This may not just be a good time for the Plateau state Chapter of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC),as the Treasurer of Association Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon . Eziekel Vuelgap dumped the party.
Hon Eziekel is the immediate past Chairman of Mikang local government area of Plateau state.
His letter of resignation from the party which is made available to Journalists in Jos, he stated reason for dumping the party which includes, governor Bako Lalong Over bearing leadership on the party which is currently choking majority of the party members including himself. He stressed that Lalong is ruling the affairs of the party like his father’s estate without minding the feeling of other members.
He further added that his conscience to remain in the party is no longer stable but searching for Justice.
His leaving the party is coming few days after the former Governor of Plateau State and a two-time senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, Abuja, Distinguished Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye declared his support for the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, Dr. Patrick Sunday Dakum, in the 2023 Plateau State gubernatorial race.
In a letter of resignation addressed to the Party Chairman, Federal Ward Lalin, Mikang Local Government Area, the immediate past executive chairman of Mikang local government council,resigned his membership from the rulling All Progressive Congress, citing high handedness in the party and his wanton desire for justice and equity, which are evidently lacking in the party.
Hon. Vuelgap further asserted that the APC-led administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong has caused untold hardships and leadership failure through its high-handed style of running the affairs of the party.
While calling on his numerous supporters and admirers to be calm, he maintained that his next destination will be made known to the public in due course and urged his supporters to remain calm as he will soon inform them of his next line of action.
It will be recalled that, on February 13th 2023, the Deputy Party Chairman of Shendam Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Katfun, and the Party Secretary of Shendam Local Government Area, Mr. Shalgap Yilmen of the APC, had since abandoned the party.
Sequel to the creation of Chiefdoms, Districts and upgrade of Village Area in plateau State and the presentation of Certificates to the affected Traditional Rulers by Governor Bako Lalong Rescue Administration, the Ministry For Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is set to embark on the issuance of Certificates to some Senior District Heads and other created District Heads.
This is contained in a press release dated 17th February 2023 , signed by the state
Commissioner for Ministry for local government and Chieftaincy Affairs
S. D. Tapgun and made available to this medium.
According to the release,new creations that have no seating chief should forward their methods of selection and an overseer that will act pending the selection of substantive District Head .
The statement further read that the events are scheduled on Senatorial Basis as follows;
SOUTHERN ZONE
1. Date: – Tuesday 21st February, 2023
Venue: Shendam Mini, Shendam
Time: 11 Am Prompt
2. CENTRAL ZONE
Date: – Wednesday 22nd February, 2023
Venue: Nefur Arena Pankshin
Time: 11 Am Prompt
3. NORTHERN ZONE
Date: – Tuesday 23rd February, 2023
Venue: Bukuru Mini Stadium
Time: 11 Am Prompt
As against this background,all Chairmen/Traditional rulers and people of the respective Zones are to come out emasse to support their District heads.
Ahead 2023 Senatorial General election for Jos North ,the candidate for Jos North Senatorial Constituency barrister Gyang Zi of labour party LP, has debunked the expensive rumor being peddling around by the People Democratic party PDP, that he has stepped down for the candidate of the party Simon Mwadkwon.
This is contained in a press statement dated 17th February 2023,signed by the Directorate of barrister Gyang Zi Campaign Organization and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
According to the statement, said our attention has been drawn to a falsehood being circulated by desperate People, Particularly the Senatorial Candidate of the PDP Simon Mwadkwon and his team that our Principal Barr. Gyang Zi, the Senatorial Candidate of the Labour Party has stepped down for him and that he has also been endorsed by the Berom Youth Moulders Association and other Berom Organizations.
He further stressed that we write to debunk such falsehood and to inform the General Public that our Principal Barr. Gyang Zi has not stepped down for anybody and none of the Candidates has been endorsed either by the Berom Youth Moulders Association or any Berom Organization as Barr. Gyang Zi of the Labour Party still remains the Leading Candidate in the 2023 Senatorial contest for Plateau North with the most Secured Ticket.
