Dr Patrick Dakum has said although Governor Lalong has put in place many developmental projects , many finished and some are currently ongoing,if I am ask to choose one project to work on that is fundamental to the state when elected ,l single out security because it’s the bed rock of any development.
As he strongly debuked the rumors going around that governor Bako Lalong have anointed any candidate that will succeed him as the Governor of the state in 2023.
The Governorship aspirant in 2023 general election, Dr Patrick Dakum was responding to questions from journalists during the official commission of his compaign office held along Bukuru road opposite Nasco foods limited.
He said those parading ,and insinuating that they are the choice of the governor Bako Lalong, are just being mischievous with the bids to constitute themselves as illegal Governor as all the Governorship aspirants received blessings of clean slate to go ahead and contest from the Governor , which doesn’t translate to mean the governor candidate ,as he Lalong can’t put more than one candidate in the seat , for that reason, if any candidate is claiming to be the governor’s candidate,is an illegal government.
Dr Patrick Dakum who reel out his achievement starting from when he was the commissioner of information,CMD jos University teaching hospital (JUTH) ,and his current position as medical boss in Abuja, said his anticident can clearly speak for him as an achiever with plethora of achievement to put to the table for public assessment.
He said the people of plateau state, without menacing work are hard working people ,go to Abuja,in most of the construction sites , plateau man or woman are there working to earn a living.
To me ,the Plateau man and woman are not lazy ,what they just need is little push that can propel them to another level.
Dakum promised that the Government under his watch ,he will offer that help, that push to the Plateau citizens to be able and feed for him/her self to become self dependent.
On the insinuation that he is using the former Governor josuha Dariye’s political structure ,the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Human Virology Abuja, Dakum logically said every government in one way or the other is benefactor of another government , which can not entirely be discarded.
He said some governors benefited from the formidable political structure laid by the first governor of the state, Chief Solomon Dashep Lar in one way or the other to advance their political course.
So ,it happened to every politians irrespective of the political background you are coming from,so insinuating that I am using the former governor’s political structure to advance my present political course, you may not be far from the truth because Governorship position is not an individual projects but Plateau projects.
On his chances of emerging the governor of the state,he said without menacing words , that with the researches carried carried out by our campaign team . conspicuously indicated that I am having more than 65 percent of chances in becoming the governor of plateau , following my anticidence of experience, previous experience in governance and above all , human empowerment.
Plateau state Governorship aspirant for 2023 General Election, Chief Amos Gizo said his aspirations for the position of governor in the state is premised on 3Rs Pillar which if effectively implimented will help to usher in new dawn of hope for the people of plateau .
The acronyms 3Rs are Redefine, Reconstruct and Restore the lost glory of the state which the founding fathers sacrifice their lives to build, and has completely been eroded by several factors that has grossly destroyed the state collective heritage.
Chief Amos Gizo who is veteran journalist ,and the publisher of “City Watch” Magazine was speaking during his formal declaration of his intention to run for the position as governorn of plateau state in the forthcoming 2023 General Election.
Chief Gizo who is holding the traditional title of “Magajin Garin Gidgid ,Wakili Jhar and Ajiyan Kanam, decried lack of distrust amongst the people of the state, and the democracy the forefathers of the state laid their lives to achieve which is gradually drifting away because of system failure.
Gizo said all these can be corrected with great sacrifice from both the leadership and the citizenry by Redefine our common destiny ,as to what we want,and resolve to coexist together as one indivisible brothers and sisters from the same creator “God” .
He stressed that until we decide to coexist as brothers ,as envisaged by our forefathers then progress can not be achieved.
On the current security challenges bedeviling the state, Gizo said it’s nothing short of human errors, which was before now neglected by our leaders that is now hunting us as a state and by extension Nigeria as a whole.
He further lamented that plateau state which use to be the envy of other state in the whole federation, including economy , social and other areas of rating, is now being relegated to background by some small state.
He further stressed that the current insecurity facing the state is occasioned by astronomical population rise, unemployment,indoctrination of religious fundamentalism by both Muslims and christians clerics.
And promised that under his watch as the governor of the state,he will ensure that preachings capable of inciting religion against each other capable of causing crisis in the state will be regulated ,which will help to build strong and virile state for the good of all which is our responsibility to protect our people.
He said with the 3Rs pillar proposed concept ,will put the state on a right track ,and help us as state and restore to it hitherto glorious position, and this can only be achieved if all hands are on deck, and will promised to leave peacefully with one another irrespective of tribes, religion and political linage.
In his response,the state Chairmam of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC)in plateau state,Hon.Rufus Bature said governor Lalong stance is to handover the leadership to that person that have the interest of the state at heart ,and advise Chief Gizo to be careful when delegating authority to the electorate which in most cases they didn’t carry our the instructions as directed.
And urged the electorate to ensure they do the bidden of their aspirant that will guarantee his success at the polls, and not to betrayed him in one way or the other that will help to truncate his chances of winning.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako furious by the the recent attack on Kanam/Wase communities in the state ,has given the security forces a marching order to go after those blood thirsty militias that has little non respect for human lives.
As governor Lalong vowed to make it difficult for terrorists and other criminals elements operating in the state and its environs a hot zones and directed security to go after them with the view to hunt them down.
The governor directives is contained in a press statement dated 11th April,2022, signed by the Director press and Public Affairs Makut Macham, and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state capital.
Governor Lalong give the directives while reacting to the terrorist attacks on some communities in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of the state where scores of persons were feared killed with houses and properties destroyed and condemned the irresponsible act and vowed that those behind it will be made to pay a heavy price.
Governor Lalong however expressed deep regrets over the dastardly and directed security forces to dominate the area after their initial response which put a stop to the carnage, charged them to go after the fleeing terrorists and ensure that they pay for their crimes.
According to the Governor, Plateau State will never be used as a safe haven for terrorists to set up camps and use same to wreak havoc on communities and innocent citizens in the State and elsewhere.
Governor Lalong said the State Security Council has adopted far reaching measures to strengthen all security measures and enhance the capacity of the security agencies to respond to all situations that cause a breach of the peace in any part of the State.
Lalong who sympathised with the communities affected, promised them justice as those behind the attacks will not be allowed to go umpunishment.
He directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to immediately visit the areas, assess the situation and provide relief as well as trauma management.
He said the State has already approached the Federal Government for collaboration to deal with the terrorists hibernating in the general area once and for all to enable people go about their legitimate businesses without molestation and harassment.
Not fewer than 100 suspected militias on Sunday 10th April,2022, invaded Kukawa and Gyambawu communities of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau leaving scores of persons death and many sustaining various degrees of injuries, the communities are border settlement between Bauchi ,Gombe with tick forest connecting Sambisa forest .
The bandits who penetrated through the forest linking Yakari Game Reserve in the afternoon started shooting sporadically and attacking the natives .
According to residents ,the whole of Kukawa settlement is under siege were they have invaded sacking the communities as many dwellers are now scampering to take refuge inside the nearby bushes.
Residents of the affected villages told newsmen on Sunday that they don’t know where the invaders are coming from .
According to the residents of the affected areas, the bandits have attacked Kukawa, Gyanbawu à, Dungur and Keram villages where a scores of people were killed.
Adam Musa, a resident of Kukawa village who confirmed the incident confirmed the incident at 04 pm said that many were injured while hundreds of people have fled their homes, adding that security personnel are yet to reach the villages.
Musa said, the gunmen in seperate attacks invaded the villages at about 1 am when the residents of the areas were going about their normal activities and started shooting sporadically.
He said the bandits who are currently operating have burnt down many houses.
Meanwhile, another plot by suspected gunmen’s to invade Correctional centre was foiled by the security agencies in Jos on Sunday causing confusion and tension .
However, the security agencies barricade all the entrances of the state command and prison headquarters to avert further jailbreak in Jos prison .
The Plateau State Police Police wish to state clearly that Plateau State especially Jos is very peaceful.
The Command has adopted a new security strategy in line with our normal routine patrol and check.
Also, the Command wants to be proactive in any intelligent report at our disposal as it is our core mandate to protect lives and property.
The Command urge everyone to go about their legitimate business without fear.
The Spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Ubah Gabriel, promised to get back to our correspondent when contacted on the development
Plateau Governorship Aspirant Steve Bilshakka has Advice his Supporters Against the Use Of Insults and abusive Words on other political opponents during the forthcoming electioneering Campaign.
As he said all the aspirants vying for various positions in the State, including the seat of governor, are coming to contest for one reason or the other , all pointing towards developing the state.
The Plateau state Governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), for 2023 general election, Dr Steve Bilshakka give the advice 9th April,2022 during his Official declaration for intention to run for the position of governor of plateau state in the forthcoming election 2023.
He said his Official coming to declare for the number one seat of the state ,is not by accident, but divinely arrange by God because he want to use me to change the history of the state that had been passing through many changes of crisis for the past two decades.
And further add that when given the mandate of Governorship ,in the state ,I will fight insecurity hitherto bedeviling the state to a stand still ,and I will not hesitate to deal with persons , groups no matter how highly placed or connected in the society to make sure they are brought to Justice.
“We have gone round the 17 Local Government of the state, and we have seen their demands raging from infrastructures deficiency which when i come into office in 2023,we shall not fail to tackle”.
He further stressed that when he come to power as governor of plateau state, he will not forget that the teeming youths of the state are walking aimlessly on the street with no work for them, l will make sure they are engage in one skills or the other which will helped to solve the problems of youths restiveness in the state.
He promised to make the state a commercial hubs that will attract other states of the federation , which will help to boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state,expecially now that the monthly federal allocation is drastically dwindling , which is a singal to all states to took inward.
Dr Steve Bilshakka decried the high rate of computer illiteracy in state following his recent research,and stressed that in this 21st century,no country can survive without (ICT), promised to make the state ICT,compilant.
He said no country or state can survive in the absence of unity, and called the Plateau citizens to unite an close ranks together for the development of the state and to bring haters of peace on the plateau to Justice.
Many political dignitaries under the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state graced the occasion .
An Aspirant for the 2023 Gubernotorial seat, Dr Fitka Steve Bilshakka has disclosed that he would formally declared his intention to aspire for the Plateau State governorship seat on 9th March, 2022 at Rwang Pam Township Stadium and ensured the state achieve meaningful development if given the mandate .
Addressing the delegates at the APC Secretariat on Thursday 7th March 2023,Dr Bilshakka emphasized that his political ideology is not to move with crowd but to developed blueprint that will be acceptable to all Plateau people .
He further add that his aspiration is a divine mandate movement’ while declaring his intention to aspire for the seat of governorship under the platform of APC, Surv Steve Bilshakka said, he has the three qualities which are different from other aspirants,which are capacity, experiences and popularity, that make him stand out amongst the other aspirants.
Stressed he is aware of the fact that the role of governance require someone with credentials that can consolidate on Governor Simon Bako Lalong achievements to reposition the security of the state .
Dr Steve Bilshakka harped more on promoting peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment of women and youths to make the state commercial hubs of the middle belt if given the mandate to actualize this wonderful dream .
He also noted that if elected, he will work assiduously to make sure that he restore back the lost glory of ,”home of peace and tourism “and to strengthen the traditional institution and community participation in security watch dog .
In his response,the Chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress APC, Plateau state ,Hon.Rufus Bature commended the aspirant, and said his sacrifices and contribution to the APC are well noted and appreciated.
He welcome Dr Fitka Steve Bilshakka that he was the first aspirant to come and congratulate the New Execo of the party when they where elected, we sincerely appreciate him .
According to the Chairmam ,Plateau state would be one of the greatest beneficiary if he is voted into power , he said the array of credible aspirants the APC is portraying has made the party stronger.
Bature explains that the state need someone that can consolidate on the APC achievement under able leadership of Simon Bako Lalong ,as he assure the aspirant of their unalloyed support as umpire of the party in the state .
Hon. Bature reiterated that the party is blessed with credible aspirants and they are providing free and fair level ground for every candidate to participate.
He debunked allegations that the timetable for the conduct of primaries is yet to come out ,urging them as politician to always keep themselves ready whenever the sell of forms and conduct of the election is concluded .
Bature said the party is waiting for final communication at the national Secretariat because they are yet to arrive at the actual amount of fee to be charge on aspirants .
The embattled Speaker Plateau State house of Assembly ,Nuhu Abok Ayuba has cleared air over his removal as the speaker of the State House of Assembly by some handful numbers of dissident loyal to the All Progressive Congress(APC).
As he said contrary to the rumors that some dissident group at the State House of Assembly are peddling rumors that they have removed me as Speaker, I want to categorically states it here that no body removed me as Speaker, because I still remain the speaker of the 9th Plateau State House of Assembly.
The embattled speaker stated this in his goodwill message during the inauguration of the Ethnic Youths Nationalities Execo plateau state chapter held on Saturday 2rd April,2022, at the Azi Nyanko Youth Center,Dadin Kowa in Jos, Plateau State .
He further add that currently the house is not sitting at Assembly complex designated for the business of lawmaking ,as sitting is taking place in another undiclosed place which is not recognize in law,rather amount to non and viod of no effect of any legislation made in that instance.
Abok said two Captains can not be in the boat at the same time,the boat will capsize ,so will cannot have two speaker in one House, and asked the people of plateau to disregard the rumors that another person have been elected speaker of the house.
He charged any person or group to call the police and any law enforcement agencies to arrest the impostor parading himself the speaker of Plateau State house of Assembly for prosecution.
“I still remain the speaker of the state house of Assembly, currently they are not sitting at the house complex largely because of the on going renovations at the complex occasioned by the vandalization of property by APC disident members sponsored by their cohort, the power that be”.
The speaker who recently abandoned the ruling All Progressive party APC,in the state,and decamped to the opposition party PDP, challenge the youths in the state,by extension Nigeria as whole to put their destiny in their hands and avoid being used as election thugs hired to distrupt electioneering process.
He further stressed that it’s time for the youths in the state,and Nigeria in general to realize that our leaders did not have programs and plans met to accommodate the teeming youths in this country.
He advised them to stay away from drugs capable of destroying their future,but rather do something that can enhance their future.
Killings In Bassa LG, Lalong Direct Securities To Fish Out The Perpetrato
By,giwa alex, Jos
The plateau State governor Simon Bako lalong who has expressed concern over the escalating killings and bloodshed in Bassa local government of the state,called on security agencies to be up and doing in arresting the perpetrators.
Governor Lalong expressed the concern following reported case of the invasion of irigwe community of Bassa where not fewer than 10 persons including children where reported to be gruesomely massacre by people suspended to be Fulani militias.
Governor Lalong lamented that despite government efforts in restoring peace in the state as a whole and Bassa local government in particular the irigwe community still remain the epicenter center of invasion,as the killing of innocent people and destruction of property continued unabated.
Eyewitness who narrated the attack to our reporter said the blood thirsty militias stormed the community when irigwe annual festival “Zerreci”to usher in raining season and planting season lunched uncoordinated attack on the crowd leaving scores dead.
The plateau State Command of the Police Public Relations Ubah Ogaba has confirmed the report that no fewer than 10 persons have been killed by the militias an attack in Chando Zerreci village venue of 2022 cultural festival in Bassa Local Government council of Plateau state.
The Force Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Ubah Ogaba, said the attack was the second in the series that destroyed several properties in the area.
He explained that the state police Command has already drafted security men to restored normalcy in the trouble area adding that
” We are on top of the situation”
However,the National Publicity Secretary of Irigwe Youth Movement Comrade Lawrence Zongo confirmed the attack in a statement made available to our reporter on Sunday 3rd March,2022 in Jos.
The statement reads that “The National Leadership of Irigwe Youth Movement(IYM) condemned the attack of the Irigwe people on her annual ritual festival ‘Zerreci’ the festival that will usher them into the rain and farming season.
“The group alleged that they were attacked by the militias late Saturday,2rd March,2022, night at about 11pm at Chando Zerreci in Bassa Local Government of Plateau state”
Zongo further added that 10 persons were killed and 19 people survived gunshots wounds, currently undergoing medical treatment at Enos Hospital Miango, while others are receiving treatment in Jos, the state capital.
The statement further called on Government to come to their rescue.
“The Nigerian government has a responsibility to promote and protect human rights, including the right to life, and a duty to protect civilians from attacks by taking effective measures to prevent and deter attacks on the Irigwe people.”
“The government must as a matter of urgency investigate the attack in Irigwe land and bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure families and other victims are adequately compensated.”
“Brutal attacks on Irigwe communities are becoming rampant and frequent,this is unacceptable,the government must take more concrete steps to protect lives and property across Irigwe chiefdom and neighboring communities.”
The Irigwe nation further pleaded to International communities to come to the aid of the people and to support them with humanitarian aid.
Legal practitioner in plateau State, barrister Niri Darong has decried the prolonged strike action embarked unpon by the ‘Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) plateau state chapter for over a month now.
As he said that the closure of the court occasioned by industrial face off between judiciary workers and the court management, has astronomically increased crime rate ,and the right of innocent persons are fragrantly violated as many accused persons bail application could not be processed.
Barrister Darong stated this in an interview with journalists immediately he received an Award “Impact For Humanity” by non political and non religious group held at De Bridge Hotel on Saturday 3rd April,2022.
He said the face off between the judiciary staff and the management of the court since 7th March,2022 is taking a dangerous toll on the activities of the court, as accused persons with bailable offense are being detailed more than necessary largely due to the strike.
The legal practitioner called on the plateau state government Simon Bako Lalong to weigh into the issue with a view of amicable settlement ,so that the court will continue it sittings.
The lawyer attribute the high rate of crime and criminality in the state,and by extension Nigeria as a whole to the slow pace of Justice delivery,as accused are not getting speedy Justice, their right grossly violated.
He however called on the state government to carefully antithese the industrial strike and it effects to the legal system in the state with the view of doing the needful .
Niri commended the organizer of the award”Impact For Humanity”,and stressed that it come to him as a surprise because l am unaware that what l was doing in my little way to touch humanity,is been watched by group of persons ,and add that the award will spur him to do more, because Who More Is Given,More Is Expected”.
He called on the Youths in the state,and Nigeria in general to hold their destiny on their hands,and don’t allow anybody to truncate their bright future .
And argued them to be patent and avoid dissipating their energy on things that will land them in trouble,be law abiding , have focus and be patient with what they set their mind to do,as long as is within the confine of the law.he maintained .
The Youths in plateau state has been advice not to allowed themselves to use by politicians,
particularly now that the general election is just around the corner.
As they should realised that they play significant roles in determine the leaders that will come to power considering their numbers in plateau state in particular and by extension Nigeria in general.
The chairman Jos East local government Hon. Ezekiel Yakubu give the advice in his goodwill message during the inauguration of the Newly Elected state Executive Council of “Ethnic Nationalities held on Saturday 2nd April,2022 at the Azi Nyanko Youth Centre Dandin Nowa,Jos ,plateau state.
The Hon. Chairman said the excos of the Ethnic Nationalities ,plateau state chapter is coming at time that can be best described a period they needed to be wise and be careful with politicians who will approach them to influence their decisions for vote,my sincere advice to them,for them to be careful and avoid casting vote for the wrong candidate, that can made and marr their future.
Hon.Yakubu who graced the inauguration with the entire members of Jos East local government cabinet members, said it is imperative because one of their own,barrister Zachariah Awang happened to be the chairman of the body and its important to come and support him with our attendance.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the other inaugurated excos of “Ethnic Youths Nationalities” in the state,the chairman barrister Zachariah Awang said theqz Nationalities participation in the election,is a clear indication that we are ready and yearning for a positive change, the great numbers was not just for elections purposes, but I’m confident that a paradigm shift has began, where everyone has a stake towards an eventful tenure,our unity as a people must be guarded jealousy.
He further said as a youth group, we’re not only a pressure group or watchdogs but critical stakeholders in the development of our State.
He stressed that the tripartite hardcore of our administration includes,Unity/Ethical Reorientation, Empowerment and Security.
All these barrister Zachariah said when carefully managed will surely give a purpose driven leadership.
“It is time the Plateau Ethnic Youths engage with issues, not to be pushed to the back of the queue, relegated or to be looked down on, we are determined to guard ourselves from praise singing and scavenging from one office to the other for personal aggrandizement, but shall be bold to call a spade a spade no matter the cost as contentment and integrity shall be hold firmly.”
He promised that the voice of the union must be heard and words shall be marched with actions.
He added that the body who is neither political non religious group have all it takes to make the changes we desire
for us to have a proper footing and take off, the Coalition is in dire need of a Secretariat and vehicle, as we can’t be wandering from one public centre to the other for our meetings like children without parents and home.
And however thank Governor Bako Lalong who he said has done well and we are hopeful on bended knees they will graciously grant our genuine request.
“As we approach the 2023 General Elections, the power that lies on the thumb of the youths , who constitutes not less than 70% of the State voting strength must be judiciously exercised we must resist thuggery and any form of negative vices and contribute meaningfully towards a better transition.”
He further commended His Excellency, Simon Lalong, for placing the youths in strategic positions of his administration and allowing them to enjoy the pride of Not-Too-Young-To Rule, where majority of the legislators in the state at both the PLHA and NASS (Green Chambers) are youths,hoping that it will be maintained in 2023.
And said the developmental strides of governor Lalong lead administration in the state is glaring, but more needs to be done especially on the pending Legacy projects spread across the State.
In their separate goodwill messages ,Nanle Kujo appreciated Jos East for their uprightness because in their dealings they never betrayed themselves non the people under which they serve.
He urged the excos not to compromise in their action particularly with any politians. ,warned that they should not allowed themselves to be pocketed by them.
Those inaugurated to pilot the affairs of the union for the next two years includes,
Others are Dawang Moses(financial Sec)Kopswang Type(Treasurer) Tosat koptur(D.O.S),Damshak Jonathan (legal Adviser)Yusuf Fyale(Auditor),Dama Yonmi(PRO).
Others include,Nuhu Bitrus(Vice Chairmam Northern Zone),Dawap Sunday (Vice chairman central zone),while the vice chairman is Samfi Pius and Samson Lohman(Ex-Official)
The Chairman of Jos south local government Hon. Gideon Dung Davou Dandareng has presented an appropriation bill of 3Billion for 2022 before the legislative arm of the council with the charge to the honourable members to expedite action in the signing of the appropriate bill into law.
As he charged all hands to be on desk to salvage the situation so that posterity will vindicate us, having gone round and saw things ourselves during our electioneering campaigns.
Hon. Chairman jos South LG.Gideon Davou stated this during the presentation of 2022 appropriation Bill before the councils law makers on the 31st April,2022 ,held at the council chamber in Jos south Local government of the state.
The council”The Budget Of Hope And Consolidation” the chairman said the hope of the government is that a lot we be achieved considering the battered nature of infrastructures that abound all over the local government.
He stressed that for this to be achieve, all hands must
be on desk to salvage the situation so that posterity will vindicate us, having gone round and aw things ourselves during our electioneering campaigns.
The budget is anchor on the following premises
ARIGCULTURE
Bearing mind the agrarian nature of our land, we intend to pursue
aggressive approach to agriculture activities in the local government area in order to solve some of our farmer’s problems, by
way of assisting them to have access to agaric loans and other assistance emanating from both federal and state governments. We will equally purchase fertilizer and other farm input for distribution to our farmers. So also more slaughter houses would be constructed across the length and breadth of the local government
ROADS AND BRIDGES
All existing roads and bridges construction will be completed.
Furthermore, construction and rehabilitation of rural roads and
culverts will be carried out in all the 20 electoral wards.
COMMERCE
In order to empower our people economically, we intend to build many lock up shops for our teeming traders with a view to encourage trading and general merchandise. Also a gigantic truck terminal would
be built at the Mara ban Jema’a junction.
EDUCATION
In line with every schools intervention programme, we plan to give a face lift to some earmarked primary and secondary schools considered with precarious problems needing our urgent intervention. Priority in this regard will be given to construction of classrooms as well as Provision of school materials 294 teaching aids. We in addition intend to introduce local government Scholarship award to students of the less privileged parents and possibility settlement of WEAC/NECO examination fees.
HEALTH:
Health is wealth,It is for this obvious reason that we want to carry out renovation work of clinics across the 20 electoral wards. Furthermore, plans are on top gear to procure enough drugs and dressing that will go round all our health facilities.
YOUTH AND SPORTS
We are very conscious of the adage that says an ideal mind is a devil’s workshop for this reason; we intend-to detach our youth from all forms of social vices. This can only be achieved if we can engage them into skillful productive venture accordingly , I wish to announce that we plan to embark on a pragmatic poverty eradication/skills acquisition programme where our youth will be assigned to learn one skill or the other depending on their choices.
In addition, football competitions would be organized periodically ,
in order to check youth receptiveness and youthful exuberance.
WATER SUPPLY
In our bit to wipe away water borne diseases bedeviling our people,
plans are on the way to sink hand pump, Boreholes in all the 20
electoral wards.
We will equally, work in collaboration with the plateau State water board in order to restore normalcy in the supply of pipe borne water to people living in the urban area.
The budget has 26,269,480.85 as recurrent expenditure while 1, 115,000,000 is for capital expenditure.
The chairman reiterated his appeal to the council lawmaker for prompt attention be given to the budget proposal for its early passage through accelerated deliberation as over people are anxiously waiting to feel our impact On ground.
In another development,the chairman has launched ” Operation Know Your Neighbour” urged the people to unite irrespective of religion,race,political lineage.
He stressed that as politian he sworn to protect the life of the citizens and be accountable to the people.
The chairman further said Jos south local government council under his watch is not just to be ahead of other LG in the state in particular ,and the whole nation in general ,but ensure we think ahead other councils ,as we are here to deliver the dividend of democracy to the citizens that voted us into power.
The chairman was speaking during the distribution of Boxer Motorcycle to the securities operatives in the local government to boost their logistics and make easy accessable to areas that are not motorable and fight crime and criminality in the council and it environ.
He advice the security heads in charge of different divisions in the council ,to use the motorcycles given to them ,to smoke out criminals where ever they may be hiding in the council or the entire state.
As the chairman reiterated his administration determination to fight insecurity where they existed in the council to a stand still.
This he said is imperatives particularly now that farming period is around the corner.
The chairman stressed that to ensure criminals are shown the way out of the council in particular,and the state as a whole which informed the formation of the security outfit,co-named ‘Operation Know Your Neighbour’.
The Motorcycles were however distributed to all the securities divisions in the council, ranging from the police ,civil defence,vigilante,STF and other non conventional security operatives in the council.
In their separate goodwill message,the state commissioner of police,Bathlowmen Oyenka charged the people of the locality to be security conscious ,and ensure they now who is coming into their community.
He charged the chairman of the council Gideon Davou to continue the good work.
The commender operation save haven,major general Ibrahim Ali,who doubled as the commander 3 division represented ,commended the chairman of the council and add that without logistics,successful fight against insecurity will not be achieved.
The chairman also give out two car to two of his high ranked staff.
The Plateau State Executive Council has approved the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market burnt down by unidentified person at the wake of the unfortunate crisis which engulf the state in 2001.
