The attention of the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been drawn to a baseless statement purported to have been issued by an unidentified group, suspected to be aligned with the opposition in the State, masquerading as a Civil Society Organization.
In the write-up captioned, “PLATEAU PDP ELECTION APPEAL TRIBUNAL JUDGEMENT, CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATION CALLS FOR THE ARREST OF COURT OF APPEAL PRESIDENT. JUSTICE MONICA DONGBAM OVER 2.8BILLION NAIRA BRIBE FROM ROTIMI AMEACHI, YARI, EL-RUFAI, LALONG AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEMBER, this group, recklessly calls for the arrest of the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem. Their claims hinge on the judgment of the Appeal Court that nullified two PDP National Assembly seats from Plateau.
Governor Mutfwang unequivocally states that neither he nor any authorized representative has issued statements regarding the recent Appeal Court judgment. The PDP has not engaged any Civil Society Organization to comment on this matter.
Governor Mutfwang statement is contained on press release dated 15th Oct 2023 signed by Director of Press and Public Affairs
to the Executive Governor of the State Gyang Bere and made available to this medium in Jos.
According to the statement,the spurious allegations against Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, accusing the Governor of supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration and former Governor Nyesome Wike, are not only mere fabrications but also an attempt to tarnish the Governor’s image and consistent with the antics of mischief makers who had issued fake Press Statements to create confusion and enmity between the Mutfwang Administration and the citizens of Plateau State in the first two months of his Administration.
The statement further said is imperative to clarify that PDP at any level, particularly the Plateau State Chapter and Governor Mutfwang uphold the rule of law.
As a renowned Lawyer with over three decades of practice, the Governor knows too well the workings of the Courts, upholds the industry of their Lordships will never contemplate or support the subversion of justice or malign the integrity, character and honor of the daughter of Plateau State and the President Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.
It is against this background that Governor Mutfwang urges the Department of State Security, DSS, and other security agencies to diligently investigate and apprehend the authors of this malicious article. As a staunch believer in the rule of law, the Governor affirms his commitment to upholding the dignity of constituted authorities responsible for the dispensation of justice and leadership in the country and elsewhere.
Hence, Governor Mutfwang calls upon all respected authorities and the public to dismiss this misleading article, meticulously crafted by mischief-makers aiming to besmirch the Governor and the Plateau PDP.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar on operational visit to 23 Brigade Yola, has commissioned multiple projects to enhance troops’ welfare.
Performing the commissioning ceremony at Gibson Jalo Cantonment Yola, Adamawa State, the GOC revealed that the projects will contribute to the overall development and wellbeing of troops to optimally perform their duties of protecting lives and property of the citizens.
Major General AE Abubakar who was the Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning ceremony noted that, the projects were meticulously planned and executed to provide conducive and comfortable living environment for personnel and their families. He revealed that, the projects are to ensure troops rest and recharge to enable them perform at their best.
General Abubakar further noted that, the commissioned projects are not mere structures but symbols of progress, unity and dedication of the NA leadership to providing necessary infrastructure and facilities to help troops excel in their duties and live a fulfilling life. He implored personnel to utilize the projects efficiently, as they represent the trust, support of the nation and the Armed Forces to the troops. He further charged the troops to carry out their duties professionally as they continually make sacrifice to the nation.
While thanking the Chief of Army Staff for his visionary leadership and continued support to 3 Division, the GOC commended the Commander 23 Brigade, Brigadier General MJ Gambo for setting a befitting standard in the infrastructure development of the cantonment.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander 23 Brigade noted that the successful completion of the projects were made possible through the support and strategic guidance of the GOC. He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja for considering 23 Brigade worthy of benefitting from the Chief of Army Staff intervention projects. He resonate the commitment of the Brigade to discharging its constitutional mandate inline with the mission mandate of the COAS.
Among the projects commissioned includes, remodelled Gibson Jalo Cantonment Gate and Quarter Guard, Newly constructed RSM Office, renovated 231 Battalion office complex as well as renovated officers and soldiers accommodation. Others include, newly constructed and renovated electric powered water borehole, renovated 23 Brigade Cemetery and the newly renovated Officers’ mess amongst others.
Ambassador Golkuna Yohanna Gotom has urged the Senatorial election tribunal sitting in Jos, plateau state capital to declare him the winner of plateau Central Senatorial Election held in 2023.
Urged the tribunal to do a meticulous mathematical subtraction , multiplication and where necessary addition they will arrive at the final results that he beat the 2nd Respondent the self acclaim Senator currently representing Plateau Central Senatorial district, Diket Plang with 19,796 votes.
Ambassador Gotom stated this during the adoption of his final written address which was conducted via zoom following the sudden decision taken by Justice Muhammad Tukur led Election Petition Tribunal 24th October 2023.
The Petitioner Ambassador Youanna Gotom represented by his Counsel Mike Ozekhome Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in his final written address dated 14th and filed 15th October 2023 further told the tribunal that the Petitioner had earlier raised objections to some issues dated 16th July, 2023 and adopted both processes.
He further urgued the court to grant the Petitioner’s prayers and discontenace the prayers of the 1st,2nd & 3rd Respondents submission and declare the Petitioner Youanna Gotom winner of plateau Central Senatorial district Election.
The SAN said the respondents are speaking from the angle of ignorance and they didn’t know the ground of our Petition which are predicated on the ground of gross violation of non compliance to electioral Act in the conduct of Senatorial election under contention.
Debunked the issue raised by the 3rd Respondent that the Petitioner Petition was not signed and didn’t show any signature of any lawyer.
Stressed that the Petitioner Petition was signed, duly served to the parties involved in the matter and was acknowledge by respective respondents,so the insinuations of the respondent can best be described as hallucination and day dreaming.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN,in his further adoption of the Petitioner final written address, highlighted the non compliance of electioral Act during the election to includes, presiding Officer signing Form (EC8A1) as Party agent which grossly violated electioral Act.
The other non compliance of electioral Act according to the legal luminary Chief Mike Ozekhome are not signing of the election results by the relevant bodies, recording election results on not approved paper, (Ec88A1) without signature , Dr.Lar resurrection of the results of INEC appointed returning Officer.
However, urged the tribunal to take its time and subtract the unlawful votes orchestrated by APC Candidate Senator Diket Plang from the genuine votes of Ambassador Yohanna Gotom of people’s Democratic Party PDP, the court will discover that the Petitioner Youanna Gotom is leading the 2nd Respondent Diket Plang with 19,796 votes.
Further urgued the court to discontenace the claim made by the Respondents that the Petitioner dumped his Petition on the tribunal which he failed to prove.
Stressed that the Petitioner is able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the Plateau Central Senatorial election conducted by the 1st Respondent INEC is in gross violation of electioral Act ,as the Petitioner Witness (PW1)Professor Daniel Davou Dabi copiously spoken to the documents in that regard.
Urged the court to hold the petition of the Petitioner and declare Ambassador Golkuna Yohanna Gotom as the winner of plateau Central Senatorial district election held 2023.
In their separate adoption of final written addresses ,1st ,2nd & 3rd Respondents urgued the tribunal to uphold the election of the 2nd Respondent Senator Diket Plang as the winner of Plateau Central Senatorial district election .
Said the Petitioner failed to prove that the 1st Respondent INEC did not Conduct the election in compliance with the electoral guidelines.
The court has however reserved judgement to a date to be communicate to parties involved in the matter.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from 16 to 22 October 2023, neutralised suspected bandits and arrested 73 suspects in connection with kidnapping, criminal attacks, cattle rustling, gunrunning, farm destruction as well as recovered arms/ammunitions and illicit drugs.
