The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has said the Nigerian Army (NA) considers constant training of personnel as key to counter any threat to security of the nation. He started this while declaring open the one week Nigerian Army Inter Formation Combat Cross Country Competition 2023, at Headquarters 3 Division Small Arms Range, Miango, Jos.
While charging the participants to take advantage of the competition to build their endurance for effective fighting efficiency during military operations, the COAS noted that training in rough and rugged terrains requires endurance and team work. Represented by the Commandant Nigerian Army Amour School, Major General Adewale Adekeye, the COAS reiterated that the NA will continue to place high premium on qualitative training of its personnel across board. He explained that the competition would enhance combat proficiency of troops towards discharging their roles as professional soldier.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division NA and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim noted that the competition is aimed at promoting team spirit and healthy competition among NA formations while building their endurance. Represented by the Chief Of Staff Headquarters 3 Division, Brigadier General David Kurmi, the GOC/Commander OPSH thanked the COAS for approving 3 Division to host the event. He noted that physical training and exercise is key to physical and mental well-being of an individual. He urged the participants to take advantage of the competition to build their stamina.
The participants for the competition drawn from all the formations of the NA will be computing for 5 Kilometers combat race through difficult terrain, beam heaving, Sit Up, Push Up, Vertical Rope, Climbing and Step Bench Test. They will also be subjected to 15 kilometers combat cross country race.
As the people of Nigeria look forward to the swearing-in of the incoming administrations across most states in the federation on 29th May, 2023, a group under the aegis of “Plateau Interest 2023”, led by one Amos Zumtu as Chairman, has called on the incoming administration in Plateau State, which would be led by Governor-elect, Caleb Mutfwang and Members-elect of the State House of Assembly to lower their search lights on the House of Assembly in to get explanations for the people of the state, concerning alleged rots that have been under cover within the past 7 years.
The group, who spoke with journalists in a Press Statement, also demanded that, the incoming administration should as a matter of responsibility know how much the House has received in the past 7 years from the State Account and make it public.
As part of the content of their Press Statement, the group has submitted that, the Committee/Panel to be setup should look into the Financial Dealings of the House and should unveil why the books of the House was closed in a hurry immediately the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Nuhu Ayuba Abok was reinstated by the Plateau State High Court.
According to their submission also, the group stated that, the contract to renovate the House of Assembly Complex is allegedly aimed at enriching the pockets of the Leadership of the House and that this is perfectly in the know of the Clerk of the House, but most members have ignorant to it.
They further stated that, their investigation revealed that, the contract was agreed for the sum of N370 Million, the contractor (Name withheld) was given an initial payment of N250 Million, leaving a balance of N120 Million to be paid after completion.
“However, things went wrong, when Rt. Hon. Abok was reinstated by the Court and he boldly resumed office. His boldness caused a huge revelation of the deal and he headed to the Court to close the account from being accessed.
“Facts from our investigation revealed also that, the actual plan was to only pay the sum of N50 Million to the contractor after the job’s completion and refund N70, Million to the House. This from our findings is not known to most of the 9th Assembly members”.
MORE TO COME…ON ALLEGED APPOINTMENT OF TWO SECRETARIES FOR THE HOUSE COMMISSION AND THE ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT OF, OVER 340 STAFF AND THEIR SHOCKING SALARIES
No fewer than 25 names have been tipped to be in the cabinet of Nigeria’s President -elect , Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,after he alluded that competence rather than politics will weigh heavily on his choice of ministers.
The job of Nigeria’s president easily passes as one of the toughest in the entire globe and Asiwaju has declared that he is not unmindful of the challenges he and his team face.
Thus, to effectively discharge his duties as provided by the constitution, he said he would hit the ground running by constituting a cabinet that will help him to run the machinery of the Nigerian state effectively.
The names that are being insinuated to make the renewed hope vision tenable are:
Babatunde Fashola
Among the names frequently mentioned to format part of Tinubu’s government is Fashola. He’s tipped as a favorite for the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, based on his vast experience, loyalty,age and strength of character.
The legal luminary served under the President -elect as commissioner and chief of staff respectively during his time as governor,Lagos state. Under Buhari’s regime, Fashola was first appointed as Minister of power,works and Housing and now as Minister of works and Housing having carved out Power.
Fashola served as the director, election,planning and monitoring of the Presidential campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai
El-Rufai a former Director General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises and Minister of the Federal Territory,Abuja (FCT) who is serving out his second and final term as Kaduna state governor ,El-Rufai is primed for appointment into the Tinubu’s cabinet as the President-elect himself told the Kaduna governor last year that he should jettison the idea of leaving the country after seeing out his tenure but stay to serve the country.
WALE EDUN
The former Lagos state commissioner for finance was nominated by Tinubu for ministerial appointment during President Buhari but was scuttled by certain power play intrigues. Now that his master will be at helm of affairs, Edun is in a vantage position to be part of the cabinet.
DELE ALAKE
Alake was commissioner for information and strategy to the then governor of Lagos, Asiwaju, between 1999-2007,and has remained with him as media aide. He is currently the director of media and communication of the APC Presidential campaign council .Having remained and worked with Tinubu despite leaving office for more than 15 years,the ace media practitioner and public affairs analyst is likely to format Tinubu’s cabinet.
FESTUS KEYAMO
Keyamo is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and present Minister
Of state for Labour and Productivity, the Delta born constitutional Lawyer had served as the spokesman for President Buhari’s reelection in 2019,a role he replicated in 2023.