The decision was reached by the Council at its weekly meeting presided over virtually by Governor Simon Lalong who is currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates alongside other Governors to participate in the 11th Annual Investment Summit.
The approval was followed a memo submitted by Hon. Idris Gambo, the Commissioner for Urban Development who is supervising Ministry of Commerce and Industry to the Council with the proposal for a Public Private Partnership Joint Venture to be funded by Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc.
Briefing newsmen after the Council meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang said the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market has been one of the priorities of Governor Lalong Rescue Administration which despite several attempts delayed because of conditions given by various prospective investors.
Manjang further add that the determination and resilience of Governor Simon Lalong to fulfill his campaign promise to the people by ensuring that the market is reconstructed has finally paid off with the agreement by Jaiz Bank Plc. to partner with the Plateau State Government in funding the project.
He stressed that the project expected to be completed within the lifetime of this administration, is one of the many legacies the Governor wants to leave behind for the economic prosperity of the State.
Giving details of the PPP Joint Venture, Supervising Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Hon. Idris Gambo said the entire project will be funded by the bank with a total of 4,231 shops of different sizes expected to be constructed on 44 percent of the land totaling 7.4 hectres. He said the rest of the land space will provide for parking, banks, fire station, police station, administrative blocks and other facilities.
The Commissioner disclosed that the market wholly belongs to Plateau State Government and will be managed by the Jos Main Market Authority while the Investor will recover part of their investment from proceeds of the sale of the shops.
Gambo also said the Exco resolved that those who were displaced from the burnt market will be given the first option of acquiring the new shops which will be provided under a flexible payment plan to ensure that genuine traders and people of Plateau State are not left out.
It was also agreed that work on the adjourning roads from the Gangare axis will be intensified with a possibility for dualization to ensure that traffic congestion does not prevail when business activities resume in the market.
The estimated total cost for construction of the three phases of the market is 9.4 billion naira.
Jaiz bank has similar PPP projects in Kano, Kaduna and Niger States with some completed and others ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Exco has also approved a proposed Bill for the establishment of the Plateau State Independent Peace and Security Trust Fund to be sent to the State House of Assembly.
Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Chrysanthus Ahmadu explained that the proposed Bill seeks to generate funds from the private sector, Government and other sources to support peace and security efforts in the State by training, equipping, motivating and insuring security personnel on security duties in the State, as well as supporting community policing structures and neighbourhood watch groups.
In another development, the State Executive Council has condemned the attacks in Jebbu Miango which left three persons death and others injured.
While consoling with those affected, it directs security agencies to redouble their efforts in arresting the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairman Sabiu Ibrahim Musa has raised the alarm over the space of insecurities in the country that has put Nigeria at the verge of precipice .
He said the high time nigeria should do away with political ,ethnic ,and other difference that hampering our collective unity and working against the Insecurities of the country the better for all of us as a nation .
The chairman of ADC ,Plateau state,who doubled as the secretary of the party,in the whole 36 state of the federation including (FCT) , just returned from the party’s forum held at Enugu state south East Nigeria ,gave the advice in an interview with this medium in Jos the state capital .
Sabiu Ibrahim who is the Galadima Gini Jos ,Plateau state called on the members of the party to close rank together and wrestle power from the self acclaimed mega parties ,the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC)and the opposition party ,PDP, in the 2023 general election.
He said with what is happening in the country now, its obvious that the two self acclaimed largest parties has fail the country in all ramifications,economically ,security and in all facet of human endeavours,and said the country is tired with them,its time for ADC as party to start gearing up to claim power come 2023.
He reiterated that the problem of Nigeria cannot be solved by no other person except Nigeria themselves, advice all to sheath their sword irrespective of political difference to tackle the monster of insecurities that is trying to push the country into precipice.
Sabiu further decried the worsting security situation in country, things in the country seem very bad, but seem unredeemable,he ever assured that with unity we will over come he maintained.
Plateau State Executive Council Approves Reconstruction Of Burnt Jos Main Market,Condemns
By,giwa alex,Jos
The Plateau State Executive Council has approved the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market burnt down by unidentified person at the wake of the unfortunate crisis which engulf the state in 2001.
The decision was reached by the Council at its weekly meeting presided over virtually by Governor Simon Lalong who is currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates alongside other Governors to participate in the 11th Annual Investment Summit.
The approval was followed a memo submitted by Hon. Idris Gambo, the Commissioner for Urban Development who is supervising Ministry of Commerce and Industry to the Council with the proposal for a Public Private Partnership Joint Venture to be funded by Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc.
Briefing newsmen after the Council meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang said the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market has been one of the priorities of Governor Lalong Rescue Administration which despite several attempts delayed because of conditions given by various prospective investors.
Manjang further add that the determination and resilience of Governor Simon Lalong to fulfill his campaign promise to the people by ensuring that the market is reconstructed has finally paid off with the agreement by Jaiz Bank Plc. to partner with the Plateau State Government in funding the project.
He stressed that the project expected to be completed within the lifetime of this administration, is one of the many legacies the Governor wants to leave behind for the economic prosperity of the State.
Giving details of the PPP Joint Venture, Supervising Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Hon. Idris Gambo said the entire project will be funded by the bank with a total of 4,231 shops of different sizes expected to be constructed on 44 percent of the land totaling 7.4 hectres. He said the rest of the land space will provide for parking, banks, fire station, police station, administrative blocks and other facilities.
The Commissioner disclosed that the market wholly belongs to Plateau State Government and will be managed by the Jos Main Market Authority while the Investor will recover part of their investment from proceeds of the sale of the shops.
Gambo also said the Exco resolved that those who were displaced from the burnt market will be given the first option of acquiring the new shops which will be provided under a flexible payment plan to ensure that genuine traders and people of Plateau State are not left out.
It was also agreed that work on the adjourning roads from the Gangare axis will be intensified with a possibility for dualization to ensure that traffic congestion does not prevail when business activities resume in the market.
The estimated total cost for construction of the three phases of the market is 9.4 billion naira.
Jaiz bank has similar PPP projects in Kano, Kaduna and Niger States with some completed and others ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Exco has also approved a proposed Bill for the establishment of the Plateau State Independent Peace and Security Trust Fund to be sent to the State House of Assembly.
Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Chrysanthus Ahmadu explained that the proposed Bill seeks to generate funds from the private sector, Government and other sources to support peace and security efforts in the State by training, equipping, motivating and insuring security personnel on security duties in the State, as well as supporting community policing structures and neighbourhood watch groups.
In another development, the State Executive Council has condemned the attacks in Jebbu Miango which left three persons death and others injured.
While consoling with those affected, it directs security agencies to redouble their efforts in arresting the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
The Former Senate President ,Sen.Anyim Pius Anyim has advised Plateau delegates ahead of presidential primaries to respect the zoning system enshrine in the 1999 constitution as any attempt to jettisoned the ideas of rotation might affect the People Democratic Party ,PDP ,in 2023 general election .
Speaking to the delegates at the stakeholders meeting held at Party state Secretariat ,Yakubu Gowon Way opposite NTA Jos ,Sen.Pius Anyim said any plan to scuttle earlier founding fathers democracy in Nigeria is tantamount to destabilize the nation .
He further explains that ,all politician in Nigeria agreed to come together to ensure that military junta go back to their barracks when Late Baba Solomon Duashep Lar took the bold step to confront them .
Sen.Anyim stressed that the Late Lar agenda was anchor on two issues the first is to make sure that army return back to the barracks and the second points is for Nigeria to adhere towards zoning arrangement between the southern and Northern parts of the country .
He issued a warning to the north to allow power rotate to the south saying ,any candidate that emerge from either south south ,southwest and southeast is agreeable .
Anyim Pius stated that his declaration of intention to vie for the seat of Presidency was borned out of his personal conviction to serve Nigeria and ensure that the Nigerian enjoy the dividends of democracy .
According to him ,my interaction with the all the delegates was to familiarize and identify some of the major issues that is generating crises since the return of democracy in 1999 because the colonial master built plateau state as tourist and development state .
He noted that if given the mandate he plan to deposition Plateau state as one of the commercial hubs of Nigeria where all foreigners can harness the business potential of the state.
Sen. Anyim revealed that the international crops farming shall be restore in Plateau ,and plan technologies gadget to improve the safety of lives and properties of citizens .
He disclosed that you deserved to be communicated face to face that is the reasons why I had to come to canvas with my intention through expression of interest form ,please I’m a man of credible , integrity and honor to provide leadership that is unbias .
Anyim emphasized that I have work as a civil servant ,occupy offices all my records are there for each and everyone to see and also transact business with people without cheating them .
Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Venue/Site Servicing Committee of the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC),National Convention, Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the newly elected leadership of the party led by former Governor of Nasarawa State Sen. Abdullahi Adamu for their emergence.
Lalong while rejoicing with them over their election said the APC has proved all skeptics wrong by organising a very successful and rancour-free exercise that has put it in good position to continue to provide leadership to Nigeria in the years to come.
He expressed optimism that the new APC leadership under Senator Abdullahi Adamu will give the necessary direction and impetus to all organs and members of the party to play their roles in strategizing for the next phase of the party’s development strides.
Governor Lalong’s felicitation is contained in a press statement dated 27th,March,2022 ,signed by the Director of press and Public Affairs Simon Makut Macham and made available to this medium in Jos,plateau state.
According to Governor Lalong, “Senator Abdullahi Adamu brings into the job a basket full of vast political experience spanning many decades that will be very instrumental in stabilizing the party ahead of the 2023 general elections. With his experience, connections and ability to bring members together, our party will grow more united and stronger especially with robust reconciliation which the newly elected Chairman had started alongside other stakeholders of the party before the Convention”.
Lalong also appreciated the fatherly role that President Muhammadu Buhari played before and during the Convention which doused a lot of tension and guided members of the APC to put the general interest of the party above their personal ambitions.
This leadership demonstrated by the President according to Governor Lalong, ensured that the party did not tore the line of self destruction as envisaged by naysayers and some members of the opposition who predicted a chaotic convention and doom that could weaken the APC and reduce its political might.
Governor Lalong also commended the Caretaker and Extra ordinary Convention Planning Committee for its role in ensuring that the process went ahead irrespective of many challenges faced along the way.
He also thanked members of his committee who did excellently well in ensuring that the venue and site services were in top shape for the exercise which went without any challenge.
The Governor also used the opportunity to ask members of the APC family in Plateau State to remain united and work to consolidate on the gains recorded by the party over the years as it has all it takes to retain power and win all elections in the future.
The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Ibrahim Ali has called on youths in Plateau and Kaduna State to distance themselves from any act capable of compromising the collective peace of the people and take the lead in developmental ventures of the society. The call was made on Saturday 26 March 2022 during the Maj Gen IS Ali Peace and Unity Cultural Day celebration held in Sanga Local Government area of Kaduna State and the First Peace and Unity Gwash Ball Final Tournament held in Jos, Plateau State.
The commander revealed that, Sport promotes affection, team spirit, community of interest, love for one another and comradeship. He charged the participants to be peace ambassadors in their respective communities and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship to foster cohesion, love, and togetherness for meaningful development.
While commending the plateau youth for inventing an indigenous game of Gwash Ball, General Ali pledged his resolve to promote the game to an international standard. He revealed that plateau state is endowed with talented youth capable of leading the state and indeed the country to the next level of development.
Also speaking at an event to mark Maj Gen IS Ali peace and unity cultural day in Sanga Local Government of Kaduna state, the commander represented by the Chief of Staff Operation SAFE HAVEN, Brigadier General Amos Egbejule, revealed that the task of restoring peace in the state is a collective responsibility of the people and the security agencies. He assured that Operation SAFE HAVEN will never relent in its sustained efforts towards restoring lasting peace in Kaduna State and reassured total commitment to fairness, neutrality and resolute in its assigned tasks.
Speaking earlier, the Commander Forward Operating Base Sanga, Major Mohammed Galadima revealed that the event was a testimony of the people’s commitment to peaceful and harmonious coexistence devoid of socio-cultural and ethno-religious background. He further urged other communities in the state to engage in activities that binds the society together.
The cultural day event that saw 26 different cultural groups participating, was organised by Operatuon SAFE HAVEN as one of the non-kinetic measures to promote tolerance among the diverse culture and custom of the people towards harmonious coexistence with one another, while the Game of Gwash Ball was sponsored by Operation SAFE HAVEN to promote indigenous games. The game was invented in plateau state few years ago. It is a hand ball game played by two teams of 6 players in each team. A point is scored when a team passes a ball within its players upto 20 times uninterrupted by the opponent. 15 teams from different parts of the state participated in the competition.
Highlight of the events were presentation of cash, medals and trophy to winners and participants of the peace and unity Cultural competition as well as participants of the first Gwash Ball peace and unity championship.
You are please requested to disseminate this information to the general public through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation.
As the fire over an alleged discrimination against a particular tribe on account of his/ her faith at the University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) rages on,general public an the good people of plateau state and by extension Nigerians has been called upon to support the nurses and the entire management staff of the institution.
This followed investigation concerning the report of a Social Media video making the rounds concerning a Nurse, who was performing her professional duty of advocacy to patients in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) continues .
Human Rights Activists based in Jos, have called on the Management of JUTH, the Nurses and other Staff of the institution to rally support for the Nurse, as they described the report as an “Espionage” and not Journalism.
Speaking to Journalists in Jos, a Director of Civil Liberty Organization, Comrade Steve Aluko Daniel among other Human Rights Activists in the state, hinted that, the Reporter, though using clandestine approach, which is not journalistically recommended to get his information, was also not the maker of the video and yet both the video and the journalist targeted the same Nurse.
Aluko said, the Staff and Management of the institution must look at this line of action and know that, it is the institution that is been spied on and not just the innocent Nurse, who was performing her professional duty of advocacy in her department and place of work.
He said, “The purpose of targeting the Nurse is not clear by the medium, as the video and the journalist acted at different times to achieve same purpose.
“The fact that, the Nurse’s advocacy, was for the general public, why was her statement edited by the journalist and the medium?
“The strong bias exhibited by the Reporter and his medium is also traceable to the fact that, they were more concerned about a statement and not the wellbeing of the patients in the Hospital, as they could not establish segregation among patients in the wards, and other professional sections of the Hospital.
“I therefore urge the Nurses, the Management and other Staff of the institution to rally round the Nurse, as there is more to this that meets the eyes”.
On his part, the Publisher of REALITY Newspaper, Journalist Valentine Adese (JP), while on a Talk-Show on JayFM, monitored by this Newspaper in Jos said, “Journalism does not in any way encourage espionage. The best practice according to the Code and Ethics of the profession, identification of a practitioner is key, especially when the environment poses no danger, like the case in JUTH.
“This is necessary in order to enable the interviewee know his boundaries and responsibility.
“Of course, from the facts before us now, the Journalist was not the maker of the video. He may have been authorized to investigate the matter, but his decision to go for the same Nurse in a Policy-Based issue, was not right.
“Secondly, since the Nurse spoke to the patients in public and he needed explanation because he disguised himself as one, he must identify himself at that point. This is because interviews are journalists’ professional tool”.
“Furthermore, the editing of the presentation of the Nurse by either the Journalist or the Medium was completely wrong and professionally bias.
“From the video making the rounds, the Nurse simply used Fulani, Hausa, Taroh, Plateau, Jos North, Ogbomosho and other place to illustrate her points, while advising the patients at the GOP. That question that would come to mind will be, why the emphasis on Hausa/Fulani by the Journalist and the Medium?”
The chairman of the All Progressive Congress(APC) plateau state chapter ,and the immediate past Secretary to State Government, Hon. Rufus Bature(SSG) has said the aspiration of sunny Biggs has literally converted the followers of the People Democratic Party(PDP)to the All Progressive Congress (APC).
This is because of the Mammoth crowed your coming to the secretariat of the party witnessed, which is an obvious indication that your candidacy for the position of governorship of plateau State in 2023,General election has been approved by the downtrodden.
The chairman of (APC) in the state stated Hon.Rufus Bature, stated this during the declaration of Sunday Biggs the immediate past protocol to Governor Bako Lalong at the party’s secretariat in Jos, to formally declared his intension to run for the position of Governor of plateau state.
Rufus said considering the crowd of supporters that accompanied your coming to the party secretariat is an obvious witness that your candidature has been approved from Heaven .
The state chairman of APC, Hon,. Bature advised the governorship aspirant ,Sunday Bigges not to allowed himself to be deceived by the crowd that are around him,but to work hard and campaign vigorously to the nook and crannies of the state and convince the electorates in order to garner votes.
He warned the aspirant against deceived by those who will come to him with the pretest that they are in his support,but should be wise and sharp enough to identify those who come as impostors, just to get something ,after that they will run away without doing the work.
And however appealed to the electorates to work hard to ensure their candidate emerged victorious in primary,and in the main elections.
Rufus reiterated the party’s neutrality in the contest as he stressed that all the aspirants are all sons and daughters of APC,from the same mother and father, as the party will give all aspirants level play ground to operate.
In his speech,the governorship aspirant Sunday Giggs who said he has spend 23 years in the plateau state civil services, added he decided to aspired for the position of governor after exhaustive consultation with the elders and major stakeholders in the state.
Mr Biggs promised to build on the legacy of his predecessor, Simon Bako Lalong ,especially in the area of security which the present administration has bring to the lowest ebb.
He added that security of live and properties is very imperative in social economic development of any state plateau in particular .
And assured that under his watch as governor of the state,I am going to build on the security apparatus of my predecessor to ensure Peace and tranquility in Jos and it environ this will give room to investment and attract developments in the state and it environ.
The former member Representing Basss /Jos North federal constituency in the Federal House of Representative,and aspirant at Jos North /Bassa federal constituency 2022 bye election of the federal house of representatives ,Honourable Lumumba Dah Adeh has come hard on those criticising Governor Bako Lalong over British America fly over project that is a belated project, are those blindfolded by realities of infrastructure development which lalong administration is working hard to sustain.
As he said the governor taken an oath for 4 years in office till the expiration of his tenure for that years , which will be terminated May 2023, this administration is very much in control and the work continues.
The former member of the Federal House of Representative at the National assembly stated this in an interview with journalist at his residence along Rukuba Road in Jos North local government of plateau state.
The Sarkin Yakin Irigwe ,said those saying the British America interchange fly over project is is belated should know that the project is very important for the economic development of the state because is the only road that lead the whole of north East ,and at the same time it will help to easy the hardships commuters suffer in the morning and evening at the metropolis during rush hours occasion by gridlock.
He stressed those waggling their tongue saying what is not their business ,abandoned their main responsibility and concentrate on government business,should have preferred the governor carry the fund met for the development of the state and sharing it with individuals.
He advised those in the habits of castigating the governor for just nothing but to score cheap political point ,to desist and use their precious time for productive things that will be of benefit to them,instead of spending their energy in criticising the governor which is not their business.
On why he still remained in the All Progressive Congress (APC) ,even when he contested an election under the platform and forces in the party worked against him, he said decamping from parties to parties is matter of morality and conscience ,if you have moral what ever that happened,you will persevere because there is light at the end of every tunnel. So when you have the moral and conscience,you will not be jumping from one party to an other.
He further predicted rancor free from the conduct of APC convention slated 26th March,2022 in Abuja the nation capital ,contrary to predictions of some pessimists who are waiting for the disunity of the party.
“APC will conduct her much expected National Convention slated 26th March,2022 and put all the pessimist to shame ,what is happening in the party is expected in every ruling party that is as big as APC.”he maintained.
He debunked the insinuations that people are decamping from the party to the opposition PDP, because of internal crisis in the APC,and her probability of producing the next president in 2023 General Election,honourable Lumumba APC stakeholder in the state frowned at the insinuation which he described as baseless.
“Decamping is constitutionally allowed in Nigeria politics unless the amendment of the constitution to that effects,as people are decamping from APC,also people are decamping from PDP,so is laughable if some people are saying contrary,APC is a party to beat in 2023 general election.”
He stressed that the candidates contesting for the National chairmanship of the party are all eminently qualified,and is their constitutional right to contest ,and in viral democratic environment ,will should expect what is playing out now,which is heated political space,which i did not expect any body to misinterpret differently which is mischievous.
Hon.Lumumba advised those contesting for any National Position of the party to play the election according to the rules of the party because APC is one family and we cannot afford any over quest for power to divide us as family,election will come and gone,we will still remain as party family .
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has felicitated with the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Architect Sunny Echono on his appointment as the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Governor Lalong in a his felicitation message described the appointment of Architect Echono as well deserved considering his performance as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, where he provided the administrative expertise to actualise the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari in reviving education in the country.
The Govetnor’s felicitation messaged dated 4th March ,2022 ,signed by the Director of Press Public Affair to the governor Makut Macham and made available to this medium in Jos ,plateau state.
Lalong said during his tenure as Permanent Secretary, a lot was achieved by the Ministry under the leadership of the Hon. Minister Mallam Adamu Adamu because of his ability to mobilise, motivate and give the right direction to the agencies and staff on implementing policies and programmes of the administration in education.
The Governor also recalled that more tertiary institutions were created throughout the country both in public and private sectors while early and secondary education also recieved a boost because of the efforts of the Architect Echono who as Permanent Secretary ensured that all policies and directives of Government were carried out without delay.
He said Plateau State was a beneficiary of the progress in the education sector with the approval of Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam; Karl Kumm University Vom; ANAN University Kwall; Nigerian Law School Jos Campus; and Federal University of Education whose Bill was recently signed by the President.
Governor Lalong expressed optimism that Architect Sunny Echono will build upon the achievements of the outgoing Executive Secretary Prof. Bogoro to take TETfund to higher levels.
Meanwhile, Governor Lalong has expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing TETfund Executive Secretary Prof. Elias Bogoro, describing him as an achiever who was honest, fair, and committed to developing higher education in Nigeria.
Lalong while congratulating him for a successful tenure said Bogoro proved his worth by coming up with novel initiatives that challenged the academia in Nigeria and stimulated innovation, creativity and resourcefulness.
He acknowledged the passion with which Prof. Bogoro assisted all tertiary institutions in Plateau State by ensuring that the infrastructure was upgraded, including the Plateau State University Bokkos where a new Senate Building and Faculty of Health Sciences were commissioned recently.
Army chief has opened senior command leadership seminar in Jos,plateau state capital with the promise to strive hard to meet the expectations of the Nigerian citizens.
As the Security chief promised that the country’s Army will continue to strive to meet the security expectations of all Nigerians by providing a safe and secure environment for socio economic development of the nation.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen.Faruk Yahaya made the promise today 22nd March, 2022, while declaring open, the Senior Command and Leadership Seminar organised by Department of Army Training at the Headquarters 3rd Division Nigerian Army, Jos.
The 3-day seminar was organised for incumbent and potential General Officers Commanding (GOC) as well as Brigade Commanders of the Nigerian Army.
The COAS, who observed that the kinetic efforts of troops across theatres of operations are yielding tremendous results, however pointed out, that with the transcending of conflicts beyond the traditional warfare to cyber and media warfares, there is the need to equally invest efforts in imbuing senior leadership of the Army with requisite skills to manage the complexities of the non-kinetic dimension of operations.
He charged commanders to actively engage other stakeholders in the society and strengthen synergy with sister services and security agencies to achieve the common goal of securing the country.
Gen Yahaya expressed appreciation to the Commander in Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his untiring support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army in the efforts to execute its constitutional roles.
In his welcome address, GOC 3 Division Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali, expressed optimism that the seminar would afford participants the opportunity to build on their individual capacities and contribute meaningfully towards the enhancement of Nigerian Army operations.
The Chief of Training (Army) Maj Gen Abdulsalam Ibrahim, while addressing the participants, noted that the non-kinetic line of operations is essential in tackling contemporary security challenges, adding that it is currently being reviewed to provide the Nigerian Army with the impetus needed to meet its constitutional mandate.
In another development, the COAS today commissioned Transit Accommodation and Officers’ Mess facilities undertaken by GOC 3 Division Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.
According to the GOC, the completed projects will serve to alleviate the death of accommodation and provide recreational opportunities for personnel in the Cantonment.
Hunters under the aegis of Nigerian Hunters Council, Plateau State Chapter has paraded a syndicate of drugs peddlers who specialised in selling hard drugs like Cocaine aka “Cracks” in an open market to flashpoints areas in Plateau state.
As the body said it has upgraded from the popular hunting of bush rodents to fighting of crimes and criminality in the state and it environ.
The command made the firm promise 21st March ,2022 during the parade of three notorious drugs baron resident within Kabong community of Jos North local Government of plateau state, held at Federal Secretariat in plateau state.
Narrating how the drugs syndicates where arrested,Mr Pam who is the head of intelligent unit
said the drugs sellers were apprehended in kabong at about 6am at the park while on information gathering on the activities of drug sellers that are on rampage, and the Nigerian hunters council decided to beam her searchlight by sending one of her staff to act as cover and pretend to be a buyer .
He further explained that on arrival to the venue where those drugs Baron distributed their items,he then ask one of them Mr Chinedu Emmanuel the selling agent of the peddlers who directed him to where to obtain the substance that attracted the enforcement team to effect their arrest .
Our reporter gathered that Mr Chinedu Emmanuel a 27 years old man, hailed from Abia state,Eastern Nigeria with two children between the age of 7 & 4 respectively came to Plateau state 10 years ago.
According to him ,he work with Kabong motor park in the state , loading vehicles traveling outside the state to Lagos and other western states .
John Pam vowed that they promised to get rid of criminal elements causing the community of Jenta Adamu, Jenta Mangoro ,Kabong and its environs sleepless night .
He stressed that men of the underworld are using dangerous substance that give them courage in attacking innocent people by snatching and dispossessing them of their valuable .
Pam however said ,that Nigerian hunters council is well repositioned to clampdown on miscreants who are perpetuating crimes in the neighborhood after taken the illict substance .
“We have deploy our staff across all nooks and crannies of the state capital to ensure drugs free society by warning guardian against allowing their children to engage in drugs selling and consumption” .
The head of intelligence reiterated that ,those paraded before you people include ,Enoch Johnson ,Monday Osumbo and Chinedu Emmanuel as the culprits at their hideout .
He employed all citizens to provide useful information to Nigerian Hunters council to help curtail and reduce crime in the society through a join collaboration with other stakeholders and security agencies.
The drug syndicates arrested at Kabong motor park is one ,Enoch Johnson who strongly denied that he is not part of the drugs Baron distributing it but he was at the park when he was invaded .
He explained, ” I was at the park when my boss sent me to go and buy him Ijaw” Dry Gin” coming from Lagos via through Kaba in Kogi state and he met him sitting”.
The suspects have been handed over to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) pending investigation,and handed to the police.
The rector Kogi state polytechnic ,lokoja has being commended for his giant stride in the infrastructure development in the institution within the short space of time he assumed the helm of affairs of the school as a rector.
This is as the polytechnic has assumed a great tremendous transformation in term of infrastructural development under his watch in a short period of time.