On 18 October 2023, troops of Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV arrested 16 suspects in connection with the murder of two women, Victoria Wetsan and Nagung Sale while working on a farmland at Binkwaghas Village, panyam district of Mangu LGA.
Also on 19 October 2023, troops arrested 2 suspects, Mohammed Yusuf and Aliyu Adamu in connection with the isolated killing of one Yahaya Adamu at Kibul forest in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. Additionally, troops on 19 October 2023, arrested 4 suspects, Anass Abdullahi, Abdulmalik Abdullahi, Aliyu and Nuhu Mohammed for attacking Mr Irimiya Nuhu and Arron Anthony along Gwom-Kwok village in Barkin Ladi LGA.
Furthermore, on 21 October 2023, troops of Sector 6 arrested one Yusuf Idris at Polewire general area in Riyom LGA, for attempted murder. Likewise on 16 October 2023, troops arrested 4 suspects, Mr Philip Kwam, Juak Anyuwu, Daniel Benjamin and Ezekiel Samuel for harboring criminals and in possession of illicit hard drugs following a raid operation in the criminals’ hideout.
On 20 October 2023, troops in conjunction with Vigilante Group of Nigeria arrested one Bukam Daniel in connection with theft at Gol village in Bokkos LGA. Furthermore, following credible information, troops laid an ambush for suspected bandits in Bura village, Ningi LGA and neutralised one bandit while others fled with gunshot wounds. In the process, oneAK 47 rifle was recovered.
In addition, on 17 October 2023, troops of OPSH arrested 4 suspected kidnappers, Mallam Sale, Dibbo Abubakar, Umaru Abdullahi and Jabbo Adamu at Yamini and Kuka villages in Shendam LGA of Plateau State. Preliminary investigation linked the suspects with the recent kidnapping of one Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi.
Similarly on 18 October 2023, troops conducted a sting operation at Yelwa bomb village in Jos North and arrested 9 suspected kidnappers namely Abdullahi Yahuza, Dante Chuwang, Abdullahi Haruna, Haruna Dauda, Nura Abubakar, Mohammed Abdusalam, Adam Aliyu and Mahmoud Labiru, who have been terrorizing Jos North and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State.
Further investigations led to the recovery of a Toyota Picnic vehicle with registration number KTU 48 GU used for their operations and the recovery of an AK 47 rifle concealed in a bush.
In the same vein, on 19 October 2023, troops raided hideouts of suspected kidnappers at Horop, Kawel, Mushere villages and Moonshine Hotel in Bokkos LGA and arrested 21 suspects currently in own custody for investigation. Also, on 20 October 2023, a notorious kidnapper, Mallam Mamman on the wanted list of security agencies abandoned his Ford Galaxy vehicle with registration number PKN-693XA during a stop and search operation at Bisichi checkpoint, Barkin Ladi LGA and escaped.
Efforts ongoing to apprehend the suspect for prosecution. Also, on 20 October 2023, troops arrested 3 suspects for car theft along Bauchi- Jos expressway and handed them over to the Nigerian Police for prosecution. Similarly, one Abdullahi Ibrahim was arrested for motorcycle theft at Gidan Waya in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna on 21 October 2023.
Additionally, on 17 October 2023, troops responded to kidnapping activities along Dangwa- Jagindi road in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Troops’ timely response forced the criminals to abandon the mission and flee.
However, own troops searched surrounding bushes and rescued 2 kidnapped victims, Abdulrazak Hassan and Mrs Salmatu Nuhu earlier kidnapped while on transit. On the same day, troops on fighting patrol around Sara high-ground bordering Plateau and Bauchi States rescued a kidnapped victim, Mallam Usman Saleh, who was abducted at Kayarda village in Mangu LGA. The victim has since been reunited with his family. Furthermore, on 20 October 2023, troops neutralised one bandit and rescued one kidnapped civilian, Mallam Dahiru Yahaya during a gun duel between own troops and bandits at Ruwan Dinya village.
Based on credible information, troops on 19 October 2023 carried out raid operations at Rhunji village in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State and arrested 2 suspects, David Zakari and Victor Bamiyi with 2 rifles, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special and 8 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.
On 16 October 2023, troops of Sector 6 OPSH arrested 2 suspected cattle rustlers, Aminu Abdullahi and Yusuf Ibrahim at Rim village in Riyom LGA while on 17 October 2023, troops recovered 31 cows and 10 sheep at a high-ground at Matla village in Bokkos. The livestock were earlier rustled by unidentified criminals at Mangun village in Mangu LGA. Similarly, troops also recovered 24 cows at Kombul general area in Mangu LGA rustled by unknown miscreants on 18 October 2023.
Furthermore, troops on 18 October 2023 apprehended a total of 176 cows and arrested a herder for farm destruction at Riyan village in Riyom LGA and Barkin Ladi towns respectively. Similarly, on 19 October 2023, troops apprehended 17 cows for destroying farmlands in Jos North LGA.
Within the week, 4 bandits were neutralised, 73 suspects arrested with arms and ammunition, 37 suspected kidnappers arrested, 4 victims rescued from kidnappers, 2 cattle rustlers arrested, 4 suspects arrested for illicit drugs peddling, 5 attacks on vulnerable communities were deterred and 28 distress calls were promptly responded to.
OPSH acknowledges the positive contributions of the citizenry in Plateau, Southern Kaduna and Bauchi States for the enhanced synergy over time to rid the entire area of miscreants. All arrested suspects in custody would be charged to court immediately once investigations are concluded.
Religious leaders have been asked to desist from making inciting comments that could threaten the peace of the country at a symposium organised for religious leaders on the Plateau by the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Wednesday 18 October 2023, at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Jos.
Delivering his keynote address at the event, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN and General Officer Commanding 3 Division NA, Major General AE Abubakar, said the aim of the symposium was to outline the importance of religious leaders as key contributors to peace in the society. He lamented the damages inciting sermons from religious leaders have caused to include fueling tension and anger amongst religious groups.
General Abubakar informed the gathering that the symposium was a platform for constructive discussions on how to leverage on sermons to bring permanent peace to Plateau State. The commander urged the participants to reflect on their sermons and continually preach peace over violence. He further disclosed that the participants were drawn from different religious groups that have shown commitment to a peaceful society.
Delivering a paper on the topic “The Effects Of Incitive Preaching On Peaceful Coexistence On The Plateau” the guest speakers Sheikh Ghazali Ismail, Deputy Chief Imam Jos Central Mosque and Reverend Father Boniface Nkum, Director of Studies Saint Augustine Missionary School Jos, said religious leaders have strong potential to influence their followers. They disclosed that religious stigmatization has caused serious problems in society over the years. In the paper, the guest speakers agreed that government must provide an active platform where religious leaders who makes inciting statements could be reported and sanctioned accordingly.
The guest speakers maintained that interfaith dialogue and education must be encouraged in order to promote harmonious relationship between different religious groups. While calling on the religious advisory committee of the State to wake up to its duties, they added that religious leaders must take responsibility for the messages they convey to their followers.
In their separate remarks, the Emir of Wase and Chairman Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI) Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna and the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo, said that government and security agencies must not spare religious leaders encouraging violence by making inciting statements, while maintaining that no one was above the law in the country. They advised that similar symposium should be organised at the local levels to educate people on the need for religious tolerance.
