The election tribunal sitting in Jos , plateau state capital has adjourned Governship, National and State House of Assembly Inaugural sitting and Pre-Hearing to 25th May 2023 .
Monday 15th May, 2023 was earlier slated for the tribunal official Inaugural sitting and Pre-Hearing.
When the court resumed sitting, Paius Akubo (SAN) moved an oral application for the tribunal to adjourned the official Inaugural Sitting and Pre-Hearing of the tribunal which suppose to have kicked start today 15th May, 2023 for more 10 days.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)who is speaking on behalf of the inner bar said , the oral application is imperative to enable all the parties involved to effects their respective service to avoid any hiccup when the tribunal sitting officially commence , and parties will start the excuses of not serves or not yet been served.
Akubo further add that as it stands right now , even most of the cases are not reap to be entertained by the tribunal in line with the law . However stressed that with the oral application for adjournment for more 7-10 days will help to solve some teething problems that may likely come up from non service and reception of service.
And maintained that when the application for adjournment scales through, depending the over riding discretion of the honourable tribunal ,and more 7-10 days added for Inaugural Sitting and Pre-Hearing ,some of the case would have been reap for determination subsequently the other as sittings progress.
After due consultations, the tribunal adjourned the official Inaugural Sitting and Pre-Hearing to 25th May,2023.
It would be recalled that the 2023 election tribunal which is expected to commence sitting in the state capital has received the total number of 17 Elections petitions raging from Governship, House of Representatives,Senate and State House of Assembly.
The Governor-elect of Plateau, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, on behalf of himself, family, the Deputy Governor-elect, Hon. Joseph Piyo and his entire political associates, rejoices with Amb.Mary N. Lar on her 88th birthday.
The governor elect congratulatory message is contained in a press Statement dated 14th May 2023, signed by Special Assistant on Media to Plateau Governor- elect Gyang Bere and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state
Barr. Mutfwang, described Amb. Lar, the widow of Chief Solomon Lar, as an embodiment of humility, selfless and an accomplished educationist, who have planted several schools that have moulded respected sons and daughters of the land who are contributing in no small scale to the development of the nation.
He said her wealth of experience and quest for quality education has turned around the educational sector in Plateau and beyond positively.
Barr. Mutfwang recalled with gratitude the immense contributions of Mama to Plateau State, particularly during the Emancipation programme of our father, Late Chief Lar, whose indelible footprints of success and enduring legacies are visible across the state and Nigeria as a whole.
The Governor-elect described the rising educational profile of Mama and her desire for girl-child education across the country as worthy of emulation, urging Nigerian leaders to build on her accomplishments toward ensuring a united society where gender equality will thrive.
“As a result of Prof. Lar’s deep involvement in nation building and determination for women to contribute their quota, Mama was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Netherlands where she represented the country to the admiration of many,” he recalled.
Barr. Mutfwang prayed God to shield and grant her more wisdom in sound health to provide moral counsel as Plateau embarks on the journey for a new and united state.
The Plateau State Governor Elect, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang and his Deputy, Hon. Josiphine Piyo have rejoiced with the former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Amb. Yahaya Kwande OON on his conferment with the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) Honoris Causa by the University of Jos at its 33rd and 34th combined Convocation.
The governor’s and his Deputy felicitation is contained in a press statement dated 13th May 2023 , signed by Special Assistant on Media to the Plateau state governor elect Gyang Bere and made available to this medium in Jos.
Barr. Mutfwang in a felicitation messages described Amb. Yahaya Kwande as an accomplished elderstateman and Nigerian who served the nation faithfully in his capacity as a teacher, civil servant, administrator, former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland before he delved into partisan politics.
The Governor elect said he is not surprised that the prestigious University of Jos conferred on Amb. Yahaya Kwande the Honorary Degree, following his immense contributions to national development and Service to God and humanity.
He prayed that God will continue to bless the elderstateman with good health and sound mind for him to sustain his good works and contributions for the rebirth of a new Plateau.
Barr. Mutfwang equally felicitated with former Executive Secretary of TETfund, Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro OON, who was conferred with the Doctor of Engineering Degree (D.Engr.) Honoris Causa.
He described Prof. Bogoro as a renowned scholar whose footprint of infrastructural development is visible across Nigerian Universities.
The Governor-elect congratulated the Emir of Zazzau, His Highness, Mal. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli CFR, on his investiture as the new Chancellor of the University of Jos and his conferment with the Doctor of Laws Degree (LL.D) Honoris Causa.
He wished all the Awardees success and pray that the honor bestowed on them will be the spring board to bequeath more selfless services to Nigerians.
In the last couple of weeks, there has been intense politicking about who will become the Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives as well as other principal officers when both chambers are inaugurated. Senators and Reps members have, since winning their election on February 25, 2023 indicated interest to vie for the number three and four positions in the land.
That of the Senate may not have been problematic, as it was sure that the south was going to be the sole beneficiary. It was where it was going to be zoned to in the south that became contestable, as the South East zone was hoping it be considered for the plum job. The powers that be after the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the National Working Committee of the party ‘recommended’ Godswill Akpabio and Jibrin Barau for the two top positions in the senate.
It is no longer news that the Muslim-Muslim ticket is responsible for the present arrangement in the Senate. Whether it is welcomed is yet to be tested, but recall that former Zamfara State Governor Abdul’Aziz Abubakar Yari now Senator-elect has since made headline challenging everyone who cares to know that he would go ahead with the senate presidency bid.