There are clear signs that Keyamo will be part of the next cabinet. He’s expected to bring his wealth of experience to bare in governance.
HANATU MUSA:
Hanatu a lawyer and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria is the deputy spokesperson of the APC Presidential campaign council, working hand in hand Keyamo and others on the media team to portray the Jagaban’s candidacy in good light.
CHIEF DR. AMOS GIZO
A trained teacher and a distinguished journalist whose brand of journalism respects diversity, protects national interest and upholds integrity ,equity and justice. As an astute politician,Gizo was a member of the Constituent Assembly . He was the pioneer National Youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party ,(PDP) Chief Gizo contested the gubernatorial seat in plateau under the NDP.
He was Plateau state chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) .Due to his close fraternity with Jagaban, he was made the national chairman of the 36 states plus the federal capital territory, Abuja chairmen and was a key player in the merger that birthed the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Due to Chief Gizo’s intuitive political calculations, he spearheaded the victory of Asiwaju by delivering plateau delegates to his principal during the presidential primaries ,this was done against the wishes of the state governor, Whose allegiance and support was for Rotimi Amaechi. Gizo was secretly saddled with the responsibility of marketing Tinubu and creating awareness within the 19 Northern states on the take- aways of the Tinubu Presidency. This moves succeeded in defusing the tension the choice of Senator Kashim Shettimma created. Gizo ensured Jagaban won in his 99.9% Christian dominated polling unit and ward, a feat he maintained up to the local government level.
Gizo’s loyalty for over two decades couple with his political sagacity and capacity to deliver is tipped by many to make the list.
MALLAM NUHU RIBADU
Ribadu is a former Nigerian well decorated super cop .He was the Chairman of the Petroleum Revenue Task Force..He was the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was the Presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), in 2011. His aspiration was believed to had been fully funded by the President-elect. Ribadu is one person who has the ears of Asiwaju and is expected to be part of his cabinet.
AIR MARSHALL SADIQUE ABUBAKAR (Rtd)
Sadique Baba Abubakar is a retired Air Marshall in the Nigerian Airforce. He served as chief of Air staff 2015-2021. Following his meritorious service and outstanding performance, he was rewarded with an ambassadorial appointment. He contested and won the APC primaries in Bauchi but lost at the general elections. Due to Sadique superfluous qualities ,he’s likely to be rewarded with a ministerial position.
HADIZA BALA USMAN
Hadiza is a daughter of a renowned historian, she was a former chief of staff to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,she also served as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA. She is currently the Deputy Director General in charge of Administration of the APC Presidential campaign council. Hadiza is expected to be part of Tinubu’s cabinet.
IBIKUNLE AMOSUN
A former governor of Ogun state and serving senator representing Ogun central senatorial district. Amosun stepped down for Tinubu at the presidential primary election of the APC. He went ahead and supported Tinubu to Achieve his long term ambition. He is set to be part of Asiwaju’s cabinet
GBOYEGA OYETOLA
Oyetola is the immediate past governor of Osun state and close ally of Tinubu who is believed to have family ties with the President -elect.Oyetola who was chief of staff to the current minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola, is expected is expected to be in Tinubu’s cabinet depending on the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement.
NYESOM WIKE
The outgoing governor of Rivers state, though not a member of the APC,he is primed to be a member of the next APC government’s cabinet. This is as a result of the role he played in ensuring the crisis in PDP festered while on the other had helped Tinubu by winning Rivers state against all odds.
BEN AYADE
The outgoing governor of Cross River and former Senator is the leader of the APC in the South South state.,Ayade,who lost in a senatorial contest of February 25th 2023,is poised to be compensated with a cabinet office.
TANKO AL-MAKURA
Al-Makura is a former governor of Nassarawa and a serving senator representing the southern district of Nassarawa state in red chamber, is a political ally of the president- elect. Having lost in his bid to retain the senatorial Sealand with his man as the president elect, there are strong indications that he would be engaged in the next cabinet
ATIKU BAGUDU
The outgoing governor of Kebbi state and chairman of the Progressives governors Forum played a critical role in the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu both as APC presidentia candidate and now incoming President. He’s undoubtedly the leader of the party in Kebbiand may be in the cabinet of Tinubu.
GEORGE AKUME
Akume is a former governor of Benue state who served when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was the helmsman in Lagos between 1999-2007;he is the current minister of special duties and intergovernmental affairs. He was elected into the Senate for 3 terms in one of which he was a minority leader. Akume has been an ally of Jagaban since 2011when he joined the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.
He enjoys the advantage of having delivered for Jagaban in Benue,as such, he is expected to be rewarded.
IBRAHIM MASARI
Masari, a former national welfare secretary of the APC ,stood as a placeholder before the nomination of Sen.Kashim Shettimma as a substantive Vice Presidential candidate of the party. The confidence reposed
In him by Asiwaju and his willingness to play a placeholder role place him for consideration into the next cabinet.
Chief Amos Gizo From Plateau State are among those listed for ministerial appointment of the
President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
the president-elect must filter all that he gets as lists of nominees for appointment on a screen of truth and take only credible people that Nigerians would readily identify with. He must avoid a number of people considered as party faithful who will be presented to him for appointment as either ministers or heads of government agencies because they have been compromised.
In the month of March, which wrapped up the 2023 general elections with the governorship and state assembly polls, the country has been drenched in a national debate over who should make the list of the yet-to-be-constituted cabinet of president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is gradually culminating in an intrepid confrontation among stakeholders of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and some analysts who, as usual, have started setting agenda for the incoming government.
