a press statement signed by chairman of the body Rev.john Joesph Hayab in Kaduna and made available to the press.
He said,to remove bias in government against any specific tribe, at least in form, the Nigerian Federal Character Framework was authoritatively captured in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution with this description: “…the government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies.” This statement is to ensure the principle that all public service institutions fairly reflect the linguistic, religious, ethnic, and geographic diversity of the country. the government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies. Today there are a lot of concerns from Nigerians over a particular party’s consideration of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, last week we stated our position in clear terms to establish that the ill decision of a particular political party is not for us a thing of concern, where we clearly illustrated, that when I wish to eat rice and beans and a particular restaurant choses to cook only white rice that has not given me any reason to worry because simply what I will need to do is to move to the other restaurants that have prepared what I desire to eat. However, just to state the obvious on the matter at hand, though the electorates have no reason to raise eyebrows over wrong decision by any political party. But that we have no reason to be worried about it does not also suggest that such a decision is not condemnable. The implication of such a decision is that such a candidate has no respect for the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria, it also suggests that the candidate is just a candidate that priorities selfishness, greed and personal unhealthy interest over the good of the nation. The Federal character principle that we talked of above was the product of Gen Yakubu Gowon Administration when after the Civil War it was believed that a particular group occupied major ministries in the nation. But clearly we all know, many have just course to argue that leadership in Nigeria in the most recent past is with high ethnic nepotism, well one can rightly say this is another phase of it in religious shade.
It is sad that the constitution clearly states that “ The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any persons or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution ” . Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the princ And that “ The iples of democracy and social justice ” , with the very divisive challenges of poor security, hunger, a dying economy to mention but these. At a time when Nigeria needs a unifying and productive leader, a consider a one sided, divisive good candidate cannot selection of a running mate despite all genuine agitations against such. This shows that should theses persons be elected the y that this candidate s will not be listening leaders, it shows are insensitive to the concerns of the people and does not care heat ing the system for selfish gains as they appear disinterested in the unity of the country but their selfish ambition. The refusal to listen to wise counsel on this is a confirmation of the anxiety of the people. Well as earlier stated, this is not a proble m to us as an association serving as the voice of the church. We have performed our role as the voice of the church in the political and social arena, that is our simple role as far as this and the 2023 elections is concern. But every candidate know that he is just one option among others in the should 18 approved political parties for the over 84,004,084 of Nigerian voters in the 176,846 polling units to choose from. As leaders we will want every political party to know that we will educate, sen sitize, and mobilize our ever faithful followers to vote against anything that we judge as a danger against the unity, peace, progress and development of Nigeria. We will reiterate that the political party has her right of will to make decisions that she j udge best for her, but they should know to option to the electorate among many other options. o that their decisions only end as an Thankfully 2023 is never going to be business as usual. Thank you for listening.
The Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Shehu Bala Usman has called for prayers, patience, forgiveness, tolerance, unity and peaceful co-existence among different religion adherents in the country.
The Chairman who stated this in a congratulatory message dated 9th July,2022 signed by the Media Aid Philip Eplong and available to journalists in Jos ,the state capital.
The chairman urged the Muslim faithful to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, and kindness so as to engender peaceful co-existence among citizens in the locality.
Usman said Eid-El- kabir present an opportunity to the Muslim Ummah to reflect on the faith, with which Ibrahim willingly agreed to sacrifice his son and was set to let go of his prized asset in obedience to the command of Allah.
The Chairman who conveyed his his Eid-El-Kabir Message on behalf of his Deputy, Leader and members of the legislative and Executive arms appealed to all adherents to Share with the less privilege and to exhibit the spirit of togetherness in line with the sustain teaching of the prophet.
He used the opportunity to expressed the determination of his administration to sustain harmonious working relationship with the legislative arm noting that together they will provide the much needed dividends of democracy to the citizenry in the people.
The chairman wish all the Muslims ummah in Jos North and beyond a happy Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
Plateau State Governor and Chairman Northern Governors Forum Simon Bako Lalong has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate Eid-El-Kabir.
Governor Lalong felicitation message to the Muslims Ummah is contained in a press statement dated 8th July,2022, signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Makut Macham and made available to the media in Jos , plateau state capital.
Governor Lalong in a Sallah message congratulated the Muslim Ummah for commemorating another significant event in the Muslim calendar which brings to fore the message of sacrifice, love, tolerance and unity as preached by the Holy Prophet (PBH).
The Governor urged Muslims to celebrate this significant spiritual event by reflecting on the issues that Nigeria has been confronted with such as insecurity, intolerance, religious bigotry, ethnic bias and poverty among others that can only be tackled when there is unity, collaboration and sacrifice among all Nigerians.
He said the matters that are weighing down national progress are such that Nigerians must look beyond parochial and selfish interests to enable people from all strata of society get equal opportunities contribute to solutions irrespective of their backgrounds.
While expressing optimism that Nigeria will surely overcome its challenges, Lalong challenged all stakeholders to work hard in building values and ethos that promote national agenda, equity, justice, fairness and respect for diversity particularly now that political activities are in top gear.
He also called on the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for Plateau State and Nigeria and support the government as it works hard to fulfil its electoral mandate to the people.
Lalong also urged those in the holy land to pray and offer supplications to God for divine intervention in the affairs of the nation.
The Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria, HuCaPAN, has greeted its members and Muslim Ummah across the globe on the occasion of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
The Association urged them to live by the message of the occasion which is to at all times submit to the will of the Almighty Allah.
In a statement issued by the President of the Association, Dr. Femi Ogunlowo in Lagos, on Friday, and made available to newsmen, he said that the Eid-El-Kabir celebration “reminds us of Allah’s unfailing love and sacrifice”.
“We felicitate our members and Muslim faithful on this year’s celebration of Eid-El-Kabir. It has pleased the Almighty Allah to protect us to witness the occasion despite the challenges confronting us as a people. We thank Allah for this rare privilege”.
Ogunlowo urged Muslims to use the occasion to seek the face of Allah for the nation and the industry stressing that the industry can only thrive if the nation succeeds.
“I urge Muslim faithful to use this occasion to pray for our nation and our industry.
“The economy is in dire strait amid deteriorating security. Our industry is not immune from the effect of these challenges. Therefore, as we plan strategically, we must also pray for a better nation.
“I implore you to remember the poor and the needy in your neighborhood. Let us extend the generosity of Allah over our lives to them. The season is a period of reflection and giving. Let us not fail in fulfilling this injunction.” He said.
Ogunlowo implored members to be security conscious during the celebration saying that enemies of the state usually take advantage of the vulnerability of the season to strike. He prayed that “Almighty Allah shall accept our supplications and sacrifices.”
The Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN) is the umbrella organization of registered/licensed recruiters in Nigeria, also referred to as Private Employment Agencies (PEAs).
The aims of the Association, among others, are to develop and promote International Labour Organization (ILO) Standards and ethical practices in the recruitment, deployment, and management of outsourced personnel in Nigeria.
The allegations following indiscriminate vandalization and illegal auctioning of Government estate in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State by the Ministry of Land, survey and town planning is currently raising dust in the local government.
As the occupants of the Estate has raised the alarm that the Christian Pilgrimage Board Chairman ,Rev.Father George Gorap in connivance with some staff of the ministry of lands survey and town planning without due process connived to be selling government quarters at Pankshin to their families and cronies who claimed to have purchased the said housing estate .
The staff and the said buyers are alleged to be conniving with the state Head of Services (HoS)in harassing and intimiding the occupants who are active state civil servants to vacate the buildings .
It was also gathered from impecable source that some of the standing building with people occupying them are been forced to vacate the premises claiming they have bought the house’s for business .
According to the occupants ,the former Head of service ,Azi Izam adviced those who had earlier laid claim to ownership of the government quarters to steer clear saying government has not authorized the sales of the said properties.
It was further gathered that Rev. Fr George Gorap has employed the services of paid hoodlums to actualise his mischievous dream of acquiring the quarters and converting them for his business.
The residents of the estate who spoke bitterly to this medium on condition of anonymity ,said unless urgent step is taken to address the encroachment and illegal acquiring of land and properties belonging to government in the state .
They raised congent issues bordering on land racketeers of Government estate in the state by the government appointees of Governor Bako Lalong government to auction properties of the state .
Investigation by this medium revealed that Rev.Fr George Gorap is presently working in connection with the appropriate authority in the corridor of power to ensure those houses are sold to them and their cohorts, agents and those in government .
They further lamented that despite their constant complaint to safeguard the estate, proved abortive, as the governor’s appointees who claimed untouchable are bent on acquiring the houses at all cost .
As these group of government appointees has constituted themselves into properties agents syndicate against the interest of the state and government .
Garba Pwul Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has frowned at the Continued holding of the former Governor of plateau state and senator of the federal republic of Nigeria by who God’s know as unconstitutional and disrespect to presidential pardon .
As Garuba Pwul said the Continued holding him amount to gross violation of his fundamental right to freedom more so that the pronouncement of pardon is coming from the highest authority of the country , president Mohammadu Buhari.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and 2023 gubernatorial aspirant in Plateau State, Garba Pwul, has faulted senator Joshua Dariye’s continued incarceration, as he states that his release from prison shouldn’t have delayed for more than 24 hours after a pardon was pronounced by the President.
Barrister Pwul said the President being the highest constitutional authority in the country, no other interest or authority can surpass a presidential order, especially one such as this pardon that is backed by a resolution of the National Council of State.
Pwul was speaking to in an exclusive interview with correspondence of “TheWill” Newspaper in Jos .
He said, “once a presidential pardon is pronounced, it takes immediate effect. There is no higher authority than the president, who will approve or disapprove.
Having received a presidential pardon with the approval of the Council of State, the matter is completely conclusive. Dariye is supposed to see the light of day within twenty four hours. Nobody can sit on top of that amnesty.
“if in spite of the amnesty, Dariye is still being held, then there is more to it than meets the eye. As far as I’m concerned, the amnesty is completely conclusive. It is no longer a matter of procedure. After that day, the next day Dariye should have left the prison.
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“My advice is that his lawyer should take the necessary steps to give life to the amnesty that has been granted. Some people believe for political reasons, somebody is sitting on the pronouncement. But nobody has the right to thwart the decision or directive of the President”, Pwul stated.
He also noted that, “if there is anything wrong, somebody somewhere is being disobedient, or somebody somewhere is sabotaging. And this is something his lawyer should unravel. It is part of his duty. So, I’m saying, not only to his lawyer, but to the entire country and the Presidency in particular, it is improper that the President will make a pronouncement or decision, backed by the National Council of State, and nothing is being done, and nobody is asking a questions.”
He described Dariye’s continued detention after the pronouncement as “contempt and disrespect”, and Dariye’s counsel should be able to trace and hold somebody responsible for this delay, including approaching the court for redress and remedies over false imprisonment.