His reason: The senate presidency contest was the senators’ business backed by the 1999 constitution to choose their leaders within themselves and not based on instruction from anyone. What is going to happen that day, it is going to happen based on the instructions of the constitution and not anyone’.
The press statement by the Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka on May 8, 2023 confirmed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has zoned the position of the Speaker to the North West and Deputy Speaker to the South East. The party endorsed Tajudeen Abbas representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State for Speaker and Benjamin Kalu representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State as Deputy Speaker.
He was quoted as saying the recommendation were results of ‘wide consultations’ received by the party. It is true; every one of the aspirants has the right to contest for the office; but ‘does it not also exude a serious discomfort that the aspirants to the speakership were not consulted, approached and effectively engaged before the purported zoning formula?’ The party’s preferences may snowball into a conflagration in the House of Representatives, if not handled with caution and tact.
That ‘recommendation’ for both chambers did not go down well with majority of the aspirants who were ignominiously treated and Nigerians who read meanings in the choice. Knowing that the atmosphere in the field was already tense, coming with a list of favourite candidates was an idea that should have been buried long before it was mooted; considering what happened in 2015, when the party just smarting from its hard won victory over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) angled for the outgoing Speaker, Femi Hakeem Gbajabiamila; they realized too late as Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara swept the carpet off their feet and became Speaker.
The history against such ‘manipulation’ of the interest and wishes of House members is replete with stories of rejection of imposition. Whether it was in 1999 or in 2003, the same trend overshadowed the selection process of the Speaker. It continued during 2007 when the choice of PDP NWC Patricia Ette was rejected for Demiji Bankole; so also was the case of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. Don’t forget that it happened in the case of Yakubu Dogara and Femi Gbajabiamila in 2015. The power of the members forced the NWC of the APC to accept Femi Gbajabiamila against Ahmed Idris Wase in 2019.
The barrage of threats that followed soon after indicated that the All Progressives Congress has a crisis to contend with; as a group the group, G7; made up of all aspirants for the leadership of House in the 10th National Assembly have since rejected the party’s consensus candidates for positions of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Even before that was made public, Alliance for True Democracy in Nigeria (ATDN) through its coordinator, Hon Inalegwu Ejembi Adaje expressed displeasure and disappointment for the choice of Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, noting that ‘if democracy must survive in Nigeria, people must make choice’.
He argued that the North West has been the most favoured (as if it is the only part of the North) since 1999 having produced four Speakers in the persons of Ghali Umar Na’Abbas, Salisu Buhari, Aminu Bello Masari and Aminu Tambuwal, while in the case of the North Central, it was yet to produce an occupant; he therefore wondered if that cannot be described as injustice.
He singled out Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi whose contributions on the floor of the House has made him a history maker, and therefore cannot be ignored by the party and his colleagues. For equity and justice, would the party ignore a man, who in his first three years did not just sponsor numerous bills and motions, but out of those, six of them have since received the assent of Mr. President with consequences for the development of the country and giving young men and women a livelihood.
Can Gagdi then be said to be in the same class with Tajudeen Abbas, who is hyped and credited to sponsoring about 78 bills, but are yet to even get to the gates of Aso Rock to receive presidential accent? At that, many Nigerians are questioning why the North Central zone, though crucial for the survival of the party cannot be rewarded with the position of the Speaker. Political pundits are quick to point accusing fingers at Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, who had openly said he was not angling to become Chief of Staff to Mr. President.
The question to ask is, why has the North West been iniquitously zoned the position of Deputy Senate President in the person Jibrin Barau from Kano State? Furthermore, is there equity and justice in the land for the North Central zone to be completely ignored as all zones have been ‘allocated’ one principal office position? They wondered why the North West will take two juicy positions at the expense of the North Central. Their argument is that the party chairman is from this zone.
The duo of the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase and Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa in separate statements said they were against the arrangement as announced by the party on May 8, 2023. They insisted they would go ahead with their campaigns for the speakership no matter the position by the party. So also is Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, whose proclivity for justice has further revealed what they would do if the party does not right the wrongs.
Lending their voice on the development, Plateau Elders have insisted on a candidate from the state for the speakership, saying that is the path of equity and justice, even as the two frontline aspirants vying for the position from the North Central geopolitical zone are from the state; each of which ‘possesses unassailable credentials’.
They argued that apart from the resourcefulness of the Plateau aspirants, it is in the interest of fairness and justice that the state be given the opportunity to lead the House. How better said, considering that it aligns with the mood of the struggle for justice in the land.
If anything, the addition of the voice of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on the impasse vindicates the position of the G7, which is made up of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Hon Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, Hon Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Hon Sada Soli Jibiya, Hon Maraim Odinaka Onuoha and Hon Aminu Sani Jaji.
Ina terse statement by Akeredolu, who is chairman, South West Governors’ Forum noted that ‘aside the unpretentious ambiquity in the purported statement issued by the leadership of the APC, the contents, intentions and motives of the zoning formula represent early steps aimed at attempts to cabin the hard-earned Presidency for our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a few individuals with eyes on Aso Rock Power Buttons’.
For him and indeed most Nigerians, ‘it is trite, that, it stands logic on the head that one geo-political zone, Northwest in this regard, will be favoured with two presiding officers positions out of four while the North Central suffers the consequences for its innocence and shrewd loyalty of having none.’