It is the month of March, which literally made it instructive for the incoming Tinubu presidency, as party stakeholders are already engaged in intense lobbying for key positions in government, including ministerial and other juicy appointments. This, no doubt, is healthy for any democracy.
However ,chief (Dr) Amos Gizo from plateau state , sen. Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa state,Air marshall Sadique Abubakar of Bauchi state and Sen.George Akuma of Benue state are major contenders for the position of ministers of the Federal republic of Nigeria just as the names of other close and trusted political allys are being speculated from across the nation.
But the lingering impression of a presidency will be largely determined by the selection of cabinet members. Most of the men and women often chosen as cabinet members are personally known to the president. Some are among his closest friends, while others have just finished running his campaign. All have reputations that are easy to check out. Besides, the historical record shows that the president is given considerable latitude by the public, the press, and even the legislature.
Ironically, while these high-profile appointments are the easiest every new president would ever make, personnel mistakes, sometimes serious errors, have plagued them even before they actually take office. These lessons should be heeded early in the transition process if the president-elect must avoid the accusation of drifting from his own campaign promises.
No doubt, Tinubu’s table may have been already jam-packed with memos and lists of names of persons considered as qualified for appointments from states, zones, regions and even individual party bigwigs.
These are selfless and charismatic personalities,who since there political surgeon have constantly identified with the president elect,from AD,ACD to, ACN and to APC.They have served the party in various capacities.
The composition of his cabinet should be all-inclusive and fairly distributed across the Geopolitical Zones, with high sensitivity on religious consideration(s). It is not a hidden fact that, the President-elect, His Excellency, Sen. Bola Tinubu, and his Vice, Dr. Kashim Shettima, are both of the same faith.
This combination has attracted so much comments and criticism within the political space and in reference to this, the president -elect is advised to follow sue with president Obasanjo in appointing his cabinet, being from the South West and his Vice president from North East, the SGF was from South south, Senate president from South East, Speaker from North West and the chairman from North Central.
If this is followed and not minding selfish players , this will bring an immediate reconciliation and the perceive mistrust will definitely disappear.
The following make the long expected ministerial list ;
The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service(PSIRS) ,the agency saddled with responsibility of collection of revenue in the state Internal Revenue Service, is set to introduce the use of modern technology in the collection of taxes in the state to enhanced internal generated revenues on the plateau.
This will help to create credibility, transparency and enhanced revenue collection by the agency hitherto bedeviled by the dubious character of some people trying to thwart the positive efforts of the agency,and some tax payers invading tax payment or rather trying to manipulate the system for their self interest.
The Chairman of Plateau State lnternal Revenue Service Mr Dashe Arlat Stated this during press briefing 2nd May 2023 held at the agency Headquarter along Beach Road in Jos, plateau state capital to enlightened,and update the public on the need for them to always pay their taxes as at when due.
The Chairman Dashe said the era where things are done in a crude manner including the collection of revenue is gone as things are now technologically driving ,hence the need for the agency to move with the trend to add credibility and transparency to the system.
The Chairman further stressed that Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), is targeting a total of N26 billion as its Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) for the 2023 fiscal year.
He said they have adopted strategies as well as motivated the staff work to ensure they achieved their target result.
According to him, already from January to March, 2023 the Agency has generated Seven billion as Revenue and the agency has a target to generate 26 billion Revenue at the end of December, 2023.
Arlat added that new strategy will involve redefining some business activities which will enhance revenue generation, saying there is alot of technology involving to ease the collection of data for assessment.
“And With 7 billion generated from January to March, 2023, we are hopeful that we will meet the IGR target of N 26bn for the year 2023”
“Since the inception of this present administration in 2015, from 2015 to 2021 PSIRS generated 20billion yearly as Revenue while 2022 fiscal year was 16billion due to some challenges of Revenue collection, but this year 2023 within three months we have generated 7billion and by the Grace of God we have a target of 26bilion to achieve for the 2023 fiscal year”.
He urged the people to cooperate with the agency to enable it meet its obligations while assuring that a post election strategy will be developed to ensure effective revenue collection, saying Plateau State is not doing bad in terms of Revenue performance in the State.
He also assured that the Agency will put mechanism in place to ensure there is an enforcement that will encourage Tax Payers to pay, adding that “the PSIRS is working hard to achieve the best result for the state”.
He decried some of the areas yet to be exployed by the agency which the chairman referred to as tourist tax which those who come in the state and us the hotels in the state without paying taxes.
Add that the agency is trying, but not there yet, thank their media for being there with the agency both thick and thin , however employed them to do more in sensitising the general public of the state on the intending new innovation of Psirs. He maintained
As Workers in Nigeria Celebrate 1st May 2023 to mark workers day in the country, the Chairman Civil Service Union, plateau State Chapter Timothy Gopep has reeled our his achievements since he become the leader of the Union.
Comrade Timothy Satu Gopep who doubled as the Plateau State Secretary Joint Service negotiating Council of the Union in the state , speak with journalists in an interview held at the Union Secretariat in Jos, plateau state 2023 to mark the day.
He said the union under his watch during the period under review, has achievements tremendous success among which is secured of C of O for the state Secretariat which was hitertherto not available and very risky for the union. He further said right now the C of O of the land where the union’s Secretariat is build is now secured with the acquisition of the documents .
And stressed that under his leadership, they negotiated on behalf of the Union members the purchase of parcels of land which every members is to pay instrumentally and spread within the duration of 3 years which will be deducted from the source, after which the land belong to such member.