On his part, the Special Adviser on Security to Plateau State Governor, Brigadier General GG Shipi (Rtd), disclosed that there must be public condemnation of preachers of inciting statements especially by followers of same faith. He revealed that the Inter-religious Advisory Council in the State was active to address issues relating to religion and practices.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman OPSH 55-Man Peace Implementation Committee, Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd), said inciting statements create mob action and urged the participants to promote sermons that encourage unity.
Some of the dignitaries present at the event include; the Emir of Wase and Chairman Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI) Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria Plateau State, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo, Special Adviser on Security to Plateau State Governor, Brigadier General GG Shipi (Rtd), Chairman OPSH 55-man peace implementation committee, Justice Daniel Longji (Rtd), religious leaders of various denominations, Women Wings of CAN/JNI amongst others.
Highlights of the occasion include lectures by guest speakers, comments from dignitaries/participants and group photographs.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to empowering the host communities of 3 Division barracks. He made this declaration today 21 October 2023, while inspecting Bassa community Skills Acquisition and Event Center in Jebbu Bassa, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The GOC while making a generous donation highlighted the importance of empowering the youth as a means to reduce criminality and social vices, such as drug addiction, cultism. By investing in the development of skills, the GOC said, the youth will have enhanced prospects for a better future and will be less susceptible to engaging in criminal activities or falling prey to drug addiction.
Speaking further, Major General AE Abubakar expressed his deep appreciation for the host communities’ continuous support and cooperation with the Nigerian Army. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the communities in providing a safe and secure environment for the personnel and their families residing in the barracks.
He emphasized that empowering the host communities was a way of reciprocating their goodwill and fostering a symbiotic relationship. He urged other stakeholders, including local government bodies, philanthropic organizations, and private sector entities, to join hands in supporting initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and uplifting the host communities.
The Bassa community skills acquisition center, located in close proximity to Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Rukuba, Jos aims to equip young individuals with vocational skills that will enhance their employability and create avenues for self-sustainability. The facility when completed will provide comprehensive training programs and resources to the youth. The center will offer courses in various vocational disciplines, including carpentry, tailoring, welding, computer skills, and entrepreneurship.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the community, the President Bachea Development Association, Mr Jacob Agal Adingbu appreciated the GOC/Commander OPSH for his quick response to the request of the community. He pledged to judiciously use the resources donated for its purpose. The president further reiterated the commitment of the Bassa community to peaceful and secured environment devoid of social vices.
Professor Emeka Ozoji fellow of GSAN and Chairman Local organising committee 8th GSAN International conference
Facility development, strong visibility, delivery of policy statements and research outcomes are crystal benefits of hosting national events such as NUGA games and GSAN international conference respectively.
These were the standpoints of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, FBCS, FNCS when he received a delegation from the Plateau State Chapter of the Gender Studies Association of Nigeria (GSAN) in his office recently.
Professor Ishaya commended the team for attracting the hosting right of GSAN conference for the first time since the inception of the Association in 2016.
In a similar development, Unijos is going to host the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) inter university games since the inception of the games in 1965. The games and conference are coming to the university of Jos for the first time in 2024.
The important conference will according to the VC further amplify conversations around gender and gender discourse.
The Management also looks forward to welcoming GSAN and ensuring that their stay in Jos is memorable.
The VC who emphasized the need for proper synergy between the University Centre for Gender Studies and GSAN assured that Unijos is committed to ensuring that GSAN achieves all her set objectives while in Jos.
Earlier in an address the Chairman Local Organising Committee of the 8th international conference Prof. Emeka Ozoji, a Fellow of GSAN assured Management that his committee is poised to hosting a bumper conference unequalled in the annals of GSAN conferences in the country, hence the need for the visit and other preliminary publicity.
Professor Ozoji intimated the VC that the courtesy visit was to officially inform him that the hosting right for GSAN 2024 international conference was granted to the University of Jos and that he is the Chief Host of the conference.
According to him, for the eight years of GSAN conferences, this is the first time it is going to be held in the Northern part of the country and in the conference friendly University of Jos, adding that the two GSAN Fellows from Unijos: Profs Ozoji and Saidu were largely instrumental to attracting this conference to this university.
In addition, the famed Gender activist and Director of the Centre for Gender Studies Prof. Irene Agunloye was indeed an added advantage to granting the GSAN 8th international conference to the University of Jos.
In a bid to meet up with the agreement in the MOU guiding the hosting right, the chairman prayed for support in key areas ranging from accommodation transportation amongst other logistics from the VC to achieve a memorable conference.
The conference which promises to be a landmark has started to receive Abstracts and the issuing of corresponding Acceptance letters to enable authors seek sponsorship and promotion as the case may be.
The chairman assured prospective conference participants that accepted Abstracts and papers will be published in the Conference Book of Abstracts and GSAN’s blind reviewed impact journal respectively.
He also assured that prospective conference participants will participate in the transformative workshop on academic writing that will be organized for them.
In his response to the Chairman’s address, the VC promised that the University will support the hosting of the conference within its resources and wished the Plateau State chapter a successful hosting of the international conference.
Distinguished invited guests and participants physically here seated and those joining us virtually, online.
I bring you warm greetings from the good and peace-loving people of my dear state, Plateau, “The home of Peace and Tourism”, which is one of 36 the Federating States in Nigeria.
I am deeply honoured to deliver a few thoughts on the topic : “reflection on Plateau State’s current state of play & forward-looking perspectives” while assessing the impact of Nigeria’s democratic transition on state and local stakeholders.
I want to express sincere appreciation to the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) for giving me this opportunity to deliver this reflection on Plateau state, Nigeria, a state I am privileged to lead as Governor.
The relationship between Plateau State and the United States Institute of Peace dates to 2014 USIP support for the Yelwa Shendam peace Process that addressed the challenges faced by locals in the community.
Plateau is perhaps the first state to receive USIP support for her Peace Building Agency, which provided funds for from take off till it mature enough to undertake its core mandate of undertaking peace initiatives.
Let me also state that Plateau is also a beneficiary of the Network of Nigerian Facilitators (NNF) Programme implemented by USIP. The support provided to the NNF to work in Mangu local government on peace mediation is also being replicated in the Ganawuri- Manchok areas in Plateau State. USIP’s model in supporting local partners is key towards sustainability of impactful initiatives.
Plateau State is the twelfth-largest Nigerian state. It’s located near the capital of Nigeria and includes a range of hills surrounding the Jos Plateau, its capital, and the entire plateau itself. Plateau State is described as “The Home of Peace and Tourism” due to its natural formations of rocks, hills and waterfalls.
It derives its name from the Jos Plateau. Plateau State is strategically located in the North Central part of Nigeria. The state is greatly endowed economically, by virtue of its rich agriculture, solid minerals, power potentials and tourism with vast land.
Although situated in the tropical zone, the higher altitude gives the state a near-temperate climate, with an average temperature between 13 and 22 °C.
Known for its heterogeneity, the state has about 54 autochthonous ethnic groups, among which are the Tarok, Ankwei, Angas, Jarawa, Berom, Mwaghavul, among others. The mining industry attracted Europeans and other foreign nationals, while trade and other geographical advantages drew Igbo (Ibo), Hausa and Yoruba immigrants into the state.
It is pertinent to state that Plateau State is a reflection of the diversity of Nigeria with different ethnic groups, different faiths, but who have all historically lived peacefully with each other. These people naturally don’t fight each other.
Although the media is filled with n erroneous narrative of farmers-Herders / Indigenes- Settler’s clash, I make bold to say that there is no violent and disruptive conflict between herders and farmers in Plateau State. This narrative has been imposed by the media and persons who want to sound politically correct.