As it is canvassed by G7, ‘it is an insidious permutation that North East will be deprived in the face of the unsavoury generosity dispensed through two slots to a particular geo-political zone. It is self-repudiating for one to argue therefore, that the Speaker of the House of Representatives cannot also emerge from the North East.
‘Therefore, the move to zone the National Assembly leadership positions on the behest of interested personalities with perceived closeness to the President-elect manifestly lays the dangerous foundation of distrust, needless suspicion even as it structures nothing but combination of booby traps. We must avoid all these.
’Many Nigerians have displayed their aversion against the position of the party, considering the party’s stand it is possible not to come clean as opposition group, Greater Majority is not relenting in its push to surprise the ruling party if it is unaware of its vulnerability in the current dispensation. The opposition parties have a combined numerical majority in the House, which they intend to use.
Speaking the minds of Nigerians in a statement which he titled: ‘10th Assembly: Do not expect us to be loyal if present zoning arrangement stands, G7 Speakership candidates tell APC’ and released on May 10, 2023 after their meeting with the APC NWC same day.
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Ggadi was emphatic and vowed to oppose any attempts by outside forces to impose a leadership on the 10th House of Representatives, describing the zoning formula as ‘unworkable arrangement that reinforces injustice and enhances inequity’; the formula won’t be acceptable.
Said Gagdi, ‘when we elect our leaders, all of you will not be there; it is we and our conscience and the covenant of the people of Nigeria that will be in the hallowed chamber. So, it is better, it is not late, let the wrongs be righted. Unless this is done, sir, our party should not hope that our loyalty will be guaranteed at the detriment of justice, peace and fairness. We will respect justice, unity and equity in the chamber, but only if your instruction is in line with the principle of this party. Sir, do not hope that we have come here to succumb to any instruction and directive given to us’.
That was candid enough, Gagdi asked rather rhetorically, ‘do we want unity, to say that the Deputy Senate President should go to the North West and the Speaker should go to the North West when in the true sense of the word, in the presidential election, North Central known to have majority number of Christians and the religious and tribal affiliations attributed to 2023 elections, yet North Central resisted the temptation, delivered four states to the President-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu; delivered 11 senators. The North West delivered 10 with two states and North East 1 state with 10 senators and the zone that has performed like this for Mr. President will be relegated to have party chairman and perhaps as they insinuate, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; positions that the president or whosever can scream at them and they have no locus to speak for the people for the people of North Central.’
The last of what has been heard is that APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu has admitted they didn’t consult adequately on zoning of NASS leadership positions. What does it portend? It means that the struggle has made its impact for justice to be served on North Central zone.
The New Plateau State Governor Elect barrister Caleb Mutfwang has eulogized the Berom Nation as they celebrate this year 2023 Nzem Berom Cultural festival which showcase the culture of the people of Berom.
Barrister Mutfwang said the history of plateau state will not be complete without references to Berom Nation considering their rich Cultural heritage and their populations that scattered across almost half of the local governments in the state.
Mutfwang was speaking during the the celebration of this year 2023 Cultural festival of the Berom Nation aka Nzem Berom,held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium 12th May 2023.
He promised his administration in conjunction with the elders of the state to ensure that displaced persons from their various ancestral home are resettled back to their various home immediately he is sworn into power as governor of the state in May 29th 2023.
However thank the committee for putting the event together, expressed his happiness for seeming other ethnic groups from far and near to celebrate with Berom Nation on this auspicious occasion of Nzem Berom celebration.
On his part the Governor of Bauchi state Bala Mohammed ,who is the Kaura Bauchi,was the guest of honor at the occasion, promised to synergies with the new government Caleb Mutfwang for Socio- Economic Development of the state.
“We are going to open another chapter of synergy with the New Governor for the over all development of the state “.
Promised to met with the Gbong Gwon Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba with the view to learn the rope of how Chieftaincy title are conferred, in case will want to replicated it in Bauchi state to enable people feel equal sense of belongings .
The Gbong Gwon Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba lamented the insecurity bedeviling the state , called on President Mohammadu Buhari led Federal Government to as matter of urgency assent to state police bill pending at the National Assembly that would back the State to own and control it police.
These the Chairman traditional Councils of chiefs and emirs in the State said it will reduce the incessant attacks in the state in particular and the country as a whole because it will help to compliment the the efforts of the conventional securities who are obviously appeared to be over stressed.
The Senior traditional father used the occasion to conferred title on two sons of plateau for their separate contributions to the development of the state. They are Engineer Nakande as the Makama of Jos, while Suleiman Aboro was also conferred with a title.
In their separate goodwill messages,the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State represented by his Senior special Assistance on political matter, said plateau and Kaduna State have the same umbilical cord from history that can not be separated as what happened to one , happened the other.
He charged the Berom Nation to stimulate their Cultural heritage by adding technological drive that would help to keep abreast the happening technologically.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong represented by the state Head of Service Sunday Hyat used the occasion to give his farewell speech as this year 2023 Nzem Berom would be his last before exiting the office as governor.
Governor Lalong used the opportunity to thank the Berom Nation for keeping faith with his rescue administration for the past 7 years.
Charged them to also extend the same unalloyed support to the incoming Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the development of the state.
However, adviced the Berom Nation to hold tenaciously to their Cultural heritage they so much cherish , bequeathed to them by their forefathers.
The Chairman main planning committee of Nzem Berom 2023, who doubled as Senator representing plateau North in the Senate lntifanus Gyang expressed the hope that the incoming administration will come up with refreshing thoughts that will address the prevailing insecurity challenges that has dislocated various communities in the state.