Timothy said the move of the Union is imperative because as chairman of the Union,he personally hate seeing civil servant leaving in rented apartment because of Inability to own one , the action the chairman described as unacceptable, Condemnable above all terrible.
He said to ensure conducive working environment for the state Chapter of the Union, Comrade Timothy said a committee has been set up to look at the possibility for the building ofaly Ultra- Modern Secretariat with state of arts equipment where members of the union can comfortably relax during any occasion like May day celebration.
He further add that under his regime as chairman of Civil Service Union in the state ,and Secretary Joint Service Negotiating Council , committee to look at the possibility of the Union to set up market , which means is going the scale up crops production of all members who take the concept seriously.
The Comrade Timothy who is currently in his 2nd term in Office as chairman, however use the opportunity to congratulate the plateau state Governor Elect barrister Caleb Mutfwang ,urged him to prioritize the issue of the welfare of the workers because they are the engine room of every state.
The Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria, HuCaPAN, has celebrated Nigerian workers and their counterparts across the globe for their resilience in the face of the challenging economy and changing world of work.
In the May Day press release signed by the President of the Association, Dr. Femi Ogunlowo, noted that workers’ contribution to the economy and national development is unquantifiable.
Ogunlowo stressed that Nigerian workers’ patriotism and dedication to the growth of the nation despite the numerous challenges is commendable.
He said, “Today, we celebrate our workers for their contribution to national growth and development. They are the creators of the wealth of our nation and deserve to be celebrated on this special occasion of International Worker’s Day.
“Despite the challenges, the unwavering commitment of our workers to a productive nation despite the numerous challenges is commendable.
Ogunlowo noted that HuCaPAN is not unaware of some of these challenges and as a responsible association, HuCaPAN will continue to be committed to the decent work agenda of the International Labour Organisation.
“We are aware of some of these challenges which include decent wage, occupational safety and health (OSH), different forms of discrimination at work, and social protection among others. Our association is working tirelessly to ensure that these challenges are surmounted.
“As a result, we are developing short, medium, and long-term strategies to combat these challenges. However, workers should be committed to social dialogue in resolving industrial issues.
“Both workers and employers must work together to achieve industrial harmony. In achieving this, the commitment to social dialogue can not be over-emphasized.
“As an association, we will continue to urge our members for improved workers’ welfare and a conducive working environment for optimum performance”, he added.
The Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria is the umbrella organization for private employment agencies in Nigeria.
The organization provides a platform for Private Employment Agencies to interact with the regulatory body (government), labour, communities, and other relevant institutions within and outside Nigeria for the purpose of developing and promoting International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards and ethical practices in recruitment, deployment, and management of manpower in Nigeria.
Ahead of May 29 swearing of the New Governor Elect barrister Caleb Mutfwang, the citizens of the state has been adviced to be wary of some desperate people who may want to cash on the opportunity to defraud the citizens of the state under the guise of uniform/Asoebi.
As he said Green Cap/Green headgear Over white dress remained an approved regalia for the Inauguration .
This is contained in a press statement dated 30th April 2023 signed by the Special Assistant on Media to Plateau State Governor Elect Gyang Bere and made available to journalists in Jos, plateau state.
The Governor Elect barrister Caleb Mutfwang use the press Statement to appealed to citizens of the state to be wary of some individuals who are bent on using the transition period to defraud members of the public of their hard earned resources in the name of supplying uniform/Asoebi for the May 29, 2023 handing over ceremony.
He urged members of the public to be aware that no individual has been officially designated to supply wrappers or any materials for the inauguration as is being speculated on Facebook and other social media platforms by some scammers.
Bere explained that the approved regalia colours for the inauguration ceremony is Green Cap/Green Headgear over white dress as announced during the inauguration of the transition committee at Elliel Event Centre, Jos.
He encouraged members of the public to make adequate enquiry or contact Secretary of the transition committee, Mr. Moses Nwan, mni for clarification, and described certain individuals who are asking members of the public to make contributions for wrappers and other regalia for the transition as deceptive.
As a reporter, there comes a time that writing on a topic becomes monotonous, however, I am aware that the concept of feeding frenzy in journalism is not lost in the case under consideration. Until the attacks on Plateau communities come to an end, only then would I cease to make a case for the concerns of the people.
When it comes to reporting crisis on the Plateau, I can beat my chest to have reported a number of them, though they are sadly remembered.
But let it be noted; one is not being boastful, as if it is a record; for whom amongst us would feel happy to have your readers fed with details of the massacre of people, and even more continuously?
The attacks on communities of Mangu local government area as first reported can never be cheering to those who value human life; neither can any nation be any happier with the litany of harvests of deaths in the land for over two decades continuously.
When the Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Mr. Joseph Lengman issued a terse statement on April 17, 2023 of disturbing ‘ugly turn of events in Mangu local government area of Plateau State’, it was apparent that we have sadly returned to the dark days again.
The ‘disturbing reports indicate a deteriorating security situation in some parts of the locality that has led to the death of scores of precious human lives and property destroyed.’
That was not all as the ‘attack is coming on the heels of pockets of attacks recorded in some parts of Barkin Ladi in the last few days’. As usual, it is condemned ‘in totality’ as ‘this resurgence of violence’ has the ‘potential to throw the state back into those dark days where human lives and property are destroyed at the slightest provocation’.
The sad aspect of the attacks is that they came ‘at a time that the Christendom has just celebrated the holy season of Easter and the Muslim faithful are still observing the holy month of Ramadan speak volumes of the character and disposition of these unscrupulous elements who do not mean well for the state and its citizens’.