While it is true that there have been skirmishes between farmers and herders, they have traditionally coexisted symbiotically. These skirmishes are usually settled using traditional dispute mechanisms. Truth be told, what we have today are the violent activities of terrorists and bandits, carrying offensive military-type weapons, ravaging rural Plateau, killing and sacking the local populations, and taking over the land.
Today, dozens of communities in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Bokkos LGAs have been sacked by the bandits and taken over by armed grazing marauders. These cannot be referred to as conflict between farmers and herders.
It will interest you to know that the Plateau conflict is not isolated. It is replicated in key states of the Middle Belt: Nasarawa, Benue, Taraba, the FCT, Niger, Kaduna, and the Northwestern states of Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.
It is also worth noting that the suspected instigators and beneficiaries of these conflicts have often given the crises a religious colouration since the 1990s, however, religion has only been used as a convenient survival strategy for political advantage and economic dominance.
The 2001 crisis was the single largest violent conflict that happened within the city of Jos in which over 1000 persons were killed. This upset and reconfigured Jos the capital city. It is gratifying to note that with some measures taken in recent times, there is substantial recovery.
Today, the conflict has moved to rural Plateau as part of a general trend of banditry and terrorism perpetrated by armed groups. Characterised by large scale killings, land grabbing and displacement of indigenous populations.
This is driven by sheer criminality, economic downturn and subsequent youth unemployment, unending hunger for grazing land and water resources (rivers, ponds, lakes), desert encroachment in the far north, harsh weather conditions in the Sahel, the conflict in the Sahel and availability and proliferation of offensive weapons in the hands of armed groups.
The insensitivity in the design of the Nigerian security architecture in the recent past may have contributed immensely to the inability to surmount the challenge faced in the Northwest and the Boko Haram ravaged North East which have all added to fueling the Plateau conflict.
There have been both public and private efforts to curb the conflict and build peace.
Peace and conflict resolution sessions midwifed by govt, involving stakeholders.
Establishment of, and support for structures like Plateau Elders Forum, Inter Religious Council, Professional Groups, Traditional Rulers Forum, Youth Councils,
the establishment of the Plateau Peace building Agency.
Commissions of Inquiry followed with Government White Papers in each case.
Support for and collaboration with peace building entities like Humanitarian Dialogue Centre, USIP, Search for Common Ground, Tear Fund, GIZ, International Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.
Intense collaboration with security agencies to arrest the spade of rural killings and banditry.
I must at this juncture reiterate the commitment and determination of my administration to promote the diversity and peaceful coexistence of all the groups living in Plateau State for accelerated development. Since coming on board, we have insisted on observing the rule of law.
In the same vein, we are equally determined to work with security agencies to fight bandits and terrorists from killing citizens, destroying of rural communities and land grabbing.
I wish to use this opportunity to unequivocally restate that the narrative about farmer herders’ conflict is NOT TRUE. Farmers and herders on the Plateau are certainly not at war with each other. Rather, armed groups, bandits and terrorists are fighting in rural Plateau to grab land.
I therefore humbly request the US Government, the USIP and other concerned institutions desirous of promoting peace in Nigeria and particularly the Middle Belt to deepen their collaboration with Plateau state in the area of peace building, security support, capacity building.
I also call for understanding and collaboration in branding these marauders and groups that support them as terrorists and bandits and nothing less. This is a necessary to lay the foundations for stability and development in Nigeria and hopefully Africa.
Moving away from this into discussions around viability of global engagements with Africa, I have always maintained that “There is no better time to focus on and invest in Africa than today!”
It is no longer a hidden fact that Africa is the continent of the future stability of the world given its vast arable land and the untapped mineral resources buried underneath.
It therefore not surprising that those who can see far into the future have made the new bride for the global community thereby attracting foreign capital through investments in critical infrastructure and social impact programmes.
It is unfortunate that the potentials on the continent have remained largely untapped. Africa is blessed with so many resources from natural to human. I must confess that the main contributory factor for the mismanagement of Africa’s resources is poor and unpatriotic leadership which has placed the continent in a position where development is slow, leaving a significant percentage of Africans below the poverty line.
According to data from statistics, with an estimated population of 1.4 billion, about a third of the continent’s population live below the 1.9$ per day poverty threshold, amounting to around 430 million people, remaining the poorest region in the world despite her huge potentials. This could be linked to multiple factors like inter and intra-regional conflicts, wars, poor health and education infrastructure/systems among others. Such situation has a large impact on malnutrition, out of school children and instability within the society.
On the flip side, and again as captured by data from statistica, the total private investable wealth in Africa amounted to 2.4 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022 alone. This amount slightly increased by just over 14 percent in comparison to the previous year, when the corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic led to job losses, drops in salaries, and the closure of many local businesses.
South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya were the five wealthier markets on the continent. The wealth value referred to assets, such as cash, properties, and business interests, held by individuals living in each country, less liabilities. Government funds were excluded.
Why is Africa rich, yet so poor? Several pundits have shared ideas as to why this is so. Upon reflection, one key reason that I mentioned earlier is leadership. Within the context of today’s discourse I may as well further state is the failure of “Leadership” and “Institutions”. We can combine these two key words and say “the leadership of our public institutions”.
How we plan or fail to plan, how we implement or fail to those plans, how we govern, how we communicate our plans and reforms, how we evaluate and implement corrective action, are all components that define the efficiency of our institutions, which will in turn deliver on set mandates.
This will involve strategic planning, stakeholders’ engagement and subsequent implementation of key actions. I am optimistic that the new administrations in Nigeria at both national and sub national levels is poised to change the narrative by providing a people centered and development driven leadership that will harness and unleash the enormous potentials in the Nigerian economy and contribute immensely to global prosperity! For this to happen we need the cooperation, collaboration and encouragement of the USA.
One aspect of our economy that deserves specific attention are the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which play a major role in most economies, particularly in developing countries. MSMEs account for the majority of businesses worldwide and are important contributors to job creation and global economic development, representing about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. According to the World Bank research, formal MSMEs contribute up to 40% of national income (GDP) in emerging economies.
These numbers are significantly higher when informal MSMEs are included. Furthermore, the World Bank estimates that about 600 million jobs will be needed by 2030 to absorb the growing global workforce, which makes MSME development a high priority for many governments around the world.
Unfortunately, access to finance has been a major constraint to MSME growth, especially in Africa. it is the second most cited obstacle facing MSMEs to grow their businesses in emerging markets and developing countries. MSMEs are less likely to be able to obtain bank loans than large firms; instead, they rely on internal funds, or small cash they can sourced from family and friends, to launch and initially run their enterprises, which can be insufficient to guarantee sustainability of businesses in the long run.
About half of formal MSMEs don’t have access to formal credit. The financing gap is even larger when micro and informal enterprises are taken into account. It therefore becomes paramount to undertake reforms that will allow for the design of efficient financial lending models for MSMEs to access flexible facilities at very minimal interest rates and long-term repayment periods, thereby easing and enabling the business environment.
A blended finance approach could also be key for providing capital to MSMEs. This will go a long way to improve the contributions of MSMEs to our Economy and reduce their failure rate. As we explore ways of improving the capacity of the MSMEs, I wish to strongly advocate for the renewal and possible expansion of the opportunities under the AGOA framework.
Africa’s population is mainly composed of 60% young people; therefore, it becomes critical to harness and transform the potentials on the continent into real socio-economic, impactful and transformative programmes. This will in no small measure address the irregular migration trends and ensure the innovative skills of the younger population are harnessed. With this, you will agree with me that the continent is a land full of opportunities yet to be unlocked.