The high point of the occasion is the launching of the Berom Magazine “The Voice”.
The Herders and Farmers has been adviced on peaceful co-existence with one another in there various local government for bomber harvest as the farming seasoning is around the corner.
And revealed that they delibrated extensively and come up with various measures like the promotion of tolerance which have to do with imbibing the spirit of accommodating one another because according to him, without food you will not be alive.
The Chairmen Shendam LG of plateau state Hon. Alex Miskoom stated this during stakeholders meeting of the 17 LG Organized by the State Commissioner of Police Bartholomew Onyenka to appraise the security situation in the various LGA, concious of the fact raining season which herald farming , is around the corner.
Speaking on behalf of other Councils Chairmen, Honorable Alex Miskoom Na’ Antuam the Executive Chairman of Shendam LG , further revealed the delibration at the meeting was a very fruitful and have come up with measures to curb the conflict and seamless farming seasoning this year and beyond.
The Chairmen Shendam LG Alex Miskoom who doubled as ALGON
Chairman in the state , said the meeting is also able to look at the relationship between the local governments where we can be able to cross breed ideas .
On the relationship between the Councils authority with the unconventional securities like the hunters and vigilantes,he said the relationship is cordial,but quick to add that the only problems is the internal faction within them occasion by attention given by the Press to a particular group.
He stressed that the Councils has adviced them to reconcile their internal difference and come up as an formidable group, which the chairman of ALGON said he is very optimistic that when next they come ,it will be a cherry news that they have ironed out their difference and ready to work as indivisible entity.
On the issue of illegal mining in Bokkos LG that has claimed several lives in the locality,the chairman said ,to ensure the security of lives and properties in the Councils, night mining which has be the order of the day in the community was directed to stop henceforth.
So any person caught engaging on night mining is violating the order of the constituded authority and shall be made to face the wrath of the law.
Those that attended the meeting with the police includes, the local government Chairmen of Bariki Ladi, Shendam, Riyom, Bokkos, Bassa and Jos North.
Divisional Police Officers of all the LG where also in attendance with other Police brass.
Plateau State APC Chairmanship tussle is becoming Messer as Honorable Ishaya Itse led factional Chairman dared governor Bako Lalong by vehemently refusing to withdraw the matter from court.
Governor Lalong had contacted the embattled chairman Itse pressuring him to allow out of court settlement as the serial court cases bedeviling the party is projecting it in a bad light.
Honorable Ishaya Itse who said he still remain the legally elected Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC,in the State spoke to this medium in an exclusive interview in Jos.
He further said he vehemently refused the position of the governor because he want Justice to prevail and Rufus Bature and his impostors Exco’s punish for imposing themselves on the party which led to it abysmal failure in the just concluded general election,and said no amount of the governor’s appeal will make him withdraw the case from court.
Honorable Ishaya stressed that he will not rest on his oars until Rufus Bature face the full wrath of the law for destroying the party in the state because of his quest for power and Illegal wealth .
He however, maintained his stand to continue with the court case ,the pleading of governor lalong not withstanding.
And adviced his teeming supporters not to be perturb,and remain resolute in the face of the struggle , because there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
It would be recalled that the factional Chairman of the party honorable Itse head for court to challenge the kangaroo primary election organised by the party that brought honorable Bature led exco on board.
The Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has cautioned troops of the Nigerian Army againt the misused of social media as contained in the Armed Forces Policy on Social Media. He gave the charge while declaring open a week long Nigerian Army (NA) First Regimen Sergeant Majors’ (RSM’s) Convention for year 2023 holding in Jos the Plateau State Capital.
The COAS noted that, the convention with the theme “The Roles of Regimental Sergeant Majors in Upholding the Tenets of Professionalism in the Social Media Era” was organized to enhance the capacity of the RSMs as custodians of discipline and regimentation in the NA.
He noted that the cherished tradition, customs and ethics of the NA must be upheld bearing in mind the increased involvement of troops in social media activities and the attendant consequences of social media on military operations globally. He revealed that maintaining a social media presence is typical of today’s soldier, adding that sensitizing troops on the appropriate use of social media became necessary.
The Chief of Army Staff who was represented at the occasion by the Director, Administration Defence Research and Development Bureau, Defence Headquarters, Major General Udem Bassey, further noted that discipline and regimentation are crucial elements of military profession. He averred that operation security violations, posting discriminatory comments or inappropriate materials and online fraternization erodes professionalism.
RSMs he said have a key role to play in upholding the professional status of the NA in the face of pervasive effects of social media engagements by soldiers. The COAS further tasked the RSMs to live up to their responsibilities, considering the NA’s engagements in ongoing operations to tackle security challenges across the country.
The Army boss said that, the theme and lecture series of the Convention were carefully selected to equip and sensitize the RSMs on how effectively they can use the social media in line with the existing policy guidelines and stepping down same to their various divisions and formations. “In this era of social media, the sole aim of this training is to enable the RSMs who are the custodians of discipline to be able to monitor the discipline of our soldiers in their activities in the social media, to avoid departure from the Army’s policy”He averred.
Also in a remark, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General OW Ali said, the training was important for RSMs to be constantly trained, updated and sensitized on new trends, policies and plans of the Nigerian Army so that they can domesticate same to their formations and units.