The management of Federal University Lokoja,Kogi state revealed this when the management of the university led by the Vice Chancellor ,professor Olayemi Akinwumi paid a surprised visit to the Rector ,Dr.Usman Ogbo.
The Vice chancellor who is very proud of his giant strides towards transforming and uplifting the standard of the State-owned Polytechnic, said under your watch, (KSP) has undergone tremendous and complete transformation both in infrastructural development and academic standard.
And however urged him to continued the good work to move the polytechnic to another academic enviable hight.
The hitherto park and pay concept initiated by the Jos Metropolis Development Board ,with the view to generate revenue for the state government, and decongest the city center for easy traffic flow, which was temporarily suspended for reorganization, will soon resume operation.
This is to avoid the state government losing revenues which would be used for the development of the state,and to provide social amenities for the citizens of plateau state.
The Acting General Manager Jos Metropolitan Development Board(JMDB) Kafas Yilrwang gave the assurance in an interview with journalists during the launching of (BEEC) on the 17the March,2022, held at the Crispan Hotel Along Old Airport Road Jos,plateau state.
Kafas said the board is not resting on it oars that very soon the board will resumed the excise as they are currently working on the technical details on the internal generated revenue as we don’t want the the state to be losing revenues.
He further add that when the board is fully back to business,when you pack your car in areas mapped out by the board,you are expected to pay,if you don’t want to pay ,don’t bring your motor to the public places that are designated for park and pay by the board.
He stressed that the good thing about the concept of park and pay, aside raising revenue for the government of plateau state,it help in bringing sanity to the state metropolis by controlling the indiscriminate parking of cars without recourse to traffic flow.
He said these will help to control the parking, and at the same time raised revenue for the government,so any person who did not want to pay the stipulated stipend as stipulated by the board, shouldn’t park in the board designated park and pay, he maintained.
On the the launching of Building Energy Efficiency Code (BEEC)that is been launch in plateau state today, the General manager said this a code that set out guidelines which buildings most conform with in order to lead to energy efficiency.
He further stressed that the code is basically going to be of great help especially to the professionals, like the developers,engineers, and town planners which the first step is the designing of the building and it approval.
He added that there are two side to it ,the professionals that did the design and the professionals within the (MDE)who are in the businesses of processing and approval,so the code will guard all of us,it will guard the professionals and most of us within the (MDE) who approved for the building to be done.
On the benefits,the General Manager said it will reduce the lost of energy in the buildings, and stressed that the people have being wallowing in ignorance for quite a long time which inform us not knowing that the way you position your windows, the building position itself and the type of gadgets use in your building make you spend a lot in your house.
He added that now that the whole world is facing energy crisis including Nigeria ,imagine you are going to spend more when your building is not properly designed .
On the benefit of an average Nigerians,he said the code is meant for every body irrespective of your status in the society ,both the rich and the poor.
He advice that builders ensured they engaged the services of professionals when designing the plans of your house, and religiously follow the code and will help you in reducing energy usage in your house.
He reiterated that the rich man may not feel the impart of energy usage in his house ,the rich man may not bother what he spend in the cost of energy like the average common man who will feel the pains ,and said the code is available in the state to be access.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State and presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Aminu Tambuwal has disclosed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is confused and that the PDP must take advantage of this to rescue Nigeria.
He made this assertion in Kaduna on Saturday when he paid a consultation visit to the Kaduna PDP secretariat where he met with stakeholders of the party.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot even manage their own party affairs, how much more of providing quality governance for Nigeria.
“Therefore, PDP must be strategic and deliberate in coming up with formula for winning elections in 2023.
“PDP must plan well in winning elections and avoid all forms of squabbles amongst us. The APC is confused and more confused in the running of the economy of Nigeria with no defined leadership.
According to the PDP presidential aspirant, their party must take advantage of their confusion to wrestle power from APC and give Nigeria quality leadership.
To this end, the Sokoto state governor maintained, “I have worked as a legislator, Judiciary and Executive. So I have all it takes to provide the needed governance in Nigeria.
He then appealed to the members of the party to understand that dynamics of today are different from what it was in the past and we must factor all into consideration for a standard flag bearer of our party”
Members of his entourage included the former Governor of Sokoto State, Attairu Bafarawa, former Minister and deputy governor of Sokoto State, Mukhtar Shagari, former deputy governor of Zamfara State Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, former National chairman and Board chairman Alhaji Haliru Bello among several other personalities.
Earlier, he visited the country of former vice President Namadi Sambo, former caretaker Chairman of the PDP and Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi and former Governor of Kaduna State Mukhtar Ramalan Yero.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has uncovered a ground plot by some persons to cause violence in the country,specifically in the North Central Zones of the country.
The aim is to cause ethno-religious crisis, ignite reprisals and heat up the polity, In a bid to achieve this, the sponsors have mobilised foot soldiers and held several meetings in and outside the target areas.
This plans of these enemies of the country is contained in a press release dated 19th March,2022,signed by the. Public Relations officer of the department of state security services at the National Headquarters in Abuja by Mr. Peter Afunayan and made available to this medium via online.
In the release, the Service disclosed that he is also aware of a plot to use students, striking University teachers, labour unions, disgruntled individuals and strategic groups as well as exploit the global energy situation to carry out a mass protest like the ENDSARS, despite the ongoing efforts by Government to address the issues.
While the Service views the machination as unpatriotic, it is on the trail of the agents of destabilisation who are desirous of using violence to achieve ulterior goals. Though it has emplaced measures to disrupt these tendencies.
It however warned the ring leaders and their cohorts to desist from acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order ,and assured the general public that the Service will, in conjunction with other security agencies, go after the sponsors of this scheme and ensure the law takes it course.
However advised the citizens not only to engage according to rules but should resist persuasions to be used to destroy their own country. Those who may wish to go contrary to the law will, however, face the consequences.
There is palpable fear of outbreak of diseases in plateau state as there is perennial scarcity portable drinking in the state capital as residents Scrabble in search of any available sources of drinking water in most of the dry wells .
In view of the scarcity ,our reporter gathered that a gallon of Jerry -can now sold between 60 to 70 naira per litre by the water vendors aka Mai ruwa who drive their trucks into all the nook and crannies of the communities in the state searching for buyers .
The residents of of Apata at the heart of the state capital in jos North LG has raised alarm as they now practically depends on water vendors as the only source of portable water in the locality and it surroundings.
The same harrowing situation is been face by the residents of Gimbi in Wase ,LGA of the state ,as the residents of the communities said they are been forced by the present situation to struggle with animals in the same streams which all the sources has dried largely due to effects of dry season .
The state Water Board ,and the ministry of water resources are not helping matter as they no longer pump water through Yakubu Gowon Dam and Lamingo dam as all the water supply has been cut off completely from the state .
The residents of the state and it environ are now lamenting the hardship caused by the water board who they said for just no reasons has refused to supply water to the citizens ,as the challenges bit harder .
The Jenta Adamu ,Mangoro ,Kabong ,Angwan Rukuba ,Tudun Wada are most affected areas where residents are complaining of not getting water for the past two months and their only source of drinking water through water board and the available well which are already dry up completely .
The community leaders are now begging the All Progressive Congress(APC) led government in the state to wale up to his responsibility to help and reduce the difficulties been faced by the families especially with the rising cost of foodstuffs in the market .
In an exclusive interview with some of the residents of the affected communities ,they said they’re passing through economic difficulty but it appear the state government is not doing enough to cushion the effect of their situation .
“We wake up very early around 4am every morning in search for drinking water so by the time you get one gallon of water you’re tired already and we don’t have money to buy it from the truck pushers .”they lamented.
We are appealing the government to prevailed on the water board to supply water to all the surrounding communities as we are suffering ,we can’t take our bath and other domestic things for lack of water coupled with deplorable condition of motorable roads of most of the affected communities like Jenta Adamu, Mangoro bridge there is no accessible road .
The people of Jenta Adamu,Jenta Apata ward are calling on the Local Government Chairman ,Hon .Shehu Usman Bala to come to their rescue and complete the ongoing road construction because it has caused untold hardship ,even cars are finding it difficult to pass through the untarred road .
Meanwhile, the people of Gimbi community of Wase Local Government Council are also complaining of not getting water to drink .
They are saying all their sources of drinking water had dry and they’re not receiving attention from the local authority to Savage their situation .
However,there is palpable fear that if the government of the state didn’t take an argent steps in addressing the situation of acute water supply to the state ,and the most affected communities in particular,there may be out break of epidemic in the state in the shortest possible time.
Kwankwaso Is Set To Decamp To NNPP——Engr Buba Galadima.
By,giwa alex, Jos
The outspoken Engr Buba Galadima has reaffirmed that the immediate past governor of Kano State and a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has finalised his official movement to New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP as the Kwankwasia Movement and those who are not apolitical in The National Movement (TNM) have collapse their entire structures “into NNPP in preparation to receive Senator Kwankwaso officially into NNPP with loud funfairs in a welcome rally that will shake the entire country”. Thereby clearing the air on the confusion that pervades the media over the status of Kwankwaso with People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
This was disclosed in an exclusive interview with Engr. Buba Galadima anchored by Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba on the online Television Channel of the party, NNPP TV on Friday March 18, 2022 streaming live on NNPP TV Facebook page.
Affirming that The National Movement (TNM) that Senator Kwankwaso is convener, and Engr Buba Galadima is a major stakeholder; has joined NNPP as the political platform to achieve her aim, he categorically asserts, “in our search of a political platform for TNM, we spoke with five political parties and it is only New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) that the constitution and manifesto rhyme with the vision and ideology of The National Movement (TNM).
“Hence and we came to inevitable conclusion, which cannot be controverted that the New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP is the God ordained party for the achievement of the ideology of TNM, which is the ideology of the new Nigeria that every patriotic citizen should be part of”, which we all desires and can be proud of carrying our green passport anywhere in the world. A nation that we can travel on land or sleep without fear of being kidnapped, where every Nigerian man can comfortably put food on the table for his family and where education is major priority.
Baba Galadima further clarified that “His Excellency the Distinguished Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso PhD, is a highly respected personality with massive nation wide followers, hence a person of his caliber cannot officially move into another party without a nationwide rally to officially welcome and receive him”. Hence, Baba insisted that in view of that, Senator Kwankwaso has not officially left PDP.
He however further added that as part of the arrangements to receive him officially into NNPP, Senator Kwankwaso in company of other political bigwigs like Engr Galadima and Senator Hunkuyi has met with the leadership of NNPP and were not only received, but cogent agreement has been reached to join NNPP and steps are being taken to concretise the arrangements as NNPP has dissolved her leaders to accommodate some members of TNM and Kwankwasia and a hamonised Caretaker Committee was constituted to take run the affairs of NNPP before substantive new party leaders are elected. And “party Congresses are on going that will culminate into a National Convention slated for 30th of this March, towards ensuring a hamonised” substantive, leaders for NNPP at all levels.
It is of note that while some members of PDP initially claimed that Kwankwaso was expelled out of PDP, so he had to pitch tent with NNPP, yet as the rumour of the acclaimed explosion was fading off, another set of PDP leaders extracted part of the interview granted by Kwankwaso to claim that he is still in PDP and not leaving PDP soon. In fact, to further compound the confusion, just few days ago, the former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki celebrated Kwankwaso on his official verified Facebook page, quoting part of his interview and praising him on the assumption that he will remain in PDP. Yet the news of Kwankwaso joining NNPP has been so loud both on traditional and new media.
The Director General of Industrial Training Fund(ITF)has raised an alarm as some faceless group are working hard to rope him with the murky water of politics.
As he has not dreamed of aspiring for any political position either in the state ,nor at the federal level ,and those behind the mischievous story is at the infringement of their imagination hoping to cause mischief.
Chief Joseph Ari (KSM)Director General/Chief Executive Industrial Training Fund made the clarification at the press briefing 19th March,2022 held at the Nigerians Union of Journalists (Nuj) secretariat in jos, plateau state.
The former manager of the state owned Television/Radio station (PRTVC) said its very imperative to make the people of plateau ,and by extension Nigeria know that I am not behind the clamour trending on the social media that I am nursing political ambition.
He further add that he is not nursing any political ambition neither he is fronting any candidate or candidates as its been speculated by some groups on the social media ,and called the general public to disregard the write up which is the handing walk of some mischief maker try to rammed his head with Mr .president Mohammadu Buhari,who in his magnanimity appointed him the Director General of Industrial Training Fund(ITF).
He however advised those who stocked in trade of pull me down attitude to have a rethink and look for something productive to do, and stop write up of calumny before the long arm of the law caught up with them.
The statement read :
I have invested all energies in ensuring that the institution achieves the vision and aspirations of its founding fathers. Therefore, under my watch, the Industrial Training Fund has hit lofty heights, fulfilling its onerous mandate of developing the Nation’s human resource, while also partnering the Federal Government to actualize the objectives of the President Buhari Administration especially with regard to poverty reduction, job and wealth creation.
Under my leadership, the ITF has been at the forefront of instilling in Nigerians the need for the country, like other developed nations of the world, to embrace Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a real alternative to paper qualification and white-collar jobs, and the most sustainable solution to the seemingly intractable problem of unemployment and poverty.
In doing this, our efforts have received plaudits and commendations of governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Gentlemen of the press, although Warren Buffett may not have thought of my current experiences when he said “Greatness inspires envy; envy engenders spite; spite spawns lies,” his expression aptly captures what has transpired in the last few days. As journalists, some of you may perhaps, be aware of the activities of unscrupulous elements that are bent on pulling me down. What has come to my attention is that in their desperate attempts, they have printed campaign posters suggesting that I am aspiring for an elective position, and also canvassing support for the aspirations of some candidates that are vying for elective positions in our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in upcoming APC National Convention.
I have also been reliably informed that these disgruntled elements plot to flood the convention venue with these posters in order to breed mistrust and disharmony and thereby generate rancor for their own selfish purposes as I have never contemplated and not contemplating on vying for any elective position in the nearest future, as I am presently busy and fully engaged with the onerous responsibility of deploying the mandate of the ITF to equip Nigerians with skills for employability and entrepreneurship.
To this end, the public is therefore, advised to disregard any campaign poster to the effect that I, Sir Joseph N. Ari, is running for any elective position, or in support of the ambition of any candidate during the upcoming APC convention as it is false, unfounded and not deserving of any attention. I have, therefore, reported the matter to the security agencies for their further necessary action.
In conclusion, my advice to the mischief-makers is for them to heed the words of Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu in his homily of Friday, 18th March, 2022: “If you do not celebrate the gifts of others; no one will celebrate yours. If you try to pull people down, you will forever remain down. None of us is cheated by God. No human being is without special gifts and abilities. God has planted a vineyard in you and He expects to see your fruits. Watch out when you begin to criticize others continuously, you may simply be playing out your envy.”
The plateau state governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed some reservations over the effective workability of the initiative on “Building Energy Efficiency Code”(BEEC),considering the Incessant crisis that has bedeviled the energy sector in the recent time largely due to inability to generate enough energy for the teeming population of Nigeria within the threshold of Two Million population.
As governor lalong who is skeptical of the initiative described the program as a proverbial saying of putting the cat before the horse which in most cases did not only dangerous,but in some instances didn’t get the required results.
The Governor represented by his Deputy,Professor Sunny Tyoden who is skeptical stated this during the lunching of Building Energy Efficiency Code (BEEC) launched at the Crispan Hotel along old airport road Jos,plateau state.
The governor said if we most state the obvious, I most say the problems of Nigeria is not the usage or the efficient consumption of energy or rather put it efficiency of the usage of energy,I think the problem of nigeria is generation of power which has been the country problems over time.
” this is because our major problems is generation ,here we are today talking of the efficiency of usage,if we don’t generate ,you can’t effectively implement.”
“That doesn’t mean to say there is no sense in this initiative ,which means when you conserve ,when you save, when you implement effectively,you are saving ,I think there is sense in the initiative.”
The governor however congratulated those behind what he described as noble initiative,the plateau state for been one of the six states selected for the pilot scheme that is been lunch here today.
The governor assured those behind the program that plateau state will not reneged in the position as they shall continue to maintain it.
He however appreciate the partner of the program GIZ who have been partnering with the plateau state government on several programmes.
He challenge the people that its not enough to just lunch the program which is more than that,but the challenges is walking to the top and ensure that efficiency is realizable after the event which is the major challenge.
Governor Lalong however charged all who actively participate for the lunching of the program,to see to the success.
In his welcome address,the commissioner for physical planning and Urban Development Hon.Idris Gambo said the Building Energy Efficiency Code was birthed from concerns as regards power supply consumption and promotion of policies in the field of energy efficiency .
The honorable commissioner further add that (NBEEC) which was launched in 2017, Plateau State was fortunate to be selected as one of the States where this code would be established based on the climatic conditions within the State,where a technical study was carried out for the State based on the National Technical study.
He stressed that its necessity of having a State specific energy efficiency Code became more glaring to ensure reliable and secured supply of electricity, as well as contributing to the reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The result of the Technical study was scrutinized and validated by means of stakeholders’ review process, and subsequent validation workshop.
He said the aim of the Plateau state commissioner Building Energy Efficiency Code is to set minimum requirements on Building Energy Efficiency and to provide for the proper implementation, control and enforcement of the same in the State,however, Energy efficiency measures are specified based on bio climatic principles in terms of ;
Compliance with minimum requirements for window-to -wall Ratio (WWR) or compensation through integration of shading
The honorable commissioner highlighted the solutions to include,
Compliance with minimum requirements for lighting power density (LPD), compliance with the minimum requirements for roof insulation, Compliance with minimum rated performance of air conditioning equipment specified and installation of air -condition systems of only inverter split – unit types.
He however said that the Plateau State BEEC ,on enforcement will open up employment opportunities for professionals, who would be engaged in the preparation and verification of documents after, participating in the specified training and passing the examination.
This the commissioner said will facilitate the achievement of the Three Pillar Policy Thrust of the Governor Bako Lalong Rescue Administration with focus on Peace, Security and Good Governance, Physical Infrastructure development, and sustainable economic rebirth.
Those present at the launching includes, the minister of power engineer Abubakar Aliyu,represented by Engr Tope Dina,the minister for works and housing ,Babatunde Fashola,represented by engineer Cyril Onyeneke.
Others are European Union represented by mr. Godfrey Ogbemadia,project Officer Energy and Circular Economy ,Country Director GIZ Energy Support Programme(NEWSP) Mr Dake Benjamin and member of plateau state Executive Council.
Governorship aspirant for 2023 election in plateau state Dr.Sipak Shase’et has promised to made the issues of insecurities currently bedeviling plateau state a top most priority if voted at the exulted number one seat of the state.
As he assured the people of the state to expect not less leadership that is vibrant,different from the old ways of governance,that is out to change the narrative and will be completely different from the old ways of doing things.
Dr.Sipak who is vying for the position of Governor in plateau state under the platform of the All Progressive Congress(APC) made the promise in an interview with this medium in Jos,plateau state.
He reiterated that the system of governance under his watch will be done differently and handled with different approaches in solving plateau problems.
On the insinuation that the governor is having preferred candidate for 2023 governorship in the state, he stressed that the governor may anoint any person as his candidate ,but the greatest anointment come from God Almighty,that the Governor is having anointed or preferred candidate ,is immaterial.
Sipak advice the electorate to shun politicians with what he described deep pocket by trading their votes to the highest bidder ,
“If they derailed and opted for those with deepest pockets ,then God will do his own,because it happened before on the plateau ,that did not really disturb me.”
“I think the people of plateau state is evolving politically to the level that the issue of party is not something that should boarder the electorates.”
He further add that it will be politically unwise to vote incompetent candidate because he come from a particular preferred party and leave a competent and credible person largely due to his emergence in unpopular political party.
He advice the people of plateau state to pray ahead 2023 General election for God to choose a credible leader for the state,but warned that if they choose to be stubborn and want to do it on their own way based on party and sentiment, the narrative will not change,but continue in the same vicious circle ,he maintained.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved 200 Million naria for the construction of the abandon Pankshin Lankan Road that has been abandoned by previous administrations of the state.
The Pankshin Lankan road is said to have been abandoned by successive government of the state starting from 1999 ,the contact for the construction of the is said always reflect in every budget which no one can authoritatively say what went wrong in every points in time that the contract is abandoned.
Governor Lalong made the announcement for the mobilization of the contractor back to the site in his speech during the celebration of Vwang 2022 and fundraising held at Vwang Arena,in Pankshin LG,plateau State.
Governor Lalong represented by his special adviser on media Honorable Diket plang said the Governor is deeply touched with the state of the road after over two decades by successive past government,and the community that has produce notable personalities both in the past and present administration.
The Governor further added that though the failed contracts was not awarded under the watch of this present administration,but as the motor of government implies “Rescue Administration “has promised that he will not leave any abandoned projects behind whether initiated by me or my predecessors as is for the development of plateau state.
Governor Lalong further stressed that the state government has released the sum of 200 Million naira for the remobilization of the contractor back to site and said the project will be keenly supervise by the government to ensure it execution to the latter.
Governor lalong however said that considering the immediacy associated with the project ,he has given matching order for the release of fund and the commencement of work for the construction of the road.
Its however worth to point out that the state commissioner for finance Ragina Soemlat,Professor Dakas,Dr Dakum and other notable sons and daughter of pankshin come from Lankan,while Yusuf Adam Gadi is their Representatives at the National House of Representative.
Former minister of sport and immediate past Chairman of People Democratic Party(PDP) in plateau state, Hon.Damishi Sango has described the immediate past Governor of Plateau state and former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,has felicitate with Senator Jang at the celebration of 78th birthday.
Sango described him as man of vision , foresight ,courage and deep passion for survival and existence of Plateau State.
Chief Sango felicitation is contained in message signed by him and made available to this medium in Jos,plateau state.
The statement which read in part , Chief Sango eulongises the good virtues of Sen Jang @ 78,he said that Senator Jang is still energetic, both physically and mentally strong and above all spiritually rich.
He called on the younger ones to emulate the struggles and sacrifices which the older generations have made to ensure the survival of Plateau.
He prayed God to give the celebrant long live, good health, more strength and sound mind so that the younger ones will continue to benefit from the wisdom God has given him.
Professor Dakas Clement Dakas, has called on the plateau state government to leverage on the rich cultural heritage abound in Mupun land for revenue generation.
As the cultural day availed the Mupun sons and daughter the opportunity of veritable platform for networking as the home of Peace and tourism .
Professor Dakas who is one of the Governorship aspirants under the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress APC,was speaking to journalists in pankshin, plateau state during the celebration of Vwang 2022.
Prof. Dakas further said the government cashing on this golden opportunity and invest on tourism sector will liberate the state from been a slave to the federal monthly allocation that even face with problems of dwingling revenue.
He described the event as wonderful opportunity for the Mupun Nation to showcase its rich cultural heritage and to also have the opportunity to create a platform for networking.
He said, people can see the Plateau State has pride itself as the Home of Peace and Tourism, and one of the things Plateau people need to do is to leverage on this wonderful opportunity and cultural showcase in other to enhance external revenue generation.
Because if Plateau leverage on the tourism endowment very well, then the state will not have to depend what comes from the federation account.
He said, this is ended a unique opportunity and also pray that let Plateau people use this opportunity in other to advance not only the state revenue base, but also should be an opportunity for unity, to showcase their cultural heritage and to make sure that they provide grand opportunity for networking.
He said, by so doing and from what one can see happen at the event, virtually every nationality has been represented and that is the mystery about Plateau.
Plateau is a home to all, he call on every Plateau sons and daughters to make sure that they leverage on that opportunity irrespective of religion, ethnicity so that together one united can move ahead.
Dr. Patrick one of the plateau state Governorship aspirants Dr.Sunday Dakum under the All Progressive Congress(APC),has described the Vwang cultural day celebration as epitome of culture on the plateau.
As he said team of war fare ,the Mupun people have a long history of warrior in fact they have come really far consider the attendees that graced the occasion.
Dakum who was speaking to group journalists in an interview during the Vwang Mupun day celebration decently,said seen the Claire of people that attended the event,from all worlds of live is a pointer that the Mupun land is peaceful and accommodating.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Abuja, who is the Leader of the Consolidation for Greater Plateau 2023 Team described the Mupun Cultural day celebration as an epitome of culture on the Plateau.
The highly delighted DA kum said with culture demonstrated by Mupum nation demonstrate that Mupun is an tourism haven.
Dr. Dakum further stated that the Mupun Nation has shown to the world through this festival that the Mupun can become number one on entertainment, food production,Security and above all,leadership.
The Gubernatorial aspirant also stated that the Mupun Nation has come of age and what happen at the Vwang 2022 is the showcase of it
He also revealed that other things that the celebration of the Mupun day is the array of other tribes that have come and attend, including the Long Gomai, that’s to show that the Mupun nation is a friend to everyone that lives peaceful on the Plateau.
Dr. Dakum also disclosed that the Mupun man is a friend to everybody irrespective of tribe or religion, and therefore this culture has shown their togetherness, its shown that Mupun people are people of unity, they are people of identity, but an identity that is a culture that is growing and that is now totally acceptable of other people that stay around them.
Furthermore, Dr. Dakum also revealed that they are very happy and very grateful, and they also demonstrated in terms of tourism that the Mupun man have showcase it through the Mrs Vwang that took place a day before the proper Vwang day celebration.
The former military president of Nigeria and advocate of Nigeria praise,General Gowon has called on the people of plateau state to support Governor Lalong led administration in the state to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people of the state.
This is very imperative considering the massive developmental projects some completed and others on going within the state and its environs.
General Yakubu Gowon made this passionate appeal during the flag off of the British America interchange flyover and dualization of 1.7 kilometers to Lamingo Round about in Jos East local government area.
The retired General who performed the official flag off of the construction of the British America flyover said with what I saw and witness in the state,I most confess that the Governor,lalong has done excellently well without menacing words not just In plateau state ,by extension Nigeria as a whole considering the fact that the fly over project construction we are flagging off today is federal road and suppose to be federal government project.
He further stressed that the Governor decided to embarked on the project because of it economic and social importance to the people of the state in particular,and Nigerian in general because this road is the only one leading to the whole of North East Nigeria.
Gowon who earlier appreciated Governor Bako Lalong for chosen him amongst the numerous eminents Nigerians to flag off the project,advised him to ensure that the uncompleted projects by his predecessors are completed because is for the interest and development of plateau state.
The Nigeria praise advocate further add that he is delighted that the Governor has promised to complete all the projects before leaving office,appealed to the people of the state to continue supporting him to deliver the dividend of democracy in the period of time he is having in the office ,for the interest of the people in the state in particular and Nigeria in general.
Speaking earlier,the plateau state commissioner of works,Pam Botmang cleared the conflicting amount the government is spending on the project.
Botmang said this is very important because there have been many misinformation especially in the social media insinuating different amount involved in the project.y
“I want to use this opportunity to inform you that the amount for this project is 9.9 billion naira.This explanation is very important because many of the media,especially the social media are speculating different amount for the project”.
He further revealed that the project is finance by Access Bank Pls with the understanding of the bank and plateau state government.