On another note, the unfortunate war between Russia and Ukraine which has lingered for over a year now has led to food insecurity as well as shortages in gas supplies, among other negative consequences. Both issues could be easily tackled with sizeable investments in Africa.
There is more than enough arable land which are largely cultivated in a subsistence form and could be easily upscaled with investments, becoming commercially viable and meeting the deficit of food supplies, whereas the excess gas reserves on the continent remain trapped underground without the necessary technology to harness and export across the world. This provides another reason for all to be interested in Africa’s prosperity as a potential source of addressing global challenges.
In recent times, the worrisome trend of democratic reversal, especially in the West African sub-region has seen the masterminds of these coups cite under-development as one core reason for toppling elected governments. What does this tell us?
It has also become necessary for leaders to think innovatively on means and ways to address the developmental needs our nations face and ensure public institutions are reformed in a manner they efficiently deliver as well as carry out socio-economic programmes that positively impacts on every citizen.
May I also add that democratic consolidation can only be assured where institutions responsible for management of processes from electoral to legislative and judicial are supported to perform their roles in a free, credible, transparent and inclusive atmosphere.
Indeed, strong systems and institutions are central to propagating a development that puts people first, a major ingredient for peace and stability!
One key lesson from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is that ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of public institutions is critical towards improving livelihoods and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
To advert other forms of pandemic (which includes but not limited to hunger, job losses, mortality rates, malnutrition, out of school children among others), we must put in place systems that will enhance the efficiency of our institutions. The more efficient our institutions are becoming, the more investments we will attract to make them even more efficient!
I am glad this year’s UN General Assembly also focused on a mid-term review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). Indeed, our collective resolve and action on advancing basic needs of citizens will help to ensure a world where no one is left behind. Implementing the SDG’s will also go a long way to ensure that traditionally disadvantaged groups, including Women, Youths, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and ethnic minorities receive the necessary interventions, thereby reducing malnutrition, mortality rates as well as improving access and quality of education.
At this point, let me bring it home to Plateau state, Nigeria and share some efforts my government is making towards enhancing efficiency of our institutions. The new government which I am privileged to lead was sworn in on 29 May 2023.
As a government, our mission is to;
Strengthen Unity on the Plateau by promoting the spirit of consensus, co-operation and inclusion amongst its people for the attainment of its shared goals.
Lead a robust and effective democratic government that secures its people and provides opportunities for them to realise their full potentials while giving each, a sense of belonging.
Build a strong, resilient and a prosperous economy.
VISION :
The vision of the government I lead, is to be among the top five most competitive states in Nigeria by 2027, in terms of economic growth, Job creation, infrastructure development, school enrolment, social inclusion and improvement in quality of life.
GOAL :
My administration’s goal is to improve productivity of the state economy by leveraging its competitive advantages to achieve inclusive economic growth and social-economic transformation of the state.
Indeed, some legacy challenges have hampered the attainment of the full potentials of the state, thereby imposing suboptimal outcomes in the human development and economic indices.
Furthermore, insecurity and the fragile inter communal relationships, especially in some rural/sub-urban communities have impacted economic growth. We are addressing these headlong.
Towards enhancing security in the state and in my first week in office, I had extensive engagements with His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who committed to and has supported in certain measures with efforts that have yielded positive results and improved the security situation on the Plateau.
We are also currently exploring a pilot project that will address the cohabitation of farmers and herders in rural communities to allow the optimisation of agricultural practice.
On assumption of office, we began extensive engagements with a broad section of stakeholders as well as development partners both domestic and international towards understanding critical areas in need of immediate reforms and reorganisation towards defining the right pathway to reposition and refocus our public institutions.
Public sector innovation and reform is key to delivering our administration’s mandate! We are looking at optimising our manual systems while introducing digital reforms towards implementing key changes that will ease the business environment.
I have since launched the state Strategic Development Framework 2023 – 2027, a policy direction which focuses on 9 key areas of interventions and cuts across institutional and public sector innovation and reforms, Agriculture (green economy), health, mineral sector development, education, industrialisation, trade and investment, tourism, physical infrastructure (Roads, transport, water and waste management, power and energy, housing and urban development), ICT, Youths, Women and sports development while ensuring a climate mitigation and adaptation agenda for this administration is adopted.
The difficulties and challenges faced by Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) will be mainstreamed across all sectoral programming.
24. There is no doubt that climate change is likely to hit African countries the hardest.
To address the adverse effect of climate change, it becomes necessary for government to put in place Institutional and Legal Frameworks that will ensure effectiveness of adaptation and mitigation strategies. In Plateau state, we are currently designing an adaptation and mitigation strategy framework in this regard.
A component of it is an agro economic and climate change project which will help to address post-harvest loses, estimated at $3.5 billion, according to research by Action Aid Nigeria.
Furthermore, we understand the need to find ‘greener’ solutions as well as transitioning to a carbon neutral world is becoming an increasingly important priority for businesses. Our reforms in this sector will also aim to reduce the ease doing business in the agricultural sector through establishment of solar farms as well as the setting up of several SMART small-scale, standalone, hybrid, solar powered cold room which is designed to store fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, flowers, pharmaceuticals and other perishable commodities.
We are currently reactivating our Agricultural Services and Training Centre (ASTC), a platform that will be utilised to design climate friendly projects.
Our energy transition plan also covers installation of solar power plants and windmills for power generation. This is central in our approach towards maximising renewable energy.
We are also embarking on a massive green campaign within the Jos city centre. The comprehensive green campaign will include but not limited to;
Tree planting campaigns as well as innovative waste management programmes and initiatives;
Educating and sensitising the people of Plateau state about climate change;
Creating a platform to identify and mobilise local green energy solutions;
Ensure Plateau state becomes the lowest emission state in Nigeria with the highest awareness on climate change.
My team recently participated at the 8th OGP Global Summit, which held in Tallinn, Estonia. Incidentally, this summit was the First State International Engagement, showcasing the Strong Commitment of my administration towards upholding the Values of Transparency, Accountability and Integrity, while enabling our Citizens to actively participate in the business of Governance. The Strategy of Plateau State Government is to be OPEN, PROACTIVE and RESPONSIVE to the need of every Citizen and aim to provide an enabling environment for all.
On legislative action, the Plateau State Public Private Partnership (PPP) law is currently being reviewed to ensure all private and public investments are protected, with their operations optimised as well as sustainability guaranteed. Plateau state is also in the process of gazetting and publishing all its legislations online to ensure accessibility of every framework that governs systemic and institutional processes in Plateau state from anywhere you are in the world and by a click of a button.
Advocacy measures will be put in place to sensitise citizens on all legal frameworks that exist and governs operations of government. Civil society actors will be engaged to disseminate and make all legal frameworks in simple format for understanding of citizens. This will accelerate citizens responsiveness to government’s policies and programmes.
To optimise the youth skills we have on the Plateau, we are in the process of remodelling one of our existing structures into an innovation hub that will incubate start-ups and scale them up towards addressing global challenges. Plateau state is known for its talent in the creative industry and as such, we have a creative industry roadmap that will provide a platform that will upskill and launch those in the entertainment industry, covering film, animation, music as well as all forms of art into global icons.
Our administration’s pact with the People is focused towards enhancing Transparency in Open-Government-Operations, Projects Conceptualisation, Procurement, Implementation and Evaluation. We are looking at undertaking reforms that will ensure effectiveness of public institutions through strengthening of our Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) desks which is a public utility mechanism to improve government’s response to citizens’ feedback. This will ensure an efficient mechanism that will allow citizens know when their complaints and priorities are addressed.