Represented by the Director Personnel Services, Army Headquarters Department of Administration, Major General Jimmy Akpor, the Chief of Administration noted that the Nigerian Army relies on the RSMs to ensure that the highest standard of regimentation is maintained at all levels. He urged them to pay rapt attention to all the proceedings at the convention.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim lauded the Army Headquarters Department of Army Administration for putting up such timely and vital training aimed at equipping RSMs with the requisite knowledge towards enhancing their knowledge on the effect of social media aiming at address the challenges posed by the indiscriminate use of social media.
The GOC further revealed that, the workshop will further build the capacities of the participants for optimal performance and urged them to take advantage of the convention to develop themselves, as the training package was carefully designed to address contemporary challenges at regimental levels. He expressed optimism that the participants will be better equipped with the capabilities to effectively discharge their responsibilities in their respective formations and units.
The weeklong convention will feature lectures presentations by resource persons on topical issues, contributions and questions from the participants.
The opening ceremony featured, presentation of momentous and group photographs.
The Plateau State Police Commissioner, Bartholomew Onyenka has threatened to weighed Sledge hammer within the confined of law against any of the local government Chairmen among the 17 LG in the state find culpable of aiding and abating the recent reoccurrence of isolated Killings in the state and it environs.
The furious CP who is visibly not happy with the resurgence of killings in some of the local government in the state, said any of the Chairmen , Chiefs or Politicans that are behind the callous killings to purge himself before the long arm of the law catches up with him, as the law will not spear anyone when caught.
The Commissioner of police , Onyenka handed down the warning during an interaction with the Chairmen of the local government in the state ,held at the Officers Mess May 8th 2023 with the view of addressing the issues of recent isolated Killings by unidentified person without no ending in sight in some councils.
Bartholomew lamented the efforts of the command and other unconventional securities Agencies which yielded little or no result as there were still some reported cases of attack with lost of lives on daily basis.
He stressed that the police had tried it possible best, with the cooperation of other securities agents in the state and other unconventional securities to ensure the citizens of the state leaves in peace and harmony with one another .
And further added that the securities in the state will no longer fold it hands and allowed some persons who did not wish plateau state well ,to turn it to theatre of war and killings .
Commissioner Bartholomew call on the Chairmen , Royal fathers who may be directly or indirectly fueling the killings in their domain to stop and called his foot soldiers to shead their sword for peace to reign because the security is ready to weigh Sledge hammer against any person no matter how highly place in the state or Society at large.
The CP challenged the Chairmen to assist the police and other securities personnels in their various localities with logistics that would make their work earlier,and provide them with useful information that could led to the arrest of those bad eggs perpetrating the dastardly act in the community.
In their separate response,the Chairmen thank the police boss for his efforts to ensure peace returned to the state since he assumed Office as CP over a year ago ,the gesture they did not take for granted.
They further promised to go back to their various local government and redoubled efforts with the view to tighten loop holes .
The Chairmen that attended the security meeting include,Riyom,Barki Ladi,Jos North.
Others are Bokkos and Bassa , including all the Divisional Police Officers.
As Presidential Election Tribunal sitting in Abuja the nation capital Inaugurated it pre-hearing today 8th May 2023,there was dramatic turned of event as the court vehemently refused Governor Bako Lalong from representing Tinubu in that capacity.
Lalong who is the Governor of plateau state, doubled as the defound Director General Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in the just concluded controversial general election.
As the court resumed pre-hearing section , which subsequently followed the announcement of appearances, Lalong announced his appearance as standing in for his principal , the president elect Asiwaju BolaTinubu .
However, his appearance in that capacity met with stiff opposition from other Counsels to the plaintiff on the ground that he lack locus standi to announce appearance in that capacity , rather he suppose to appear for the Party, All Progressive Congress APC, not Tinubu , his appearance is in error which cannot stand in law.
After arguments and counter argument, the court ruled that governor Lalong can not hold proxy for the president elect , rather for the party APC,
The Tribunal had adjourned sitting to Wednesday 10th May 2023 for continuation of hearing.
The 303 Artillery Regiment General Support and 82 Battalion both of the 3 Division Nigerian Army, Jos have conducted a historic welcome parade for their new colours ( National and Regimental) which replaced the recently retired ones. Recall that the Commander In Chief Of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari recently issued NA units with new National and Regimental colours and the 2 units co-located with 3 Div benefited from the exercise. The units conducted the history event in accordance with customs and tradition of the NA with street lining ceremonial parade.
Historically, the British colonial authority was the first to issue the first colours to the then, Nigerian Recruitment Training Centre, now Depot Nigerian Army located in Zaria, which was established on 1 August, 1924, under the command of Major Hassar, then a British Officer.
In his words while receiving the new colour, the Commander 303 Artillery Regiment (GS), Colonel SA Abimbola remarked that the eligibility of units to receive the colours under his watch is another milestone for the unit, as colours are regarded with great reverence. He also noted that the event is conducted once in 15 to 20 years as desired by country’s Armed Forces and he was privileged to have witness the event twice in his career.
Noteworthy is the Col SA Abimbola received the retired colours for 303 Artillery Regiment General Support in 2007 as a surbertant and is receiving the colour for the same unit as the Commander. The last time such a parade was conducted was in 2007 when 32 Units and Regiments were issued with new colours.
Explaining the importance of colour after receiving the new colour, The Commanding Officer 82 Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Rasheed Kolawole also mentioned that the origin of colours dated back to the early days when men fixed their family badge to a pole and held it aloft in the battle for the dual purpose of indicating their position and as a rallying point should the occasion arise.