On his part, the chairman of “Craneburg Nigeria Limited”the company handling the construction of the flyover,Nasiru Danu ,allay the fears been expressed by the people in most cases slow pace of work,assured the government of plateau state that the company had been in Nigeria for almost 15 years and had handled several sensitive construction such as this one, has rules governoring it modus operandi.
“Every 30 days before the work finishes,the government should come to the site for an inspection.”
The Governor of Kwara,kebbi and Edo state represented by his deputy Philip Shuaibu where on hand to give Lalong their moral support.
In his speech the Governor of plateau state Simon Bako lalong lamented the plethora of abandoned projects in the state that by the last administration which has cost the present administration whooping some of over 12 billion naira to complete ,the money the Governor complained would have been channel to order new projects
The Governor however promised that his administration will try as much as possible to ensure that all project under started under his watch are completed before his tenure terminated.
The governors who come to witness the flag off ceremony includes that of Kwara ,Kebbi and Edo state represented by the deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu.
The APC in Plateau State is calling on the Peoples Democratic Party to behave itself as we have had enough of its insults and misbehaviour.
Rather than serve as an opposition party, it has rather elected to be an agent of provocateur in its conduct on the political turf and on social media.
We refer particularly to a press release by the PDP which has failed to come out of its litany of self inflicted woes tagged, “WE ARE NOT A PARTY OF THUGGERY AND VIOLENCE”
This is contained in a press statement signed by the party State Publicity Secretary ,Hon. Sylvanus Nama ng and made available to this medium in Jos,plateau state.
The statement read in part:
The party claimed to be referring to an isolated incident during the 74th edition of the annual Resettlement Day in Langtang South where it shamelessly took its lost battle in the Langtang North local goverment Chairmanship tussle to the venue.
What actually transpired on that day was that Laven Ubandoma, a former Chairman of the Local Government caused confusion at the venue when he went take the seat reserved for the serving Chairman of Langtang North which was resisted as he was seen, and rightly so, as an impostor by the elected chairman of Langtang South Local Government Area, Prince Vincent Bulus Venmak, who by law is the Chief Security Officer of the Local Government.
Ubandoma desecrated the sanctity of the annual event when he went and seized the microphone and turned the event into a political rally by shouting PDP slogans which brought in the horde of the well positioned PDP hoodlums which led to the manhandling of unsuspecting guests, including the Chairman of Langtang South who was the Chief host of the event.
Rather than take full responsibility for its dasrardly act, the party has embarked on a self righteous indignation and image laundering.
The APC in Plateau state takes serious exception to the deceitful benefits the PDP in Plateau state wants to reap from this orchestrated development especially the insults it has heaped on our members, including the Governor of the state.
It stated in its very insultive press release, usually signed by its spokesman, John Akans who is totally ignorant of the law of libel that, ” The PDP is worried by the mental and cognitive state of all members of the APC in the state, particularly the leadership and appointees of this administration”.
Continuing with its provocation, it said the party ” Called on Governor Lalong and all his political appointees to consciously and without hesitation go for mental health test to make sure they are truly fit to be trusted for leadership of the state”
In fact, there cannot be a greater height of insanity than this unprovoked statement by the PDP in Plateau state.
Indeed, it is only a mad man that sees every other person in the society as a mad person because he no longer has control over his senses.
Many self inflicted events in the last seven and half years are enough to heighten the PDP’s insanity.
First it exited power in 2015 at a time it least expected followed by tussle for control of the party and a second decisive defeat at the gubernatorial election in 2019.
The shutting itself out of the Local goverment election in 2021 through series of litigations with itself is what the party has not been able to come to terms with till date.
It variously referred in its press release to the elected Chairman of Langtang South, Hon. Prince Vincent Bulus Venmak, a former godson of the PDP maximum ruler and kingmaker, who saw the light and left for the APC as an imposed Chairman, a supposed Chairman and an appointed Chairman.
It,however, acceded that the PDP made Prince Venmak who he is politically. Now that he is no longer with them, he is seen as an outcast.
He was due to his polical sagacity while in the PDP and who could enter any part of Government House including the Governor’s exclusive rooms as ” money in the boot”, “bulldozer” and so on.
Now he is seen as a mentally insaned person by the PDP.
Inasmuch as the APC in the state understands the frustration of the PDP, with many more yet to come, moreso as what kept it out of the Local Government election is still dangling its head as a sword of damocles.
The PDP as we have always said should know that no matter the amount of its wishful thinking, nothing can change the fact that there exists a legitimate and democratically elected government in Plateau State at all levels which are fully working and providing the dividends of democracy to the people.
It should accept, as we all know that its fate which is still hanging in the balance with respect to future elections is what it should concentrate on instead of its amateurish media hype against the APC.
The APC remains ever focused and no amount of irritation or distraction will push it off the track.
It is needless to recount the series of structured and organised violence instigated in the state by by some disgruntled PDP elected and appointed functionaries since the party’s disgraceful exit from the portals of power in 2015 and 2019.
How else can we convey such senseless political extremism and rascalism exhibited by the PDP.
Judges has been exenorated from delayed in the dispensation of justice in Nigeria courts ,as they are ever ready to dispensed off cases as soon as possible which informed their promptness to court,and in most cases they closed late hour.
With the efforts of the judges and counsels,the accused or the defendant most time come up with some flimsy excuse that will make the parties in the matter to seek for an adjournment ,and the judge in that instance can’t do otherwise but grant their prayers for the interest of justice.
The judge of the Court of Appeal plateau State Division ,Justice Mudashiru Nasiru Oniyangi stated this 10th March,2022 in an interview with journalist during the send off party organized in his honour to mark his exit(retirement) from the service as “Judge of Appeal Court” held at the court premises along Abrahim Taiwo Road,Jos,plateau state.
Justice Mudashiru further said the insinuation from general public of judges compromised whenever he does something for the interest of justice, is not fair, and far from the truth , and unverifiable lies which in most cases didn’t hold water,but an attempt to malign the judges.
He stressed that judges, be it at the High Court ,Appeal or any categories of courts,the efforts of judges to see to the quick dispensation of justice of any matter brought before them is not in doubt.
He anchor his explanation on the fact that during his sojourned as sitting judge of Appeal ,he ensured that he did favor to all manner of people without fear or favor.
“As a judge during my time,I did my very best to put God first in what I do,including delieving of judgment”.
“If you did that ,you can go to sleep snoring without minding any rumour been peddled in any quarters,because God seens your heart and that they are clean.”
He advice the staff to do themselves a favor for those who is not having the required qualification and go back to the classroom and acquire more knowledge as it’s neither too old to acquire more or additional knowledge.
Nasiru thank the staff of the Appeal Court ,plateau state Division for organizing the function for him ,he said he will live to remember the cooperation given to him by the members of Appeal court in the state Division.
In their separate testimony the staff,described the retired judge of Appeal court as a man with honour, quit and gentle to a fault and prayed for him and his extended families.
Those who graced the occasion ,include the justice from Federal ,State High Courts and other dignitries from all world of life.
As the woman folks world wide celebrates the woman day, an aspirant for the Jos North North under the umbrella of APC, Alhaji Muhammad Safiu want them to wake up to face their men counterparts politically in 2023.
Speaking on the í urgent need for the woman in the country to increase their participation in politics so that they can compete with the men counterparts at their various consttuencies.
” Those women who are currently occupying officers should redirect their thinking of the generality of women”.
He use the occasion to congratulate women wouldwide and the woman in his consttuency in Jos North North in particular.
Alhaji Muhammad Safiu however remanded the woman in Jos North-North to ensure that they are all equipped with their voters card.
The plateau State House of Assembly hopeful further explained that is time for them to go ahead and fight gender bias in the society, adding that the recent happening in the floor of the Senate should make them more stronger and United.
He however promised to facilitate the initiation of women friendly laws at the floor of the plateau State House of Assembly if elected by the people .
The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has described the judgement delivered by justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja Division ,which sacked the Ebonyi state Governor ,his Deputy and 17 Lawmakers for defecting to the All Progressive Congress (APC) as victory for Nigeria hard earned democracy.
PDP said the judgement is coming at a time the people of Nigeria is gradually loosing hope from the judiciary,but this landslide judgment has rekindle the hope of Nigeria that there is still hope from our judicial system in Nigeria.
This statement is contained in a Press statement dated 8the March,2022,signed by the chairman of the party Senator Iyorchia Ayu held in Abuja,following the Federal High Court Judgment which Sacked the Ebonyi state Governor,his Deputy and 17 lawmakers for stealing PDP’s mandate and ran to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC)
The statement read in part ,first we want to appreciate the Nigerian Judiciary for this landmark judgement. The ruling will bring order in the political space and check the issue of political rascality and stolen mandates. The judiciary is indeed the backbone of this democracy.
We also want to single out Justice Inyang Ekwo for special recognition, particularly for being courageous and forthright in going for the substance of the law rather than the technicalities.
And in line with the court order, PDP is immediately submitting to INEC the names of our candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi state respectively.
We are also calling on INEC to immediately issue the Certificates of Return to the PDP nominees as replacement for Messrs Umahi and Igwe pursuant to the Order of the Honourable Court.
Furthermore, we call on the Chief Judge of Ebonyi state to immediately swear them in as soon as INEC issues the requisites Certificates of Return.
And lastly, we call on INEC to immediately withdraw the Certificates of Return from the 17 lawmakers and commence the process of conducting bye-elections to replace them.
Plateau state House of Assembly hopeful ,who is vying for the seat of Jos North-North, under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Muhammad Safiu Yau has assured to work assiduously for the restoration of permanent peace in the constituency if elected in 2023 election.
The aspirant said this is very imperactive because no meanful development can be achieve under the atmosphere of crisis and constant acrimony.
Alhaji Mobammed Safiu made the promise in an exclusive interview with journalist in Jos,plateau state,as the aspirant said he has mapped out plans for the restoration of peace in the fragile state.
” The problem of insecurity including lack of mutual respect among diverse ethnic groups needs to be redefined by candidates who are interested in knowing more about the issue”
On the issue of integrating of the neighborhood watch and other security personnel for the restoration of peace in the constituency, the aspirant explained that he will coordinate their responsibility for peace.
He said there is an urgent need for progressive minded individuals in the constituency to wake up and give dividends of democracy to the people,
He further stressed. that Jos North Local Government Area had the problems of youths restiveness and empowerment issues that require serious lawmaker to confront the situation by providing purposeful leadership.
Alhaji Muhammad Safiu said, ” I very much enjoy the support of the people from the constituency who want change from the current situation”.
He however urged the electorate of the area to ensure that they all acquire voters card as the only thing that would make them excercise their responsibility or franchise in the elections
Commenting on the national executive officers of the APC, the politician said the former acting Chairman had done wonderfully well in the amicable resolution of disputes in the party.
The call for Governor Bako Lalong to without any further delay to sack his SSG,continued to gained momentum as direct opened letter has been addressed to the Governor on the urgent need to sack the Professor.
The letter captioned “Open Letter To Governor Lalong (Part1)”further drew the attention of the Governor to undisputable fact that keeping Professor Atu as the SSG, he will seek the political bout of the already sinking of APC government in plateau state.
This Open letter to the Governor which is signed by one Comrade Prince Miaphen the coordinator next level ambassador ,further asked the Governor to sum up the courage and relief the SSG of his office before it’s too late to aviod collateral damage, the letter reads in parts:
Ever since the appointment of Prof. Dalandi Atu as the SSG of Plateau State, any discerning mind will agree with me that the Government has barely gotten it politically right. Mr. Governor, you can also attest to this from the diverse negative feedbacks you’ve gotten.
Your SSG has misled your government in taking unpopular political decisions that have been very disastrous for your administration and to our dear Party the APC.
Prof has engaged in so many Political blunders, misjudgements and undue Political interference in matters that he should not have and it is causing us serious embarrassment as a Party.
Typical examples of these very abarrasing episodes are the major roles he played in the removal of Speaker Abok, the Suspension and sideling of Chief Latep, Jos North Chairmanship seat, and the recent imposition of an unpopular candidate for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency bye elections among so many other too numerous deliberate miscalculations done by him. We lost Jos North/Bassa and had to Rob the PDP off Pankshin South Assembly seat.
Keeping the SSG more in office as we approach 2023 will be detrimental to us as a ruling Party because so many concerned Party men are not comfortable with the kind of roles he is playing for the System.
Your Excellency, perhaps you love him so much that you wouldn’t want to relieve him his portfolio as SSG, I humbly implore that you remove all the Political Powers given to him to concentrate on only administrative functions.
Your Excellency, you may also wish to appoint a reliable Political Adviser and a Think Thank that can give you honest advises and strategies that can make our Party win future elections.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has welcomed professional and amateur golfers to Jos, the Plateau State capital for a tournament to unviel the redesigned oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913.
While performing the tee off at the Rayfield golf course in Jos, Governor Simon Bako Lalong said the game of golf is associated with the historical role that mining played in the development and growth of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
He said as a Governor with passion for sports including golf, he has decided to take the game to the next level as well harness its potentials for tourism, business and relaxation.
Lalong said the redesigned Rayfield golf course is fully green and will be a legacy which his administration will leave for the sport in the State, adding to its potentials as a destination for leisure, business and hospitality.
The Governor said peace which has been substantially restored in the State is very important because it has given citizens and visitors confidence to come into Plateau State for business and leisure.
He also explained that making the Rayfield golf course green puts it in a good position to be recognised nationally and internationally as the first golf club in Nigeria.
Captain of the Rayfield Golf Club Air Commodore Lazarus Mshelia rtd. said over 200 professional and amateur players from across the country are participating in the tournament which is a huge gain from the successive Governor’s cup organised in the State under Governor Lalong.
He appreciated Governor Lalong for his passion in developing golf in Plateau State which has brought in more players thereby creating an opportunity for repositioning the image of the State.
Tournament Director, Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria JohnBull Dangofa said the event has shown early signs rising to the standard of a spectacular sporting fiesta:
Dangofa said players from international golf clubs and the PGA will perform at the event and commended Governor Simon Lalong for supporting the tournament.
He stressed that several youths are being taken off the streets to play golf and that such has greatly held in reducing crime.
The sect 80 of Kuru old students has come together after 42 years of graduation from the school to give back to the school and the teachers for the quality of education and discipline they imbibed on us as students for over 40 years ago.
This is very imperactive because the school made me what I am today and reshaped my focus and exposed me to the reality of life which later became what i rode on in my life journey, the same applied to all KOSA .
The former plateau state commissioner of information Yiljap Abraham stated this in an interview with Journalists during a Reunion meeting of the sect held at the school in Kuru,Jos.
Pastor Yiljap Abraham who was also the former General Manager Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC), described the Reunion meeting of the old students sect 80 as great excitement mixed with sorrow, said the sect has lost not fewer than 30 among them.
He thank the Plateau state Government ,the teachers of the college for their disciplarian disposition which help to reshape them and refocus most of us in achieving what we are today.
In their separate interviews, the chairman sect 80 Daniel Manesa said the Reunion of the old students is an anniversary to celebrate our 42 years from graduation from the school to different places in the country and beyond.
He further add that as the years roll by ,we deemed it necessary that there is need for us under the umbrella of sect 80 to met again and appreciate God’s goodness in our life,and to thank our teachers for their various impart they inculcated in most of us that has influenced us positively in life.
“We where able as a sect 80 to do the little we can by renovating the school dilapidated basketball court”.
And however promised that the sect will plan towards making the meeting frequent ritual to get in touch with ourselves and then the happening in the school.
Hon.Benshak Dalop one time member of the plateau state house of assembly,and presently chairman judicial service commission and sect 80 of KOSA is one of the brain behind the formation of KOSA sect 80 ,thank those who agreed with his proposal when the idea was put forward .
He said the sect was able in it small way embarked on developmental projects in the school ,and renovation of some structures that where in bad shape.
He added that they have gone round the school to see things for themselves,some we appreciate and some we did not ,but take cognisance of them ,we will go back fulfilled.
But lamented the passing away of some of the classmates,
“Out of 145 of us in that sect 80,not fewer than 35 have been called to the Lord and we have use this Reunion meeting to pray for the reposed of their soul”.
David Mancham though not sect 80 class said the idea behind the Reunion is to bring back the memory of Kuru as students 42 years ago.
David who is the national exco of KOSA,said the Reunion meeting afford them the opportunity to ones again carry out interventions in the school.
He decried challenges facing the school to include shortage of manpower as most of the teaching and non teaching staff are under the stipend of Parent Teachers Association (PTA).
The association however honourned some of their teachers who impart positively in their life.
One post humus award to one of the teacher that has pass on.
The Judiciary Staff Union Of Nigeria plateau chapter has embarked on indefinite industrial strike to press home their demand on the union’s peculiar allowances.
This is because the committee earlier set up by judiciary management to look at the fact finding of the union headed by Justice C.L Dabup and others stopped abruptly following the information from the government that they can’t afford to implement the union’s demand because they borrowed to pay salaries.
The chairman of the union Comrade Philip Longji made the clarification today 7th March,2022, in an interview with journalists at the state High Court promises in jos,plateau state capital following the paralyzed courts activities occasioned by the union’s strike.
The chairman who lamented the actions of the committee who didn’t deemed it necessary to approach the union for us to go back to the government because our agreement with him is that personnel cost is hundred percent.
They union decried Governor Lalong insensitivity to the demand of the union because they suppose to have approach us the union when you are going out of your way as he claimed borrowing to pay salaries.
“We are the one looking for financial autonomy,and you went out of your way in borrowing money to pay salaries”.
The union accused the management of playing game because will known that the government is given that what he suppose to take care of the staff ,he maintained.
The chairman further said for purpose of clarity ,the demand of the union is of three fold,peculiar allowance,security and the other one,out of which the government only manage to pay overhead.
It would be recalled that the union where to embarked on industrial action early this year,2022,but was suspended following the intervention of the inner bar ,and the strike would have disrupt the validitry session of the retirement of the former chief judge,justice Yakubu Dakwak.
How soon the Union will called of the strike depends on the seriousness of the government to negotiate and come out with concrete decision.
A Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has said that Nigeria is at the verge of total collapse.
The former INEC boss stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2022 Workers’ Political Conference organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress.
He described the 2023 general elections as critical for Nigeria’s unity.
Jega said, “The sorry state of the socio-economic conditions under which the Nigerian working people, indeed the overwhelming majority of all citizens live and work, the reckless misrule and misgovernance by a tiny, rabid and reckless band of the elite, and the manner by which these myopic ‘elected’ so-called ‘leaders’ and their collaborators, have devastated the Nigerian economy, heightened insecurity, and virtually destroyed the basis for national cohesion and integration, Nigeria, as a potentially great nation, is crying for a rescue mission before it is too late.
“Such a rescue mission cannot be serious, positive and successful, without the active engagement and involvement of the Nigerian workers through their genuine representatives in working-class organizations and movements, in alliance with other progressive and patriotic Nigerians.
“While Nigeria may not have totally collapsed, it is in the process of collapsing, as reckless elite in control of the governance process are blindly running the country aground. And the 2023 general elections may be the ‘make or break’ epochal moment.
“Given this, all hands of progressive forces must be on deck to prevent our country from imminent collapse, and to turn it around on to a trajectory of good democratic governance for beneficial democratic, socio-economic development, and human security for Nigerian citizens.
“A broad alliance of progressive forces for national rescue and emancipation is absolutely required to get Nigeria out of the current unwholesome predicament in which it finds itself.
“The deliberations at this conference, guided by the lead paper presentation and panel discussion, should help us chart a course for a reinforced commitment to national emancipation and more active engagement participation of Nigerian workers in our current and future political processes.”
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has felicitated with the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Architect Sunny Echono on his appointment as the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Governor Lalong in a his felicitation message described the appointment of Architect Echono as well deserved considering his performance as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, where he provided the administrative expertise to actualise the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari in reviving education in the country.
The Govetnor’s felicitation messaged dated 4th March ,2022 ,signed by the Director of Press Public Affair to the governor Makut Macham and made available to this medium in Jos ,plateau state.
Lalong said during his tenure as Permanent Secretary, a lot was achieved by the Ministry under the leadership of the Hon. Minister Mallam Adamu Adamu because of his ability to mobilise, motivate and give the right direction to the agencies and staff on implementing policies and programmes of the administration in education.
The Governor also recalled that more tertiary institutions were created throughout the country both in public and private sectors while early and secondary education also recieved a boost because of the efforts of the Architect Echono who as Permanent Secretary ensured that all policies and directives of Government were carried out without delay.
He said Plateau State was a beneficiary of the progress in the education sector with the approval of Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam; Karl Kumm University Vom; ANAN University Kwall; Nigerian Law School Jos Campus; and Federal University of Education whose Bill was recently signed by the President.
Governor Lalong expressed optimism that Architect Sunny Echono will build upon the achievements of the outgoing Executive Secretary Prof. Bogoro to take TETfund to higher levels.
Meanwhile, Governor Lalong has expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing TETfund Executive Secretary Prof. Elias Bogoro, describing him as an achiever who was honest, fair, and committed to developing higher education in Nigeria.
Lalong while congratulating him for a successful tenure said Bogoro proved his worth by coming up with novel initiatives that challenged the academia in Nigeria and stimulated innovation, creativity and resourcefulness.
He acknowledged the passion with which Prof. Bogoro assisted all tertiary institutions in Plateau State by ensuring that the infrastructure was upgraded, including the Plateau State University Bokkos where a new Senate Building and Faculty of Health Sciences were commissioned recently.
The Plateau State High court jos Division has adjourned the case of culpable homicide involving Mr Moses Oko vs plateau state commissioner of police the alleged murder of one Jenifer Anthony now late ,a 300L student of the University of Jos, now deceased.
Moses is standing trials for gruesome murder of one miss Jenifer Anthony who was until her untimely death a 300L student of the university of jos, Nigeria
The matter which come up today 4th of March, 2022 for continuation of hearing and taken of witnesses from the prosecuting counsel the police.
When the case file was mentioned ,the defence counsel barrister FI Nenrot said my Lord ,though the matter is adjourned till today the 4th March,2022 for the continuation of hearing,my Lord ,he continued,I regret to announce that we are not ready to continue the matter today .
The defense counsel harps his reasons to include preparation for the oral application notice to be serve to the defendant latest Monday 8th March,2022,pending PO before the court and motion filed which hearing is coming up on the 24th March,2022.
He appeal to the court for the interest of fair hearing in line with the section of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, to adjourned the matter for further hearing.
In a quick reaction, the prosecuting counsel NT Tali vehemently rejected the propose adjournment application by defense counsel ,that the application lack merit because the defense counsel fail to tell the court the reason he is asking for an adjournment.
Barrister Tali further add that one of the witnesses to testify came from Abuja and it has already been mobilise and maintained that granting an adjournment in favor of the defendant will amount to lack of fairness.
He stressed that the defense counsel has fail to give the court a cogent reason why he is seeking for an adjournment when the case is adjourned to today 3rd & 4th in the last adjournment for continuation of hearing and taken of witnesses.
He however appealed to the court not to grant the prayer of the defense counsel,for an adjournment for lack of congent reason.
After careful listening to the arguement from both counsels,Justice SP Gang ruled that adjourning the matter in line with the plea of the defense counsel will amount to wast of resources on the side of the prosecuting counsel who has already mobilized his witnesses all the way from Abuja, as such adjourning the case will not be feasible and will amount to wast of time and resources,he however ruled for the continuation of the matter and presentation of witnesses.
Rev.Polycarp Daan is (PW4) and manager with the hotel where the late miss Jennifer Anthony was murdered .
Rev.Polycarp explained to the court how he received a phone call from on of the workers of the hotel Mr Lazarus ,I rushed to the hotel only to be briefed about the incident.
At that point I called my lawyer barrister Adama to report to the police.
Because of the severity of the crime involved ,I was detained for 3 days before the police picked me to the scene of the crime in room 302 where they discovered the lifeless body of the late Jennifer Anthony whose body was used to block the door, but the police forced the door open after using the spare key giving to them by Rev.Polycarp Daan and enter the room .
On weather he saw the dead body of the victim,Daan said yes as the lifeless body of the lady was naked and the face covered with bedsheet.
He revealed that on further searched of the room, the police find a small piece of paper on the floor which later give the police the clue of the matter and led them to Abuja.
Alikali Alanana who is witness (PW5),resident in Masaka Nasarawa state ,and work as security personnel at Yanyan Park Abuja ,narrated how tricycle brought Moses Oko to Yanyan park around 2am in the morning looking for motor to Lagos.
Alikali further said I told him ,Oko to go back home and come in the morning as it was late and no motor in the park going to Lagos.
He said Oko left with the tricycle that brought him ,only to come back some minutes later that he was robbed ,his car and other of his belongings were carted away except his hand set two of them he brandished it to show me.
At that point Alikali said Moses was hungry and needed something to eat, i accompied him to a shop where they prepared indomie is soled he bought it and eat and we stayed behind and started chating with people around.
In his further testimony, moses said he would like to sleep with me at the park till the next morning because he is having no where to pass the night .
“the demand I rejected on the ground that people are not allowed to pass the night at the park”.
“At that point he went back to the earlier indomie shop trying to force the door open, at this point i started dragging with him, the action which attracted the passer b
y who at this point stop by to help and eventually he was dragged to Yanyan police station and locked up.”
On weather Mr Moses was behaving abnormal when he earlier came to the park, he said no that he was normal and talk like normal human being,making some statement like”I did not kill her”,which I didn’t understand at first.
At that point the prosecuting counsel moved for short adjournment to enable him bring the next witnesses ,the medical doctor that satisfied the accused person ,Mr Moses Oko medically sound and ASP Ibrahim Agaji.
The matter been adjourned to Wenesday 9th March,2022 for continuation of hearing and presentation of more witnesses.
The Federal Government on Thursday warned Distribution Companies (DisCos) to stop selling electricity meters to customers.
Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, on Thursday, stated that procurement is free of charge.
Aliyu spoke at the weekly State House ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Media Team.
“These meters are free, we said it a number of times. These are tools that will generate liquidity. How can we be selling something that will bring in money?
“It is the responsibility of the DisCos and the government is seeing that they are not doing so. The government is giving the DisCos the meters to distribute for free.
“But there’ll always be “touts” and “kabu-kabu”. I think it’s the touts that are doing this kind of shoddy deal”, NAN quoted him saying.
Aliyu said the procurement of four million meters for the second phase of the mass metering programme is on-going.
Confirming that close to one million meters have been rolled out under, the minister confirmed the focus on local manufacturers.
He said this would provide jobs like the 10,000 generated under the first phase’s installation and assembly.
Aliyu announced that the second phase contract will be awarded by the end of the second quarter of 2022.
The third phase will provide additional two million meters, funded through the World Bank, the official added.
Aliyu further advised underperforming DisCos to ensure the fulfillment contractual agreements with the Federal Government or face sanctions.
The citizens of Plateau state has raised alarm over the total abandon of the state owned “Wild Life Park” aka jos wild life park which has completely overtaken by the activities of illegal miners and firewoods vendors revaging the ecosystem of the park through their unscrupulous activities.