The attacks this time, took place in the sleepy villages of Murish in Bokkos and Jwak Mai Tumbi in Mangu local government areas. They are in many respects ‘orchestrated’ attempts ‘to instill fear in the minds of the people, even as the wet season sets in’; thereby sending them away from their ancestral homelands, and by extension making most who are farmers to desert their farmlands. This is a sure way to create hunger and make them susceptible to begging for survival.
But the fact that the state was almost on its path of recovery for the old good days is enough to be worried. It is on this note that every sane man or woman desirous of living peacefully should be concerned. It is for the sake of what the state wants that more are on their knees to ward off the present danger and affliction.
In this regard, everyone has a responsibility to each other, particularly traditional institutions, community leaders, elders, youth and women to be vigilant, but more importantly ‘by prevailing on their subjects to tow the path of peace in resolving all issues of conflict through dialogue and other Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism rather than taking up arms that would only lead to a vicious circle of internecine violence’.
How better put, however, some of the times it is difficult to swallow the pains of loss and sit with the ‘enemy’ to discuss how to resolve the issues; particularly when the victims often are not the aggressors. Difficult as it comes, the sacrifices Plateau communities have undertaken to put behind them the pains of the death of family members and relations and of the destruction of property have been enormous and worthy of recommendation.
The state government agreed with the position of the Plateau Peace Building Agency that ‘the attacks are another attempt to reintroduce the era of violence and crises which have been largely contained due to government’s huge investment in security, peace building and reconciliation’.
As stated by the government: The governor as always ‘has ordered security forces to go after those perpetrating violence around villages in Mangu and Bokkos local government areas which has resulted in destruction of properties and loss of lives’; most of the time the perpetrators disappear into thin air; and the victims are left to rue their fates with condemnatory statements from all.
Is that not reason that they are commonly referred to as ‘unknown gunmen’? It is not how many times that they are reported to have been arrested, but, of the few that may have entered the hands of security agencies, how many of them have been brought to justice?
This question has been asked repeatedly without any tangible answer from those that matter. But the ‘unknown gunmen’ are not spirits; it is this development that saddens the natives wondering if their security means anything to government.
Those who know recall what the state has gone through from the numerous attacks; where precious lives of children, women and men were cut short; not to talk of property destroyed and lands grabbed from ancestral owners. Like Nigerians would say, ‘this life no balance at all’, meaning life does not favour all equally. But the essence of the cry is to demand for what is lacking in the land; justice being the meat of the oppressed.
Today, those whose lands were taken over cannot access their ancestral homes, as they are scattered in various homes and public institutions away from what they used to call home. We are yet to be told what should be done by government and other agencies to resettle them. But whatever is worth doing, justice is what is demanded in the land, which everyone should access.
No doubt, efforts have been made in various ways to remedy the situation; however, tried as the government has done over the years, the attacks have remained unabated with dire consequences in their trail. You and I are aware of the roles of the Plateau Peace Building Agency and of the government in dialogue sessions between Fulani and communities in Bokkos, Riyom, Bassa, Barkin Ladi,Mangu, Jos East, North and South.
There were other inter-governmental interventions; and if they did not result into concrete realization of the thoughts of government and of the people, it is not because there was no push; rather, the Nigerian state may not have been disposed to the needs of the people of the communities. If not, pray, say what could be wrong to have reclaimed same, persecute those who have occupied those lands and create an environment that could be conducive to all.
Recall that sometime in May 2020, the sleepy village of Kulben in Kombun of Mangu local government area was attacked and a number of people were killed. A few days after that attack, it was the turn of Kwatas in Bokkos with several other villages leading to Murish and Marish, Kantoma and Maikatako of both Mangu and Bokkos LGAs.
Other areas which have tasted the venom of the attacks include Kulyas and Folo in Bokkos. But the midnight attacks at Wereng, Bachi, Tapo village of Heipang district in Riyom and Barkin Ladi on April 23, 2023 were also reprehensible as was that of Farin Lamba, Turu mining site in Jos South on April 25, 2023.
This incident led youth, women and children to have vented their frustration on road users travelling to different parts of the country the following day (and that we have also condemned), a situation the state is frequently but wrongly accused of rejecting visitors. Those whose lives were snuffed out include, Ishaye Tana, Paul Adamu, Bitrus Mancha, Davou Boyi, Joseph John and Timothy Peter.
The harvests of deaths in the five local government areas in the past have been disturbing, as it took place a couple of days ago in the same local governments mentioned above. Has anyone observed to ask, why is it that each time it takes place, the attackers target the natives during rainy season? Could it be deliberate or that it is mere happenstance, so as to stop them from producing food?
Could there be something the attackers know that we are not aware about the numerous communities which have come under attack? Are the attackers living in the communities or have they been hired to destabilize the state? We need to know if the attacks have taken place to settle certain scores or that they are out on a mission to make life difficult for the people of the communities?
There are many questions that must be asked. They may have been some of the questions the Plateau Peace Building Agency, which has done a lot of advocacy work in all communities that have been attacked and even much more to ensure that peace returns to the state have also asked.
A lot of other people have asked: Have the security agencies failed to contain the upsurge? Have the communities just sat back and done nothing to encourage the violence to become a recurring decimal in the state? What has the state not done right to put an end to this systematic annihilation of Plateau people over the years?
There are still concerns that the nationalities in the state are not united in dealing with the crises. Sadly, many are of the view that the people of the state ‘abandon’ attacked communities any time it takes place in the state. They think it is the business of those communities where the attacks take place to ‘deal with their problems alone’.