Continuing, He explained that The Colours of a regiment/Unit is being presented by the Commanders-in-Chief of the Country or State under which the regiment exists. The sight of the Colours creates a feeling of pride in soldiers.
The colourful ceremony was attended by Officers, soldiers and family members of both units in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos.
Plateau State based Radio arm of Unity FM/TV station, has suspended one of its popular radio show aka “Unity Train”.
The program which was put on hold is occasion by the fragrant violation of the station’s rules and regulations of the radio and television announced by Ahmed Tijjani S. Nakande on behalf of the station’s management, as reported by Daily News Breakers.
The reason for the suspension of the program according to the information is due to the presenters of the program promoting individuals and organizations without collecting fees for the service.
In the communication, it was stated that there were lapses in monitoring guest speakers and presenters on the flagship program, Unity Train. These lapses resulted in the promotion of individuals and organizations such as the Plateau State Inland Revenue Service and Hon Deborah without collecting any fees. Therefore, the flagship program, Unity Train, is suspended until further notice.
“Furthermore, we have identified the presenter and analyst: Bello Lukman and Pam Dung Kwis as well as the the Head, Rabiu Abdullahi and Marketing Manager: Rabiu Sabo who were responsible for monitoring the program. We have found their performance to be lacking in ensuring compliance with our policies and procedures. As a result, we will be deducting a portion of their salaries as a penalty for their laxity.
“We take these matters seriously and are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in our programming. We will be reviewing our policies and procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.”
Efforts to get both Bello Lukman and Pam Dung Kwis to comment were unsuccessful as of the time of publishing this report. But credible sources have revealed that the duo have resolved to permanently quit their jobs with the station.
It is no longer news that Rt Hon Yususf Adamu Gagdi, House Committee Chairman on Navy has joined the fray to become the Speaker, House of Representatives for the 10th Assembly. He joins the race with several other aspirants to slug it out for the position.
Since he was re-elected for a second term to represent Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency during the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election; after which his constituents gave him the nod to go for the coveted office, he has left no one in doubt of his intentions.
It could be recalled that as soon as campaigns were rounded for the elections, the confidence that exuded from his camp was palpable, no wonder, the election that was being awaited was seen as fait accompli.
Everything fell into place, as he convincingly won the contest; thus assuring his constituents that it was proper to pursue other higher interests.
It will be recalled that when Gagdi debuted in 2019, into the national parliament, he ‘quickly got involved in the internal politics at the time, aligned with the “progressives” camp and eventually became the chairman of Navy Committee, a committee ordinarily would not be given to a first timer. He did not disappoint the House; neither did he fail on the home front, as he gave a good account of his capability while he served’.
As soon as the consultations started, it was common knowledge that, he was one whose political adroitness would come to play in several ways. First, he needed the buy-in of a number of stakeholders both in the All Progressives Congress (APC), and in the other parties whose members were going to the National Assembly. The latest consultative visit was on Friday, May 5, 2023 to Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State, where he had gone to share with him his thoughts about the aspiration for the speakership.
His visit to the President on April 30, 2023 was another master stroke and a show of a rounded approach to reaching out to all those who matter. If anything, it was a display of the people’s representative’s determination to achieve his goal.
The manner with which he undertook to visit state governors and other party leaders in states was instructive of a politician whose capacity at selling his candidature and how he has been able bring quality into the advocacy can be described as simply awesome in many respects.
Such approach shows the finest stuff with which he is imbued with over the years running; and it will be long as there are no signs of slowing down soon. As a result of his capacity to seek views and meet with personalities that matter either alone or in group, those he has met are indeed in awe of the tremendous quality of his commitment to the Nigerian project. Above all, he strongly brings to the struggle the ever present quality of commitment and industry associated with patriotic Nigerian youth.
It is what is now counting in his favour; for which he has already received accolades and several recommendations from the high and low in most parts of Nigeria. We have maintained, and it is not for fun, he is a history maker. For his industry and commitment and even more, he is the first legislator in the history of democracy in Nigeria to have had six of his private bills assented to by Mr. President.
All the bills are ones that can engender development as well as provide jobs for hundreds of thousands of young people in Nigeria. If reducing employment is anything to go by, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has become a recurring decimal in most families having taken off their children and given them jobs in as many organizations as have been possible. This is not to forget the numerous empowerment schemes tailored towards helping people in various fields that could set beneficiaries on the path of profitability and sustenance.
Already, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has made a promise: I want to be a Speaker for the Nigerian people. I don’t want to be a regional Speaker. God willing I will be a Speaker for the Nigerian people irrespective of tribe, religion. I will be saying that my primary responsibility is to add value to the people of the country.
‘The qualities that I will expect from the next Speaker are capacity, sincerity, honesty and commitment. I want to see a just Speaker, one that will protect the interest of the people of all the geopolitical formations in Nigeria irrespective of population and what have you’.
Such capacity and credibility can only be exhibited by one who knows his onions and is ready to give more of such service to the nation for a long time to come. It can be safely said that one of the reasons he got the nod for his second term is the amount of work he did for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency. It can be argued that no other representative has exhibited commitment in the provision of quality service as he has done in the last four years. Again, that in itself is another record being set by him for giving a good account of his capacity.
Throughout the length and breadth of the communities that make the federal constituency, a compendium of what is been executed are, without doubt eye-popping as they convey in detail the quality of representation they have been given by the man who, today is the top contender of the office of Speaker.