The cry of the people is coming at the heels when the states in the federation are looking inward to increase their “Internal Generated Revenue” from tourism with dwindling federal allocation that is no longer realistic.
The Acting General Manager of Jos Wild Life Park Selomi Audu revealed this in an interview with journalists during the occasion of this year 2022 celebration of World Wild Life day held at the park premises in Jos South local government of the State.
The Acting General Manager Selomi Audu said today the 2nd March,2022 is one of the two days emarked for the celebration ,but the management of the park decided to tour with the stakeholders around the park and show them the essences of the level of damage that the activities of illegal miners and other unapproved activities of some unidentified persons has devastated the wild life park.
She said the tour round the park with the stakeholders who are all member of the host communities where the Jos Wild Life Park is located is to see what can be done to the deplorable condition of the park occasioned by illegal miners and firewood sellers,and possibly seek fatherly advice from the stakeholders and all spirited individuals.
The Acting Manager said today activities for the celebration of this Year 2022, Word Wild Life Day,with the theme of the program which is carefully chosen”Recovering Key Species For Ecosystem Restoration” further stressed that it’s the desire of the management and the government of the state governor Bako lalong to revamp and restorsitate the destroyed Wild Life Park.
“Jos wild life park is a well cherished amongst the green bed we have in the city of jos,is not for the benefit of individual alone but for all.”
Mrs Audu reiterated the need for the protection of jos park which shouldn’t be not exclusively left in the hands of single individual or group,but collective efforts of all for the preservation of ecosystem, and appealed to the host communities to help in preserving the ecosystem of the jos wild life park.
Some of those who spoke with this medium in an interview Dr.longtong Turshak ,who is the chairman Central planning committee at the event,called on the government and the management of the park to revamp the park ,and give it a face lift that can help to attract tourist whenever they are in the state looking for place for relaxation.
He adviced the government to engaged the services of their host communities if possible pay them royalty to appreciate them for forming part of those securing the park from encroachment and further advice the government to equipt the security rangers of the wild life park so that they can engage the intruders of the park when the need raises.
The tour of the park along side with the stakeholders ,management and journalists, took them to many places that had been devastated by the activities of illegal mining ponds which has posed an eyes soar.
In some places in the park has practically been deforested occasion by unholy attitude of some people who have engaged themselves into the selling of firewood for a living,popularly know as firewood vendor.
A group under the auspacies of “E-Supporter Group” plateau state chapter under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appealed the leaders of the party Senator Jonah David jang and General Useni I(rtd)to sheath political sword ahead 2023 General Elections.
As the group called on all leaders at the Local, State and National levels of the party, to wade into the dispute still lingering between, Sen. Jonah David Jang and Sen. Jeremiah Useni, as it might spread among their supporters if not controlled before the coming 2023 general elections.
The group in a press statement, dated 28th February, 2022, made available to this medium in jos ,Plateau state, specifically, called on the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, to prevail on Sen. Jang and Sen. Useni, to set aside their differences.
The press statement signed by, Isa Musa Kwarshak, as Chairman and Nafor Mafulul Sylvanus, as Secretary of “Group”, in part reads:
“We are therefore on this note and base on the situation in the chapter, making a passionate appeal to the National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, to immediately call for a meeting with the two leaders of our great Party in Plateau State, Sen. J. T. Usieni and Sen. Jonah Jang and also prevail on them to set aside their differences”.
“We urge the National Chairman, to call on them to make concessions and sacrifices where necessary for inclusiveness of all members in the affairs of the chapter in the overall interest of the chapter.”
“This action if taken, we believe, would complement the personal efforts already put in by, Governor Nyesom Wike, during his recent visit to Plateau State and the party leadership”.
The group took time to congratulate the candidate of the PDP, Hon. Musa Agah, for winning the Jos-North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State seat, but swiftly advised members of the chapter not to be carried away by the victory.
READ E-SUPPORT GROUP’S FULL TEXT BELOW:-
E-SUPPORT GROUP OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), PLATEAU STATE
28th February, 2022.
PRESS RELEASE
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press
We wish to start this press statement by appreciating God Almighty, for making it possible for our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Plateau State chapter’s recovering of our mandate for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, which was openly stolen in 2019 by the APC.
We Congratulate, Hon. Musa Agah on his victory!
We want to use this opportunity, to also appreciate the National Chairman of our great party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and members of the National Working Committee, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Co- Chairmen of the Campaign Council for the bye-election, His Excellency, Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi) and His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom, the Leaders of our great party in Plateau State, particularly Sen. Jeremiah Useni, Sen. Jonah Jang, His Excellency, Sir Fidelis Tapgun, Hon. Damishi T. Sango, among others too numerous to mention here, for closing ranks and working together before the bye-election, which resulted to the massive victory on Saturday the 26th of February, 2022.
Gentlemen of the press,
We must also appreciate the State Leadership of our great party under the able leadership of, Hon. Chris Hassan, members of the National and State Assembly, other members of the Campaign Council, critical stakeholders, party agents, vibrant youths, as well as, party members and citizens that came out to vote for the PDP in Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State and Pankshin South State House of Assembly Constituency.
As a conscious group that is fully committed to the overall success of our great party the PDP, we want to urge the State Leadership of the party not to be carried away by this victory and be complacent, but to draw inspiration and motivation from it and to also immediately started planning and strategizing for the 2023 general election that is fast approaching.
Our party’s victory in the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State and the great performance in the Pankshin South State House of Assembly Constituency election, are clear indications that, majority of Plateau people trust and believed in the PDP more than any other party in the state and therefore, we must do everything possible not to betray their trust, but create buffer and security for it.
We are therefore on this note and base on the situation in the chapter, making a passionate appeal to the National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, to immediately call for a meeting with the two leaders of our great Party in Plateau State, Sen. J. T. Usieni and Sen. Jonah Jang and also prevail on them to set aside their differences.
We urge the National Chairman, to call on them to make concessions and sacrifices where necessary for inclusiveness of all members in the affairs of the chapter in the overall interest of the chapter.
This action if taken, we believe, would complement the personal efforts already put in by, Governor Nyesom Wike, during his recent visit to Plateau State and the party leadership.
We must put on record that, Governor Nyesom Wike, during his visit, met with the two leaders in an effort towards having a virile and stable PDP in the state that will be capable of winning any election in Plateau State.
With respect to the Pankshin South Bye-election and its observed outcome, we want to appeal to the party, to immediately assemble a solid team of Legal Experts to help file a petition against the illegality and rape of democracy.
Gentlemen of the Press, it will surprise you to know that up till now, there’s no formal declaration of the results of the election conducted by INEC, anywhere in Pankshin South and yet, victory is already and fraudulently, allocated to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
We strongly are of the hope that the mandate given to the PDP and its candidate will not be allowed to be stolen again!
Finally, we are appealing to Plateau people to continue trusting and believing in the PDP, as the only party that is genuinely committed and concerned of their safety, security, welfare and development and reject the APC that has nothing to offer other than despair, hunger, poverty, insecurity and illiteracy because, they are less concerned with education and have perpetually kept our students at home and thereby, increasing the rate of crime and all sorts of social ills bedeviling our communities today.
Governor Simon Bako of plateau state has send strong warning to all Civil Servants in the state,and the judges to stay away from partisan politics and don’t allow themselves to be use by politicians more especially now that
electioneering period is around the corner.
As the government will not spare anyone of them that allowed himself to used as stooges to disrupt the smooth running of government business as government will not spare anybody no matter his or her position in the service and run contrary to the civil service rules.
Governor Lalong handed down the warning during the swearing in of Permanent Secretarie and President of Customary Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Lyop Dalyop on the 1st March,2022 held at the Victoria Gowon Conference Hall ,New Government House Little Rayfield in jos the Plateau state capital.
The governor further said as a mark of commitment on the side of Government, we will continue to fulfil our obligations to the welfare and well-being of civil servants which we have consistently done since 2015.
He however directed that work of the White Paper standing Committee on Staff Audit and Verification be completed to enable Civil Servants start enjoying their normal promotions as we also work on creating employment .
lalong further charged the President of the Customary Court of Appeal Lyop Dalyop and the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries on their well-deserved appointment and urged them to live up to the dictates of their new status,and ensure they do their best to validate the merit of your appointment and contribute towards building a Plateau that all of us will be proud of,as he also appeal to the citizens to pray for them and avoid putting them under unnecessary pressure with frivolous demands.
The governor commended the Head of Civil Service who in collaboration with the Plateau State Information Communication Technology Development Agency ensured the successful conduct of the ICT-based professional aptitude examination for the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.
“I have further directed the Head of Service to work towards ensuring that all civil servants are fully trained in the use of ICT tools for all Government business.”
“Since Plateau State joined the Open Government Initiative (OGP), we have continued to receive local and international accolades for our prudence, transparency and all-inclusive approach to governance. We must sustain this development using technology, motivated and well trained manpower. That is why recently, I approved Capacity Building retreats, workshops and trainings for Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Stenographers and Drivers anchored by the Office of the Head of Civil Service cutting across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The governor reiterated the need for civil servants to be loyal to Government and avoid all acts that are inimical to the smooth running of the affairs of the State,civil service rules are very clear on responsibilities, privileges and expectations from all civil servants he maintained.
“We expect the new Permanent Secretaries to show leadership that is driven by excellence, capacity, discipline, fairness and honesty. Coming into these sensitive positions at these challenging times, you will be required to demonstrate innovation, creativity and resource management in the governance architecture of the State. The time for laxity, bureaucratic bottlenecks and sabotage are over.
” He reminded the appointees that the positions the hold are very important to the success of this administration and a lot is expected of you as the Rescue Administration is gradually winding down, there is a lot to be done between now and next year.”
This he said is the time for action and performance as we are determined to complete on-going projects and programmes in line with our promise to leave Plateau better than we met it.
The candidate of the People’s Redemption Party, PRP, Adam Alkali, has vowed to reclaim his “subverted” victory at the just concluded bye-election of Bassa/Jos-North Federal Constituency of Plateau State.
Jos North/Bassa Fed.Constituency’s Election Results
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Returning Officer, Yinka Oyerinde, had declared Musa Agah of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, winner of the bye-election.
But Mr Alkali, while speaking with DAILY Nigeria on Monday in jos,plateau state capital, said he won the election with a majority of lawful votes cast, against the declared winner.
The PRP candidate said all plans had been concluded to challenge the INEC declaration at the election tribunal.
He said: “We have enough evidence to prove that in some electoral wards and many polling units over-voting took place.
“It is evidently clear that manual accreditation was made in some places, in others ,even the manual accreditation was not made, rather ballot stuffing was made in favour of the PDP candidate,” he alleged.
Mr Alkali aka Dan London restated that INEC election guideline which state that where there is no Bimodal Voter Accreditation Device, BVAD, “No election will hold”.
“In this light, we have widely consulted and the majority of the constituents have suggested that we seek redress in the most lawful manner and we have concluded plans to challenge the return of the PDP candidate Musa Agah in the election tribunal.
“…I am strongly appealing to our supporters to remain calm, be peaceful and continue to be prayerful as we get prepared to reclaim our mandate,” he stressed.
The Nation wide plan protest by National Students Union Body has stalled the continuation of hearing on case between the Commissioner of Police against Shehu Jatau and three others accused persons standing trial before justice S.P.Gang .
The prosecution counsel told the court that the matter was adjourned for the continuation of hearing and he is ready to proceeds with his three witness .
However, the defense counsel ,Prof. S S.Shikyil didn’t opposed to the motion ,so the motion was moved , the judge granted it.
The prosecution counsel further alerted the court of the absence of the accused persons but Justice S .P.Gang explained that the information reaching him from pecaible source revealed that the national students Union body are planning nation wide protest which bringing inmates today they might likely hijack the system the way the endsar brought problem .
According to the prosecution counsel ,the motion which dated 25th February, 2022 and filed the same date is supported by 6 paragraphs and a written address with affidavit that was moved and the defense counsel didn’t opposed it.
Justice S P. Gang after carefully listening to the application brought by the prosecution counsel for adjournment the matter was adjourn to the 30th March, 2022 for taken of three witnesses for the prosecution to close their case.
However, both Federal and the state High Court in Plateau state was scanty with heavy present of security personnel to monitor the development and forestall the break down of law and order.
This medium who went around the correctional centre in the state observed that the gate where under lock and keyed and surveillance by the soldiers ,police and other security agencies to prevent break down of order and avoid jailbreak .
“You would recalled that the Plateau state prison has been under attacks for almost three time in one year leading to the escaped of over 260 inmates in Jos prison and one officer reported killed “.
People Democratic Party (PDP), in Plateau state has berated the All Progressive Congress (APC) ,over intimidation ,harrassments and other undemocratic means to rob the party of it long awaiting mandates.
He lauded the electorates for standing firm with r the undemocratic tendencies of the APC,the people of jos North/Bassa constituency stood their ground to vote the People Democratic party (PDP),at the federal constituency bye election held 26the February 2022.
The Chairman Peoples Democratic Party(PDP),in the state Hon.Chris Hassan stated this during press briefing following the declaration of the party’s candidate Hon.Musa Agah as the winner of Jos North/Bassa constituency bye election .
He said the victory of PDP,in the bye look is a watershed in the history of the party ahead of 2023 ,General elections for the party to recover its stolen mandate for governorship in 2019,by APC ruling government,to put an end to tyrannical and misrule of the government in the state,and by extension Nigeria as a whole.
He further said Hon. Musa Agah has received the blessing of the people of jos North/Bassa constituency mandate to proceed to Abuja and represent the quality presentation at the National Assembly PDP is know for and the people of the state have been yearning for.
He said Musa Agah demonstrated an excellent Representation as Member representing Bassa/Irigwe constituency at the Plateau state House of Assembly the postion he held sway until his election as Member Representing jos North/Bass Federal Constituency at the House of Representative,as the party is not in doubt of his competent of sound represention at the lower chamber.
Chairman PDP, Musa Agah,Simi Dusu and other party members
Hon.Christ Hassan appreciated the electorates in the state for coming out to exercise their franchise even in the face of harassment and intimidation of the ruling APC in the state.
He commended the leaderships of the party who despite all odd stood firm to vote PDP,and thank the various committees ,subcommittee,polling units agents and collection center for their personal sacrifices.
But frowned at the reportered case of carting away of ballot boxes by the All Progressive Congress (APC)supporters at Pankshin constituency bye election, mostly places that are strong holds of PDP, but vowed that that party will not rest on it oars to challenge the stolen mandate of the party in a competent Court.
Lambast governor lalong fragrant disobident for court judgement”Just look at the case of our candidate the chairman of Lantang North who had obtained judgment in the court but the APC government in the State just decided to honor the judgement to restore him back to his sit.”
He called on the PDP supporters in the state to be law abiding no matter the provocation by APC.
Operation Safe Haven has identified culture as panacea for peaceful coexistence in any society, as it has organised a cultural competition termed “Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali Peace and Unity Cultural Competition” to promote peace and unity amongst the diverse ethnic groups on the Plateau.
The maiden event which was held in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State featured dancing and eating competitions by 12 different cultural groups.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, charged the law abiding and peace loving people of Plateau state to utilise their rich cultural heritage to promote unity for peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic groups in the state. The Commander observed that the cultural diversity of the people is a great source of strength to the State and the nation. Therefore, it should be harnessed for peace and progress.
The Commander who spoke through the Chief of Staff Operation SAFE HAVEN, Brigadier General Amos Egbejule, noted that there is no alternative to peace and the beauty of peace is when people come together to celebrate their beautiful cultural diversity together. He urged the people to cooperate with the security agencies for the maintenance of security in their communities.
Speaking earlier, the Commander Sector 4 Barikin Ladi Colonel Murtala Abdulsalam thanked the various ethnic groups for turning out en mass to participate in the event. He stated that Operation SAFE HAVEN will not relent in its effort of sustaining peace in the area. He further charged the people to shun all forms of violence, mischief and live together as brothers and sisters. He informed the participants and guests that the cultural competition was organised as part of Operation SAFE HAVEN non-kinetic measures towards sustaining the peace process in its Joint Area of Operation.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Barikin Ladi LGA, Hon Jack Alamba, the Hon Member Representing Barikin Ladi/Riyom LGAs in the National Assembly, Hon Simon Mwadkwon, the Da Gwom Rwei Barikin Ladi HRH, Da Edward Gyang Bot as well as religious leaders agreed to work together to sustain the peace and security in the LGA. They charged the people to fight the enemies of peace and support the security agencies who are working tirelessly to ensure peace continue to reign on the Plateau.
Aside the cultural dance and eating competitions, the event also featured women race and Tug-of-War. Prizes were presented to winners of the competition as well as best Vigilante, hunter, neighbourhood watch, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and most peaceful communities in the Local Government.
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The Chairman African Democratic Congress (ADC) plateau state chapter Sabiu Ibrahim has called on the electoral umpire , the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)to be fair and just in declaring the election result.
As he decried the high apathy that bedeviled jos north/bassa federal house of representatives bye election because of the way Governor lalong handed the conduct,and the electorate nonchalant attitude towards the election.
The chairman of ADC,in the state Sabiu Abrahim was speaking to Journalists in an interview during the conduct of the election held 26the February,2022 in jos the state capital.
Chairman ADC,Pl/S
The chairman lamented the attitude of the electorate who didn’t want to come out and vote probably because they didn’t know what is at stake ,and called on INEC to ensure the election result reflect the Wishes of the electorate.
The chairman who is very optimistic of his party ADC, winning the federal house of representatives bye elections in jos north/bassa constituency urged the party faithful to come out and cast their votes for the party ,which he said is embraced world wide.
In another similar development, the All Progressive Congress (APC)chairman in jos north Aminu Abdullahi decried the apathy that greets the conduct of jos north/bassa federal house of representative bye election in the state.
Chairman PDP, jos North
He however hailed the peaceful conduct of the election devoid of crisis and called on the independent national electoral commission(inec) to ensure that election result reflect the wishes of the electorate to avoid post elections crisis in the constituency.
The chairman who is confident of the electoral bill signed into law by president Mohammedu Buhari,said he is hopeful that when the implementation starts, the resuits of elections in the state in particular and Nigeria in general will reflects the wishes of the generality of the people of the country.
In an interview with Journalist in his polling unit at Angwan Rogo in jos North LG, the candidate of People Redemption party(PRP) aka Dan London ,said he is sure of winning the jos north/bassa federal constituency bye election because of his acceptability of his candidacy by the electorate.
Dan London was speaking in an interview with newsmen immediately immediately after casting his vote.
He further stressed that he hope the electoral umpire , INEC will be just and allowed the vote of the people of the constituency count.
Gov. Lalong Admonishes Parents To Inculcate Godly Virtues In Children.
By,giwa Alex,jos
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked Nigerian parents to inculcate godly virtues in their children as a way of halting the moral decay that is largely responsible for the breakdown of law and order in society today.
Governor Lalong spoke during the monthly fasting and prayer organised by the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Jos.
Lalong said because Nigerians are a religious people, they must work to entrench godliness through sustaining the teachings of the Bible and also inculcating same to younger generation who are the future of the nation.
He said “Let me also use this opportunity to urge all parents and guardians to teach their children the importance of fasting and prayer as well as putting their faith in God. Inculcating these values in them right from tender age which will go a long way in building their relationship with God and making them better citizens. Looking at the challenges we face today, we have to raise children that have the fear of God to be able to embrace good and shun evil”.
He commended the Chapel Leadership for sustaining the monthly session and said “Whenever we gather to fast and pray, we are not only standing before God to tender our lists of things we want him to do for us, but to also thank him for all that he has done for us overtime. The act of thanksgiving and appreciation enables him to listen to our petitions and further demonstrate his love towards us”. 9
He said because of the consitent prayer and fasting for the State, Plateau has continued to experience more peace despite the attempts by some criminals to cause chaos through.
“While we regret the losses recorded due to such unfortunate like the recent incidences involving attacks on miners in Yelwan Zangam and another along Jos-Jingir road, we are thankful to God that both attacks were quickly brought under control by security agencies and with no escalation. We should continue to pray that God will expose these criminals and give the security agencies the ability to apprehend all of them and bring them to justice. While they plan evil against the State, our prayer is that God will turn their evil plans into foolishness and make them not to succeed” he said.
Lalong admonished the citizens to continue to unite and love one another by also praying that the spirit of hatred, division and intolerance will be banished from amongst them. He reiterated his determination to strengthen the peace that has been built over the years and ensure that people go about their duties without any fear.
In a message, Chaplain of the Government House Jos, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep urged the people to put their trust in God and not worry over any prevailing circumstance as the end will be victorious.
He read from the book of Matt 6:25 where he highlighted the assurances given by Jesus Christ to the effect that God will never abandon his people in any way. He said Gods promise of provision is not only guaranteed, but affirmed by the testimonies of past which many seem to forget whenever they are in difficulty.
Prayers were also offered for the smooth conduct of bye-elections for the Jos/Bassa House of Representatives seat as well as the Pankshin South State Constituency.
Gov. Lalong Admonishes Parents To Inculcate Godly Virtues In Children.
By,giwa Alex,jos
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked Nigerian parents to inculcate godly virtues in their children as a way of halting the moral decay that is largely responsible for the breakdown of law and order in society today.
Governor Lalong spoke during the monthly fasting and prayer organised by the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Jos.
Lalong said because Nigerians are a religious people, they must work to entrench godliness through sustaining the teachings of the Bible and also inculcating same to younger generation who are the future of the nation.
He said “Let me also use this opportunity to urge all parents and guardians to teach their children the importance of fasting and prayer as well as putting their faith in God. Inculcating these values in them right from tender age which will go a long way in building their relationship with God and making them better citizens. Looking at the challenges we face today, we have to raise children that have the fear of God to be able to embrace good and shun evil”.
He commended the Chapel Leadership for sustaining the monthly session and said “Whenever we gather to fast and pray, we are not only standing before God to tender our lists of things we want him to do for us, but to also thank him for all that he has done for us overtime. The act of thanksgiving and appreciation enables him to listen to our petitions and further demonstrate his love towards us”.
He said because of the consitent prayer and fasting for the State, Plateau has continued to experience more peace despite the attempts by some criminals to cause chaos through.
“While we regret the losses recorded due to such unfortunate like the recent incidences involving attacks on miners in Yelwan Zangam and another along Jos-Jingir road, we are thankful to God that both attacks were quickly brought under control by security agencies and with no escalation. We should continue to pray that God will expose these criminals and give the security agencies the ability to apprehend all of them and bring them to justice. While they plan evil against the State, our prayer is that God will turn their evil plans into foolishness and make them not to succeed” he said.
Lalong admonished the citizens to continue to unite and love one another by also praying that the spirit of hatred, division and intolerance will be banished from amongst them. He reiterated his determination to strengthen the peace that has been built over the years and ensure that people go about their duties without any fear.
In a message, Chaplain of the Government House Jos, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep urged the people to put their trust in God and not worry over any prevailing circumstance as the end will be victorious.
He read from the book of Matt 6:25 where he highlighted the assurances given by Jesus Christ to the effect that God will never abandon his people in any way. He said Gods promise of provision is not only guaranteed, but affirmed by the testimonies of past which many seem to forget whenever they are in difficulty.
Prayers were also offered for the smooth conduct of bye-elections for the Jos/Bassa House of Representatives seat as well as the Pankshin South State Constituency.
In line with the plans by the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct bye-election for the Jos/Bassa Federal Constituency and the Pankshin South State Constituency on 26th February 2022, the Executive Governor of Plateau State has approved the restriction of movement within the respective constituencies.
Therefore, all vehicular movements will not be allowed in the affected areas from 12:00 Midnight of Friday 25th February 2022 to 6pm of Saturday 26th February 2022.
The restriction of persons and vehicular movement is contained in a press statement dated 25th February 2022 ,signed by commissioner for information and communication Dan Manjang and made available to this medium in jos ,plateau state capital.
The statement said only persons on essential duties will be exempted from the restriction and advice Citizens to adhere to this directive as relevant security agencies have been directed to ensure compliance.
The Governor also calls on all eligible voters to come out and exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation as necessary security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the exercise goes without hitches.
With less than 48 hours to the rerun election slated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the vacant seat at the National Assembly, caused by the sudden death of Late Haruna Maital, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is to hold its Mega Rally for its candidate, Hon. Musa Agah, for the Jos-North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State today, Thursday 24thFebruary, 2022.
From the announcement concerning the event from the PDP, the Maga Rally, is expected to hold at the Polo Club field in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
Expected at the Mega Rally today at Polo Club, is the National Chairman of the party, Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, including, NWC/BOT Members, the former APC Plateau State Chairman, Hon. Letep Dabang, and other leaders of the party that is expected to commence today, Thursday 24th February, 2022 at 11:00 am prompt.
While the PDP is celebrate its own candidate, crisis has started enveloping the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) chapter in the state, as some aggrieved members have told the media that they do not have a candidate in the coming election.
A faction of the PRP in the state led by one Yusuf Umar has said the party has no candidate in the rerun election for Jos-North/ Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State and would not participate despite 48 hours to the crucial election.
Umar said, “As far as I am concerned, we are not participating in the election”.
Adding that, the party has already sent a petition to INEC concerning the leadership crisis rocking the chapter.
“Anybody parading himself as the leader of PRP in Plateau State or at the National level apart from me and Abdulmajeed Yakubu Daudu, that would be a misinformation.” He warned.
On his part, and standing on the position of Umar, the representative of the National Leader of the party, disclosed to news men in Jos that, at the moment, they are only planning to restructure the party.
“We heard that some miscreants have taken PRP to court and we are waiting on the court to decide. Not until April, we have noting on ground.” He further disclosed.
Gov.Lalong Extends Resignation Of Polical Office Holder To 31st March.
By,giwa alex,jos
Governor Bako Lalong has changed his earlier decision that all the political office holder under his government seeking to contest any political position to resign his/her position form the government on or before 31st January,2022.
Governor lalong grace of extension is contained in a release dated 23rd February,2023,signed by permanent secretary special duty government House Richard Toma and made available to this medium in jos,plateau state.
The statement which has it caption”Re Resignation of all political Office Holders wishing to contest the forthcoming Election”
He said to our further circular with reference No:s/SGS/A/117/Vol.1/42 of 31st January ,2022 on the above subject matter,l wish to inform you that the earlier issued to public officiers to resign and contest in the 2023 general elections has been extended to 31st March,2022 ,not January 31st 2022 ,as earlier issued by the government.
The Federal High Court Jos Division has today 22nd February,2022 , sentence the Former minister of Water Resources during Goodluck Jonathan led administration ,Sarah Rene Ochekpe and two others to Three months imprisonment and an option of one million naira .
Those sentenced a long with the Former minister Includes, the Former Deputy Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in plateau state ,Raymond Dabo and Evangelist Leo Sunday .
Delivery the less than one and half judgement Justice Musa Kurya exonerated the three accused persons for converting the 450 million naira for their personal use ,as he said the prosecuting counsel failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the money was converted to personal use by the accused persons.