Garba Pwul Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has frowned at the Continued holding of the former Governor of plateau state and senator of the federal republic of Nigeria by who God’s know as unconstitutional and disrespect to presidential pardon .
As Garuba Pwul said the Continued holding him amount to gross violation of his fundamental right to freedom more so that the pronouncement of pardon is coming from the highest authority of the country , president Mohammadu Buhari.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and 2023 gubernatorial aspirant in Plateau State, Garba Pwul, has faulted senator Joshua Dariye’s continued incarceration, as he states that his release from prison shouldn’t have delayed for more than 24 hours after a pardon was pronounced by the President.
Barrister Pwul said the President being the highest constitutional authority in the country, no other interest or authority can surpass a presidential order, especially one such as this pardon that is backed by a resolution of the National Council of State.
Pwul was speaking to in an exclusive interview with correspondence of “TheWill” Newspaper in Jos .
He said, “once a presidential pardon is pronounced, it takes immediate effect. There is no higher authority than the president, who will approve or disapprove.
Having received a presidential pardon with the approval of the Council of State, the matter is completely conclusive. Dariye is supposed to see the light of day within twenty four hours. Nobody can sit on top of that amnesty.
“if in spite of the amnesty, Dariye is still being held, then there is more to it than meets the eye. As far as I’m concerned, the amnesty is completely conclusive. It is no longer a matter of procedure. After that day, the next day Dariye should have left the prison.
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“My advice is that his lawyer should take the necessary steps to give life to the amnesty that has been granted. Some people believe for political reasons, somebody is sitting on the pronouncement. But nobody has the right to thwart the decision or directive of the President”, Pwul stated.
He also noted that, “if there is anything wrong, somebody somewhere is being disobedient, or somebody somewhere is sabotaging. And this is something his lawyer should unravel. It is part of his duty. So, I’m saying, not only to his lawyer, but to the entire country and the Presidency in particular, it is improper that the President will make a pronouncement or decision, backed by the National Council of State, and nothing is being done, and nobody is asking a questions.”
He described Dariye’s continued detention after the pronouncement as “contempt and disrespect”, and Dariye’s counsel should be able to trace and hold somebody responsible for this delay, including approaching the court for redress and remedies over false imprisonment.
Garba Pwul Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has frowned at the Continued holding of the former Governor of plateau state and senator of the federal republic of Nigeria by who God’s know as unconstitutional and disrespect to presidential pardon .
As Garuba Pwul said the Continued holding him amount to gross violation of his fundamental right to freedom more so that the pronouncement of pardon is coming from the highest authority of the country , president Mohammadu Buhari.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and 2023 gubernatorial aspirant in Plateau State, Garba Pwul, has faulted senator Joshua Dariye’s continued incarceration, as he states that his release from prison shouldn’t have delayed for more than 24 hours after a pardon was pronounced by the President.
Barrister Pwul said the President being the highest constitutional authority in the country, no other interest or authority can surpass a presidential order, especially one such as this pardon that is backed by a resolution of the National Council of State.
Pwul was speaking to in an exclusive interview with correspondence of “TheWill” Newspaper in Jos .
He said, “once a presidential pardon is pronounced, it takes immediate effect. There is no higher authority than the president, who will approve or disapprove.
Having received a presidential pardon with the approval of the Council of State, the matter is completely conclusive. Dariye is supposed to see the light of day within twenty four hours. Nobody can sit on top of that amnesty.
“if in spite of the amnesty, Dariye is still being held, then there is more to it than meets the eye. As far as I’m concerned, the amnesty is completely conclusive. It is no longer a matter of procedure. After that day, the next day Dariye should have left the prison.
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“My advice is that his lawyer should take the necessary steps to give life to the amnesty that has been granted. Some people believe for political reasons, somebody is sitting on the pronouncement. But nobody has the right to thwart the decision or directive of the President”, Pwul stated.
He also noted that, “if there is anything wrong, somebody somewhere is being disobedient, or somebody somewhere is sabotaging. And this is something his lawyer should unravel. It is part of his duty. So, I’m saying, not only to his lawyer, but to the entire country and the Presidency in particular, it is improper that the President will make a pronouncement or decision, backed by the National Council of State, and nothing is being done, and nobody is asking a questions.”
He described Dariye’s continued detention after the pronouncement as “contempt and disrespect”, and Dariye’s counsel should be able to trace and hold somebody responsible for this delay, including approaching the court for redress and remedies over false imprisonment.
The Governors under the auspices of Northern Governors Forum has met with the Minister of Agriculture Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar over the National Livestock Transformation Programme and the State Level Project Socialisation on Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), in the region.
The meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja was chaired by Simon Bako Lalong, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State. It was attended by Governors of Kwara, Niger, Kebbi, Kaduna and Deputy Governors of Benue, Kogi, Bauchi and Nasarawa States.
In an interview with journalists after the meeting held behind closed doors, Governor Simon Lalong said the engagement was necessitated by the concern of the Northern Governors over the implementation of the programmes which have direct bearing on the lives of the people.
He further said the Governors are worried over the slow pace of the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Programme which was conceived to tackle the challenges confronting herdsmen and farmers.
He said because agriculture is the main stay of the North, the Forum welcomes the introduction of the new outfit Livestock, Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES) which it believes compliments the NLTP and will yield a positive result.
Lalong explained that the meeting was fruitful as the Governors got assurances from the Minister of Agriculture that the Federal Government will continue implementing all programmes in partnership with the States for the benefit of the people.
On security for farmers, he explained that the implementation of the programmes would also help in addressing the security challenges which farmers were experiencing in their farming activities.
He said “We are not sleeping the issue of insecurity as it has been a matter of concern where in some places farming activities have been interrupted. We are working with other stakeholders especially the security agencies to see how to help farmers. This is the time that farmers would need a lot of our support and assurance to produce food for the nation”.
The chairman also explained that the meeting discussed the revamping of the textile industry through the Northern Nigerian Development Company as a way of addressing unemployment and crime.
Governor’s under the auspices of Northern Governor’s Forum has expressed shock and sadness over the sudden demise of Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Dr. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo.
The governors expressed the shock in a press statement dated 6th July,
2022, signed by the Director of Press Public Affairs to governor lalong Makut Macham .
The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the Forum received with shock the death of the OPEC Secretary General who was on official duties in Nigeria when his death occurred.
Lalong said the death of Dr. Barkindo is a great loss to his immediate family, Nigeria and the international community because of his contributions to the energy sector and development of oil and gas in Nigeria and throughout the world.
He said Dr. Barkindo was a technocrat who distinguished himself in the field of oil and gas having put in many years in the industry and rising to head the NNPC where he led many reforms and initiatives to transform the industry.
Governor Lalong said Dr. Barkindo gave a good account of himself when he was elected Secretary General of OPEC as he led the Organisation through some of the most challenging periods in global energy crisis and the COVID-19 Pandemic by ensuring recovery and stability.
Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum is proud of his achievements and support towards the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and exploration of oil and gas prospects across various parts of the country including the Northern Region.
While commiserating with the family and people of Adamawa State, Lalong prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and comfort the family.
The much awaiting running mate to governorship candidate under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) ahead 2023 General Elections in plateau state has been unveiled today 6th July,2022 to the admiration of the party faithful, stakeholders, and general publi
The events which was held at the APC, Secretariat ,Kaluwa House along Bukuru Road in Jos south LG ,saw the selection of the serving commissioner of Work in the state and the son of the former deputy governor under Governor Joshua Dariye’s administration Pam Bot Mang .
The events which witnessed the mammoth crowd who thronged to take glimpse of the ‘Newly’ selected running mate Pam Botmang to the governship candidate on the platform of APC, Dr, Nentawe Yilwatda.
In his remark,the governship candidate of the party, Nentawe Yilwatda said there are some characteristics which he and the critical Party stakeholders who participated actively in the selection of the running mate, must prosessed which are acceptability, vibrancy, energetic and above all compactable which is synonymous to loyalty.
Nentawe appealed to citizens to support the Emerges of Pam Bot Mang because the political table in the state is wide to accommodate everybody in the party,and appealed to the people to joined hand with Generation Next for the party to win the governship seat and other positions in the state 20203.
In his acceptance speech,the 48 years old running mate to Nentawe ,Pam Bot Mang promised to give his unalloyed support to the governor in waiting to ensure victory is achieve come 2023 General Elections.
He called on the citizens of the state to support the selection of Pam Bot Mang and come out emass to vote for the party overwhelmingly in the 2023 General Elections .
Ahead 2023 General Elections,the Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, Shehu Bala Usman has promised all candidates seeking various elective positions under the platform of the All Progressive Congress(APC) of his determination to lead the party to Victory in next years General Election.
The Chairman gave the assurance when he received APC Northern zone Senatorial District flag bearer, Ambassador Chris Giwa who was in the Council’s Secretariat on a thanked You visit after clinching the party’s ticket at just concluded party primaries.
Represented by the Council’s Secretary, Pastor Samuel Gyang Chollom, the Chairman commended Ambassador Chris Giwa for his philanthropist gesture,
especially in providing to the needy and other vulnerable members of the society and assured him of the support of the good people of Jos North Local Government Area in the Senatorial election.
Ambassador Giwa informed the Chairman, Party faithful and Adhoc Delegates who participated in the last primary election that he was in Jos North Local Government to appreciate them for entrusting in him the party’s ticket though he was not the best among others.
He explained further that God only chose him to carry the party flag as Senatorial flag bearer and assured the party of his resolve to lead them to Victory in the forthcoming General Election.
Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in Jos North Local Government, Alhaji Sani Gangare who had earlier welcomed Chris Giwa to Jos North noted that he is the best choice for the people of the Northern zone Senatorial District following his anticedence as a philanthropist and a kindhearted human being who have impacted positively on humanity.
All the Party Faithful and adhoc delegates who spoke, pledged to work hard and lead the APC to Victory in the forthcoming General Election.
The All Progressives Congress, APC Gubernatorial Candidate in Plateau State, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe will be unveiling his Running Mate tomorrow Wednesday, 6th July, 2022.
The APC governorship candidate selection of his running mate is contained in a press statement dated 5th July,2022, signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary sylvanus Namang and made available to this medium in Jos , plateau state capital.
The statement said that the unveiling of the party’s deputy governor position will take place of theNew6th July,202 at the APC Kalwa House Secretariat, Yakubu Gowon Way, Jos by 3:00 P:M in Jos ,the plateau state.
These pres statement serve as an invitation to the lawyer, the bar and the general public.
A Plateau State High Court sitting Jos, plateau division has sentenced 40 years Old man,Graduate of University of Jos ,of the Faculty of Management ,Accounting Department Mr Badung David Dele has been convicted by Justice Christy L.Dabup of High Court No,2 and sentenced to death by hanging for strangulating his former lover ,Miss Nanchin Zacharias of Angwan Nasarawa Gwom of Jos North Local Government Area of the state on February 15th 2016 .