Having been close to the power block in the House in the last four years; for which he has given a good account of that relationship. It is safe to conclude that the ropes are familiar to him and would serve him well should he be given the levers of power by his colleagues on the day of proclamation in about 40 days to come. As things stand, Gagdi stands on the threshold as the next good thing to happen, despite mounting pressures by the Fred Agbedi’s Greater Majority, which is insisting on contesting the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker by opposition parties.
Realizing his reach, groups, individuals and civil society organizations have spoken variously why Gagdi is suitable for the position. There are also several groups or caucuses which have emerged in the House since the general elections were concluded in February 2023 daily consulting to arrive at satisfying all the sensibilities of the moment; which seek to unite all parts of the country together.
Interestingly, some of his colleagues have spoken widely about his capacity for the position. David Umar who will represent Kachia/Kagarko in Kaduna State in the 10th Assembly understands the trajectory of the man who is gunning to become Nigeria’s Speaker. Umar was quoted as saying: Nigeria’s young people represented the present and future Nigeria, but noted that the demographics of political leadership in the country do not represent this reality.
He asked further: What is the part of the youth in the political leadership calculation? Where is the place of the youth in our democracy? Is it only as legislative and media aides?
’The answer is made available by Hon David Umar almost immediately in favour of the top contender: Experience is not about years spent in parliament without results; it is about having the knowledge of how to use your office to better the lives of Nigerians as Gagdi has done’.
But above all, it is being argued that there are some lawmakers who were more experienced than Gagdi in parliamentary business, because he was going for his second term was not tenable. It is on record that he has surpassed those lawmakers in legislative functions in just four years of representation. What better evidence could there be other than the enormous capacity he has displayed with abundant results to boot in the House?
Gagdi’s intentions if he wins the race are well documented in a note he aptly titled: One Nation, Forward Together, he offers copiously what he wants to achieve: For the tenth National Assembly, beyond considerations and bills, motions and resolutions, our highest obligation will be to provide the arena necessary for the impassioned yet civil debates and constructive engagements required to answer this fundamental question’. That, ‘for us in Nigeria, the great unresolved question that continues to unsettle our republic that stands in the way of us reaching for the stars, is this-what does it mean to be a Nigerian?’
As recent as April 28, 2023, while inviting critical stakeholders and supporters to official campaign launch for the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives which was held yesterday at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Gagdi had stated: ‘The legislature has a strategic role in ensuring the success of our democracy. If we live up to this responsibility, we will retain the faith and confidence of Nigerian people in the democratic project, and we will have their support to embark on critical, long overdue reforms to the politics, governance and structure of our country. In this election as Speaker, I believe that my personal and political history, legislative experience, and achievements in office put me in good stead to meet and exceed the Nigerian people’s high expectations for this 10th House of Representatives.’
With the array of guests at the May 6, 2023 (yesterday’s event), which had Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State as special guest, it is instructive to state that a statement was made. The manifesto he presented speaks against the backdrop of a man who is well prepared to lead his colleagues during one of the most challenging periods of the country’s political history. Certainly as it has been stated, if ‘we must have a leadership that recognizes the importance of the moment’; such will ‘rise to the occasion as it demands’.
Even though the North Central zone has not yet been officially given the nod to produce the Speaker, however, the point has been canvassed: It is the only zone which had tasted the speakership position for just three months (October to December 1983). The fact that the All Progressives Congress was yet to be decided is not enough to stop aspirants from gaining the support of the members and indeed of Nigerians.
The North Central zone is indeed an asset in more ways than one for the ruling party. In the last eight years, the states have produced governors twice; and therefore nothing can be any better than to compensate the zone with a plum office as that of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Should it be zoned to North Central zone, the two major members that would slug it out are Ahmed Idris Wase and Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, who are both from Plateau State.
The names of the other gladiators have received mention variously. One thing is certain; for which he wants Nigerians to know: The tenth House of Representatives can be the engine room of innovation and transformative governance. It can be a legislature that reflects the best possibilities of nationhood, a place where men and women who believe in the worthy cause of Nigeria can, with character and courage, wisdom and humility confront our most significant national challenges’.
As Plateau State gets set to usher into New Government House, Little Rayfield a new Executive Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, on May 29, 2023, the long awaited occasion presents a refreshing moment in the political journey of the state, premised on peace, unity for progressive Plateau.
His emergence is timely and very crucial at this period that the walls of unity in Plateau are collapsing, and intolerance, which is alien to the people, has taken a fast lane in the last couples of years.
Observers of Plateau political and socio-cultural evolution, particularly from 2015, are stunned by this turn of events which has deprived the state the wise counsel of elders.
This, among numerous challenges, constitute the task before Mutfwang who is better prepared with high sense of commitment to confront them headlong for a united Plateau, where citizens will identify their God-given vision and actualize their dreams of self economic reliance and contribute to the industrialization of Plateau.
Mutfwang is determined to close the widening cracks that have plunged the state into muddy waters, leaving behind songs of sorrow, agony, despair and excruciating pains among the people.
His political philosophy of rebuilding the broken walls of Plateau to pave way for a conducive atmosphere, where citizens will carry out their day-to-day activities devoid of impediment, has left no one in doubt that Plateau made a popular and the right choice.
His demonstration of competency, resilience and courageous leadership during and after the electioneering campaigns portray his readiness and determination to move Plateau forward on all fronts. This gesture could be visualized in a manner in which he drove his campaign anchored on issues base, unity with utmost respect and tolerance for his Plateau brothers who were co-drivers in the race for the concluded and won election.