The judge further add that though the defendants dispensed the said money the way they where instructed , but run contrary to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission law which stipulated that any money more than five million naira most follow due financial law by going through any of the nation commercial bank ,the law they failed to adhered to by the accused persons .
As against this background,it’s it interpreted that they connived to laundered the money which is contrary to the Commission law that set it up hence they where convicted for money laundering and criminal conspiracy.
Before justice musa Kurya’s final ruling,lawyer to the Former Minister Sarah who is the 1st accused barrister S.Oyawole plea with the court to temper justice with mercy for the 1st defendant considering that she is 1st offender,served Nigeria in an enviable capacity as Minister , a mother ,grandmother and she have been faithful through out the trial.
On his part, the lawyer to the 2nd and 3rd accused,barrister jang Zi plea on behalf of his clients considering that they are 1st offender of the crime ,and above all conducted themselves in responsible manners through out the trial .
In his final judgment, Justice Musa Murya sentenced the three accused persons to three months imprisonment with an option of one million naira each.
The imprisonment the judge said will run concurrently, meaning counting day and night.
It would be recall that the trial of the Former Minister for Water Resources started over three years ago over 450 million naira qypart of plateau state fund for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan 2015 campaign fund, which was alleged that it was not expended for the reason that was met for by the Economic and financial crimes commission (efcc)
Drama eschewed today 22st February,2022 at the High Court in jos ,the plateau state capital during the arraignment of the murder of 300 level student of the university of Jos North central Nigeria appeared before Justice SP Gang for arraignment.
The Counsel representing the defendant barrister NE Jesse told the court that his client mr Mose Oko can not take his plea because is having mental disorder and he cannot differentiate between guilty or not guilty even if the charge are read to him.
In her quick response,the prosecting counsel, barrister Muleng Alex said the claim that his client is mentally unstable is far from the truth as the defendant was seen discussing with his counsel before the court sitting,he even availed to his counsel the phone number of his mother.
The prosecting counsel further added that the test conducted by the police to assertain the mental status of the defendant revailed that nothing is wrong with him, stressed that if there is anything else the court would do,the defendant should first be allowed to take his plea,and supported her argument with the plateau state criminal procedures rules.
The court however rule that the defendant should be allowed to take his plea ,the clerk of the court read out the two count charge which include snashing the hand set of his victim miss Jesse Anthony now deceased with this intention to causes mischief and killing of his victim and removing the vital parts of his body.
Mr.Moses could not respond to his plea read out to him ,but PS Gang adjourned the case to 3rd and 4th of March,2022 for further hearing and presentation of witness by the prosecuting counsel.
It would be recalled that late last year 2021,the accused Moses Oko lured miss Jennifer Anthony who is alledg to be his girl friend and took her to exclusive place where she was killed, her body dismembered which is believed to be for ritual purposes.
In an interview with this medium ,the counsel to the defendant said the claimed that his client is mentally stable will be contested in in Court of law.
Bassa/Jos North bye- Election Hon. Gagdi drums support For Abbey Aku, Berates Absence Of Glubernatorial Candidates.
By,giwa alex
Adamu Yusuf Gadi ,Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal constituency in the National Assembly, has berated the Glubernatorial aspirants under the umbrella of the APC,and other office holders of the party for running away when they are invited to support the party.
He said the attitude will help to kill the party if not check ,as the electorates are keenly watching the kind of selfish they are exhibiting even when they have not entered Political office.
Hon. Yusuf Gagdi made the observation in his speech during the fund raising dinner towards the campaign for the APC candidate for Jos North/Bassa Constituency bye election ,Abbey Aku held at the Lamonde Hotel ,20th February,2022.
Gadi further added that if the party is not in existence, they will not have the platform to stand and contest election nor holding one Offices and the other as the case may be.
Gadi who is the chairman Committee for navy at the Federal House of Representatives challenged them to come all out and help the party Who has made them instead of running and hidding when it’s time to stand and defend the party.
Gadi remaineded them that February 26, 2022 scheduled for the bye election to filled the vacant seats of Jos North/Bassa Constituency and Pankshin South Constituency ,is a litmus test for the survival of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state beyond 2023 .
He said for the party to come out victorious at the polls, the ruling party must bring out its arsenals for the Political showdown, beyond the rhetorics of the mere availability of government machineries to work in its favour.
As he however said it’s was in the light of the foregoing that the APC in Plateau State organised a fund raising dinner to drum support for her candidates in the bye-elections.
The lawmaker further added that , he is fully on ground to lend his support with the donation of a whooping sum of #40 million, indicating #20 million each, to the two candidates.
He calls on the electorate of Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency and Pankshin South State Constituency to come out emmass next Saturday to vote Hon. Abbey Aku and Ezra Dakup, both of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the respective positions.
He pledged to personally embark on campaign tour of all the electoral wards in Pankshin South Constituency on Thursday, 24th February, 2022; after which he will round off the tour with the presentation of six cars and 20 motorcycles to some party faithful from Pankshin and Kanke LGAs; just like he did in Kanam LGA sometime ago.
Gagdi charged his fellow party members who are holding various positions courtesy of the party, to cultivate the attitude of sharing the gains of their offices with the electorate, as only in doing so would they lure people to support the APC, especially now that times are hard.
He stressed that, “Governor Bako Lalong can’t be everywhere at the same time to assist every body, that is why he appointed people from every part of the state into different positions; and the least such appointees can do is to share part of their earnings with the people around them, especially those in need. That is another way of making people feel the impact of the government”.
Fulani’s Enthic Group in Nigeria under the auspacies of “Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria” (GAFDAN) has officially open it’s State Secretariat in Jos, plateau State Capital with a passionate call on the Fulani enthic group parents to give priority to the education of their children and train them to acquire a vocational skills that can make them productive to themselves and their immediate community .
The New office of the association is located at block 237,No4A Beside University Of Jos Senior Staff Quarters,Bauchi Road.
In his address the Patron of the association who doubled as the Emir of Wase in the state,Dr Sambo Abdullahi said the call for Fulani’s to pay serious attention to the education of their children/ wards and encourage them on skills acquisition, is imperative in view of the mess the group has found themselves in the corner amongst Sub Sahara Africa.
He charged members to ensure deliberate liberation and desist from activities of unholy behaviour perpetrating Into the enthic group whose sources had their parents either killed or their cows stolen.
He paid tribute to the Former President of (GAFDAN) ,late Alh. Sale Bayeri the founder of the body and dedicate the New acquired Office which is named after him.
Represented by the Galama Wase,Alh Mustapha Umar harped on the Association to be more united especially as the general elections is around the corner .
” if they’re united you have over 12,000 eligible voters to determine who the next president of Nigeria will be.”
“we want all the Fulani to create awareness campaign for the youths to live in peace with one another for development to take place because without peace no government can embark on meaningful projects that will benefit the populace .”
The National President of (GAFDAN), Alh Yakubu Suleiman expressed confidence that the Association will soon meet to chart a way forward…
He further explained that the wellbeing of the Association members through stewardship in the country and Diaspora should form the main focused of the group.
He appealed to government and spirited individuals to support them towards revamping all the nomadic schools in the country to end hostilities and ignorance of its members .
Suleiman stated that the Fulani are not the only tribes in Nigeria that are committing the crime of kidnapping ,banditry ,there are all the ethnic nationality especially the Igbo ,Yoruba but today it has extended across all tribes so how can we get out of the predicament .
He called on the Fulani parents to train their children in a manner that would promote national unity ,and given them education that will help to solve all this evils tendency in the society .
The National Secretary of the body,Alh .Ibrahim Abdullahi stressed that they form themselves into association that would concentrate on the education of their children/wards .
“We are focusing on rebuilding the confidence in new dawn on how to mobilize all members through outreach to build schools ,hospitals and vocational skills acquisition training centers across the 36 States of the federation .
He noted the association built computers training center in Kogi ,grazing reserve and nursery ,primary and Senior secondary schools from SSS1-2 including Kwara state .
The house of representatives is seeking to raise the minimum qualification for journalists in the country to bachelor’s degree or higher national diploma (HND) in journalism or other related courses.
The proposal is contained in the Nigerian Press Council Amendment Bill 2019 sponsored by Francis Agbo, the lawmaker representing Ado/Ogbadigbo/Okpokwu federal constituency.
The bill which has passed first reading and is slated for second reading seeks to amend some sections of the Nigerian Press Council Act Cap N128 LFN 2004.
The bill provides that anyone seeking to practice journalism in Nigeria must “hold a first degree, Higher National Diploma certificate or its equivalence in Journalism, Media Art or Communication from any higher institution in Nigeria or elsewhere”.
According to the bill, if an individual has a first degree in any other course, “he shall within five years obtain a postgraduate certificate in Journalism, Media Art, Communication or related field from any higher institution in Nigeria or elsewhere”.
Andrew Agbese, media aide to Agbo, said the bill will redefine the journalism practice and curtail quackery in the profession.
“The Bill has aroused interest in the media, given the extent quacks and fakes have infiltrated the industry, bringing the image of journalists to an all-time low in Nigeria,” he said in a statement.
“The Bill, when passed into law will address these challenges by redefining and refining the media industry and by extension, strengthening democracy and hence the need to define who a journalist is, what qualification qualifies him to be a journalist, and stipulates punishment for defaulters and quakes.”
An aspirant for the Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency, Hon. Akims Mamot James is set to graduate the first set of his catering school scholarship.
He announced this in a press release he signed and made available to our correspondent in Jos, Plateau state.
This, he said was because of the passion he nurse for the less privileged and particularly the vulnerable girl-child in the society.
In what he calls ” Safe the girl child by A GANI A KASA MOVEMENT” he stressed it Mark’s another success recorded in his political career in which 15 girls from Mangu and Bokkos towns are trained under his scholarship scheme.
This, he added, will enable them have a coordinate future that is self sustainable and making them fit to live for themselves, even as he drew the attention of other philanthropists to give back to the society.
The girls where pick accross Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency and were fully sponsored with both accommodation, feeding, stipends to ease and make learning and living during the program a comfortable one.
The Beneficiaries will be inducted into becoming chefs and also them automatically suitable for employment or even become employers of labour as a result of their handworks.
Some parents of the beneficiaries were excited by the gesture as they say it was a thing of Joy that such a burden was taken off them by the young man.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has praised the Federal Government for its support to the Plateau State University Bokkos (PLASU) which has made the Institution one of the fastest growing in the country.
Governor Lalong was speaking during the inauguration of the new Senate Building and Faculty of Health Science complex executed by the Tetfund.
Governor Lalong said the inauguration of the new facilities reinforces the existing strong partnership between TETFUND and Plateau State Government in the development of tertiary education in the State.
He said the projects which are within the 2019 High Impact Intervention initiative where PLASU was selected as a beneficiary for the North Central Zone, will go a long way in boosting teaching and learning at the University.
He said “although many tertiary institutions across the country lobbied very hard to be considered for the projects, PLASU was very fortunate to be given this privilege owing to our good relationship with the ES TETFund who is a son of Plateau;
the Hon. Minister of Education who is a friend of Plateau and my personal friend; as well as President Muhammadu Buhari who has proved beyond reasonable doubt that Plateau has a special place in his heart”.
He said what this gesture has shown that for education in Nigeria particularly at the tertiary level to be taken to a desirable level, the three tiers of Government must collaborate and work together.
As a Government, we shall continue to play our part by funding education to develop manpower and infrastructure that will ensure a good learning environment.
He also spoke about the ongoing strike assuring that his administration is doing everything possible to fulfill its obligations to the staff.
“We are aware of the ongoing strike by some Unions in the University for reasons bordering on earned allowances for which government has already approved the sum of N100 million as part payment. Let me assure the University Council, Management, Unions, and students that we are sparing no effort to ensure that the issues are resolved so that academic activities are restored without further delay” he said.
He also intimated the TETFund Executive Secretary that the Government has since commenced the construction of a Teaching Hospital for the University cited at one of our Legacy projects in Shendam. Very soon, work will be completed at the facility to provide a training ground for students that will be admitted to the new Faculty of Health Sciences.
While inaugurating the projects, Executive Secretary Tetfund, Prof. Elias Bogoro said the interventions were carried out in line with the determination of the Federal Government to improve tertiary education in the country particularly in State Universities.
He disclosed that although PLASU was considered for the projects on merit, the personal enthusiasm and intervention of Governor Simon Lalong at the highest level ensured that all necessary approvals and funding were given for the execution of the projects.
Bogoro also maintained that attention will also be given to manpower training and acquisition of modern scientific and research equipment for the new Faculty of Health Sciences which will go a long way in producing high quality manpower for the nation’s health system.
Vice Chancellor of the Plateau State University Prof. Yohanna Izam said the University has been taken to greater heights with the inauguration of the new infrastructure and the ongoing construction of others.
He thanked Governor Lalong for his commitment to making sure that PLASU takes a leading position in the country’s University system having revived it from a state of comatose on assuming office in 2015.
Izam also paid special tribute to Prof. Bogoro for his favourite disposition to the Plateau State University which he said has put his name in gold as far as the history of the Institution is concerned.
As the crisis bedeviling the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Pankshin local government of Plateau state following the shady conduct of the LG primary,the leading chairmanship aspirant of the under APC,Rotshak Gideon Yokden has disassociated himself from the Purported meet held with his supporters at the Old Government House .
As he said the meeting is not with his consent and without his knowledge hence didn’t have anything to do with him and his teeming supporters.
This is contained in press statement dated 9th February,2022 , signed by leading chairmanship aspirant of Pankshin LG Rotshak Gideon and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
In the statement he said my attention has been surprisingly drawn to a purported “Stakeholders meeting” with APC aggrieved members, particularly those who were denied their mandates during the APC chairmanship primary elections.
The meeting which was said to have held at Old Government House, Jos, Plateau state is entirely without my consent and those of my teeming supporters.
I therefore, disassociate myself from the said meeting and wish to state in clear and unambiguous terms that my case has since been entertained in a competent court of jurisdiction and shall continue should my conditions to the defendants are not granted as requested by the defendant for “out of court settlement”.
By this, I urge all my teeming supporters to disregard any news carrying my name or any other, said to have been in the meeting on behalf of the aggrieved APC members of Pankshin LGA.
I hold your support to me before, during and after the election in high esteem and I shall not for any reason, take any sensitive decisions of attending such an important meeting without your knowledge.
Let say in clear terms that I remain a committed, loyal and dedicated APC member and I shall continue to explore every peaceful means in settling my grievances.
The Officer Commanding 3rd Armour Division Rukuba , plateau state has advised the warring tribes of Irigwe and Fulani’s of Bassa Local Government of plateau state have been dagger draw against one another for a while now to sheath their sword and embraced peace.
As he said peace is priceless which no meaningful development can’t be achieved under the atmosphere of Killings and destruction of properties.
Major General Ibrahim Ali who doubled as the Commander Operation Save Haven (OPSH), security outfit created to maintain peace in Plateau and it environ,stated this in his speech during the “First Irigwe and Fulani’s Youth peace Summit held at the Lamonde Hotel, Jos ,plateau state on the 17th February,2022.
General Ibrahim Ali lamented the constant want on killings that continued on abated between brothers the irigwe and Fulani’s who had coexisted together for a long time,but suddenly wake up to discover that they are dagger draw against one another for whatever reasons.
He pleaded with the two groups Fulani’s and the Irigwe to make sincere and honest promise that this Youth peace Summit organized by the Operation Save Haven (OPSH)to sensitize and educate the two communities on the need for peaceful co-existance, will help to put an end to the sporadic attack between the two natives in Bassa Local Government.
He further stressed that the Youth of Irigwe and Fulani’s in Bassa should not allowed attack of any kind either Political , Ethics or religion to destroy their corporate existence with one another who they have been living together for years like brothers.
He further said as Youth you are the most powerful vessels for progress ,they can also be use to destroy the country ,use to repaired it in whatever way they choose to.
One of the resources person who spoke at the summit ,Dr.Abdulsalem Salis identify one of the causes of crisis to include claim by groups that his religion is superior than the other.
Salis said that every man is equal before God , Allah irrespective of your religious affiliation Muslims or Christians.
He Said everybody has his pace, it’s when we didn’t respect each other’s space , there is bound to be problem and advised the Fulani’s and the Irigwe to learn to respect each other’s space for peace to reign.
The second speaker at the Irigwe and Fulani’s Youth peace Summit, Nuhu Zaka Bako decried plateau state which was hitherto the home of peace and tourism suddenly metamorphosis Into the home of pieces and terrorism as brothers turned against themselves.
There was question and answer section where the participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and the resource Persons given room to provide answer to the question or questions
Not fewer than Two Hundred Youths from both Fulani’s and Irigwe youth attended the peace summit .
Governors under the auspacies of Northern Governors’ Forum has felicitated with the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hajiya Aisha Buhari as she celebrate her 51st birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message said the Forum rejoices with the mother of the nation on the special day as it calls for special recognition of her efforts to impact the lives of Nigerians particularly women and children.
Lalong said the First Lady has over the years remained consistent and committed in initiating various programmes that have direct impact on the most vulnerable persons in society.
He said her pet project the Future Assured Programme has done a lot in empowering women and youths in all parts of the country as well as carried out humanitarian interventions to victims of crises and other natural disasters.
Governor Lalong also praised the the First Lady for giving support to the Northern Governors Forum in the efforts to address the Almajiri phenomenon, poverty, diseases and humanitarian needs of IDPs across the region and the nation at large.
He also acknowledged the leadership and mentoring capacity of the First Lady which has resonated with the First Ladies of various States through their various pet programmes that are equally making impact on the lives of the citizens.
The Northern Governors Forum wished the First Lady good health, God’s protection and wisdom to continue to stand up for the weak and vulnerable in society.
In another development, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has received nominees of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Senior Executive Course 44 at the Government House Rayfield Jos with a charge for them to use their period of study to advance solutions in improving Local Government administration in Nigeria.
Governor Lalong told the nominees that they are coming to Plateau State at a time when the State is enjoying greater peace and stability as well as an increase in visitors and investors.
He said the theme of the Course which is “Strengthening Local Governance in Nigeria: Challenges, Options and Opportunities” is very apt because the Local Government system in Nigeria has been dwindling due to many issues.
The Governor explained that this was why he was among the few Governors to grant full autonomy to the Local Governments in Nigeria after series of engagements with stakeholders.
He emphasized the importance of taking back governance to the people at the grassroots through strengthening the tier of Government that has the closest proximity to them.
Lalong assured the nominees that the Government of Plateau State will continue to do everything possible to make their stay at the institute very comfortable, urging them to use the opportunity to discover the true Plateau State that is reputed for Peace, Tourism and Hospitality.
Acting Director General of the Institute, retired Brig. Gen. Chukwuemeka Udaya thanked the Governor for his constant support to the Institute and his participation in its engagements.
He said Governor Lalong has worked hard to restore peace to Plateau State which has made NIPSS course participants very comfortable and eager to come to the State unlike in years past.
Udaya also disclosed that so far, 41 nominees have indicated interest in taking part in golf as an extra curricular activity because of the support and passion that Governor Lalong has demonstrated in developing the sport in the State and Nigeria as a whole.
Governors under the auspacies of Northern Governors’ Forum has felicitated with the Governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasir El-rufai as he marks his 62nd birthday 16th Feb 2022.
In a message to felicitate with the Governor, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described Mallam El-rufai as a patriotic Nigerian whose zeal for peace, progress and development has been evident in all his activities including the governance of Kaduna State since coming to office in 2015.
Lalong said Mallam El-rufai has made significant contributions to the development of the Northern Region and Nigeria at large by playing key roles in various assignments that have shaped policies in the country.
He acknowledged the doggedness of Governor El-rufai in confronting the security challenges in Kaduna State by remaining firm in dealing with criminals who have been terrorising innocent citizens in recent times.
Governor Lalong also appreciated Mallam El-rufai for not only providing suitable environment for the meetings of the Forum in Kaduna, but also making valuable contributions on various issues as well as heading critical committees set up by the Forum.
While wishing him more years of good health, God’s protection and wisdom, Lalong charged Governor El-rufai to sustain his efforts in bringing development to Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.
Skemishes that would have snowball to killing and destructions of properties was today 16th February,2022 averted with quick intervention of the men of OPSH who deployed their security might instantly.
According to press release dated 16th February 2022,signed by the military information of OPSH Major lshaku Takwu and made available to this medium read in part:
Operation SAVE HAVEN received a distress call on civil unrest that ensued between Fulani herders and miners at Yelwa Zangam general area of Jos North LGA in the early hours of Tuesday 15 February 22. Also, in the late hours of same day, a vehicle conveying passengers was attacked along road Jos-Jingir.
He further add that on getting the information, mobilize it Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN swiftly responded to both incidents and brought the situation under control. Unfortunately, one person was killed and another injured at the mining site. On the unfortunate attack on commuters, three persons lost their lives, 2 other passengers sustained varying degree of injuries and 6 others were rescued.
While condemning the violence, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali commiserated with the families of the victims of the unfortunate incidents. While assuring that everything would be done to bring perpetrators of the violence to book, General Ibrahim Ali urges law abiding citizens to remain calm as troops are already on the trail of the perpetrators of the attacks.
He said the public will keep posted on the development.
National Association of Mwaghavul Students (NAMS) has crowned Hon.Akims Mamot James “Ngu Bam Gurum Mu” Mwaghavul In recognition of his selfless to Mwaghavul nation.
The award which is translated to mean “Helper of Humanity” is the first of it’s kind in the History of the Mwaghavul speaking people of Plateau state, was conferred on the young politician by the students.
The President of NAMS, comrade Zughum Fabulous said ” I have never seen a youth who never relent in service to humanity like Prince Hon.Akims Mamot James. He has touch lifes positively while I was growing, I have prayed to meet him and it came to pass today.
“That I am privileged to identified with this iconic leader and also an ambassador of humanitarian services, I hereby on behalf of NAMS, present him for this deserving award”
The distinguished personality has continue to recieved award of good deeds and more of such laurels beckons , he added.
While congratulating him on the well deserved award, he pledged the body’s unflinching support to the “Captain of A Gani a Kasa Movement “
The People of Plateau North in Plateau state has commended the timely aspiration of “Kizito Dankat Gukas for Governorship in 2023”; under the aegies of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Plateau state.
This is as the receipt of the Governorship aspirant for 2023 General Election Kizito Gukas received a boost following the successful meeting of the Plateau northern zonal meeting of major stakeholders of his campaign train.
The meeting which drew wards, local governments and the zonal leader of the six local government areas in the zone, saw each of the leaders pledging their total commitments for the actualisation of the aspirant’s ambition in the party’s primaries and eventual election.
The meeting which was fortunate to have Mr. Kizito Gukas in attendance, also saw a handful of leaders from the central and southern zones; who came to lent their support to the gathering.
In his welcome remarks, Mr
Kizito Gukas was emphatic when he expressed that his decision was bound out of his love for the once peaceful state and his desire to build on the relative peace which was being witnessed.
According to him, it was one thing for a person to indicate interest for the state’s plum job and again its another thing to consider if such a person is capable.
He added that he has plans to transform Plateau to its enviable status as “home of peace and tourism”, which when achieved, will open doors to investments considering the facts that Plateau is rich in all aspects of human and material endeavors.
Mr. Kizito Gukas a teacher and an administrator further stressed that his administration, when given the mandate, won’t punish the people with unnecessary taxation because the state has all it takes to generate its revenue and channel same to its developmental needs.
He appealed to other aspirants to ensure the game was played in accordance to the rules since its “not a matter of do or die”
He promised to unveil his blueprint which will further assure the people that his dreams for the state were genuine and in the best interests of the state and the country at large.
The aspirant pledged to continue where incumbent governor, Simon Lalong stopped adding that “he has done his best” and the people must must not loose sight of this and he should be commended.
Earlier, the northern zonal leader, Hon Yohana Arum Izam said he and other stakeholders carefully and painstakingly came up with the ward leaders and he was sure they are the team to deliver the aspirant when the need arise.
He added that Kizito Gukas was an acceptable aspirants and Plateau people are only waiting for the leaders to unveil to the state; and the unveiling will not take long for it to be done.
Describing his principal as a detribalise or religious bigot as is noticeable in the composition of the zonal team, insisting that name “Kizito Dankat Gukas ” is peace in its self.
Highlights of the event saw ward leaders from Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos south, north and east as well as Bassa LGAs pouring enconium on Gukas and pledging to work assiduously for his emergence as sole candidate and eventual success at the polls.
The Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council ,Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven has commended Governor Simon Bako Lalong visionary leadership of constructing flyover bridge at British American Junction linking the University Teaching Hospital ,JUTH, to discongest the traffic logjam in the area that has hitherto be night mare to those plying the road.
As the Executive Chairman of Langtang North LG commended the journalist for their relentless roles in shaping Plateau state Politics by extension Nigeria as a whole.
The chairman who PDP, was speaking during his parley with Media Executives ,in Jos ,Hon.Ubandoma Laven applauded the positive contributions of journalists in shaping the politics in Nigeria .
He said ,” I can’t imaging seeing journalists going through harsh economic situation during the present regime when where they work without enjoying the dividends of democracy.
Joshua Ubandoma disclosed that the role play by media in promoting the tenets of democracy can’t be overemphasized ,we see that they have added beauty to his being popularity as council chairman in Nigeria and across the globe custody of their objective reportage.
He reiterated that what drew him closer to journalists in Plateau state in building cordial working relationship which he has enjoyed for over the years through objectivity and balanced reports .
Hon. Ubandoma decried the introduction of cabals into the Nigeria politics of governance by appealing to government at all level to carry everyone along .
According to him ,the autonomy granted the local governments in Nigeria is just a paper work under the APC regime ,because if without the intervention of the Nigeria media the whole exercise will turn into mirage “.
Joshua Laven revealed that the insecurity in Plateau state is nolonger news if the state and Federal government took proactive measure the way and manner we raised alarm that some strength people are planning to attacks Tarok nation which was aired and many innocent souls were safe .
However, I have first hand information of purported plan ahead which today many councils are victims when we kept discussion it as the security meetings and nothing was done about it .
He called on citizens to support Lalong administration as he is gradually introducing people oriented projects that can touch the lives of the people of the state .
Laven urged the federal government of Nigeria to allow freedom of information to flow under the present democracy not to allow the country democracy collapse under his watch,he maintained.
There has been palpable disquet in the camp of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Plateau State chapter, just as massive defections looms ahead of the forthcoming 26th February, 2022 bye-election into Bassa/Jos-North Federal Constituency, by some aggrieved chieftains of it.
A close source in Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande’s camp of the APC, confided in this medium that their boss, many other party excos and members within Jos-North and Bassa LGA will soon defect out of the party.
The APC has on 1 & 2 February, 2022 held a bye-primary election to fill in the vacant seat of Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, where Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, faulted subversion of his lawful votes against Hon. Abbey Aku, the immediate past commissioner of commerce and industry by the electoral committee.