Mr Badung Dele who was found guilty of committing crime of culpable homicide murder punishable under section 221 of the Northern Nigeria 1963 applicable to Plateau state .
In a suit , The State vs Badung David Dele was a murder case of section 221 of penal code ,which the defendant earlier pleaded guilty to the offense committed .
He was arrested by the Nasarawa Gwom Divisional Police Headquarters the matter was transferred to CID headquarters and confessed committing the crime using yellow towel to strangulated his girlfriend to death.
The presiding Judge,Justice Christy Dabup in her judgement said the court relied on three issues to determined the veracity of the offense committed by eyewitness account evidence ,confessional statement and circumstantial evidence of the witnesses .
The judge declared that the defendant was arraigned and he proved guilty on the 21st March,2021 with exhibits attached which he testified through personal hand writing which shows that he committed the crime.
However ,in the course of the proceedings ,One Nanshep Paul Pw1 ,Nanman Zacharias Pw2 ,Inspector Jethro Ishaku Pw3 ,Chief Suprindent .Simeo Obinna Pw4 ,the ICO ,Fumi Amos, the landlady to the deceased Pw5,all testified before the honourable court their witness accounts on how the whole incident happen .
In their separate confessions revealed that one Samson, the new boy friend of the deceased was threatened by Mr Badung David Dele ,and the Late Nanchin Zacharias whom he warned her to stay clear of any relationship with Samson .
According to PW2 ,said on 15th February,2016 behind primary School cholyap they saw him (David Dele ) who entered into the apartment of the deceased and came out at about 9am ,and came back again and left the apartment with polyethylene leather bag in his hand .
They suspected his movement and alerted the neighbours after entering her apartment and found her lifeless body and immediately rushed her to BMC Hospital and later she was transferred to Evangelical Winning All Hospital (Jankwano) were the Doctor confirmed her death .
On the 17th February,2016 according to the statements of Pw4 , Elisha Samuel a mechanics and close friend of the family further revealed that Nanchin Zacharias rejected the Valentine Day gift of Dele which further aggrievated the anger of the defendant for refusing to accept his proposal after dating her for five years and has spend a lot of money on her.
However ,during his cross examination ,the accused person attest that his statements were not taken under duress ,Badung David Dele earlier denied saying that on the 15th February,2016 when police were in search of him he was with one Abubakar Kamara a close friend.
The judgment read that section 135 of 1999 constitution amended, shows that the prosecution counsel has discharge prove of confession ,eyewitness and circumstantial evidence that the accused person committed the murder .
Plateau State University Branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has kicked against the injustice and discrimination by the University’s Management on payment of arrears of earned allowances of its members.
The Union accused the Management and the Governing Council of paying sister’s union eight years of its arrears with one year left while their staff were paid four years and leaving them with a burden of seven years unpaid arrears.
SSANU in a communique issued on Tuesday in Jos at the end of its emergency EXCO meeting signed by the Chairman, Timnan Rimdap and Secretary, Fom Dakwak begged Governor Simon Lalong to released N323 million to address the discrimination.
Its lamented that the University also refused to mainstream the hazard allowance into its members’ monthly salaries at the agreed rate of N30,000 despite the released of funds for the same purpose since February, 2021.
“SSANU strongly condemns the fact that though its strike action has entered the 7th month, neither Management nor Governing Council has taken any serious step to address the issues in dispute.
“SSANU strongly condemns the fact that funds recently released to the University by Government for the payment of arrears of earned allowances was used in settling the arrears owed only members of the sister union in question, leaving our members unpaid.
” This development has created a situation where the sister union has been paid eight (8) years of its arrears leaving a balance of one (1) year while our members, who work in the same University, have only been paid four (4) years leaving a balance of seven (7) years.
“SSANU notes with disappointment that this naked show of discrimination which is unprecedented in the history of tertiary education on the Plateau, represents a wide departure from the principles of good management of human resources and good leadership, for which Professor Izam is an advocate.”
The Union expressed disappointment over the attitude of the Governing Council of the Institution who sit comfortably and watch the University management discrimination among its staff.
“SSANU wishes to state that the discrimination meted out to its members has generated high tension in the system and the union should not be held responsible should the current situation degenerate into further crisis.
“SSANU calls on the Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong to call the Management and Governing Council of PLASU to order, in order to bring an end to the discriminatory treatment meted out to its members.
“SSANU calls on the Governor Lalong administration to release the sum of N323 million to address the discriminatory payment of arrears of earned allowances done to its members.
“It also calls on the Governor to direct the Management and Governing Council of the University to mainstream hazard allowance into our member’s monthly salaries at the agreed rate of N30,000, for which the union agitated and obtained cash backing from Government since February 2021.”
Plateau youths under the auspices of APC Progressive Minds for Dan Manjang (PMDM) has adopted the State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon. Dan Manjang as the running mate to Plateau APC Gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Founder of the group, Pamela Ibrahim Takka who addressed a press conference on Monday at the APC State Secretariat Jos, described Manjang as an embodiment of humility and thorough bread politician who will add political value to the APC ticket in the state.
Takka who was flanked by hundreds of youths across the 17 Local Government Areas said the Information Commissioner is competent enough and has the political followership, particularly in Plateau North to give the APC the winning margin it deserves.
“We hold the firm conviction that the choice of Hon. Daniel Manjang as the deputy gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Plateau state comes with its attendant benefits as it would give the APC a balanced ticket that would eventually guarantee electoral success at the polls come 2023.
“It remains a statement that since the election of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as the gubernatorial candidate of our great party APC, there has been lots of disingenuous push towards filling the deputy governor’s slot of the party.
“It has also been muted in some quarters, the idea of a COOCIN-COCIN ticket for the party in the general elections, is a move the APC PMDM Youth and Support Groups finds welcoming and not against in the overall interest of Plateau state. Our primary concern is for Plateau to succeed beyond any platform or association.”
The group said they have put into consideration several factors and cons to a conclusion that Dan Manjang is the most suitable running mate for the APC Governorship candidate.
“As concerned stakeholders in Plateau state, APC and Northern Plateau, we have considered several issues at stake and conclude that the most suitable deputy gubernatorial candidate for the APC should be a servant of notable pedigree that has the capacity to unite the various ethnic and religious compositions in Plateau North in particular and in the state at large.
“It is our considered opinion that such a candidate is needed to cause a balance to the APC gubernatorial ticket because its gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, is from the Plateau Central zone. The rational thing to do is to nominate a candidate from the Plateau North as the deputy gubernatorial candidate of the APC.
“Consequently, and in line with the prevailing circumstances, the APC PMDM Youth and Support Groups wishes to inform the general public of the endorsement of Hon. Daniel Manjang as the deputy gubernatorial candidate of the APC.
“Our position is hinged on the fact that Hon. Daniel Manjang is a bridge-builder and a unifying figure, as evident in his numerous contributions in Plateau state even as a serving commissioner for information.
“Hon. Dan Manjang with wealth of experience and an intimidating credential that speaks volume of commitment towards Plateau’s sustainable growth and development. This much has been evident in the numerous offices he has held over the years.”
Also speaking, Hon Ezekiel Daniel Dalyop, who hails from Riyom Local Government Area testify that Dan Manjang is solidly on ground in Riyom and in the Northern zone and has the political competence to dislodge the PDP.
He said since the PDP have picked their running mate from Riyom, it is logical for the APC to consider the information commissioner for the job to enable it win support of the Northern zone.
Mohammad Abdulkadir, Special Assistant to Governor Simon Lalong on ICT said the information Commissioner is most suitable and qualified personality in the Northern zone whose the cap fits.
The Governorship candidate of the All progressive Congress (APC)in plateau state Dr Nentawe Yilwatda said the clamour that he has not appointed his running mate since after his emergence as the party Governorship flag bearer, is uncalled for as he is taking his time to consult with the party state and critical stakeholders to actualize the selection of his running mate.
As the selection of running mate is not something to rush, to avoid making mistakes ,but to succeed in selecting someone that would be acceptable to the citizens of Plateau when finally selected.
The Governorship candidate of the All progressive Congress (APC) in 2023 General Election Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, state this Monday 4th July, 2022 when he paid courtesy call to Nigeria Union of journalists at the council’s Secretariat in Jos , plateau state.
Dr.Nentawe said he is taking his time by consulting with the party stakeholders, Royal fathers and critical stakeholders of the party so that at the end we come up with acceptable running mate that will generally be accepted by plateau people.
And added that he is still within the time frame given by the electoral umpire INEC for every political parties to present the name of their running mate in line with the electoral law till the ending of August,2022,as there is no call for alarm ,and promised to select running mate that will be likable and acceptable by all when eventually selected.
The former residence INEC, Commissioner in Benue state promised to fight security to a stand still which has bring the state economic to it lowest ebbs.
He decried the gross lack of man power , unfamiliar plateau terrain to the security agencies personnels, lack of funds to purchase modern garget and other factors facilitating against the fight of insecurity in the state.
Under my watch as the Governor of plateau state, I will ensure that l Introduced trust fund that will involve state, local and financial institutions operating in the state with adequately education and understanding to contribute towards the venture for the fight against insecurity.
And promised to empower the already existing non- conventional securities outfits currently operating in the state, like the state owned security out fits, Operation rainbow and the vigilantes group currently operating in various parts of the state with the view to fight head on the insecurity bedeviling us as state.
This Dr Nentawe said is very imperative because no state can progress economically ,and in other sphere of development under the atmosphere of insecurity.
In addition our government is going to deploy the use of modern technology in fighting these menace of insecurity as it’s currently invoked in other parts of advanced world like the use of drone and trackers to check mate the activities of kidnappers ,arm bandit and other criminals operating in the state.
My government will build economic hubs in the state and cashed on the competitive advantage of the numerous unique crops abound in the state that are rear to find in any part of other state in particular,and other world as a whole.
He however stressed that all these will not be possible without the cooperation of the citizens of the state, appealed to the people of plateau state that under his watch as the Chief Executive Governor,his administration will need unwavering loyalty of the people for the government to achieve it’s set goes.
APC and PDP are in some hot water right now as the Obidient movement is spreading all over Nigeria.
Peter Obi is acquiring fame as a great number of Nigerian young people are supporting him.
The Labour party presidential candidate has come to the spotlight of numerous Nigeria who preferred him to be the next Nigeria president. As per report there are individuals who volunteers to campaign for him as the party is accused of not financially equipped for winning the election.
This time the movement has lunch TV station to advance Obi Presidential campaign.
The TV station is called Obidient TV.
It is getting perfectly fascinating.
A few Good meaning Nigerians, Media tycoons from North, South West, South-South and South-East have launched Obidient TV. It will broadcast far reaching through Free on Air Channels. In Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba and numerous other Nigerian dialects.
This isn’t costing PETER OBI Shi Shi. This is from Obidient Volunteers.