Consequently, I seize this opportunity to invite all who desire to visit Africa to come to PLATEAU STATE IN NIGERIA. We have the best weather in Nigeria, with a terrain and climatic conditions suitable to grow all agricultural products, including coffee, vegetables, diary production, exotic flowers and many other crops and animals. We have unlimited natural resources and minerals that are untapped. We have a vibrant youth population, talented in sports, entertainment, and ICT. All of which can be better harnessed with strong partnerships between the public and private sector.
My government is here to build enduring partnerships, catalyse international investments across key thematic sectors and ensure effectiveness and efficiency of deployed resources towards improving the livelihood of our people. I entreat you all to take up the challenge and seek opportunities for investments on the continent. The options are limitless!
At this point, I extend an invitation to you all attending this reflection session. Plateau state is open to engage and explore areas of cooperation and interests. As a government, we will also create an enabling environment for your businesses to thrive and be secured.
PLATEAU STATE is ripe for investments! Plateau is ready for partnerships and collaboration! As you plan to visit Jos, Plateau state capital, we look forward to giving you the Plateau welcome.
As parts of efforts to reinvigorate the Civil Service for efficient service delivery, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has approved the appointment of Eight (8) Directors to the position of new Permanent Secretaries.
As the appointment of the new permanent secretary into the state civil service will help to inject new blood into the system in.the state.
The appointment of the New permanent Secretaries into Plateau state civil Service is contained in a press statement dated 19th Oct 2023 , signed by the Director of press and Public Affairs to the state governor Gyang Bere and made available to this medium in Jos , plateau State.
However give the names of the newly appointed Eight (8) Permanent Secretaries as Aliyu Tsoho Samuel,Esther N. Pwaspo,Mary C. Fom and Kelvin Bamshak .
Others are, Tamba Nuhu Garba, Alexander Anlong Nyelong , Lydia Vonkat Nantim and Jummai Adamu .
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang
The Governor use the medium to congratulates the newly appointed Secretaries and urges them to bring their experience to bear in their new positions to move the state forward.
The Rikkos Community in Jos North local government of plateau state are now leaving in Palpable tension,fear and apprehension due to harassment, intimidation been meted on them by Mining company Elipse Nigeria Limited.
As the company owned by one Mr Denzel Henry Akogwu has practically laid siege against the Rikkos Community of the state who has been leaving peacefully with each other until the company came with what can be described as war of rascality.
The Rikkos Community of the state make the passionate call to the governor Caleb Mutfwang in a statement dated 18th Oct 2023 and made available to this Medium in Jos, the state capital.
The statement said the Chief Executive Officer of the Company Denzel Henry promised to use his financial advantage to ensure that the Community are punish for dare to Challenge him over the location of the company.
Said before the coming of Elipse Nigeria Limited in the are,
three companies in the like of Ade Bakery Industry Limited, Alasar Nigeria Limited and Wakema Nigeria, had been operating peacefully on the same facility.
Said Alsar one of the company in the community had been operating in the for over two decades without any reported violence, misconduct, intimidation or harassment against the host community.
Further narrated that the current violence , intimidation started immediately Elipse came to the community using force and illegal expansion that is affecting public amenities such as road network.
Stressed that the Community are currently helpless as Denzel had invaded the Community severally with heavily Armed men as his continue part of intimidation and harassment as all efforts to call Danzel to order proved abortive.
It was against this backdrop, he said they wrote petition to the Member Representing Jos North North State Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly in order to investigate the alleged atrocities and harassment of the community.
They complained that the company has blocked the main road and fenced it, and mounted gate fence which has make uneasy for motorists, because it’s just by a T- junction which makes it vulnerable to accidents.
We have written Petition to the various authorities for an intervention dated 1st September 2023 expressing our concern and the way forward between the host community and Elipse Nigeria Limited for peaceful coexistence.
The relevant authorities where copied with the copy of the petition they includes Speaker of the State House of Assembly, plateau state Commissioner of Police, Director, DSS, Human Rights Commission North Central office,Jos.
Others are the Royal Father Ada Gwom Jos Izere, Member Representing Jos North West Constituency,Jos East Constituency, State Chairman,Plateau Youth Council (PYC), among others.
The State CID, the Chairman House Committee on Petition, Hon. Isah Madaki Ajiji had all swung into actions by engaging the petitioners in series of meetings while insisting that the petition be withdrawn without minding whether Elipse and Denzel Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) one of the agency the petition wrote against, have responded or not. In view of this, the Community is still holding fast to their stance for the need to interface with the C.O.E and sign an M.O.U on the Execution and Implementation of his organization’s Corporation Social Responsibilities (CSR) as a part of global best practices as it is also
Explicitly contained in the Petition.
The Community is appealing to the State Government and all other relevant authorities to prevail on Denzel to see the need for dialogue that will lead to peaceful resolution of the impasse between his organization and the host Community.
However called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to intervene on the matter as the state can’t afford to be thrown into another phase of crisis because of some Persons who never meant well for the state.
Lamented the health hazard associated Mining especially within the residential area which expose the Community to
epidemics and other cancerous substances.
Appealled to the state government to Advice the Elipse company to put in place all safety measures or standards in the Community to prevent possible outbreak of the unfathomable towards the environment.
That no business strives under the atmosphere of violence and crisis therefore Elipse Nigeria limited and Mr. Denzel to do the needful in order to forestall any eventual breakdown of peace and order!
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has said his administration would run a transparent, accountable and open government for the good of Plateau state.
Mutfwang gave the assurances while receiving the Coalition for Public Accountability in Plateau (COPAP) at the Old Government House Rayfield in Jos on Tuesday 17th Oct 2023.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs Josephine Piyo, stated that transparent and accountable public procurement processes is one of his administration’s topmost priorities.
Mutfwang said that the government would reform policies and practices in procurement towards providing overall direction for efficiency and effectiveness in the award of contracts.
He stated that the state would operate an open bidding process to allow for a more competitive bidding process, which can result in lower prices for projects, help to ensure that the best possible contractor is selected for the job and provide greater transparency and accountability throughout the contracting process.
The governor also promised to ensure timely publication of comprehensive procurement of data to foster citizen engagement, to promote accountability and deter corrupt practices.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Prof. Patricia Lar, appealed to government to review the Public Procurement Law (2018) and conduct a comprehensive review by incorporating provisions that promote open contracting, e-procurement, gender equality, social inclusion and others.
Lar said that strengthening the Plateau state Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) would transform it into a robust and independent institution capable of ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and maintaining high quality standards.
She said implementing open contracting and reforming procurement processes in Plateau state would enhance credibility and trust, attract foreign investments, access international grants, improve service delivery and promote global recognition.
The governor also received the Association of Social Workers, led by Mrs Martha Kunyam, promising to collaborate with social workers in the state to enhance the selfless service they render to the less privileged in the state.
The president of Human Capital Providers Association Of Nigeria (HuCaPAN)Dr Olufemi Ogunlowo has decried lack of awareness among Private Employment Agencies regarding the revised code of conduct in the agencies
, failure to apply its normative contents, and the absence of a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the extent of dissemination, implementation, and compliance with the Code of Conduct and General Principles Operational Guidelines.
This had results to
have had negative implications for the rights and welfare of migrant workers and overall labour migration governance in Nigeria.