According to Kwande’s close aide, they have appealed the, “wrong done to us, but we learnt that the seat of power within the state is still insisting that its anointed aspirant must be fielded.”
“I am telling you that massive defection looms in the Jos-North and Bassa chapter of the APC, and this is sequel to the fall out of the bye-primary election, where our valid votes were subverted.
“Our principal is one of the founding members of the APC, he has won the primary but the power that be is rooting for an unpopular anointed candidate of the Governor,” he alleged.
The source said Kwande’s popularity is glaring, that despite heavy Government pressure, intimidation of delegates, and monetary inducements, yet Kwande who hails from Jos-North virtually won the primary election.
He said pressure has been mounted on their boss, and they have widely consulted, “soon we will make known to the constituents our position, but defection is imminent.”
He said it is possible for them to defect to the PRP, to support it’s flag-bearer.
Our correspondent reports that Gwani Muhammad Adam, another chieftain of the APC, has alongside teeming supporters defected to the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), on the premise that they are been impressed to let go his aspiration to vye for the vacant seat of Bassa Jos/North Federal Constituency, under the APC.
The APC has recently suffered another massive defection few days back as the immediate past chairman,State chapter Letep Daban and his over One Thousand teeming supporters abandoned the ruling APC ,to People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Happy with the decision of the Senate President over the siting of Nigeria Law School in Plateau state,Governor Simon Bako Lalong has welcomed the decision of the Nigerian Senate to create a Campus of the Nigerian Law School in 6 state including plateau the passed Bill amending the Legal Education Act to create 6 new campuses across the country passed second reading.
Lalong said the decision by the Senate is highly commendable as it will further strengthen the training of Nigerian legal professionals and reduce the challenges faced by law graduates in attending the Law School which is a prerequisite for call to the Bar.
He said “I strongly commend the Senate for this decision and the choice of Plateau State as a host of one of the new campuses. This is a right choice considering the fact that Plateau has been a leading producer of lawyers in Nigeria with the University of Jos churning out many graduates who have gone ahead to make the nation proud in the Bench, the Bar and other sectors. Only recently, we finalised plans to establish a new Law Faculty at the Plateau State University Bokkos to expand the training of lawyers in the State and nation at large”.
While expressing optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari will not hesitate to give his assent to the amended law, the Governor assured that Plateau State is ready to host the new Law School Campus as it is a home of learning supported by good weather, hospitable people and enough infrastructure to support the Institution.
Lalong commended Senate President Dr. Ahmad Lawan, the leadership and entire members of the Senate; Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters; as well as the Sponsor of the Bill Senator Smart Adeyemi for doing the needful to pass the amendment creating the new Law School campuses.
The Governor is also happy that the efforts of his administration in working assiduously to restore peace to the State are yielding positive results as Plateau is now substantially peaceful which has continued to attract not only investors and visitors, but Federal projects and Institutions.
It could be recalled that the Federal Government last year approved the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam; Karl Kumm University Vom; ANAN University Kwall; and most recently the Federal University of Education Pankshin.
The judicial Staff Union Of Nigeria Plateau state chapter has issued 21 days notice to the state government to implement the agreement he entered the union that make it suspended it months of strike embarked upon some few months back.
The notice of the unions strike dated 7th September,2022 , address to the chief registrar of the state High Court and signed by the Secretary of the union, Comrade Pasi Ishaya.
According to the statement , it said the union decision to resume the ealier suspended strike is the failure of the management to yield to the demands of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) Plateau State branch.
Recalled that union had approached and engaged the management of the judiciary to negotiate the pending peculiar allowance which has been in place and other sundry issues since 2014 that affects the performance of the judiciary in Plateau State. The management demanded for a backup documents to facilitate the implementation of the allowances and same were provided.
Upon receipt of the said back-up documents provided, the management again demanded that they need to verify the extend of implementation of the allowance from various states where a visit in that respect, To: Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Nasarawa and Benue States.
It is interested to note that the states visited have since implemented and are paying this allowances long before now. The report of the visit were submitted to the management with aim of following suit, yet the management remain adamant and the union had to issue notice of strike to commenced on Thursday 9th December 2021, whereas the management pleaded with the union to suspend the intending strike to give way for negotiation and committee was setup to negotiate, dialogue and bring out the detailed implementation of the union demand.
After due consultation and intervention by some stakeholders, the union graciously suspended the intended strike.
The committee was constituted and commenced sitting at the instance of the management with a mandate to negotiate and bring out a detailed implementation of the unions demand.
The union however, sincerely commends efforts of the negotiating committee in trying to resolve the issue at stake.
However, Its disheartening to note that, after a long awaiting period the management informed the negotiation committee that they have nothing to offer on the demands of the union, With the information provided to the negotiating committee (i.e. the management side) can’t proceed with the negotiation.
Consequent upon the above narration, it is clear that the management has demonstrated high sense of insincerity, unwillingness and with no intention to foster the harmonious working relationship with Union and the management of Plateau State Judiciary.
Pursuant to the above, the union has no option than to issue a 21 days’ notice of strike action to the Plateau State Judiciary effect from Monday the 7th day of February 2022.
There is pulpable panic in the camp of All Progressive Congress (APC) plateau state chapter as People Democratic Party (PDP) urgued the appeal court sitting at Plateau state division to cancel the earlier conducted local government election conducted by Plateau State Independent Electorial Commission (PLASIEC) in the 17 local government area of the state on the 9th October,2021.
The party equivocally said there is no know law past or present that empowered the electoral umpire PLASIEC saddled with the responsibility to conduct elections in the local government to unilaterally exclude any Political party from participating in the Conduct of an election.
The party maintained this stand today 7th February,2022 during the hearing on the matter between Plateau state Independent Electorial Commission (PLASIEC)Vs PDP Over the exclusion of the party for participating in local government elections in Appeal Court in Jos, plateau state capital.
PDP Represented by it Counsel EG Pwjok Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) make the appeal when the case come up for hearing at the Appeal Court.
PDP who is an Appellant in the matter, however cited relevant constitution to buttressed his augment “Abubakar Vs INEC,2020 Nigeria weekly law report.
He further emphasize that the electorial body PLASIEC has no power know in the constitution which gives him right to disqualify any Political party for any reasons to participate in an election .He further stressed that PLASIEC can’t authoritatively point out any law in Plateau state,and by extension Nigeria to back his action.
In an interview with this medium, Edward Pwajok pointed out that it is ironic that the Commission who disqualified PDP on flamsy excuses that it did not follow guidelines in constituting it exco is allowing the Party to participate on national election, the action he described as absurd.
He described the state Electorial Commission as talking with the two sides of the month.
He Condemned the issue raised by the Respondent Counsel Garba Pwull(SAN) urging the court to consider the right of the 3rd party in this matter who are not a party to the suit that will be affected are the ones that conducted 9th October,2021 election and won they will be affected.
And described the excuses of the Respondent as medicine after death that on eve of the election 8th October,2021,this same court bluntly refused an injunction brought before it to stop the Conduct of the council’s poll pending the resolves of the matter.
They should have put all that Into consideration before conducting the 9th October,2021 council’s election when the case was still pending in court.
He further cited the constitution to back up his claim.
On his part,the Respondent Plateau state Independent Electorial Commission PLASIEC, represented by it Counsel Garba Pwull (SAN) urged the court to dismiss the appeal brought by the Appellant in entirety for umeritorous.
Pwull said the cancellation of the entire election conducted on the 9th on the said date, will affect the 3rd party who are not part of the suit, who conducted election and won.
The court however adjourned the matter for judgement the date to be communicated to the party’s
Hon.Ubandoma Laven the embattled chairman Langtang LG the Appeal Court in Plateau state division had reserved judgement to a later day that will be communicated to the parties on the matter.
The matter which came up today 7th February,2022 is for hearing on the matter as the Appellant PLASIEC urged the court to dismiss the Appeal of the Respondent hon.ubandoma Laven for lacking in merits.
The Appellant Plateau State Independent Electorial Commission, who is speaking through it Counsel barrister Nantok Dashua said the claim that his tenure Hon.Ubandoma as the chairman of Langtang North LG has not expired as at the time the commission advertised to conduct council’s elections in the whole LG including Langtang North does not hold water.
According to barrister Nantok,the Respondent know fully well that his tenure as the council’s chairman has not expired ,but when the Appellant PLASIEC was adverting the seats of the chairmen of the 17 LG in the state he went ahead to purchase the nomination form.
Nantok further add that the action of the Respondent is after thought because he had already indicated interest to re-run for the chairmanship Election and even bought a form before he realized that his tenure has not expired.
He argued the court to over turn the Plateau state High Court judgement which hold that the office of the Respondent Ubandoma is still running as at the time PLASIEC advertised for the council’s elections.
On his part,the Respondent Hon.Ubandoma Laven Represented by his Counsel H N Ugwala urgued the court to restore his client back to his chairmanship sit in Langtang North LG because by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, Political office holders tenure continue counting the day he is sworn into office.
But the case of Hon.Ubandoma
is slightly different as he was not sworn Into office following tribunal case which almost encroach Into his tenure for close to one year.
He however auged the court to strike out the Appeal filed by the Appellant for lacking in merits.
The matter has been adjourned for judgement, the date will be communicated to the parties.
The People Democratic Party(PDP) ,the opposition party in Plateau state has been advised to face her plethora of problems at it’s disposal that are currently begging for attention .
As it seeking to remove the pebbles in another person’s eyes left the log of wood in her eyes.
Governor Lalong is blamed for everyone’s failure not to perform their domestic responsibility like a married man not satisfying his woman in Bed in linked to Governor Simon Bako Lalong these days.
The opposition working with aggrieved members of the ruling party have been feeding the gullible on social media of a certain Government candidate Joseph Abbey, who was a former commissioner of this government.
The PDP propaganda machine went to town with this skewed narrative on the heels of a tie between Hon Yahaya Kwande and Joseph Abbey who were engaged in a free democratic contest devoid of Governor Lalong’s interference, If Lalong had a candidate, there win be any contest in the first place.
The PDP & Some disgruntled elements were scheming to whip up sentiments that border on religion to sway the gullible to vote against the APC, you see unpatriotic comments from the data boys of PDP insinuating Abbey as a Christian is Lalong candidate and that APC must give the ticket to Kwande who is a Muslim, with the intent that they will have a smooth sail at the secondary elections by going to town with their predictable campaign slogan, Lalong has given the state to the caliphate, APC is Hausa/Fulani Party, Lalong is son of Buhari etc. (No substance in their campaign but blackmail, divide & rule and sentiments)
The politics of religion and ethnicity has eaten deep into the fabric of our society that opposition parties and opposition within are now using it as a bait to command political advantage.
You can see some unfortunate fellows saying they will do anti-party at the secondary elections because it is Christians that emerged as flag bearers in both APC & PDP, How is that Lalong’s fault?
Ahead of 2023, I can see so many Campaign groups and aspirants coming out to say they are “Government Candidate”
there is nothing like Government candidate as Governor Lalong has not endorsed anyone for the Job at little Rayfield.
everyone is trying to get his blessings as the leader and father of the party, at the moment he wishes all the contestants well, especially those that came to him to intimate him about their ambition.
if they call you a Government candidate, PLEASE RUN, they are trying to give a dog a bad name just to hang it.
No fewer than 20 gubernatorial aspirants on the platforms of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have indicated their interests to succeed the incumbent Governor of Plateau State, Mr Simon Lalong whose second term in office expires in 2023. The political temperature in the state is gradually being raised with anxiety coupled with delve political moves in various quarters, while aspirants have started traversing the state for consultations with various stakeholders.
The scheming to succeed the incumbent in the state is coming against the background of unique history in the state. It is obvious that since the inception of this dispensation in 1999, no incumbent government has been able to install a successor. As the second term of Governor Lalong is gradually coming to an end, political observers have been asking if the governor can break the jinx and successfully install his
successor. Another puzzle is: who will be his anointed candidate among those who have indicated their interests so far?
Going down the memory lane, Senator Joshua Dariye, who governed the state from 1999 to 2007, could not hand over to the person of his choice on the platform of the PDP. Various interest groups ganged up to frustrate his plan in this regard.
There was a huge opposition against him. The situation was so tensed he had to abandon the platform for another political party. Yet, he couldn’t make any head way. Senator Jonah Jang won the 2007 election.
Senator Jang had a good time in office as the governor of Plateau State with a solid political structure. His achievements while in the office are reverence points to date. But despite this, he failed to plant a successor.
His choice of the late Senator Gyang Pwajok as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP did not go down well with certain stalwarts and members of his party who opposed his choice of successor from Plateau North which produced him.
For this reason, there was a huge and thick opposition against him. The party was fragmented, some notable members of PDP kicked against his succession plan. Before the election, some jettisoned PDP and openly worked against the candidate of the party, while a good chunk of others stayed back to sabotage the party within.
The ability of the late Senator Pwajok to govern the state was not in doubt. He was an intelligent young man and played a formidable role in Jonah Jang’s administration. But his albatross was being from the same local government with Jonah Jang. Governor Lalong attested to this when he openly declared that the wrong political calculation of Jang gave him victory while receiving his certificate of return at Hill Station Hotel in 2015.
Though there is no written agreement to back up zoning arrangement among the three senatorial zones in the state, it is sacrosanct and strictly adhered to. Currently, it is the turn of the central zone to produce the next governor, hence the reason no aspirant from both the North and South has shown interest.
Among the array of aspirants that have shown interest to contest the gubernatorial primary in APC, it is not yet apparent who Governor Lalong wants to support for the ticket of the party. Observers opine that the incumbent is being careful and trying to avoid the pitfall of his predecessors. His body language at the moment is causing hiccups while some members call it a pretentious posture.
Watchers of Plateau politics would want to see whether Governor Lalong would stand aloof and would also want to see whether he would throw his weight behind a private sector or a career politician or if he will allow the process to throw up the most popular candidate.
A former Nigeria Ambassador to Ukraine, Ambassador Ibrahim Kasai, said the governor is well-informed as a lawyer to know that imposition of a candidate might have undesirable effect on the party. “I know him very well he will not impose anyone on the state, his background would not allow him to do that,” he said.
In contrast to the Kasai’s position, a member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Yusuf Gagdi said that only the candidate that is chosen by the governor would be supported to succeed him in 2023.
He noted that the governor would consult widely with relevant stakeholders and bring out an acceptable candidate that would not be rejected by the APC as well as the people of the State.
Gagdi insisted the governor bringing a successor will ensure that “by the will of God that we have a governor that can determine and decide who succeeds him on the Plateau.”
A political analyst Dr Victor Danjuma said in Nigeria political context no governor or president will fold his arms and stand aloof over who succeeds him no matter how pious and democratic such a governor is.
“Governor Lalong holds the ace as far as APC in the state is concerned. He is in the full grip of the party. Those who could be considered as opponents within have been cut to size and some frustrated out of the party. He has the party in his palm, the bulk of delegates who will determine who pick the gubernatorial ticket are his cronies. So he has what it takes to determine who picks the ticket but who becomes the next governor of the state is a different ball game,” Danjuma said.
Another analyst who preferred to be anonymous declared this:” From the body language of Governor Lalong, especially over the recent political developments in the state, it is crystal clear that he will follow the tradition of other state governors in ensuring that his preferred candidate gets the party’s ticket.
“Let us be honest with ourselves. Who would not want him to prefer the person to take over from him? Who would not want a successor that would protect and consolidate his achievements? It is either he succeeds or is frustrated. Governor Lalong cannot be an exception in this regard. Moreover, there is an insinuation already that he is in support of this or that,” he said.
Though aspirants are trying to curry the favour of the governor for possible endorsement, a source close to the party told Sunday Tribune that there are aspirants and groups within the party working independently not minding the influence of the governor.
At the moment, those who have shown serious commitment and interest in the platform of APC are the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) Dr Patrick Dakur; former Dean Faculty of Law University of Jos, Professor Dakas C J.Dakas (SAN); the deputy governor of the state, Professor Sonny Tyoden; Garuba Paul (SAN); Senator Hezekiah Dimka; a retired Assistant Controller of Customs, David Dimka; and former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, Nentawe Yilwatda, among others.
The question now is that who gets the nod of Governor Lalong for the gubernatorial ticket of APC? Sunday Tribune learnt that every one of the aspirants has notified the governor to contest for the primary and as well-received his blessing.
A source close to the governor disclosed that Lalong is determined to break the jinx by not only ensuring that a candidate of his choice emerges, but also that APC wins the 2023 governorship election in the state. He quickly dismissed the speculations in some quarters that the governor is standing aloof or planning to impose a candidate on the party.
“The governor is just being careful not to fall into the mistake of his predecessors. I can assure you that a strong candidate will emerge without much interference in the process,” said the source.
However, whoever picks the ticket will determine if the governor will be able to break the jinx or not. Sunday Tribune findings revealed that the wrong choice of candidate couple with poor performance have always robbed the previous incumbents of the chance to produce their successors.
Ahead 26th February 2023 bye Election in Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency,the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has affirmed the candidature of Hon.lsmaila Rukuba as it only candidate to run for the House of Representatives bye Election slated for 26 February,2023.
Rukuba promised to bring to end the sporadic Crisis that has bedeviled the Constituency and claimed lives and properties for sometimes now.
Hon. Rukuba made the promise in an interview with journalists after his emergence as African Democratic Congress (ADC) consensus candidate ahead house of representatives bye election for Jos North/Bassa Constituency held in Jos , plateau state.
The consensus candidate identified lack of understanding , suspicion and forgiveness as some of the ills that has not allowed the Constituency to leave in peace and harmony for close to a decade now.
He further promised to change the narrative under his watch as Representatives of the Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives.
Hon.lsmalia Rukuba who is the Founder of Non Governmental Organization (NGO) called “Zama Tare” meaning let leave together in peace an peace Advocate ambassador, said when he is member of the house,he will ensure that everybody are carry along irrespective of religion , tribal and Political lineage.
Those who grace the occasion are the electorates from Jos North and Bassa , representatives of INEC, ADC , National Coordinator Ananyo Arize , State Chairman of the Party in plateau state, Ibrahim Sabiu and the party National Secretary Baba Abdullahi.
In his speech,the party National Coordinator Anayo Arize advised the members of the party that work has just started, they should go all out and campaign for the party to take over from APC that has been rejected by the people of plateau,and by extension Nigeria.
And stressed that ADC is the the only choice for the people of Nigeria now because the other Political parties APC and PDP has been tested by Nigerians and failed abysmally.
He further advised them not to look at the size of the Party compared to PDP,and APC which their population size has cause them crisis all the time and they should capitalize on on it and clinch power
The immediate past commissioner of commerce and one of the aspirant for the All Progressive Congress APC, Jos North/ Bassa Federal House of representatives rerun, Hon Abbey Aku promised to extend olive branch for his co- aspirant .
As he promised to bring peace to the Constituency if he finally win the house of representatives because he is not mindful of the fact that jos North/bassa is the epicenter of crisis in the state.
Aku was speaking with journalists immediately after the counting and announcement of the primary bye election results held at Bassa local government of Plateau state.
Abbey said the primary of the election have come and gone, it’s time for the family of All Progressive Congress (APC)to close Rank and work with him for the party to win the house of representatives seat slated for 26th Feb,2022.
He hailed the Electorial body INEC for conducting transparent , Free and fair Elections that produced him the candidate of the party.
However,Hon Abbey Aku has be declared the winner of the primary election after he pulled 809 votes to beat his close opponent Suleiman Kwande who scored 74 votes one invalid vote and 888 total vote cast.
The chairman of the electoral Committee saddled with the responsibility of conducting the bye election Habu Ajah , argued all the party’s family to bury their misunderstatin to achieve the desire result.
It would be recalled that the party ,apc conducted it primary few days back which wasn’t concluded largely due to the fact that two of the candidates scored the same votes 344 apiece which gives room for the reschedule for rerun.
Sequel to the tie recorded by two aspirants for the jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency bye election by , Honourable Abbey Joseph Aku Honourable Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency 26th February, 2022 bye- election , a rerun primary election has been scheduled for
Friday 4th February, 2022.
This is contained in a press release made available to this medium and signed by the publicity secretary of the party hon.sylvanous Namang .
According to the release,the Venue for the rerun is the Bassa Local Government Secretariat, Jebbu Bassa,
time is 10:00 a.m prompt.
Delegates who took part in the 1st and 2nd February,2022 primary election are to take note and participate in the rerun election accordingly.
The Independent National Electoral Commission and personnel of security agencies in the state are by this notice, invited to attend as observers of the exercise.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Plateau state chapter has called Nigerians to raise against the All Progressive Congress (APC) Carnivores Administration that has bring the country economic and other facet of life to it lowest ebb.
As he warned the the nation Electorial umpire ,Independent National Electorial Commission (INEC)and it cohort the All Progressive Congress (APC) to please for the interest of peace and over 200 Million Nigerians that are languishing under the bad governance of president Buhari led APC Government to allow the will of the people prevail and conduct free fair and credible election.
The chairman Electorial Committee for the conduct of the party primary election for the House of Representatives to represent Bassa/Jos North federal Constituency of Plateau state Hon.Francise Orogu State this during the conduct of PDP primary held in Jos the state capital.
Hon.Francise called on INEC, and the ruling Party, APC, to free the citizens from their carnivore administration by ensuring that they didn’t subvert the election process at the detriment of the people of the state,and by extension Nigerians who are tired of the Party’s bad governance.
He decried that Plateau state is one of the many states of the federation facing the negative heat of APC’s administration ,and called on PDP to rally at one another as family , avoid making any further mistake , rather capitalize on the crisis bedeviling the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and recapture power stolen from PDP through lies and deceit.
He stressed that the committee who are humans has done their best , urgued every loving member of the party to ignore the technical faults or errors they must have committed during the conduct of the primary to forge ahead and displaced the All Progressive Congress APC, Carnivores Government.
“PDP have taken a stage nation wide ,we are appealing to INEC,and APC in the name of Almighty God and Allah we all worship,save Nigerians and avoid anything that we further put the country into shame” .
“Let Nigeria decide what we are going through, enough is enough,he maintained.”
However,Hon Musa Agah who is the current serving member of the state house of assembly representing Bassa and Pengana emerged the winner of the primary by scoring total vote of 152 , as his closet revival Jonathan Dabo scored 127 vote, David Rancha scored 01 vote,01 invalid vote was recorded.
The total vote cast is 281.
In his acceptance speech, Musa Agah called on other contestants to rally with him to deliver the position of the house of representatives to the PDP.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has concluded arrangements to commence voters education ahead of 2023 general elections focusing more on educating the youths on their roles in elections and advising them not allow some desperate politicians use them to commit atrocious acts before, during and after the elections in.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba, made the disclosure to newsmen at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja, Nigeria; Monday January 31, 2022 after a meeting with the National Secretariat Media Team.
He added that the Publicity Directorate of the party under his leadership “will reach the youths through the avenue they understand most and in the language they will easily flow with. We can’t just continue to watch other youths like us being so vulnerable that some politicians will continue to manipulate them using them as dirty weapons to perpetrate their nefarious ends.
“To be informed is to be reformed and to be uninformed is to be deformed. I can authoritatively say that the youths are more informed now, but there is need for more enlightenment and that is what we are about to set on track through the Publicity Directorate of our great party”.
He thanked the “National Chairman of the party, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam for always having the youths at heart and the free hand of operations.
“With the free hand we enjoy we will surely go all out to reach the youths and we invite interested people, groups and organisations to work with us, as it’s an enormous task,” he maintained.
The immediate commissioner of commerce and industry in Plateau state Hon.Abbey Aku , aspirant for Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency Bye -elections under the ambrella of APC has raised alarm over what he described perfected plans by the All Progressive Congress (APC) his party in plateau state to shortchange him and Rob him of the primary election victory.
As he said if something argent is not done to stop the under ground move by those who want to hijacked the party may spell doom for the APC in the forthcoming 2023 General election which is just by the corner.
Abbey was speaking in an interview with Journalists during the conduct of Bassa/Jos North Constituency Bye election held in Jos the Plateau state .
Hon.Abbey said he is not in doubt of his victory in the keenly contested election as he was leading his opponent Suleiman Kwande throughout the conduct of the exercise with 26 votes.
Abbey who commended the Committee for good job done, said when I went out to eat,my agent who was monitoring the ballot send me several text messages that I am closed to victory, I am taken by surprise when less than three minutes later, the results for the primary is announced by INEC, they said I scored 344 votes the same with Hon.Suleiman Kwande.
He called on the All Progressive Congress APC,and the independent Electorial Commission to intervene in the matter to avoid Political collateral damage in the party that can cause more harm in the party.
Abbey who said he is not comfortable with the outcome of the election results, further said as law abiding member of the party and it’s constitution,he will patiently wait for the out come of the decision of the National body of APC saddled with the responsibility to make final verdict on the matter.
He called on the party to do the needful and revert his earlier voters of 366 as his opponent Suleiman Kwande has 344.
On his part, Suleiman Kwande regretted the out come of the primary election which he said something that had come out crystal clear that he is at the verge of winning the election with wide margin, less than ten minutes they claimed the election is inconclusive the action he described as unfortunate.
He lamented his contributions to the growth an sustainance of the party in the state.
Barrister Niri Darong has advised Political parties in the country to avoid any mistakes and field credible candidate to avoid the repeat of what happened in Nigeria 2015 and 2019 Election that currently hunting the country.
As the law on independent candidate is yet to be passed,if Political party is not anticulate enough by fielding credible candidates,the electorates may be forced to vote in another unpopular candidate which the country is yet to come in terms with in the present administration.
Barr.Darong was speaking in an interview with Journalists recently in his office in Jos, plateau state capital .
The barrister advised the voters to come all out and vote for the candidate of their choice during Election ,and avoid flamsy excuses of l am too busy ,my vote will not count even if I vote ,they should go and waste the ballots papers and leave non remaining because is those leftovers ballot papers they us for Electorial fraud.
He called on the nation Electorial umpire Independent National Electorial Commission(INEC) and those at the corridor of constitutional amendment to pass into law, electorial bill that will dymstify the hitherto lucrative Political offices and make it less attractive which Political office holders are using as Conduit pipe to milk the nation dry.
Darong applauded the recent supreme court Judgement streamlining the role of the financial and crimes agencies (EFCC) as he described the judgement as landslide for instance kill, stealing and other crimes comes under universal law which is not suppose to be on the purview of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
So it’s common to witness the EFCC, investigating somebody or group of persons for stealing,you see the agencies investigating lawyer for communicating with judge that is not financial Crimes, non economic ,at best it’s a professional misconduct which suppose to be handled by the professional body saddled with the responsibility of discipline an earring lawyer like the (NBA).
You see EFCC,doing all manners of things that is not covered in their operations.
Anybody who is involved in failed contract, EFCC go after him ,they did not have the jurisdiction to investigate cheating related cases which is the jurisdiction of the Nigeria police force to do so.
He further added that National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is to investigate drugs related matters,they can’t investigate stealing which is not their mandate.