The Road to 2023 campaign organisation suffered setback as one of it initiator and coordinator plateau state chapter Ado Ali Katyen resigned his position as coordinator of the plateau state chapter.
In his resignation letter dated 3rd July,2022, personally signed by the coordinator Ado Ali Katyen and made available to this medium via online reads:
I wish to to formally announce my resignation as the state coordinator Road to 2023, plateau state chapter.
My decision to resign is informed by the need to focus on my studies and attend to my personal engagements .
I wish to thank all our members for their overwhelming support .I wish to particularly thank the secretary General and the initiator of the group ,hon sule Agun ,for his vision and foresight in bringing us together to advance the cause of democracy and deepen our synergy towards having a leadership that is committed to good Governance and the pursuit of our collective survival .
The experience will remain indelible in my memory . As much as I would have love to remain at the helm of affairs to enable us galvanize our people towards the attainment of this lofty ideals, the exigencies of the moment have suggested otherwise .
However, I will continue to lend my support from the sidelines .
Once more, thank you all for your brotherly support and the wonderful experience shared .
Contrary to the rumour making the around that the chairman of Jos North LG Shehu Bala Usman have been impeached,the legislative arm of the council has debunked the rumour.
According to write up made available to this medium by the council legislative arm dated 2nd July,2022 reads “this is to inform you that,Hon. Amb. SHEHU Bala Usman the council chairman of Jos north LGEA was not impeached.”
It has come to our notice that, some councillors who are members of the legislative Arm of Jos North LGC are threatening the council chairman to always cut our salary and pay their honorariums or be impeached and they are also threatening the work of some of our members.
We wish to State it categorically clear that, any move by the Legislative Arm or Councillors of Jos North LGC to sabotage effort of the Council Chairman in paying arrears of our salary and youth empowerment because of their personal interest will be rejected and serious protest shall be organized to defend the interest of civil servants and any body who have interest of the people at heart like the Council Chairman.
*Therefore, our members are being mobilized to be on alert for a serious protest against Councillors or Some members of the Legislative Arm of Jos north* who are threatening Hon Shehu Bala Usman for their selfish interest to the extent they want our salaries not to be paid and youth empowered to be disengaged.
Consequently, members should disregard the rumour of impeachment and continue to pray for the Council Chairman to succeed as leadership comes from God only.
Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is in his elements again.
He is back into the mood that make many of his followers worship him as he shreds Nigeria’s economy and leadership.
Giving a biting analysis on the state of the nation on Monday, Obi carpeted the economy as an unproductive one and the leadership of the country as lazy and parasitic – one that is always sharing and not producing.
Besides, he said workers spent 100 per cent of their earnings on food:
“This is a country of 200 million people sitting on 923,000 square kilometers of land. They cannot feed themselves, they cannot export anything. Total Nigeria’s export including oil is under two billion dollars for 200 million population.”
Obi said this when he met with the leaderships of the Migerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, who pledged to support his candidature.
Obi said his visit to the leadership of the two labour centres was not to campaign but for a courtesy call to honour the Organised Labour on whose party and interest he was seeking Nigerians votes in the 2023 general elections.
“My commitment is to move Nigeria from consumption to production and you can not talk about production without labour.
“Labour is the engine of production, capital and machine can do anything but labour is what makes it work.
”Because labour is the greatest contributor to production, it has to be properly remunerated.
“I do not need to tell you how bad things are in this country today. if you are on wages, today Nigerians spend 100 per cent of their wages on just feeding.
”So many don’t even know where their next meal will come from. They pay to train their children only for them to finish school and stay at home without work,” he said.
Obi said that these were issues that needed to be discussed.
“Nobody can be president without sitting down with labour organisations to decide the future of Nigeria.”
He said that Nigerians would no longer have a situation where the leaders would be here and workers would be there.
“They must sit on the same table and talk.”
According to him, that is the beginning of the solution, that is what is happening all over the world.
“Nigeria is not a producing country. The collective effect of what we are suffering today is bad leadership.
“We have a leadership that concentrates on sharing. So you have to move from sharing formula to production formula.
“This is a country of 200 million people sitting on 923,000 square kilometers of land. They cannot feed themselves, they cannot export anything. Total Nigeria’s export including oil is under two billion dollars for 200 million population.
”A similar country, not a first world country, one with the same tragectory with Nigeria in the year 2000, Vetnam, sitting on 331,000 square kilometers of land, a third of Nigeria’s land space and 100 million population, with half of Nigeria’s population, their total earnings last year was 312 billion dollars,” he said.
Obi however noted that more than half of the country’s youths of productive age were unemployed, adding “this is what the Labour Party is seeking to sit down to discuss for the future of our country.”
He said that borrowing was not the problem of the country as other countries were also borrowing to support their economic development drive.
“If you borrow for consumption, you are in problem but if you borrow for production, you will progress.”
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has felicitated with the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Hon. Sylvanus Namang on the occasion of his 64th birthday.
The governor felicitation message dated 30th June,2022 is contained in a press statement issued, signed by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs Makut Macham and made available to this medium.
Governor Lalong described Namang as a thorough-bred media professional who distinguished himself in journalism and dedicated many years serving the society through his gift of writing and public communication.
He said Namang who rose through the ranks to become the Editor and General Manager/ Chief Executive Officer of the Plateau Publishing Company, publishers of The Nigeria Standard, one of Nigeria’s foremost newspapers, groomed many journalists and mentored them to become professionals in their own right.
Lalong said Namang further deployed his skills in media management upon joining the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria as Zonal Director North Central before his retirement from public service in 2018.
He further said the media veteran has not stopped giving his best since joining politics particularly upon his election as the State Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Plateau State where he has continued to provide timely and professional information to the party faithful and entire citizens.
While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings, good health and divine protection, Lalong prayed that God will grant him more strength to continue to serve the nation.
The Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council , Shehu Bala Usman has condemned in strong terms his purported impeachment in the Social media, describing it as the handiwork of his detractors who are bent on destabilizing his administration and plunged the area in a needless crisis.
A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Philip Eplong, the chairman described the purported impeachment as an exercise in futility that will not stand the test of time since there is no any record of Legislative sitting
The Chairman noted to impeached a sitting Chief Executive, proper and constitutional channels; such as the collection of the two third majority of signatures of members to a petition; presentation of the petition to the chairman; the setting of seven Man committee shall be constituted to hear the alleged offences, if any and the presentation of the Committee’s report for deliberation; must be followed.
The statement said all these procedures were not followed and described the alleged impeachment as a social media exercise and an abuse of the Legislative integrity, adding that what is reported is unconstitutional, null and void.
The Chairman disclosed that since assumption of office in October last year he has been carrying all along, including the Legislative Council and he is at a lost as to where the said impeachment is coming.
He added that from all intents and purposes, the said exercise is aimed at rubbishing his modest achievements since assumption of office.
The Jos North Council Boss wondered why the Legislative Council will attempt to impeach him without giving him any notice or the opportunity of fair hearing through service and defence of allegations against him, if any, as enshrined in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.
Shehu Bala Usman therefore used the medium to appeal to the security agencies to apprehend those behind the infamous move as their action has the capacity to cause the breach of the hard-earned peace currently being enjoyed in the state.
He urged his supporters to remain calm and be law abiding, noting that efforts are on to unravel the identify of these agents of destabilization who, he said, are out to achieve their selfish interests.
The Chairman called on the people of the locality to go about their legitimate businesses as authorities of the council are on top of the situation.
The Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, Shehu Bala Usman has condemned the attack on the Legislative Council by some hoodlums at the Council’s secretariat in Jos.
The chairman wondered why hoodlums will attack the councilors who are performing their legitimate duties and disassociated the Executive arm of the council of any complicity in the umpass.
The Chairman condenmination and disassociating the Executive from the umpass, is contained in a press statement dated 30th June,2022, signed by the special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the chairman Philip Eplong and made available to this medium.
Usman explained that since assumption of office, neither him nor any member of the executive arm has ever interfered with Legislative functions and as a democrat who believes in the separation of powers and the rule of law, he is not contemplating doing so.
While condemning in strong terms the barbaric act, the Chairman appealed to security agencies to immediately wade into the matter and apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly acts to serve as deterrent to others.
He also charged the security agencies to embark on thorough investigation to unravel the sponsors of the dastardly act stressing that his administration will not fold its arm and watch unscrupulous persons breach the relative peace being enjoyed in the area.
The statement called on residents to remain calm as the Local Government is on top of the situation and anyone found wanting will face the full wrath of the law.
Christians/ Muslims community in Jos North Local Government Area has condenmed in strong term the vote of no confidence on the Chairman of Jos North Local government Hon Shehu Bala.
The two religious body described the call for the vote of no confidence the chairman,antidemocratic which is the handiwork of some respirate group of persons that want to truncate the rapid human and infrastructure development going on in Jos North local government under the able leadership of Hon.Bala Usman.
This group under the auspices of Jos North progressive youth(JNPY) on 28th of June, 2022 who are faceless claimed that they passed a vote of no confidence on the present Chairman of Jos North LGA, Hon shehu Bala has no evidence to show that some “disruptive elements” are recruiting ethnic groups and politicians with the motive of convening conferences where a vote of no confidence will be passed would be slam on the Hon Bala Shehu Usman ,whose performance is a true reflection of peace in Jos North LGA.
Spokesman of the group ,Hon Yohanna Davou Pam said the purpose of the move was to further throw the state into another turmoil.
in a statement titled ‘ Jos North Local Government Chairman: Incompetences and Maladministration.”
Pam gives further insights into the recent claim by the group who are being sponsored by some desperate politicians ,that some people were planning to undermine the council Chairman and his political contributions to the restoration of peace in Jos North LGA which hitherto a flash point for crises in Plateau state .
He ,however, explained further that Hon .Bala Usman Shehu is working hard towards keeping the state together, even if some unruly feathers would be ruffled in the process to create acronym .
He claimed that some disgruntled religious and past political leaders are behind the plans orchestrate their selfish political ambition at the detriment of the cooperate existence of oneness .
The statement read, “The alerted sinister moves by misguided elements to wreak havoc in the forthcoming general elections and corporate existence of the state will not be achieve “.
Yohanna. Davou says ,we don’t insult, incite people at home, or bring religious to be popular in politics but we advice citizens against fanatic and greedy ,self-centered politicians.
We saw that this moved was ,”Championed by some disgruntled religious and political leaders, the intention is to eventually throw the state into another round of crisis, which would compel a forceful and undemocratic change of leadership.
“The evidence shows that these disruptive elements are now recruiting the leadership of some ethnic groups and politicians round the council , with the intention of convening some sort of conference, where a vote of no confidence would be passed on the Chairman Hon Bala Shehu , thus throwing the land into further turmoil.
“The caterwauling, in recent times, by these elements, is to prepare the grounds adequately for their ignoble intentions, which are designed to cause further grief for the council.