The time has come, and it must be emphasized that the state has long lost the Plateau spirit of togetherness. Every nationality appears to be on its own concerning several things that ordinarily should have brought them together for peace and development.
Nations don’t develop in the manner Plateau people are going about it. At the way and point the state is divided as Nigeria, it is high time we got leaders that can draw everyone together for its good.
The state is ‘blessed’ with abundant sectional but tribal leaders willing to be connected only to where they belong. Only their people matter to them, as such, there is no voice that the state can rally round to speak and direct the people. If it has such, they will always be at the forefront insisting the best be given to all communities of the state.
What took place between 2019 and 2022 in Kanam, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, Jos North, Jos South and Jos East can only be imagined. If attacks take place in any community in these local government areas, many turn blind eyes to it, and expect only the communities to worry about ‘their problem’. The resurgence should teach the state to create a rallying point, where all concerns can be channeled to for solutions.
In the estimation of the outside world, Plateau people are a difficult set. Those who have gone through same nature of unprovoked attacks know how it feels. But as we continue to peruse through condemnatory releases, government has a huge responsibility to the people. This may not be lost; which is why the land needs total cleansing.
It is the hope of the people that in the incoming dispensation, God willing, Plateau State should have a point for which its citizens can be brought together to realize its strength; which, for long has been exploited. Nothing can be better for the state than to stay and fight together for the cause of justice for its people.
Public Analyst And Human Right Lawyer Ado Ali Katyen said Governor Bako Lalong led APC Government abysmal failure can largely be attributed to the sentimental appointments of his Chief of Staff who were saddled with the responsibilities to advice him on policies directions without recourse to competence and sentiments .
Berated the Independent National Electoral Commission (lNEC), Chairman Mahmoud Yakubu for hasting in declaring the candidate of the running All Progressive Congress (APC), Ahmed Tinubu winner of the 2023 Presidential election when his votes fall short of the Constitutional requirements of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the electioral law.
The vocal Public analyst barrister who doubled as Human Right Lawyer barrister Katyen was speaking in an interview with journalists in Jos, plateau state in retrospect to the 2023 Nigeria general election that has fall below Nigerians expectations.
He reflected when governor Bako Lalong came to power in 2015,he was one of the few persons that granted interview to the Dailytrust Newspaper Correspondent in the state where he said Governor Lalong represented a New Dawn in the state , with a lot of hope , fanfare ,and celebrations that at last the citizens of plateau state will have breathe fresh air Into polity.
Katyen further add that somewhere along the line, Lalong started on the good footing and enthusiastic to impress his people and one of his greatest mistakes that fracture the leg of his government, is his appointment of Noel Donjur as his Chief of Staff, after John Dafang who was doing excellently well in that capacity until Donjur came on board.
Katyen said Noel Donjur shielded the governor from people from accessing him as their governor , practically hijacked the governor and government functions and make all the appointment to his cronies and when he did not like your face , sorry for you.in fact he introduced vandetta in the Lalong led government.
He praised the personalities qualities of the governor ,whom he described as extreme gentleman per excellent and easy going.
On the current dust raging over the Conduct of the general election , specifically the presidential election that the APC Candidate Ahmed Bola Tinubu declared winner,he said demographically if you look at the previous elections , there is votes suppression,how can you win with just 8 million votes out of a country of over 200 million people?
Stressed that there was a report of vote suppression, boycott of Bivas . INEC assured Nigerians that the election is going to be free,fair , credible and above all transparent in anas of election Conduct in the history of Nigeria, sadly what do see ? He maintained.
Before the election,the electioral umpire INEC had held series of meetings with different spectrum of the country with the promise separately that the election is going to be fair and credible .Can will actually say with sincerity that the election was free and fair? He said the election fall below expectations if the truth is to be told.
The human rights lawyer further continue that when you look at the presidential election for instance, the election run side by side with House of Representatives and the Senate , regrettably, they where able to upload the Votes of that of Federal House of Representatives and Senate but unable to do that of presidential election which is laughable development.
Quoting copiously from the electoral Act,he said the Act Says failure by INEC to upload the result for what ever reasons ,it is criminal act with fine of #500,000 or option of 6 months imprisonment .
” You keep assuring people of Nigerians and even demonstrated that the election is going to be free fair and transparent “.
Although there are divergent views among the looser and the winner, while the winner said the election is free and fair, the loser are crying foul of the massive rigging that greets the conduct of the election.
He said the claim and counter Claim by the loser and the winner behoved on the court to determine since the matter is being challenge at the election tribunal.
He throw light on the 29th May handling over to the New President elect, BolaTinubu , it doesn’t matter what I think , is what the actors in the election, the other political parties think of the proposed swearing in of the president elect .
” I have not seen the evidence of the election irregularities , anywhere , although there was Public out cry over the Conducts of the election by the oppositions Parties even before the election. The INEC said they were going to effect the corrections as the new electioral Act expressly give INEC 7 days window to address any anomalies arising from the election Conducts”.
He berated the election umpire for so much in hurry to have announced the presidential resuit and declared the APC Candidate as winner which make Nigeria to watch the whole actions with disdain and skepticism after all ,the law empower him to address issues of irregularities in the election.
On the issue of 25 percent in Abuja,the Public Analyst Ado Katyen said is a very thorny issue depending on where you stand.
He further add that there is what you call Community reading of constitution and spirit and letter of the Constitution .
You also have literal meaning which is in black and white ,or golden rule of interpretation where the status did not provide.