I read the Supreme Court Judgement, they did a good job as he even went further by looking at the international instrument to pass his judgement,I Commend the apex court for the judgement.
Barrister Darong who is also one time Secretary of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Plateau state Branch said the recent withholding of assent on the controversial Electorial Bill by Mr President Mohammedu Buhari,it would have been one of the bills that would have put our Electorial system in the Political right part he stressed that the implications are enormous,the executive represent few, while the National Assembly have Advocated for “Direct” Primaries ,means they are speaking the mind of the majority of Nigeria.
“The reason is also because most of the Political parties in the country are now being control by the bigwigs .
” “Direct” Primaries will also help to add to the credibility of the election ,a situation where a candidate is scoring abysmally low in a delegate elections because the election is rigged speaks volume for the kind of Electorial system Nigeria is operating hence the need for credible system that can be seen to be rigging free.”
He stressed that when you have Direct Primaries it will give more credibility to the General Election.
Darong said Direct Primaries is the best thing that would have happened to Nigeria Electorial system ,” the president should not hold us as a country to ransom for refusing to assent to the proposed bill as the national assembly who are more in population than the executive are voted by us the electorates.
He lamented the way court Judgement are being flouted by mostly the power that be ,but warned those involved that sooner or later, nemesis will caught up with them when they are nolonger in position of authority.
But supported the initial proposition of the National Assembly and state house of assembly police .
“If we have police belonging to the state house and national assembly,the recent invasion of the Plateau state house of assembly during speakership imbroglio by Nigeria Police force last year wouldn’t have happened.”
“Now the embattled speaker of Plateau state house of assembly Nuhu Abok Ayuba have all his personal security men withdraw.”
“That we would have the police answerable to the house of assembly this wouldn’t have happened ,the clerk of the house of assembly knows his onus very well which is the reason he maintained his nutrality “.
” You can also remember vividly the action of the police in the 1st tenure of this administration of Mohammedu Buhari ,if they have their separate Police , that wouldn’t have happened.”
Under the Judiciary , barrister Niri said the court did not need the police to direct the court to obey order of the court.
” Ones the court passed judgement, everybody should obey that judgement ,if you are not satisfied by the judgement,you go on an Appeal ,you can apply for stay of execution in stead of putting law into your hands,and say to hell to everybody.”
“That is not the constitution those operating it sworn to defend ,that is not what the police who also subscribed to an oath sworn to .”
He warned those disobeying court order because they are in power today to be wary ,
” You think you can disobey the law today because you are in position, tommorow things may turn around ,and you may be at the receiving ends.”
He lamented some people in the corridor of power who is one-time a beneficiary of Court Judgement ,when he is not in power ,is now disobeying court order with impunity to show his strength.
He debunked the alleged contributions of lawyers to Election crisis in court as he further stressed that Court is not politians , they don’t determine Political parties run their affairs.
“What court do is to interpret party’s constitution guidelines , conduct of primary elections and Congress .”
“It’s not the business of the court ,you can cross carpet from one Political party to another, everybody have the freedom of association ,so people leave a political party and they are minority ,but still want to have their way, while the majority have their say.”
And advised the politians to always imbibe the spirit of being democratic ,as it’s not a do or die affairs.”
Niri however commended the recent punishment meted on some Judges who issued two conflicting order as their promotion where withheld for 2 to 3 years to serve as deterant to others,and added that the Nigeria Bar Association has also taken steps to discipline any lawyer or judge that involves in any shameful conduct.
He further advocated for speedy disciplinary measure not only for the judges but also the lawyers.
Barrister Niri cited instance of United States of America for the mere fact that lawyer made pronouncements that election was rigged, without waiting for disciplinary procedure,his license was suspended.
“If that happened in this country Nigeria, judges wouldn’t allowed politians to mess up with them.”
“When matter is bad, it’s bad , because politians know the case will go to court and nothing happened , they continued disturbing our courts ,the cases that shouldn’t get to court in the first place ,is dragged to court.”
Governor Bako Lalong has eulogised frontline 1st Republic politician, Chief Michael Audu Buba, Wazirin Shendam, whom Lalong said had played a pivotal role in the emergence of democracy in Nigeria and opened doors for many politicians in Plateau, the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria.
Governor Lalong was speaking when he met with some family members of the late politician at the Government House Rayfield Jos, said the late politician was yet to be accorded the honour deserving of his personally and political achievements.
He recalled that Chief Michael Buba, one of the closest associates of the late Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, was a member of the Northern House of Assembly where he became a Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources under the then Northern Region.
During the nation’s independence era, he was variously appointed as the Northern Region’s Minister of Trade and Industry, as well as the Minister for Social Welfare and Cooperatives where he served creditably.
Lalong said the late political heavyweight played a key role in launching the then Plateau State into the political landscape of the Northern Region and Nigeria, as well as fought for rights of the people.
He told the family that the Government will ensure that his labour and sacrifice do go unrecognised by ensuring that he is given proper honour in Plateau State, the Northern Region and Nigeria at large for the role he played in the democratic journey of the country.
He urged the family to sustain the legacies of their father and also participate in politics in order to influence the lives of people like their father did during his time on earth.
Responding, a son of the late politician, Musa Michael Buba said they were happy for the invitation by Governor Lalong who is also the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, saying they remain proud of what their father did to mentor many young politicians and technocrats who have become great people in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
He said the family appreciates the goodwill of Governor who has decided to give their father proper recognition and honour, many years after his death.
Michael Audu Buba, a prominent member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Plateau State, was also an official member of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) having served as the party’s regional secretary, Northern Region.
He was born in 1924, and hailed from Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau. He worked with the Lowland Native Authority as a Secretary and Councilor before he was elected into the Northern House of Assembly in 1951, and later became a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives in 1952.
More revelations is beginning to unfold at the on going trial of the alleged kidnapped and murder of the father of former Govenor of plateau state Joshua Chibi Dariye ,Pa Dariye.
The trial of the alledged Kidnappers and killer of the 93 years old Pa Dariye as he is popularly referred to entered the second day with continuation of hearing and presentation of witness.
Inspector Joseph Olarju who is witness in chief who was testifying , told the court that the Abubakar alias Buba in his, confessional statements , revealed to the police crack down investigation units that he operate under a syndicate as, a notorious kingpin and he admitted kidnappings Agboma Agara in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State ,also in Plateau State were they have committed many evil crime against humanity by kidnapping ,killing andbcollection of ransom if the family refused to pay their victim would be beating murdered .
Mr Abubakar Mohammed alias Buba whose confession reveal how they were hired, paid by one Jethro to kidnap late Pa Dariye even when ransom of 10 million naira was paid but we went ahead to killed Pa Dariye in Hok hill few kilometers from the Mushere village in Bokkos Local Government of Plateau state.
The Nigeria Police officer in charge of Intellent investigation Berau ,IRT,FIB an Evidence in Chief ,an IPO , Inspector Joseph Olarju has told the court his line of duties to investigate criminal offense and heinous crime like armed robbery ,kidnappings ,culpable homicide and act of terrorism and has spent 17years in service .
He identified and recognize all the defendants in the dock narrated how he got to know all the defendants through Buba confessional statement on their involved in kidnapping ,armed robbery,culpable homicide which was officially reported to the headquarters in Abuja and the case was assign to him with some of the team members on October 2020 involving one Mustapha Mohammad Alias Rutuma .
According to him ,Mustapha Mohammad are syndicate that specialist in kidnappings which a case of one first class chief kidnapped in a village in Kachia LG of Kaduna State by name Agboma Agara on the 19th Oct.2018 .
He explained that during the investigation Mustapha Mohammad was arrested in connection with the case and himself Mustapha Mohammad confessed to the series of his participation in many armed robbery ,kidnapping ,culpable homicide in Kaduna and its environs .
During the investigation Mustapha Mohammad mentioned the names of his gang members as alias Buba Dauda ,Nasiru Kachalla in connection with the Agboma Agar and furthermore,Mustapha Mohammad gave them the address of Buba in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State and they continued with his investigation and intelligent gathering of their criminal activities when swing into action to unravel the culprit .
Olarju further disclosed that on the 19th Feb 2021 ,the team embark on search for Buba as the perfected their investigation activities with the team members ,Inspt. Joseph Olarju ,Insp Musa Jafaru ,Insp.Bulama Mohammed ,Insp.Benarch Adejo ,Insp.Gift Inokela and Sqt Samuel Maiyaki .
We came to Jos on the 4th of April,2021with our suspect Mutapha Mohammad were we perfect on how to carry out the investigation by reporting to the commissioner of Police Plateau State command as he endorsed their journey and referred them to the Deputy Commissioner of Police who communicated all the Divisional Police officers across the 17 LGAs to assist them with the investigation where necessary and from there we proceed to Bokkos LGA , The,DPO office to book for their arrival ,however,in Bokkos they met with the DPO ,DSP Thomas Shehu who attached them with two of his surveillance
team ,Insp Ayuba Garba .,Sqt John Garba there we sat with the surveillance team and told them we are looking for one Alias Buba with our suspect Mustapha Mohammad who described that he is slim tall and fair complexion and their suspect Mustapha . The information given them by Mustapha Mohammad was that they used to meet with Alias Buba in Daho,Maituna ,Mangar,Hurtish,Jo so,all in Bokkos LGA .
Then,they immediately hook with the surveillance team together with their suspect Mustapha Mohammad who led them into the villages that were mentioned in search for alias Buba.
Finally,we got Buba arrested on the 24the June,2021 at Mangar village when we arrested him he was wearing a camouflage trouser and yellow cap mask and camouflage.
However,Buba on sighting Mustapha Mohammed ,he knew that something is wrong somewhere so we arrested him and immediately moved back to Bokkos Division together with my team members with the surveillance team and the two suspect from there we move to the force headquarters .
Insp.Olarju stated that he took the suspect to our investigation room where there is chairs ,tables with some of my team who are already sitting down inside and his superior officers ASP Mohammad Amadu ,ASP Usman Mohammad and he questioned Buba in English language which he ask of his communication and said he prefer Hausa and I understand both were I translate the words to him in Hausa and he now thumb print his statement.
Aftermath ,the thorough investigation ,Buba now told us his real name as Abubakar Mohammed who is now standing trial before the court .Abubakar Mohammad now confessed of his series of participation in armed robbery kidnappings,culpable homicide that he participate in the killing of Agboma Agara including the kidnapped and brutal murder of Pa Dariye in Rop village of Mushere district of Bokkos LGA of Plateau state .
During the cause of his investigation ,Abubakar Mohammed ,alias Buba mentioned his gang members whom they participate in the kidnappings of Pa Dariye he then mention ,one Yau Saidu,in Kadan Mushere ,we immediately swing into action .
After his confessional statement Abubakar Mohammad ,I took him before my superior officers and then read his confession to my boss and translated in Hausa and he understood ,there my superior asked Abubakar Mohammad that are you the one who gave this statement Abubakar Mohammad ,alias Buba said yes I gave my statement volunteeringly no threat to me and not under duress then my superior officer confirmed and endorse it .
And our investigation continue where we left our office together with my team members and the suspect Abubakar Mohammed on the 30th June,2021we came down to Bokkos we slept there on 1st September 2021 we booked our arrival at the Divisional headquarters with the surveillance team and move to Horopp village in search of Yau Saidu and got him arrested in Horopp to division down to Abuja with Abubakar Mohammed we enter our investigation room we recorded the statement of Yau Saidu we did the same method of taken his confessional statement and I even bought food for Yau Saidu the suspect.
During interrogation ,Yau Saidu narrated all the story and I wrote it down in English as he mentioned series of his participation in armed robbery kidnappings and culpable homicide after the confession ,he mentioned his gang members whom participate in the Pa Dariye kidnap and mentioned one Dauda Isa ,Titus Ezekiel whose are suspect 3&7 the same day we came back to plateau state on 1st July,2021 myself and the team members with Yau Saidu on reaching Plateau we proceed to Bokkos in the morning where our suspect led us to Horopp in Bokkos in search of Dauda Isa and Titus Ezekiel and they were all arrested on the 2nd July ,2021 .who actively involved in the kidnap we immediately moved them to Abuja and took their confessions in the room and I recorded .
The Two accused persons gave us a vivid involvement in the crime on how him Titus Ezekiel was invited by Dauda Isa in a volunteer Hausa language and record it in English after the thumb print on aged .
Dauda Isa narrated his involvement into the kidnapped of Pa Dariye and mentioned some of the gang members as Sunday Ibrahim and Mangut Shinwar who are suspect 4&5 in the count charge as defendants and again we head back to plateau state and went to Bokkos LGA .We effect arrest on Dauda Isa on 7the July,2021 we head back to Jos and slept .On the 8th July,2021 with all the previous team members and the surveillance attached to us together with Dauda Isa we embark on search of Sunday Ibrahim and Mangut Shinwar and arrested them in Horopp of Mushere district of Bokkos in connection with the killing .
Besides ,we again on the 8th July,2021 we took their confession inside the investigation room both the culprits understood and that time they mentioned one Henry Amos and Jethro Ngusen who masterminded the kidnap of Pa Dariye
How the suspect link the killers of Pa Dariye led to go about arresting all those that where mentioned in connection ,we move to Bokkos with our colleagues to book .The team arrested Sunday Ibrahim and Mangut Shinwar at Pankshin cottage hospital before his arrest we booked at Divisional headquarters on 9th July,2021 and move him to Jos .When we arrived Jos Jethro Ngusen was arrested oppose NTA at the Old Airport including Henry Amos .
Jethro Ngusen admitted committing the offense and his involved on how he instructed Sunday Ibrahim in his confession without use of force and not under duress .ASP Obafemi keeper mark the items as CER 119/2021 written in police statement paper and the items was admitted in exhibit B,B1,B2 on 13-07-2021 .
He also present DVD video of confessional statements of all the accused persons NEKON Digital camera model D7000 which has been working for 5 to 6 years were he also identified all those defendants .
Barr. Steve Abba counsel to the 2nd & 7th defendants opposed that their confession was done under duress and dehumanizing them to accept the outcome of whatever script they witness are looking for .
Abba opposed that his client Mr Jethro Ngusen was tortured to the point that it almost blinding his right eye so he rejected the admissibility of the the statement sought to be tender in evidence saying the prosecution counsel ,DPP need to prove beyond reasonable doubt the alleged kidnapped of Pa Dariye .
Steve explains further that the whole exercise was like a stage of Bollywood script to information in movie fresh in all the accused persons ,how one of the suspected criminal terrorizing Kaduna State exposed Mr Jethro Ngusen and the others criminal gang in alleged kidnap of Pa Dariye.
Justice Goerfrey Kamyal of High Court 10 ,West of Mines Plateau State adjourned to the 7th,8th,&9th of March ,2022 to commenced trial within trials.
Ahead 2023 General Election in Nigeria,member Representing Langtang North and Southern Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives ,Hon. Beni Lar had raised alarm over artificial hoarding of voters registration machines in her Constituency which is obvious antics of the APC, Government to disenfranchise the eligible voters in her Constituency.
As the female lawmaker complained bitterly that her Constituency in Langtang North and South who are not fewer than 5 million population is provided with one functional bio-metric Voters Registration machine to capture eligible voters ahead 2023 General Election.
The Hon.lawmaker raised the alarm during an interview with Journalists at her resident along Beach Road in Jos, plateau state capital.
She accused the Government of the All Progressive Congress (APC)to have set in motion manipulation process to rig the 2023 General Elections through disenfranchise of eligible Nigerian voters with the antics of artificial hoarding of bio metric registration voters mechines.
Beni Lar who is the daughter of the 1st Civilian Governor of Plateau state Chief Solomon Dashep Lar send strong worded warning to APC ruling Government to ensure that all Nigerians of voting age are given opportunity to register and provide enabling environment to vote during election for peaceful change.
She further add that APC (7) years in power can be best described as Seven years that has plunge the country into one of the worst economic crisis in the country history as Nigeria is now rated the poorest country in the world.
Beni Lar who is the chairman of science and technology at the Federal House of Representatives , lambasted the Buhari APC led administration that has impovished the country , strives on lies , propaganda and Promised without fulfilment.
“When Buhari was campaigning 2015 and 2019, he promised Nigeria that he will make the country naira equal with American Dollars , revive moribund Ajakuta Steel Rolling Mill, today inflation is 300-400 percent,food stuffs has gone beyond the reach of average Nigerian as construction materials has hit the roof -top “
” She further stressed that you can’t compared president jonathan’s administration 10 years ago with Buhari led APC, bedeviled with vices like killings, kidnapping and armed banditry”
She exonerated the Lawmakers from any blames of not resucitating the moribund Ajakuta Steel company because the lawmakers has put all frame work in place and is left for the Buhari Government to implement it.
“The issue of Ajakuta Steel Rolling Mill is pathetic,the equipment have been lying wast for long , government of APC has promised that before the end of 2022,they will ensure that the Steel Rolling company will come back on stream”.
She called on the politians to learn from the APC’s administration who made a plethora of promised to Nigerians without fufiling any, rather they are leaving it worst than they inherited from people’s Democratic Party (PDP).
She further called on the politians to allow their words to be a bund and work with it instead of promising and doing different thing as Nigerians are patiently watching and waiting to vent their anger on those politians through the use of the instrumentality of (PVC).
Hon. Beni called on Nigeria to be careful in the forthcoming 2023 General Election and judiciously use their voters registration card (PVC)to determine their future and that of their generation by removing the clueless APC, government from power ,and advised them not to make another grave mistake that will hunt them for the rest of their lives.
She said as chairman of science and technology she is desirous of diversify the economy which informed signing (MOU)with the chainess Government recently.
“My plan is to change the country from mono economy to science and technology.
The All Progressives Congress, APC in Plateau state is currently engulfed by crisis over the seat of Federal House of Representatives as an internal conflict is currently bedeviling the party APC, in an efforts to pick a candidate to fill the vacant position of Jos North Bassa Federal Constituency in the forthcoming by-election slated 26th February,2022.
The independent National Electoral Commission has declared that, the by-election in Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency is billed to be conducted within one month time. Unfortunately, the APC is still battling with one problem or the other.
The party is said to be engulfed in certain disagreements that if not properly resolved would tear the party apart, or even degenerate beyond party misunderstanding to ethnic, or religious crisis, based on the complexity of issues in the Constituency.
It is no longer news as to how the seat became vacant, but for the sake of records, Hon. Haruna Maitala who was elected to represent the Constituency had answered the call of nature during a ghastly motor accident that occurred sometimes last year while on his way to Jos from Abuja.
Since that period, many interest groups thronged out indicating reasons why the ought to be considered worthy to succeed Late Hon. Maitala. The interest was higher beyond surprises as Bassa alone Came out with over twenty Aspirants, aside Jos North.
Apparently disturbed by this scenario, the party, and the government thought it wise to put in place, a committee to mediate and bring down the interest to manageable size.
The interest of the state is that, it has a tradition where in recent time the senator representing plateau Southern Senatorial zone, Ambassador Ignatius Lonjan died, and the party insisted that any of his successor must be from Quanpan, to allow them complete their tenure, where it came to pass.
In a similar manner, when the state lost another state legislator, Hon.Ezikiel Afon, the same principle was applied and a candidate was chosen from Pengana chiefdom to complete the tenure.
But the party believes in this principle seems to be facing a serious challenge as Jos North and other chiefdoms are not willing to conceed to these arrangements.
The lobbying committee set up by the state and party leadership to mediate between the interest groups, are equally indicated of complicity.
Recent report has it that, instead of adhering to the terms of reference, which to prevail on Jos North to allow Bassa Local government to produce candidate under the party arrangrments to complete its tenure, the committee rather went beyond the scope, and announced to the public that they have successfully come out with a consensus candidate, the circumstances that is not going down well with other contenders.
As a result, our correspondent in an interactive session with two of these aspirants; Hon. Abbey Joseph Aku, former Commisioner Commerce and Industry Plateau and Hon. Chindo Gona, former Chairman Bassa LG all vying for same position debunked the insinuation making the rounds that Bassa has produced a consensus candidate for the forth coming By-election for Jos North/ Bassa Federal Constituency.
According to Abbey, .”for us in Bassa , we have never at any time sat down to decided on any consensus candidate. The party at the state had set up a lobbying committee, I was a member of that committee before I resigned to contest. Our primary assignment was to lobby Jos North to allow Bassa to complete its tenure.
“When the party eventually realized that so many candidates came up from Bassa, the party gave the committee additional responsibility to go and bring down the number of candidates to a management size and not to go and bring a consensus candidate. Whatever the committee has gone to do is outside the terms of reference.
“Secondly, Bassa has three chiefdoms; Rukuba, Irrigwe and Pengana. If there is going to be a consensus candidate, all these chiefdoms must come together and agree on one person. It never happened that way.
“Again, Bassa has 16 wards, comprising of Pengana 7 wards, Rukuba 4 wards and Irrigwe 5wards. And in the meeting they are claiming to produce a consensus candidate, eleven (11) walked out. Only five (5) sat to produce consensus candidate, it is not possible. Five can’t speak for eleven.
” Again, out of the ten members committee, Seven resigned from the committee. So for integrity purpose, only three conducted the so called consensus.
“So I am fully in the race. I have purchased my form and will soon make formal declaration”.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong had vowed to flush our questionable civil servants in the state and replace them with virile blood .
As Governor Lalong said the APC administration under his watch in the state will not tolerate civil servants with questionable records and those who have falsified their data to remain in service or secure placement and promotions they don’t deserve.
Governor Lalong was speaking at the Government House Little Rayfield Jos while recieving the report of the High Powered Committee on Staff Audit and Verification that was saddled with the task of auditing the State Civil Service.
The Governor said the Committee was necessitated by the desire of Government to address some of the challenges that constituted barriers to service delivery, professionalism, accountability and transparency.
He said “among other things, Government was worried that despite the number of people exiting from the Service as a result of deaths, retirements, transfers and withdrawals from service, the State wage bill appeared to be constant and even increasing, the governor added that Government was inundated with alleged cases of age falsification, record tampering, placements and other complaints that cast a negative image in the service and attempted to reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of the Civil Service.
This also restrained Government from conducting recruitment to inject fresh manpower into the system, resulting in a situation where the State Civil Service is confronted by loopholes and critical manpower shortages in various areas”.
While commending the Committee under the leadership of Nde John G Gobak, OFR, mni, for doing a wonderful job, Governor Lalong directed the Standing Committee on White Paper to immediately swing into action and submit a Draft White Paper for Government’s consideration and swift implementation.
And stressed that this will enable Government to resume promotion as well as employment processes in the Service as soon as possible, and also assured civil servants that the report will not be used to witch hunt anyone and those who have questions to answer should be ready to answer them.
Chairman of the Committee Nde John Gobak said as a result of the autonomy granted to the Judiciary and Legislature, the Committee only screened staff under the direct purview of the Executive with a total number of 14,418 officers said to be in Service. Only 13,978 were authenticated indicating a difference of 440. Out of the 13,978 staff verified, 709 staff either falsified or altered their age while 673 others were wrongly placed/promoted/converted. 66 ought to have retired prior to the inauguration of the Committee on 20th April, 2021. 17 cases were recommended for review by a Medical Board.
He said the Committee established that there is a manifest disconnect between the Salary Automation Unit in the Ministry of Finance and other important Offices of Government such as the Office of the Head of Civil Service and the Office of the State Auditor- General resulting in the Unit’s seeming overbearingness and or ability to function unchecked.
This he said resulted in some Staff still being paid salaries months after they had disengaged from the Service either by Death, Retirement, Transfer or Secondment due to failure to timely raise Variation Orders in that regard or collusion to circumvent the System and or outright acts of misconduct.
The Committee therefore recommended that Salary Automation Unit should have a Tripartite Supervisory Linkage among the Offices of the Head of Civil Service, State Auditor-General and the Accountant General who may either jointly endorse the Payment Mandates or ensure on a monthly basis, that what is paid is well vetted and genuine.
That is, while the Office of the Head of Civil Service compiles, the Office of the Auditor General vets while the Office of the Accountant General pays.
It so said all approvals earlier granted some Staff to change their dates of birth be rescinded while all Employments/Placements/Conversions/Advancements done against the provisions of the Schemes of Service and other extant Circulars as captured in the Main Report be withdrawn.
Kidnapper Syndicate has meet their waterloo as troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN acting on credible intelligence have bursted and neutralised a notorious Gang of kidnap syndicate on the plateau. The syndicate has been on the watchlist of Operation SAFE HAVEN and believed to have masterminded the recent kidnap incidences on the Plateau. The syndicate is also believed to have participated in the Jos prison jail break on 28 November 2021.
The syndicate met its waterloo when troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN tracked them to Gyero general area where they plan and carry out their nefarious activities. The kidnappers on sighting the troops opened fire. Our troops responded with superior fire power resulting in neutralisation of 3 notorious kidnappers.
This contained in a release dated 21st January,2022 , signed by military information officer of OPSH, and made available to this medium in Jos.
Acording to the release ,Items recovered from the syndicate includes, one AK-47 Rifle, 2 AK-47 rifle magazines, 101 live rounds of 7. 62mm ammunition and one tricycle (Keke Napep). Other items recovered include one itel phone, one techno phone, 2 sharp knives and 2 military headwarmers.
While Commending the resilience of the troops for another successful operation, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, also warned kidnappers and perpetrators of evil to stay clear of Plateau State as he has restated his determination to make the state unbearable for all criminals to operate. General Ali further urged law abiding citizens to cooperate with security agencies and promptly report any suspicious movement in their area.
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The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has send strong worded advise to Nigerians youths to brace up and develop their leadership skills towards involved in governance.
This advise was given in a press statement dated 20th January,2022 , signed by NNPP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Rev. Emmanuel Olounmagba and made available to journalist in Abuja at the end of a close door meeting with some youths aspiring to contest at different levels under the platform of the party.
“The party is proud of the vibrant youths that are already expressing interest in contesting at different levels. And we can confidently assert that the tides is changing already as more youths are beginning to aspire for political positions and not just like it used to be that, some Nigerian youths relegated themselves to mere social media commentators or political thugs used by politicians every four years in exchange for peanuts”.
The party however added that, there is still need for more awakening so that more of our youths can go above sitting on the fence only criticising without working towards being involved at the center. “In as much as constructive criticism is essential in any democratic society, the youths need to try as much as possible to avoid just focusing ONLY on criticism without trying to get involve in governance.
The nation is blessed with many youths that are so intelligent, highly endowed and that have cognitive experience through their involvement in businesses, organisations and leadership positions in other areas”, NNPP observed.
This period that there is awareness in youth involvement in governance, there is the need to understand the importance of having a party like the New Nigeria People’s (NNPP) that has been youth friendly, giving more youths (both male and female) the opportunity to be involved in party adminstration as well as offering them the platform to contest for political positions and they also enjoy massive support from the party.
“Hence, no youth can claim to want to be involved in governance, but have no platform to contest under, except such person is not qualified or not serious. NNPP is that political party that is always ready to give adequately qualified youths platform irrespective of their status, ethnicity or religious affiliation. We are one!”
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