The President of the association decried is contained in his remarks during the Opening of Five -Days National Stakeholders Training and Awareness Raising Workshop on Recruitment Held at Sawalino Hotel, Keffi, Nassarawa State, 16th-20th October 2023.
The president who is represented at occasion said recently, HuCaPAN has been at the forefront of advocating for standardizing recruitment methods in Nigeria, particularly in relation to the international recruitment of migrant workers.
The Workshop which has it theme “Promoting Fair Recruitment in Nigeria” , the president said is to creat Awareness Raising Workshop on Recruitment.
The training is also aimed to enhance the capacity of Private Employment Agencies (PEAs) in implementing fair recruitment practices based on the revised Code of Conduct and the General Principles of Operational Guidelines.
Further add that the goal of this workshop is to educate PEAs and national stakeholders on the practical application of the revised Code of Conduct and Fair Recruitment principles.
It also seeks to foster stakeholder engagement in promoting best practices and fair recruitment in Nigeria, including through consultations on a guiding framework for PEAs involved in international recruitment.
Inaddition, its aimed at to disseminate guidance and relevant international information on Fair Recruitment and Decent Work at the national level.
Recently, HuCaPAN has been at the forefront of advocating for standardizing recruitment methods in Nigeria, particularly in relation to the international recruitment of migrant workers.
This the president said has resulted in the creation of the Standard Operating Procedure for International Recruitment of Nigerian Migrant Workers (SOP), the review of the National Policy on Labour Migration (NPLM 2020), the review of the Code of Conduct for PEAs (Revised CoC 2021), and the ongoing collaboration with the ILO and the Centre for Migration Studies of Nnamdi Azikiwe University to develop a framework for facilitating international recruitment of migrant workers.
All of these efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring that “anywhere a Nigerian is found working; he/she must have a decent job”.
However expected that by the conclusion of the workshop, there will be a better understanding of how to apply the Code of Conduct for PEAs and the General Principles and Operational Guidelines (GPOG) to ensure fair recruitment across agencies and employment hubs.
In her Goodwill message ILO country Office representative for Nigeria, Ghana,Liberia, Sierra Leone,and liaison Office for ECOWAS, delivered by Vanessa Phala acknowledges the ongoing collaboration with the Centre for Migration Studies of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in facilitating this workshop.
She said With an evolving world of work and increased need for stakeholder engagement in addressing the accompanying challenges there of, there is need to ensure broad stakeholders’ participation in national discourse, including with ILO constituents in the development and implementation of contemporary strategies to address these challenges.
Said the event is facilitated within the framework of the FAIRWAY Programme which is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the workshop is designed to engage stakeholders on promoting best practices and fair recruitment in Nigeria on the application of the revised Code of Conduct and Fair Recruitment principles, and further seeks to amplify best practices.
The Chairman of labour Party (LP) plateau State Chapter Honorable Grace Zamfara has raised an alarm over one Solomon Ndam impersonating the Chairman of the Party LP in the state.
Called on the security agents in the state to go after the imposture one Solomon Ndam and his sponsor with the view of bringing them to book and face the full wrath of the law.
The Chairman of the party in the state Hon. Zamfara made the call in an interview with newsmen in her office conducted at the party Secretariat along Bukuru express way in Jos, plateau State recently.
The Chairman lambasted the imposture Solomon Ndam , whatever he called his and his co-travellers in mischief making trying in causing confusion within the hitherto peaceful labour Party LP, in the state for the reasons best know to him and his cohort.
She narrated further that the reasons why some person and group of Persons are coming forward to drag the souls of leadership of the party in the state ,is because they have seen the brightness of the party who have the ability to solve the Plethora of Nigeria Economic, Social and political problems. That party is LP in plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
Hon. Zamfara who said she remained the authentic Chairman of labour Party in the state ,said she is not unaware that some political forces within and outside the party are fighting unrelentingly to bring the party down which informed the some strange individuals in the like of Solomon used as a smoke screen by some powerful forces working underground,but assured that they will not only fail,but the long arm of nemesis and the law will definitely caught up with him and his Sponsors.
Hon.Zamfara who said she remained the only recognized Chairman of the party in the state, said she is not unmindful that some Persons within the party, sponsored by some money bags within and outside the party who are being threatened by the high speed the part is moving that it will be the party to look out for in the nearest future .
He called on the party faithful in the state to disregard the like of Solomon Ndam and his Sponsors and look forward for the bright prospect the party in Plateau State in particular and Nigeria as a whole is set to achieve.
Stressed that with the performance of the party at the just concluded 2023 general election ,there is no doubt that labour Party LP is a party to beat in subsequence elections in Nigeria.
Its also a pointer that the people of Nigeria are tired of the so called large parties that paraded money bags in their political fold where the less privilege ones did not have the opportunity to ventilate their political prowess no matter how good and political anticipate they might be.
Called for fervent prayers for the presidential candidate Peter Obi who is currently challenging his election mandate at the supreme Court which APC Candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu,for God to allow favor to smile on him and the party in general.
Called on the Supporters of LP in the state to disregard the faceless imposture Solomon Ndam and his Sponsors for their mischief making.
Reiterated his commitment to move the labour party in plateau state to enviable hight.
It would be recalled that one Solomon Ndam has been posing as the Acting Chairman of Labour Party (LP) in plateau State, has earlier called on the security agents to arrest and prosecute one Grace Zamfara for parading herself as the Chairman of the Party in the state.
As he claimed that the Julius Abure National Chairman that appointed Grace Zamfara as an Chairman of the party in plateau has since been restricted by the federal capital territory high court sitting in Abuja, along with Faruk Lawal and (3) others.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from 9 to 16 October 2023 neutralised bandit/armed robbers and arrested 59 suspects in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, railway vandalism, gunrunning, illegal mining as well as recovered arms/ammunitions and illicit drugs.
On 11 October 2023, troops neutralised a suspected bandit named Saidu AKA Director, who attempted to escape after being arrested in possession of 39 rounds of 7.62mm special, mobile phone, headset and some money. Before the suspect was neutralised, he confessed to have bought the ammunition from one Usman in Bisichi.
Troops mobilised to the house but met his absence and recovered one AK 47 rifle, 5 cartridges, one baofeng radio/charger, one woodland camouflage vest and one black trouser. Similarly on the same day, troops deployed at Qua’anpan Area Command neutralised one armed robber while others fled with bullet wounds during an armed robbery attack along Amingo- Lafia road in Qua’anpan local government area of Plateau State and recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 magazine, 2 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 Techno mobile phone and a pair of sccks.
On 9 October 2023, troops engaged bandits in a gun duel around Jimlari village while moving to Ardo Kola village. Troops’ superior firepower forced the bandits to flee, with many sustaining high degree of gunshot wounds. Troops further exploited the area and rescued two kidnapped civilians, Musa Alhaji Bello and Dauda, earlier kidnapped by the bandits. Troops recovered one mobile phone,one torchlight, 36 empty cases, some drugs, 5 blankets, 2 cooking pots, 3 gallons, 2 plates, 9 mats and other household items.
Similarly, on 10 October 2023, troops acting on credible information arrested a notorious kidnapper, Madu Abubakar at Kwa village in Qua’anpan LGA. The suspect was arrested with 4 rounds of 7.62mm special and one motorcycle.