“The agent of provocateurs hope to achieve through artifice and sleight of hands, what they failed to do through the ballot box in the council elections.
“Nigerians have opted for democratic rule, and the only acceptable way to change a democratically elected council chairman is through elections, which hold at prescribed times in the country. Any other way is patently illegal and even treasonable,Of course, such would attract the necessary consequences.
“These discredited individuals and groups are also in synergy with external forces to cause maximum damage in their own council .
But the Local Government Chairman is , already vested with mandate and authority by Nigerians till the end of his tenure which is pledged to keep the council together, even if some unruly feathers would be ruffled in the process.”
Meanwhile ,the Chairman of Jos North LG condemned the confusion that disrupted during the legislative arm of the council during the sitting held this evening .
He said as true democrat ,I have nothing in connection with the members and he still remain the Chairman of Jos North LGA .
The Chairman stressed that those who perpetuated the heinous crime by attacking the legislative arm are on their own
A Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos Division on Thursday 30th June,2022 has sentenced three accused persons to death by hanging or lethal injection for culpable homicide which is punishable with death .
Justice Arum Ashom of High Court No 3 ,sentenced Mr Terry Kefas the 1st accused ,Samson James ,and Patrick Nyam for stabbing one Joseph Gonsum to death on the 25th December, 2015 on ground of two count charge .
The count 1 read ,that you Terry Kefas ,Samson James ,Emmanuel Ujah now deceased and Patrick Nyam on the, or about the 25th day of December ,25th at Gada Biu in Jos North Local Government Area ,within the Plateau judicial division agreed amongst yourselves to do an illegal act to wit :culpable homicide punishable with death an act which was done pursuant to your agreement and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section of the penal code ,cap 89 laws of Northern Nigeria ,1963 .
Count 11 ,that you Terry Kefas ,Samson James Emmanuel Ujah now deceased and Patrick Nyam ,on or about the 25th day of December ,2015 at Gada Biu commit culpable homicide punishable with death in that you caused the death of one Joseph Gonsum ,now deceased by stabbing him with a knife on his stomach with the knowledge that death would be the probable consequence of your act and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 221 of the penal code ,cap 89 laws of Northern Nigeria ,1963.
Speaking shortly after the sentenced ,the prosecution counsel ,Assistant Director citizens Right and Law Reform , Barr. John Ishaku Mantu said this is justice to the society ,this was the case the state is prosecuting since 2015 .
We have done our best as prosecution counsel ,we give in our very best to see that the matter was prosecuted .We appreciate the court seeing reasons with our witnesses that we presented .
However, at the end this matter was decided in favour of the state wherein those stand trial now convict are sentence to death .
According to him,” this is a matter that has four (4) defendants which one past away in the cause of this trial and today we appreciate God for the judgment is a justice to the society .
Mantu disclosed that it is a matter that they killed an innocent person on the 25th day of December, 2015.
Adding ,the law is right on the case of culpable homicide once there is conviction, it is death sentence .
He emphasized that as the prosecution we called about five witnesses whom they all testified on their behalf and the case has been lingering for the past six years and you know that they say justice rushed is justice crashed .
This situation ,6 years is fair to decide such matter because this is a matter that is capital in nature .
The prosecution counsel explained further that the delay sometimes come from the defence counsel themselves because once they see evidence presented by the prosecution they sometimes brought in some technicalities to delay the matter .
He further stated that the issue of covid-19 is also there ,the issue of JUSUN strike ,we have almost three strikes affected in the course of this trial .
Mantu preempt that for the defence counsel to put request for the judgment ,well definitely we expected an appeal in this matter the way their counsel was talking in court ,he demanded the copies of the judgment which the court promised to make available .
“We know and we expecting an appeal from them by the grace of God ,we are competent to prosecute them at the appeal court.
Whatever way the judgment goes in the appeal court ,they may decide to go to supreme court whichever way , they’re still on the death row pending the reversal of the decision “,Mantu says .
The Defence counsel ,Barr.David Adudu said the suit is between the state and three others defendants .
In the cause of the conviction ,the judge found the defendants guilty of their offences which they were prosecuted for the crime and in view of this the judge sentence them based on the law .
He added that as the defence counsel ,we are not satisfied with the judgment just delivered by Honourable justice Arum Ashom, so we have to start the process of appealing the judgment by commencing the transmission of the appeal process immediately .
Crisis loom in Wadata Kasuwa Community of Plateau State as some staff of the ministry of Justice has conspired with the Garkuwa of Mavo who are currently trying to convert the ancenst
Exposed as at least no fewer than 20 families in Wadata Kasuwa are battling with a staff of Ministry of Justice ,Plateau State who conspired with Garkuwa Mavo to desperately convert their FADAMA site to family and cooperate membership .
The Ponzhi Wadata Kasuwa ,HRH ,Domnan Vonjen has been in the hospital undergoing treatment which the Barr.Joel Takven group want to claim the ancestral farmland of the community.
According to him ,with my poor conditions of health I appeal to the concerned traditional institution to intervene because the said Land was the only ourt inheritance .
He said ,” I have reported the encroachment of this farmland by one Barr. Joel Takven of the Ministry of Justice ,Plateau State , his family and Garkuwan Mavo but when drastic measure was taken by Ponzhi Lot Nden they refused to honour his invitation .
Vonjen reiterated that i learned he brought staff of Ministry for Land and Survey to conduct survey and put beacon without my knowledge and that very day there was heavy downpour with the land owners ran back home and he took advantage to commenced landscape and demarcation of the land ” .
The Tarok community of Kadarko District of Wase Local Government Area ( LGA) raised alarm that Barr Joel takven employ the service of the ministry for Land &Survey to carry out the demarcation of the FADAMA which is located in Wadata Kasuwa when the traditional land owners vehemently stood again them .
The following families include ,Galadima Miri ,Ubandoma Miri ,Latim Miri ,Boyi Vonjen ,Domnan Vonjen ,Nanbol Vonjen ,Audu Vonjen ,Ayuba Ngas ,Iya Wadata ,Baba Zambam ,Amos Danbana ,Sallah Funturu ,Mai-Riga Sani ,Marafa Ndam ,Mai-Angwan Deshi ,Gaisuwa Deshi the complainants who alleged involvement of Barr. Joel Takven that illegally brought his family and friends from Langtang south LGA to commenced farming and demarcation of land.
He however stressed that the following persons are laying claim that they are the original owners ,Bulus Dindam Rinkat Chiroma Arewa ,Dipko Maikano ,Lohkur Commander ,Nansoh Pyal (Maiangwan ),Awal Kurnap Takven ,Nanfa Mallam ,Sunday Ramchak ,Napshat Soho Nanyak follow come ,those that constituted themselves into a new settlement with Nansoh Miri as the head of FADAMA Cinciya under Kadarko district .
Vonjen further that one Barr. Joel Takven recruited his younger brothers ,Yohanna Takven ,Kurnap Takven Nancwat Takven by bringing staff of land survey ministry to start producing land documents for them as original owners to displaced them who are the land owners .
Spokesman of the land owners ,Nanmwa Vonjen told journalists that the said land belongs to their ancestral fathers but just this year Takven family take over the land and started cultivating for their personal use.
He said they complaint to Ponzhi Lot Nden who is custodian of Tarok land in Kadarko district of Wase LGA and he invited them and the matter was settled amicably but the Takven family invaded the land trying put beacon .
Its was also gathered that they destroy crops for this farming season when all the land owners were absence during the invasion their traditional farmland ,he alleged .
According to him ,the Ponzhi Kadarko ,HRH,Lot Nden caution them to stay clear of the disputed farmland because it doesn’t belong them .
However ,he disclosed that the matter was reported to Wase Divisional police Headquarters to intervene on the matter but the DPO refused that the land dispute is strictly meet for traditional institution to address it ,he explains .
Vonjen called on the appropriate authority to act fast to ensure that safety of lives and properties of innocent citizens is not affected by the action taken by someone who is support to mediator in conflict of land grabbers .
The former General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army and former Commander Special Task Force Jos, Major General Olayinka Oshinowo retired said, he holds the Nigerian Army in high esteem.
He made this known today 28th June 2022 during a Valedictory Buffet and Regimental Dinner Night organised to honour year 2022 retired officers and discharged soldiers of 3 Division area of responsibility.
General Oshinowo who was the Special Guest of Honour at a Valedictory Buffet for retired soldiers congradulated the retirees for a successful disengagement and urged then to be diligent in the management of their resources.
Oshinowo further said, it is heart warming to successfully retire from an organisation that requires a lot of commitment, dedication and sacrifice, revealing that many officers and soldiers have paid the price with their dear lives .
He reminded the retirees that proper management of their resources is key to successful life style after retirement.
Also speaking at the Regimental Dinner Night organised to honour retired officers, the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Hassan Umaru charged the officers to continue to be good ambassadors of the Nigeria Army ,as he reminded the retirees of their loyalty, dedication and commitment to one Nigeria even as retired personnel.
General Hassan who was the former commander Special Task Force Jos and General officer commanding 3 Division also commended the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for honouring retired officers and reviving regimentation in the Nigerian Army.
Delivering the goodwill message of the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigeria Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali said, the Nigerian Army is committed to re-engaging the gallant retired officers and soldiers contain the current security challenges.
The Army Boss reiterated his commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired personnel of the Nigerian Army. He said, the welfare facilities in the barracks and cantonment across the country are always open to retired personnel.
Genral Yahaya further urged the retirees to continue to fulfil their obligation towards defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria even as retired personnel,and charged them to shun all forms of misconduct and actions capable of bringing the army into disrepute.
In their separate votes of thanks on behalf of the retired officers and discharged soldiers, Colonel Abubakar Mohammed retired and Army Warrant Officer Adamu Danapu retired, applauded the Chief of Army Staff, for the strategic initiative of honouring retired personnel ,vowed to contribute their best to peace and security of the country.
High point of the event was presentation of special gifts from the Chief of Army Staff to the retirees to appreciate their meritorious service to the nation.
Divisional police officer in Jingere, Bassa local government area of Plateau State, SP Alobo Ebere John has been awarded a peace Ambassador for ensuring peace in the area by the Northern peace foundation a non-governmental organisation (NGO) for restoring peace and normalcy in the area.
The Award which was presented to Sp Alobo John who is the DPO at the division police station including Jingere was in recognition of his immense contribution to the humanity ,educational development youth, humanity and nation-building.
AbdulMalik Adamu who lead some members of the foundation from the north central presented the certificate said the recipient was recognized among several personalities who Distinguished themselves in their own place of work.
He said the foundation is determine in ensuring good and responsible leadership among Nigerians, saying that they will continue “to encourage hard work , diligence ,sincerity and patriotism among Nigerians”
According to him, the foundation which is sir Ahmadu Bello sardauna memorial has been following the achievement recorded by the recipient who has restored appreciable peace in the area of his command as a divisional police officer.