And however summit that it depends on your interest and what side of the divide you belong.
The criteria to declare Candidate winner for president ,he said Section 2 Sub Section 2 of the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria states that Nigeria should be a federation consisting of 36 state including federal capital territory Abuja , Section 134 Sub Section 2 stated that before a person is duely elected as president of Nigeria,there most be more than 2 Candidates ,he most have scored the highest lawful votes ,and most have 2/3 25 percent and the federal capital territory Abuja.
However decried the turn of events where in the first time in Nigeria history , president who is not having the required percentage at the federal capital territory will be sworn in as president which is going to be a test on the nation jurisprudence.
“I remember in 2005 Supreme court ruling on President Buhari Vs Olusegun Obasanjo where the court ruled that you most score 25 percent vote on total vote cast at the federal capital territory to qualify you to become the president of Nigeria.”
Nde Dan-Philip Hirkop, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Plateau State, while addressing the participants for the Northern Zone held at Joshua Dariye’s Hall, Plateau State Polytechnic, Jos Campus on April 20, 2023, highlighted that this occasion is an interactive session between the government and its citizens in the budget preparation process.
Nde Hirkop maintained that it’s the desire of the ministry and that of the government to make a positive impact on the lives of the citizens after the successful completion of the process in question.
The rationale behind the meeting is to strengthen transparency, accountability, and sustainability of government programs as well as gain government confidence in their implementation, the commissioner stressed.
Hon. Hirkop equally stated that the citizens are the focal point of government budgetary policy and programs, and their engagement at the preparatory stage cannot be overemphasized. They are to own the budget as they are part and parcel of the budgeting process through their valuable input, which is key.
“My dear participants, it is important for me to inform all citizens that the 2024 budgeting process will soon commence with the preparation of a Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which will serve as a guide for projections prior to the collection of proposals from citizens of the state, all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) for bilateral discussion. Therefore, in order for the draft budget document to transit to the legislature in good time, the process has to be “snappy.” Hon. Hirkop said.
The Commissioner further asserted that “the 2024 budget has to comply with the recent guidelines that put emphasis on what is known as local governance.” Thus, communities are to ensure that more people from the grassroots are involved in the process.
Nde Dan-Philip Hirkop stated that, “in spite of the limited resources, the government is still responsive to its statutory responsibility to the citizens of the state.” To prove this beyond reasonable doubts, the government demonstrated this by the prompt payment of worker’s salaries and pensions, the settlement of debts, and the continued work on all the projects inherited from the previous administration since inception, with some completed to be commissioned before transition and some on-going, noting that the Rescue Administration has also initiated projects that are very critical to the lives of the citizens, cutting across the 17 local government areas of the state.
He further charged all citizens to sustain the relative peace being enjoyed and to live in harmony with one another irrespective of tribal, political, or religious affiliation in order to build a better Plateau State.
In his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Peter Lamba Bot, during a media chat, insisted that the benefits of the citizens’ participation in the budgeting process are a bottom-up approach in which the citizens on whom the budget is expected to have a direct impact would contribute by highlighting the projects they need on the scale of preference, enlightening them on the successes achieved so far, and equally encouraging them to regularly pay their revenues, dues, and taxes.
The Director of Budget in the Ministry, Mr. Abraham Mandam, gave the highlights of the approved 2023 budget and equally pinpointed the need for the participants to aggregate their input as that would be the basis for the 2024 budget.
The event had in attendance paramount rulers from the Senatorial District, stakeholders in both the state and in the budget process, civil society organizations, trade unions, religious leaders, women, and youths from the six local government councils that make up the zone.
As killing by suspected Fulani heardsmen in plateau state continued unabated with the security agents in the state code name Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) alleged to have compromise, the youths under the auspacies of Coalition Of Plateau State Indigenous Youths and YOWICAN has said they will no longer watch why their family and love ones being slaughter in cold blood .
This they said they will resort to self help if the security agents OPSH saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and properties on the affected areas did not wake up to it responsibility.
The Youths issued the threat in a press conference held at the Plateau State Chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (Nuj), Secretariat in Jos , plateau state capital on Saturday 29th April 2023.
The Coalition said the operative of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) should desist from ironical and wrongful arrest of victims rather than the offenders as in the case of some villages in Riyom LG, Kuru Station of Wereng where two people were wrongfully arrested having themselves suffered crops destruction by the Fulani Hearders.
That one Mr Jatu Yakubu Kachai of Kuru Station in Riyom wrongfully arrested detained by OPSH should be release immediately unconditionally,the OPSH that has been complaisant and compromised on several occasions, should be replaced with the Mobile Police Squadron in all the affected areas.
The Coalition advocate for the state government reactivation of the state own security outfit Operation Rainbow and deployed accordingly.
They called the state government to as a matter of urgency inaugurate taskforce on anti-land grabbing law in the state to enforce compliance. And further charged the state Assembly to expedite legislative action to pass the Anti- Open Grazing Law of Plateau State which shall restrict cattle from roaming around and check the influx of Fulanis Hearders in the community.
As they used the briefing to call on the police Commissioner of the state to as a matter of urgency open the state house of Assembly hitherto closed down following the court judgement that reinstated Hon.Abok Ayuba as the legitimate Speaker of the house of Assembly, for the members to legislate on most of these securities challenges bedeviling the state.
The Coalition use the medium to reiterated that the leadership of the coalition are non political but purely in the defense of the people of plateau ,and warned politicians on their interest to stay away and never try to cash on the situation or jeopardize this effort and process.