Preliminary investigation linked suspect to the recent kidnapping of an Accountant with Union Bank in Doemark general area. Also on 12 October 2023, troops of Sector 4 foiled an attempted attack by suspected militias on Bisichi village in Barkin Ladi LGA and recovered one motorcycle. Additionally, OPSH tactical team arrested 2 suspected kidnappers, Mamu Dauda and Mohammed Zakari, who have been on the wanted list of OPSH at Zango Urban in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
While carrying out the operation, troops recovered one rifle, one motorcycle, 3 mobile phones, one dagger and some amount of money. Troops also arrested 2 suspected kidnappers, Aliyu Usman and Umar Babuga at Jagindi Tashe village in Jema’a LGA .
Furthermore, troops conducted raid operation at Mararaban Sabon Gida in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State and arrested a suspected kidnapper,Abdulkadir Rufai who is a member of a criminal gang terrorizing Sanga general area.
Also, on 10 October 2023, troops deployed at Dukku LGA arrested 2 suspects, Malam Malkudi Dothy and Malam Danladi Ibrahim with one pistol and 2 motorcycles.
In the same vein, troops on 12 October 2023 arrested a suspected gunrunner, Mohammed Kabiru at Koko Ibi Lau LGA and recovered one pistol and 3 cartridges. Similarly, troops deployed at Mangu LGA, arrested a suspect with a rifle, AK 47 magazine, a plier and hammer.
On 12 October 2023, troops while on patrol also arrested one Ayuba Sati at Jannaret in Mangu LGA of Plateau State with one AK 47 rifle, one empty AK 47 magazine, one motorcycle, one jerrycan, one techno mobile phone and some amount of money.
On 11 October 2023, troops arrested one Azi Ashom Abubakar at White House Hotel Haske Quarters in Jos East LGA. During the arrest, troops recovered one SMG, one locally fabricated pistol loaded with 8 rounds of 9mm, 17 cartridges, 3 empty cartridge cases, one fragmental jacket, 2 knives, one Gionee mobile phone and some amount of money.
Troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle, one magazine and 7 rounds of 7.62mm special from a gun duel with bandits at Yelwa, Jalingo LGA. On13 October 2023, troops arrested 3 suspects Goma Abubakar, Mohammadu Zakari, Hussein Isa and Isa Mohammed for planning to attack villages in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. During the arrest, troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, 4 pistols and 5 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Meanwhile, on 14 October 2023, troops foiled attempted attack at Denche village in Jos East LGA. Troops engaged the miscreants and forced them to flee abandoning 2 motorcycles. Similarly, troops arrested a suspect at Garin Yarima Gessol and recovered 4 x AK 47 rifles, and 4 magazines.
Also on 13 October 2023, OPSH troops of Sector 7 raided criminals’ hideout at Gidan Waya general area in Jema’a LGA and arrested 4 suspects Bala Awodi, Audu Bala, Ishaku Musa and Murtala Ibrahim. Also, Ibrahim Muhammed was arrested at Mavo area, Jos North for attempted murder and handed over to the Nigeria Police Angwan Rogo Division for further action.
Additionally, on 9 October 2023, troops recovered 10 rustled cows at Bugal village bordering Mangu and Barkin LGAs. In the same vein, troops of Sector 6 arrested 4 suspected cattle rustlers, Zaka Alamba, Awilo Davou, Bulus Alamba and Bulus Dachung Dongo at Tahoss village in Riyom LGA.
Furthermore, troops of Sector 5 on 14 October 2023 recovered 80 rustled sheep abandoned by the criminals who fled after sighting troops stationed at Takai village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Another 69 cows were recovered for grazing on farmlands at Vodni village in Mangu LGA.
Similarly, on 11 October 2023, troops of Sector 4 rescued Mr Dung Gyang who was abandoned inside water after he was attacked by unknown gunmen at Lokojoro village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Troops also averted farmers/herders clash at Tashek village in Riyom LGA.
In the same vein, troops on 13 October 2023, foiled an attempt to kidnap Mr Ibrahim Kyamyam at Saya village in Bassa LGA, after forcing the kidnappers to flee due to the superior firepower of troops. Also on 15 October 2023, troops in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police and hunters rescued 11 female farmers kidnapped while working on their farmlands at Riruwa village in Toro LGA.
Based on credible information, troops arrested 2 suspected drug peddlers, Joseph Isaac and Henry Pam with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs. Troops deployed at Sector 6 also arrested a suspected drug peddler, Yushau Usman during a stop and search operation along Hawan Kibo road in Riyom LGA.
Also, on 10 October 2023, troops stationed at Manchok intercepted a truck loaded with railway materials suspected to have been vandalized from Kafanchan in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State and arrested 2 suspects who were occupants of the truck. Furthermore, on 15 October 2023, 31 illegal miners were arrested at forest Kara market in Jos South LGA.
Operation SAFE HAVEN between 9 to 16 October 2023, secured the conviction of 5 suspects named Hamisu Gyang, Pam Ibrahim, Mafeng Gwott, Ibrahim Mohammed and Abdullahi Abubakar charged for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, theft and culpable homicide. The suspects were sentenced to 6 months imprisonment each with an option of fine.
Also, within the week, 2 armed robbers/bandits were neutralised, 39 suspects arrested with arms and ammunition, 5 criminals convicted, 13 victims rescued from kidnappers, 3 drug peddlers arrested, 2 railway vandals nabbed, 7 attacks on vulnerable communities were deterred and 15 distress calls were promptly responded to.
The Commander OPSH, Major General AE Abubakar appreciates the good people of Plateau, Southern Kaduna and Bauchi State for prompt dissemination of information which has largely been responsible for the successes recorded so far.
OPSH would continue to go after criminal elements in a bid to deny them freedom of action and protect the lives and property of citizens. Troops remain poised to address any emerging security threats while all arrested suspects in custody would be charged to court immediately investigations are concluded.
The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General AE Abubakar, has advised youth across its Joint Operation Area of Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna States to prioritise unity whenever decisions are taken.
The Commander made the remark today 14 October 2023, during the final match of the Operation SAFE HAVEN Peace and Unity Football Tournament held at Rwang Pam township stadium, Jos.
Represented by the Chief of Staff Operation SAFE HAVEN, Brigadier General AA Egbejule, the commander noted that the tournament was a worthy initiative aimed at driving the peace building process and promote grassroots sports development within OPSH .
He called for harmonious living among people of different backgrounds and urged the youth to take the lead in ensuring peaceful coexistence for meaningful development of the States.
General Abubakar urged people present at the event to be ambassadors of peace and warned the youth against activities that could threaten the peace of their respective communities. He also cautioned the youth not to allow themselves to be used for nefarious activities that could affect their future.
While urging the general public to support Operation SAFE HAVEN by providing credible information on activities of criminals to security agencies, the commander encouraged the footballers to make good use of the opportunity provided by the tournament to develop their potential towards becoming better players in the game of football.
Earlier in his remarks, the Coordinator of the tournament, Mr Victor Datur, noted that the football tournament provided an avenue to search for talented youth who could bring glory to the States and the country at large. He further disclosed that the tournament has achieved its objective of uniting youth from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The Kanke Lions FC of Kanke local government area of Plateau State defeated Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State to win the tournament. While Sanga LGA came third after defeating Tafawa Balewa LGA in an interesting match played earlier in the day.
Some of the dignitaries present at the event include; the chairman Kanke LGA transition committee, Honorable Shikur Caleb, Minority Whip Plateau State House of Assembly, Honorable Dewan Edward. Others are chairman Plateau State Football Association, Honorable Tigana Audu Yakal, councilors of Kanke and Sanga LGAs, religious and community leaders amongst others.
Highlights of the event are presentation of medals, cash donation to first, second, third positions and individuals who distinguished themselves during the tournament and group photographs.
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