He said the disposition of the DPO in ensuring fairness among all the various ethnic groups in the area has help in ensuring confidence in the area.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award , the divisional police officer Mr Alobo Ebere John dedicated the award to the inspector General of police in the country as well as the commissioner of police in plateau state whom he said deemed it fit to post him to the area
Some of the stakeholders in the area who attended the ceremony Expressed appreciation with the awards given to whom they described as a patriotic Nigerians who has no regard two religious belief in his affairs.
Alhaji Halidu Dahiru Abdullahi Jingere Town , Mallam Yusuf Ayuba and Mamma Shehu all said in a different remarks that the DPO deserved the recognition because of his campaign for peace in the area.
They said the people of jingere town are appreciative of the role being played by the division police in the area particularly in arresting criminals and arm robbers who has been terrorizing the area.
High court sitting in Jos the plateau state capital has adjourned matter between the federal republic of Nigeria, and barrister Gideon Ngwan to the 24th Oct, 2022 for mention.
The case which involved Gideon Ngwen a practicing lawyer in Jos, plateau State capital, was transferred from Justice Christy Dabup to Justice S. P Gang for contination of hearing on the basis of cheating, fraud and breach of trust.
The matter which is fixed for today 29th June, 2022 for mention, have a set back due to the absent of the the prosecuting counsel that communicated to the defense counsel and the court Clark that he will not make to the court for very cogent reason and understanding was reached between the Counsels and court Clark.
The defendant counsel however remaind the court that the case is reassigned form Justice Christy Dabup court where the accused person was granted bail, my Lord since then he had been diligent in attending the court whenever the case come up.
Justice S.P Gang however adjourned the matter to 24th June, 2022 for mention.
It would be recalled that the accused, barrister Gideon Ngwen , a practicing lawyer in the city of Jos, is being prosecute by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for alleged defrauding his clients all casual staff of state owned TV and Radio station(PRTV) who where sacked by Governor Jonah Jang administration.
The sacked workers not fewer than One Hundred (100) in number headed for court to interpret the law surrounding their unannounced sacked when most of them have spend significant of years with the corporation,and demanded for compensation.
On assumption of office in 2015,governor Bako lalong opted for out of court settlement while a huge amount of money was said to have paid to the earlier disengaged staff through their counsel barrister Gideon Ngwen.
The barrister instead of disbursing the money to the affected staff, he allegedly converted it to his personal use.
All efforts to prevail on the accused to release the funds to his clients proved abortive , which informed petitioning him to EFCC.
However, the accused is also being investigated by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) plateau State chapter , body responsible for regulations of lawyers and law practice.
The mandate of the body is to unravel the level of Involvement of the accused lawyer, the findings of the investigation is yet to be made public after many years the case had been pending in court.
Shitn’aan Ari and Leatitia Kabasele has been adviced to worked together as couples and build a formidable matrimonial home .
As the couples where Admonished to shunned gossiping , rumour mongering and avoid inviting third party into their matrimonial misunderstanding.
This admonished was made by the Archbishop of Jos ,Reverend Father Ishaya Audu who doubled as the officiating priest at the wedding of the holy matrimony between Shitn’aan Ari and Leatitia Kabasele held on 25th June, 2022,at the St-Monica Catholic Church Renta Jos, Plateau State.
Archbishop Audu said one of the common disease that is destroying marriage these days are rumour mongering popularly referred to in the local palace as “hear say”,lack of trust between couples and allowing outsider into your marriage live.
The Archbishop stressed ,if the above is not cure in marriage,is capable of destroying ones cherished Holy Matrimony, charged the couples to be wary of those matrimonial disease and find quick remedy to it before they recked your marriage.
He Admonished the couples to allow their marriage to be build on solid Rock of Jesus Christ that can’t sink nor crumbled no matter the troublent wind of life.
The Archbishop specifically Admonished the groom to allow the beauty which attracted him to marry the bride be substained forever till death do the two of them part in accordance to the sacred oath marriage they took in the present of the congregation and God these day.
He remaineded them to remember that whatever they have from today onwards,are jointly owned , because from now on they are one and the same ,any attempt to separate what God have joined together by any person, is sin in the sight of God.
The chairman of the occasion and the former Governor of Ebonyi State Sam Egwu, adviced the couples to allow their Union to be rooted on the foundation of God Almighty.
He charged the couples to emulate the marriage life of their parents Mr and Mrs Joe Ari ,who despite all odds stayed together believing in the miracle of God that eventually worked in the life of Ari’s .
On his advice, the Deputy speaker in the House of Representatives ,Rt.Hon. Ahmed Idris Maje Wase reiterated the need for the couples to hold firm to God and build their marriage on the solid foundation of God.
That he said will sustained the marriage that can’t be distracted by man.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include, governor Bako lalong, Secretary to the state government Danladi Atu, Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly, deputy governor of Nasarawa , commissioners and Captains of industries.
A group under the auspices of Atiku100%, Plateau State Chapter has unveiled it electioneering campaign support urging Nigerian to vote for a credibly candidate of the People Democratic Party ,PDP ,in the forthcoming general elections .
The State Coordinator ,Hon Emmanuel Macham and secretary ,Iliya Dang in a state briefing on Tuesday 28th 2022 in Jos ,unveiled the campaign team supporters urgued them to swing into action across the country.
Atiku 100% support group said as the the name implied,the support group in the state give its unalloyed support for the candidature of Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
He explained further that their meeting mark the beginning of unveiling the movement known as Atiku100% group which has swing into action across Nigeria .
According to him,”this group is formed by respected Nigerians of like minds from different part of the country who came together in Abuja deliberate and inform H.E Alh Atiku Abubakar of the groups intention to galvanized support for his presidential ambition for PDP in 2023 General elections”.
We are here to have a brief press interaction aim at introducing this group to the Plateau people .
However ,our state Secretariat is undergoing minor refurbishement and will soon be put to use in Plateau State and Commission by our National LEADERSHIP.
We have set up structures across the 17LGAs of Plateau State and have inform the National leadership of NWC of our intension to garner 2millon votes.
The group is in high spirit willing to deliver and we urge all Stakeholders,party faithfuls,party structure,youths as well as women groups for synergy in working hard to bring in a people oriented Government in Nigeria.
Nigeria is in critical situation requiring focus and stable Leadership to enable us come out strong and stronger.
The Time is Now for Alh Atiku Abubakar/Ifeanyi Okowa to deliver Nigeria from our present predicament,economic hardship, serious security challenges among several others.
To enhanced the welfare of troops,and their Operational effectiveness,the Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH)who doubled as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Ibrahim Ali has inaugurated landmark projects in the Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN .
As General Ali said is the responsibility of the command to see that the welfare of the troops are well and adequately taken care of ,to achieve maximum performance from them.
The commander of Operations Save Haven(OPSH Major General Ibrahim Ali stated this during the commissioning of the remodelled office of the Regimental Sergent Major, newly built 2 blocks of troops accommodation including the newly constructed borehole among others.
During the Commissioning ceremony, the Officer Commanding Defence Company OPSH, Captain Musa Aruwan said the projects would provide a conducive working environment for troops to carry out their responsibility effectively.
Captain Aruwan stressed that the troops would forever remain grateful to the commander for giving them befitting accommodation and provision of potable water.
In his remarks, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali charged Commanders at all levels to take the welfare needs of their troops very seriously adding that improved welfare leads to effective result.
General Ali also noted that it is a command responsibility to improve the standard of living of troops making huge sacrifice and dedicated to the service of their fatherland.
The commander further added that the projects would boost the morale of troops and strengthen their commitment to the fight against insecurity in the joint operation area.
Appreciating the commander on behalf of the troops, the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) OPSH, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Azi Yusuf lauded the giant stride of the commander and his resolve to continually improve the welfare of troops.
Highlight of the event was the cutting of tape to commission the remodelled office of the Regimental Sergent Major, newly built 2 blocks of troops accommodation as well as the newly constructed borehole among others.
Governor Lalong has given reasons why he declared 27th & 28th , Tuesday and Wednesday June,2022 work free days for any eligible citizens of plateau State to go to their respective abode to register for Permanent Voters Card(PVC),.
As Governor challenged them to cashed on the two work free days declared by the state government to ensured they make do with the government good gesture and go and register .
Governor Lalong who was speaking at monthly prayer and fasting held at the Government House Chapel Rayfield Jos said partipating in the democratic process is not just a civil responsibility but a spiritual one because God has given people the power to elect their leaders through choices in the ballot box.
He said it is not good for people to sit back and complain on the social media and elsewhere about bad governance but yet fail to take part in the process that brings in new leadership that will change the situation.
He said “Beyond prayers and fasting, we should also participate and do our part in ensuring that the right people are elected. Part of this is the performance of our civic duties of voting.
That is why I approved work free days on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th June to enable eligible citizens who have not yet obtained their Permanent Voters Card to do so. I charge all civil servants to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that they register so as to be able to choose their leaders during the elections. Failure to participate automatically means that you will live with the choices of others whether it is good or bad. We have been assured that our votes will count because of the reforms in the electoral process particularly the new Electoral Act”.
He also used the opportunity to call on political actors and their supporters to go about campaigning and seeking electoral support in a civilized manner and according to the laws of the land. He urged them to shun toxic campaigns that promote fake news, hatred, division, intolerance and incitement.
According to him, the determination of all politicians should be to strengthen the peace of the State built over the years and ensure that whoever emerges victorious works for the general good of the society. Politics he said should never be seen as a do-or-die affair because at the end of the day, Plateau people are brothers and sisters and share the same heritage.
He said the prayer and fasting which is a very important spiritual exercise has been sustained over the years and continues to be of tremendous benefit for the well-being of Plateau State and Nigeria.
Deputy Chaplain of the Government House Chapel Rev. Dewan speaking on the role of the Holy spirit in the life of the believer said whenever the children of God gather to fast and pray, the opportunity to depend on God is evident and the need for total submission to his will and dependence on his guidance through the holy spirit.
He charged the people to always depend on no matter all the circumstances as even though things do not always go as anticipated, they should never be discouraged to think that God does not hear or care.
He emphasised that fasting and prayer exercise such should always deepen the faith of Christians on God’s ability to make all things work together for good in their favour tike the Bible states in Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose”.
Prayers were offered for the peace and security of Plateau State and Nigeria and the need for a successful elections.
Radio , Television ,Theatre and Arts Workers Union Of Nigeria(RATTAWU) has made strong appeal to Governor Bako Lalong of plateau to look into the issue of training and promotion of it’s members who are in the work force of plateau state government .
As he called on governor Lalong to also see to the promotion of it’s members who have been stagnant in the same grade level for more than Five years without promotion.