However warned that failure of the appropriate authorities to comply with the demands of the coalition ,Plateau Youths will be left with no option than resort to self help.
Business tycoon in Plateau state Chief Chijoke Achi has congratulated the New Plateau state Governor-Elect Caleb Mutfwang for his victory at the just concluded Governorship election at the poll.
Described barrister Mutfwang victory at the poll as unanimous decision of the people of the state that had been yearning for good governance after the All Progressive Congress (APC),8 years abysmal failure to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people of plateau state .
The business mogul who doubled as one the Chief of the Igbos in the state was speaking in an interview with journalists in his office in Jos, plateau state capital.
He said barrister Mutfwang should ensure he unite all tribes in the state irrespective of religion,tribe, ethnic groups, and political affiliations because no meaningful development can be achieved under the atmosphere of disunity .
Chief Chijoke called on the governor elect to prioritize the issue of security that is threatening the socio Economic of the state with the maximum use of the unconventional securities outfit in the state, like the Professional hunters and the state owned security outfit Operation Rainbow which is the brain child of Jonah Jang ,to work with conventional security like the Police , Civil Defence and other para- military that will help to combat insecurity in the state.
Stressed that the best of these security outfit can only been exployed if they are adequately motivated morally and financially like what happened during Jonah Jang administration in the state that informed the formation of the state own security outfit Operation Rainbow by the then state government of Jonah Jang.
Chief Chijoke prayed to God for the incoming governor , Caleb Mutfwang to perform better than even the most performed Governor of the state after Chief Solomon Lar and J.D Golwk Jonah Jang .
“As a barrister Caleb is coming on board as Chief Executive Governor of the state ,he should make sure security is amongst his top most priority .If possible put a stop to security challenges in what ever way.”
” My prayers is that the incoming Governor will do more than Jonah Jang which is my sincere prayer”.
On Labour Party Presidential Candidate Election Tribunal Peter Obi challenging the declaration of APC Candidate as the winner of 2023 presidential election he said by the grace of God he is hopeful that Obi will reclaim his mandate at the tribunal.
“By the grace of God , there is nothing God can not , when you believe is possible. I am hopeful that Obi will reclaim his mandate.”
And called on Nigerians to remain calm and leave the battle for God , surely things will come to pass.”
The High Chief Livinus Achi Ochendo has congratulated the New Governor Elect barrister Caleb Mutfwang over his victory at the just concluded Governorship election.
As Chief Livinus urged him to ensure he build on the developmental projects , security and the construction of roads in the state like the former People Democratic Party PDP government administration by Jonah Jang.
The High Chief Ochendo who is one of the leaders of the lgbo on the Plateau, give the charge in an interview with journalists in his office in Jos to congratulate the governor elect barrister Mutfwang on his victory at the poll.
The lgbo High Chief said he is not surprise over the victory of PDP governor at the poll because the state belong to people Democratic party PDP, from onset starting from the founding fathers of the party, Chief Solomon Dashep Lar ,and the party is know for it performance and developmental projects.
He further add that it’s on this premise the Igbos came out en-masse to cast their votes overwhelmingly for PDP during Governship and House of Assembly to return the state to status quo hitherto rule by APC Government.
The Chief Livinus berated the APC Government in the state under Simon Bako Lalong for his abysmal failure on developmental projects, and other spheres of governace in the state during the party 8 years in power compared to Jonah Jang of PDP administration that projects were visible everywhere in the state.
He lamented the abandoned roads in Apata Community mostly domicile by the Igbos and some non indigenes in the state practically abandoned by the APC Government under Bako Lalong which was already in advance stages of completion before the exit of PDP administration.
He how Call on the incoming government of Caleb Mutfwang to build on the legacy of the party in the state , revisit the abandoned roads projects by APC, mostly in Apata axis in Jos North local government Area for the citizens of the community to feel the sense of belonging and draw other development closer to the people of the area.
High Chief Livinus Achi use the medium to call on the Idi lgbos residing in the state to cooperate with the New Governor Elect barrister Caleb Mutfwang to make the state an envious among other states of the federation.
This he stressed can only be possible if all join hands with other tribes in the state irrespective of religion, ethnic, tribal and above all political sentiment .Call on them to always put plateau first because this is where we earn our daily bread.
On security,he adviced both the farmers and herders who are frequently on the war paths to give peace a chance , adviced farmers to always investigate any incidents of farm encroachment and charged the herders to avoid destroying the farm crops of the farmers through grazing with their cattles because that is where they earn a living.he maintained.
Plateau State Governor-elect, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has Condemned the attack on Farinlamba Community in Jos South local Government Area, which led to loss of lives by bandits on innocent citizens.
Mutfwang condemnation over the callous attack which occurred at a mining site in the community is contained in a press statement dated 26th April 2023 , signed by Special Assistant on Media to the Governor Elect Gyang Ebere and made available to this medium.
He condemned the attack in totality and appealed to security agencies to fish out the perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law.
He also appealed to security personnel “to do all within their power to halt further attacks on Plateau communities. We cannot afford to allow acts of impunity to continue against our peace-loving communities.” He maintained.
He however appealed to peace loving and patriotic citizens of Plateau and environs to be committed to peaceful co-existence and unity for their maximum protection and safety.
Barr. Mutfwang admonished Plateau citizens to be conscious of their environment and alert constituted authorities of any strange movement around them for swift action.
The Governor-elect commiserates with those who lost their lives as a result of the ugly incident and reassures Plateau citizens of his commitment to a peaceful and progressive Plateau.
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