Mutfwang has a clear-cut vision and wants a united, secured and progressive state and has offered himself to lead in the quest for the actualization of this dream to bequeath a modern Plateau. He has a real grasp of contemporary economic ideas and possesses sound mind and leadership acumen required to turn around the ailing and deplorable Plateau economy.
Although, pundits believe that Mutfwang will inherit a battered economy from an inept administration that lack leadership acumen to build modern infrastructure that meet the taste and expectations of citizens, his posture after his declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was quite assuring that he has full grasp of the onerous task ahead of him.
He knows from the onset that in unity, Plateau stand to benefit a lot from the current political dispensation, which informed his determination to harness various ethnic nationality in the state under one umbrella to forge a common ground for unity in diversity in the interest of the people and the state in particular.
Mutfwang, who is sufficiently guided by the philosophical hypothesis of oneness, began his unifying agenda by extending an olive branch to his co-contestants with a view to work together to initiate ameliorating programmes that will drastically reduce division among the people, and strengthen the ties of brotherhood, unity and good governance in the overall interest of the state.
His public declaration that warmly made an inroad for both contestants of the keenly contested election to join hands with him in the rebuilding of Plateau State was described as a step in the right direction. This confirmed his intention of running an all inclusive government, where all shades of opinions would be sift and transform into policies to advance growth and development in the state.
The Plateau State Governor-elect has chosen to tow the path of progress and honour by running a “people- centered” government where trust and confidence in the people would be sustained by speaking the truth at all times and in all occasions. Practical steps would be taken to match words with action to deliver the fruits of democracy in the collective interest of the people.
Barr. Mutfwang has remained forthright even before hitting the ground in fulfilment of his “social contract” with Plateau people.
In his strategic plan for the state, pundits have predicated that his tenure, by the grace of God, will witness economic rebirth, drastic reduction in poverty, unemployment and accelerated business under a conducive atmosphere. He has the leadership cognitive and administrative capacity to successfully pilot a technologically modern economy in Plateau, anchored on unity of purpose.
For Plateau citizens who are misstep economically, Barr. Mutfwang has come with the mind-set of creating a conducive atmosphere, through friendly economic policies that will renewed hope of the traumatized business community in the state.
Importantly, he is determined to bring significant improvement in the energy and solid minerals sectors which informed his recent engagement with the Minister of Mines and Steel Development to bring life into the mining sector with a view to enhance economic growth in the state.
Mutfwang’s concept of leadership is different from what most Nigerian politicians profess. Going by the current situation where power has been turned into a shield only for those in authority and their family members, the Governor-elect view leadership as a moral burden that will empower him to protect the people.
This resonates the concept of power by former President Goodluck Jonathan in his book “My Transition Hours”. He said, “I understand that power will protect you and enable you protect your charges. It will provide a shade from the blistering heat of the sun. When it is raining, you can use it as an umbrella to protect yourself and the people you meant to serve. And when you come to a river , you can convert it to a vessel that will help you and those who you lead to cross.” Mutfwang believes in political ideology of selfless sacrifice for the prosperity of the people.
The Governor-elect, who is a proponent of peace and Justice, is heartbroken with the alarming and atrocious level of insecurity currently ravaging Plateau. His quest to deploy the power available to him for the protection of the people has never been in doubt. A glance through his strategic blueprint, it is an incontrovertible fact that the incoming administration will make appreciable progress in the management of insecurity in the state.
His level of preparedness and readiness to harness and recruit experienced hunters and vigilante groups from rural communities and inject them into the revived “Operation Rainbow”, a state security outfit to bring to bear their expertise in confronting bandit who inflicts pains and agony on innocent citizens is a novel idea that will earned support of every good citizen.
The TIME IS NOW for Plateau people to unite against insecurity, support leaders at all levels and pray for the incoming administration that is determined to impact Plateau positively on all fronts, in the collective interest of the people. Arise now and join hands in the rebuilding of Plateau of our dream, THE TIME IS NOW.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has taken first aid lectures to Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), with personnel drawn from Sectors and Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) of OPSH as participants.
Declaring the 3-day training session open at Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN in Jos on 3 May 2023, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, tasked the participants to make good use of the opportunity provided by the lecture series to know basic first aid applications in emergency situations.
Represented by the Chief of Staff OPSH, Brigadier General Amos Egbejule, the Commander lauded the ICRC for its contribution in the training of personnel towards building an effective civil/military relationship across board. He further stated that both OPSH and ICRC are partners in conflict resolution, and the partnership must be strengthened to achieve greater goals.
Earlier In his remarks, the Head Sub-delegation ICRC Jos, Mr Jean Paul, underscored the importance of the international body in providing succor to victims of armed conflicts and natural disaster. He stated that ICRC will remain available to provide humanitarian support when needed.
Mr Paul maintained that ICRC will sustain its dialogue with security agencies, in order to achieve a chaos-free society. He revealed that ICRC does not discriminate between individuals irrespective of their religion or ethnic background.
The ICRC boss advised participants to share knowledge gained from the lecture series with personnel who are not available for the training. He further promised that ICRC will continue to uphold its core value, which is to safe lives.
At the end of the 3-day training, participants are expected to know how to manage unresponsive casualty, ways at which first aid application could be applied in Abdominal, chest and amputation wounds among others.
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