The appeal was made by the National President of RATTAWU , Comrade Kabir Garba Tsanni in his speech during the plateau State Chapter of the Union Triennial State Delegates Conference held at Fox Hotel on 21st June 2022, in Jos plateau state.
The National President represented by the union Vice President North Central Zone, Comrade Mohammad Kabala said the world have gone digital with clear departure from analogy, so the need to train, and retraining the personnels of the union to enable them be abreast with the 21st century of technological advancement which will make them relevant in their various places of work.
He decried the stagnant of it members who had been in the same grade level for more than six to seven years without promotion,and appealed to the government to do the needful for maximum productivity.
The National President of the body, charged the union to to demostrate what they preach behind the camera by ensuring they conduct free,fair , credible and rancor free election which will usher in new Excos of the union.
He further said this is imperative particularly now the nation general election is around the corner ,the union needs to use the Triennial State Delegates Conference Election to send strong message to politians by conducting free,fair and credible election.
The chairman of the occasion ,who is the Executive chairman of Kanam local government in the state ,Alhaji Dayyabu Yusuf Garga commended the union for its relentless stances as the watch Dog of the society,and its contributions to the substance of the country’s democracy.
Dayyabu Garga reiterated the need for the union to conduct credible and rancor free Election, which he stressed will send positive message to politians the need for transparent and rancor free Election in the forthcoming general election.
However, Emmanuel Dolnaan the immediate past chairman of RATTAWU, plateau state chapter was returned as the chairman of the union for the second time.
Comrade Dolnaan is a staff of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Jos center.
In his acceptance speech,he promised to build on his past achievements , and thank his supporters for believing in him by returning him as the chairman of the union for the second time.
He promised not to let them down, called on the members of the union to cooperate and work with the newly elected Excos to move the union to a higher hight.
His words: “Now Nigeria is being ranked as 9th worst country for Christians to live in. We are number nine and Iran is number eight, everywhere I go, people keep asking me what is happening to Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. Toxic politics has now poisoned our religion.
“Though I am not a Vetinarian, but I was told that when a dog is barking, you walk towards it because if you turn back, it would attack. My point is that we Christians must walk towards the barking dog”. He lamented the high rate of insecurity in the country, and urged the government to rise up to the occasion.
“As I speak, for past three weeks my priest, a young man and a sister, are still in captivity even though the Nigerian state wishes to pretend that we are not negotiating with the kidnappers but as I am talking we are negotiating with the kidnappers because I don’t know how else to get back my priest.
“It is a very painful experience, my own blood relations have been kidnapped, I lost a Priest last year to kidnappers, I have lost a Seminarian to kidnappers and somehow we like to pretend we have a government, of course we have the apparatus of government, we have the scaffolding, but this scaffolding is important because people are able see access and appropriate resources of state.
“As to what the state needs to do, they are still far away from that reality. It is a very painful and sad reality that as at the last conversation with the kidnappers we have negotiated up to N20 million which I do not have.
“And the kidnappers think this is chicken fee. And I am supposed to pay money to people who are murderers, who would murder anybody; I am supposed to pay money to people who are buying aeroplane and killing people as you hear about Southern Kaduna last week. I was supposed to pay money to people who are prepared to destroy our country and there seems to be no sign to end this madness,” he said.
Comrade Kabiru Hassan Nasiru is currently on the wanted list of Nigerian police, plateau state command for alledge allegation of defrauding his victim one Mr.Tuesday the sum of Two Million Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira by false pretences, cheating and criminal intimidation.
According to a petition written by Mr. Tuesday to the plateau state police command ,Bukuru Division in Jos south local government he Tuesday who is the complaint narrated how kabiru promised to sell a residential building to him , which make him paid to him part of the agreed amount after written agreement supervised by his lawyer.
Mr. Tuesday John Omubelle, who residents of Bukuru, Jos South LGA, narrated further that sometime in October 12th October 2022, to be precise, he approached Comrade Kabiru Hassan Nasiru’s who claimed to be House agent, approached Mr. Tuesday that he has house for sale.
Mr.Tuesday said he picked interest for the house where they negotiated on the price after inspection of the facility.
Mr. Tuesday further narrated to the police that he believed Comrade Kabiru Hassan, and make payment of the sum of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only, which he acknowledge and issued me receipt of the said amount through a bank payment of Comrade Kabiru account.
Comrade Kabiru Hassan deceived me further (Mr. Tuesday John) to pay additional (N210,000,00) Two hundred and ten thousand naira only as legal and agency fees.
He lamented that since then Kabiru had been behaving funny towards the complaint,Mr. Tuesday John and went further to start intimidating him that he can’t do absolutely nothing to him that he knows all the top security agents in Nigeria that he cannot be arrested.
Comrade Kabiru confidently told me Mr. Tuesday John, that he should go to hell that he can never give him the house and the money he paid for the house that there is no house for him he should go to anywhere he like for all he cares.
Since 2020, which is over two years now, no house and no money but Mr. Tuesday, is constantly receiving messages of intimidation,threat from Kabiru, while he still collecting the rentage of the said property for the period which he claim to have sold the house to Mr. Tuesday.
The helpless Mr Tuesday said the accuse has stop picking his calls, non returned his text messages.
“He constantly send people to me , intimidating me that he is a rich man that he is untouchable that he has done same to several people and go Scott free that I am just nothing but a crayfish”
The complaint, Mr Tuesday is Using this medium to call on the government , security agencies and judiciary to come to his aid and arrest Comrade Kabiru Hassan and prosecute him as his actions violates section (306), (296), and (376) of the Penal code law of plateau State”2017.
A Staunch member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Hon. Amos Tongwe has congratulated Ngo Josephine Piyo over her emergence as the running mate to the party’s Gubernatorial candidate, Barr. Calep Mutfwang.
Piyo was unveiled on Tuesday as PDP Governoship running mate by the flag bearer (Mutfwang) himself in the presence of stakeholders of the party.
Speaking immediately after the event, Tongwe commended Mutfwang for the decision. He however observed that going by the global trend, he expected a youthful running mate for the purpose of appealing to that group who constitute over 60 percernt of the population of the country.
“Most democracies in the world are geared toward involving the younger generation in the affair of things. This development has not only encouraged youths participation but has seen many taking over affairs of governance in many countries such as France, Canada and Ukraine. In Nigeria, the south East, South West and the far North have shown committment toward involving the younger generation in the scheme of things. This was clearly demonstrated when Pius Anyim was elected and subsequently became Senate President at the age of 39, Bankole Demiji became Speaker, House of Representatives at age, 33 while Salisu Buhari also head the House of Representatives at the age of 29”.
Tongwe lamented that it is only in the middle Belt, particularly in Plateau State that age is always adopted as a factor to edge out the younger generation in the scheme of things.
Consequently, he called on the PDP Governoship candidate to consider it a duty to ensure the inclusion of youths in his Government after recording success in 2023. On his part, Tongwe promised to give his best including resources to ensure PDP victory in the governoship election in 2023.
“I believe in the ideals and philosophy of the PDP because the PDP is the only party that has good and developmental programs for the people. I must also say that I am positive and confident in the capabilitiy and capacity of Hon. Calep Mutfwang in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. It is for this reason that I am calling on him to ensure the involvement of the younger generation for this onerous task. The involvement of the youth is also significant taking into cognizance the global quest of grooming the younger generation for leadership purpose”, he said.
Plateau APC may just been in trouble as it Governorship Aspirant Nentawe Yilwatda is rumored to have sneaked into the state from Abuja without certificate authenticating him as the party candidate.
Nentawe was said to have sneaked into the state with few supporters of the party late yesterday 21st June,2022.
INEC refusal to give him certificate may not be unconnected to number of petition that greeted his selection instead of Election at the governorship primary.
Although the details is still sketchy, gnews promise to update you of the New development from the APC camp.
President Mohammadu Buhari has nominated names of New Ministers to be screened by the Senate for onward confirmation and rectification.
This to filled the vacant position of the Ministers that has resigned their various ministerial positions to contest various elected positions.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan read Buhari’s letter of request on the floor of the Senate, in Abuja.
In the letter read by the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, on Tuesday, 21st June,2022,Buhari said the nominees would replace the former ministers that resigned from his cabinet to pursued elected political positions.
The letter read in part, “In accordance with Section 8 Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I hereby forward the underlisted ministerial nominees for your confirmation.
A group under the aegis of PLATEAU APC CONCERN VANGUARD, within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has warned the National Chairman of the APC, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, not to bow to the alleged quest of the Governor of Plateau State, Dr. Simon Bako Lalong for the Vice President slot of the party.The group in a press statement signed by one Samson Pam, as Chairman and one Nicholas Jatau Fabia, as Secretary, dated 21/06/2022, and made available to REALITY claimed that, Governor Lalong should not be trusted to run the Presidential race alongside Sen. Asiwaju Tinubu in 2023 because, “Governor Lalong’s plays politics of betrayal”.The group also in its press text, titled: “RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG WAS DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED, BUT TURNS AN EMPEROR” alleged that, the gubernatorial candidate of APC in Plateau State was imposed on the members of the Plateau State APC, while warning that, what had happened in Zamfara State may repeat itself within the party in Plateau State.“As the Plateau APC Concern Vanguard, we want to remind you that, Governor Simon Lalong was mistakenly elected as the Governor of Plateau State, as a result of former Governor David Jonah Jang’s imposition of a right and best candidate on Plateau people at the wrong time. This governor Lalong seems to have forgotten too soon. It is on record that, since the election of the Plateau State Governor into office, he has not conducted any free and fair election beside imposition of persons at all levels of elective and appointive offices in the state. “Similarly, the selection of, Dr. Nentawe Yilwada, was purely a gross abuse of the APC guidelines, specifically to mentioned the election or imposition of delegates up to the election of the gubernatorial candidate. This process from all political fronts was not done by Lalong. Why Not? “Because Lalong said that, he has already purchased the ticket from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party through the APC National Chairman by using his puppet, which he has successfully imposed on the Plateau people, as the Deputy National Secretary of the APC in the person of, Hon. Festus Fwantur.“No wonder then that, the imposed APC gubernatorial candidate in the person of Dr. Natawe, was not issued any waver because he was an employee of INEC”. The press statement in part read. READ THE TEXT IN FULL BELOW:-RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG WAS DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED, BUT TURNS AN EMPEROR.Gentlemen of the Press,As the Plateau APC Concern Vanguard, we want to remind you that, Governor Simon Lalong was mistakenly elected as the Governor of Plateau State, as a result of former Governor David Jonah Jang’s imposition of a right and best candidate on Plateau people at the wrong time. This governor Lalong seems to have forgotten too soon. It is on record that, since the election of the Plateau State Governor into office, he has not conducted any free and fair election beside imposition of persons at all levels of elective and appointive offices in the state. Similarly, the selection of, Dr. Nentawe Yilwada, was purely a gross abuse of the APC guidelines, specifically to mentioned the election or imposition of delegates up to the election of the gubernatorial candidate. This process from all political fronts was not done by Lalong. Why Not? Because Lalong said that he has already purchased the ticket from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party through the APC National Chairman by using his puppet, which he has successfully imposed on the Plateau people, as the Deputy National Secretary of the APC in the person of, Hon. Festus Fwantur.No wonder then that, the imposed APC gubernatorial candidate in the person of Dr. Natawe, was not issued any waver because he was an employee of INEC. Up till today, the 20/06/2022 that, Hon. Festus (Esq), through the Emperor purchased the APC Governorship Form there has not been a waver for, Dr. Nentawe.Permit us to draw your attention and that of the APC Founding Fathers to the fact that, Lalong in his desperation to impose Dr. Nentawe upon Plateau people and APC, the National Stakeholders lied that, Nentawe was the endorsement of Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd). Just to earn him President Buhari’s adoption and sympathy.It is on sound record with evidence that, when Dr. Nentawe was the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Benue state, he did send an INEC/ICT staff from Benue to Plateau to manipulate votes in the state that later favoured Lalong’s re-election in 2019. It’s now clear that the said Dr. Nentawe, who by INEC’s Act was not suppose to contest any elected position until after some period of years, has been imposed on Plateau people to come and protect Lalong’s lootings and his assets at home and in Dubai from EFCC and ICPC.We are of the knowledge that, Dr. Nentawe has already graciously agreed to cover the outgoing Governor’s mess.It’s also on sound authority that, we want to state that Governor Lalong is not a respecter of the Procurement Act because all his transactions have been between him, his family, brothers and sisters, In-laws and close friends.Gentlemen of the press, because of Lalong’s desperation for power and beside his being clownishly used as the 19 Northern Governor’s Chairman, everyone knows that, he is with Rotimi Ameachi and he did authoritatively directed the Plateau State “selected delegates”, to vote for his principal in the person of Ameachi at the APC Presidential Primary. It was a democratic evil, when he also gave a directive that all his selected delegates should snapped their votes as a prove to earn him favour, while thinking Rotimi Ameachi will certainly emerged. But, as the table turned around, he shamelessly dumped Ameachi and began to solicit for a running mate from Asiwaju Tinubu, whom he had earlier disowned. To us, this is Governor Lalong’s hypocrisy of the highest order, added to his bad character and sad attitude of “Politics of Betrayal”. Despite all the chances and opportunities given to him by the National Chairman of APC in the person of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu , Lalong was on a National Television, opposing the Adamu and his office, without consideration to his pedigre, position, age and position, and yet, he continuously claimed being loyal to Buhari and Abdullahi Adamu.Who then is fooling who?It’s now clear to all that, he who plays the piper dictates the tune. Governor Lalong discredited his National Chairman earlier on the grounds of equity, fairness and justice and that, the Presidential slot should moved to the South, with Ameachi in mind, but as things unfold and changed during the Presidential Primary election and the APC settled for Sen. Tinubu, whom he detested, we are all therefore wondering with surprise, over his present interest.More so, we are inquisitive to know, Sen. Tinubu did not come to Plateau state to canvass for votes from delegates in the first place, and why, despite the unhidden frustration meted on Sen. Tinubu’s campaign team, and with the help of the G-18 Plateau Gubernatorial Aspirants, Asiwaju was able to secure 26 votes from Plateau APC delegates without the Emperor’s knowledge?As a Vanguard, we want Lalong to know that, he cannot take the glory of something he never supported and suddenly wants the moment to turn into an opportunity that will enable him seek for the position of the Vice President, as been agitated for by his Brothers, In-laws, Commissioners and Friends. For ease of reference and in respect to the above submissions, we humbly refer you (Gentlemen of the Press) to, Hon. Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande (the former Minister of State for Information) Press Release on, “Why Tinubu should not pick governor Lalong as running Mate”.We are using this opportunity therefore, to call on the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to come and rescue Plateau else, the Zamfara State sad episode will surely repeat itself on the Plateau.Furthermore, we the APC Vanguard are calling on the national body of the APC, to disregard the notion of being bought over, as alleged by Lalong and Hon. Festus (Esq), but to come down and rescue APC on the Plateau for posterity sake.In conclusion, the National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, should watch his back regarding Lalong’s quest to be Vice President because that would make the office of the National Chairman in the North Central zone, insignificant, and of no importance.Hence, we The Concern Vanguard of APC on the Plateau are saying, we prefer the APC National Chairman seat than that of the Vice President especially to a self-centered person who only thinks of himself. We equally advise the NWC to be more careful with Hon. Festus, who is planted to draw them down. Watch out for the next episode.Samson Pam.. Chairman Nicholas Jatau Fabian…Secretary
Gunmen suspected to be bandits has reported to have adopted Traditional Ruler in Mangu local government district of Panyam in plateau state His Highess,Aminu Derwan.
According to reports, the gunmen men who were about 20 in numbers stormed the palace at the early hours of Monday, June 20, 2022, and took away the traditional Ruler Pa Derwan, the district head of Panyam.
A resident of Panyam community, Moses Garuba, who confirmed the incident said the gunmen scared residents away with gunshots before abducting the traditional ruler.
Garuba said, “It was last night around midnight that the bandits, who were more than 20 and heavily armed, surrounded the district head’s palace in Panyam.
Because his house was not fenced, some villagers who saw how his house was surrounded by strange people alerted other members of the community through a community bell. But immediately the bandits heard the bell, they started firing gunshots and eventually went away with the traditional ruler, leaving the community helpless,” he said.
Some residents, who condemned the attack said that the incident had been reported to the police division in the locality.
The spokesman for state police Command, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached when contacted on the incident as his mobile phones were switched off.
The kidnap of the district head is the latest in a series of abductions targeted at traditional rulers and the clergymen in the state.
On Sunday, June 12, 2022, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Jos East Local Government Area of the state, Reverend James Kantoma, and a traditional ruler in the state, Ugoh Ababs, were kidnapped by gunmen.
While Kantoma, who is also the Catholic priest in charge of St. Anthony’s parish in the Jos East LGA, was kidnapped at his church compound in Angware community, the traditional ruler was abducted when the gunmen attacked his palace in Amo district, Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
Jos base educationist , Bosede Obende has advocated for the Involvement of Children in the fight against depletion of the Ozone layer causing climatic change in Nigeria and the world as a whole.
According to her, until this is done Nigeria in particular, and the world in general might just be sitting on a time bomb waiting to explode.
Bosede Obende who is the head teacher of Bomas Academy shared her views in an interview with journalists during the school’s celebration of this year Commonwealth Connections Project in Jos, Plateau State.
Bomas Academy one of the schools selected in Nigeria to participate in Commonwealth Connections Project said Commonwealth Connections is co-funded by the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and the British Council. The Birmingham Education Partnership (BEP), is the lead delivery partner and the Youth Sport Trust (YST) and Birmingham Arts School lead on design and delivery of the specialist sports and arts input schools’ project activity.
Ms Obende mentioned the school is encouraging the children to engage more on sports with confidence and sharing information and knowledge on Climate Change advocacy .
In Bomas Academy, we educate our children to avoid wastage of food , water and to also spend less energy sometimes in various activities . We inculcate in them the need to take a walk instead of taking bikes or cars as the case may be.
Recent astronomical events have resulted in great changes in our climate which has affected Nigeria as a country and the world in general, hence the time to take proactive steps in fighting climate change holistically is now and children must be included .
Ms Obende remembered with nostalgia some places like Pankshin Local Government in Plateau state use to be very cold but today research has shown that it’s no longer so due largely to climate change caused by the activities of man.
She stressed that the idea behind the program in conjunction with Commonwealth Connections Projects is to create a voice and we want to start with our children. Bomas Academy as a school is trying to ensure climate change is incorporated into the school curriculum where it will be studied as a subject.
She reiterated that in Bomas Academy , we don’t waste products. We make use of disposed plastic bottles and keep some animals in the school .
Jos base educationist , Bosede Obende has advocated for the Involvement of Children in the fight against activities of men contributing to the depletion of Ozone layer causing climatic change in Nigeria and the world as a whole.
As she said until this is done , the country Nigeria in particular, and the world in general might just be sitting on a time bomb waiting to explode anytime soonest.
Bosede Obende who is the head teacher of Bomas Academy stated this in an interview with journalists during the school celebration of this year Commonwealth Projects Connect of Arts and Sports in the school recently in Jos, Plateau State capital.
The Bomas Academy which has partnership with Commonwealth Council the heads teacher said, the program has to do with Commonwealth game which is supported by game organising committee , British Council Academians and the youth trust.
Bosede further said what the school is doing is encouraging the children to engage more on sport with confident and talking to them on Climate Change advocacy.
She further said in Bomas Academy, we educate our children to avoid any wastage be it food , water and to spend less energy sometimes and incurcate in them the need to take a walk instead of taking flight or motor as the case may be.
She further said the astronomical recent climate change has affected Nigeria as a country and the world in general ,hence the time to take proactive steps in fighting against it holistically, including children is now.
Bosede remember with nostalgia, when you reflect back, you will know that some years back places like Pankshin Local Government in plateau state use to be very cold,but today, research has shown that it’s no longer so due largely to climate change occasion by the activities of man.
She stressed that the idea behind the this program ,in conjunction with Commonwealth Connection Projects is to create voice and we want to start with our children,she further said the school is trying within it power to ensure climate change is Incorporated into the school curriculum where it will be study as a subject.
She reiterated that in Bomas Academy ,we don’t wast any products ,we make use of disposed plastic bottles,and keep some animals in the school .
As you can agree with me that things has drastically change now.
In their separate interview with newsmen ,the lead country director , Mrs Bankole Afolabi said the Commonwealth Connection Projects has Five countries in Nigeria and Five countries in sub-sahara Africa,and stressed that the project has two phases which is sports and Arts.
He said in sports, we try to build as much as possible confident,team work, competent self dependable among the school age children.
Mrs Bankole who is civil Servant with Lagos State Government said the theme for the program which is “Earth Our Home Working Together For An Adaptable Transformation Of Echo System” , which I and my theme come up with is apt considering the danger climate change is currently posing to human lives in the whole world.
On his part the managing Director of Video Wave,Mrs Livinus Otteh whose headquarters base in Kaduna state, said he is in charge of creative section as far as the program is concerned,but contracted for the job.
Livinus reiterated the need to expose the children early to the study of climate change to be abreast with it and with the view of changing it as soon as possible,the method he described as “Catch Them Young.”
Mrs Obende who has received not fewer than three awards to her credit, said Bomas Academy is not there yet as more needed to be done.
She said the awards have to be applied for and convince those in charge to be monitoring you either through visually or Zoom.
In addition, through your work with your students, you should be able to convince them through video or through pictorial.
High point of the event,is cultural display by the Pupils of the school, Bomas Academy that was centred around the theme of the event.
gnews.com 
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