We are also using this Medium to enlighten the Public on the danger of Voting the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 General Elections pursuant to very Serious Pending and unresolved Legal issues against the Plateau State Chapter of the PDP that lead to the loss of the Jos North/Bassa House of Representatives seat to the candidate of the PRP .
We are calling on our supporters to remain steadfast and Resulute as the Elections are already very close and disregard all falsehood from desperate People.
The Executive Chairman of Council Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council of Plateau State, Hon. Ernest Abner Da’a, has awarded contracts for execution of some projects within the Local Government.
The contracts which include the Renovation and Remodeling of the Old Secretariat Complex Ba’ap, awarded to Elite-Pan Nig. Ltd.; the Construction of Skills Acquisition Center Doemak to be handled by Shelter Contractors Nig. Ltd.; the Construction of Examination Hall in Kwa to Omags Engineering Ltd. and the Construction of Turniang Road Bridge, awarded to Dagwiling Global Ventures Ltd.
The award of the contracts by the Council boss is contained in a release dated 15th February 2023 ,signed by Senior Special Assistance (SSA) Media , Publicity and Protocol to the Chairman Mathias Yengoet Dajan and made available to this medium in Jos, Plateau state.
According to the statement ,Hon. Ernest Abner Da’a also awarded the contract for the Consultation of the Construction of Turniang Road Bridge to Multi-Crustals Nig. Ltd.; reawarded the contract for the Completion of the Police Station in Kwalla to Sonshak Global Ventures Ltd., while Asset Revaluation to Daniel Datong & Co., as Banamai-Dadama Consults is to handle Revenue Revitalization.
The Chairman, had during the signing and presentation of letters to the 8 Contractors in his office at the Secretariat, charged them to work according to specification and standard.
Hon. Da’a further stated that there are many other projects lined up for execution, as captured in the 2023 Budget, adding that the Administration started with the second phase of the Free Comprehensive Medical and Surgical Services, which ended on the 5th of February, 2023, where thousands of people benefited.
He disclosed that most of the contractors are indigenous, and charged them to engage citizens domiciled within the communities.
The Chairman expressed joy that the contractors went through due process, adding that they scaled through the bidding process because of their track records.
While congratulating the contractors, Hon. Da’a stated that it will be incumbent on some of them who are not APC party faithful to support Plateau and Qua’an-Pan under the party in government, especially during the forthcoming general elections.
Responding on behalf of the benefiting contractors, Arc. Thomas Gabriel of Elite-Pan Nig. Ltd., thanked the Council for finding them worthy to execute the numerous projects for the benefit of the good people of Qua’an-Pan LGA.
Arc. Gabriel promised to keep to specification and standard, adding that their reputations are at stake if they failed to meet up with the standards they undertook to execute.
The brief but important event was witnessed by the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Helen Henniet Wapmuk, the Secretary to the Council, Hon. Gideon Godenaan Dashe, Supervisory Councilors, Directors and political supporters, among other personalities.
The Labour Party (LP) candidate representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in 2023 House of Representatives has called on the electorates, especially supporters of labour party to come out en- masse on February 25th and 11th March respectively and vote for LP.
As he said looking at the situation Nigeria has find themselves under the administration of APC,it needs people with professional Economic, Social and political strategy to bring the country on track to development considering the level of decadence the nation has been plunge into for the past 7 years of APC administration in Nigeria.
Honourable Daniel Asama stated this in an interview with journalists in his office in Jos recently.
He said the major problems with the electorates is their lack of patient to stay and cast their Votes,this gives opportunity to unpopular candidate that is ill prepared to come into leadership , which in most cases mess the whole system because he was not ready for the leadership.
And urged voters and the supporters of LP to change their attitudes against not voting during election and urged them to come out on the day of election,if possible with somethings that will make them impatient , like drinking water,food and above all be patient until they cast their votes, and all other voting process are completed.
Hon.Asama who is currently the Chairman of Orphanage in plateau state adviced the supporters of LP not to allow anybody to lure them in doing contrary , specially what they will regret for another 4-8year with just small but deadly mistake or mistakes.
He condemned the hardship the people of Nigeria has gone through under the ruling All Progressive Congress APC for the past 7year the administration held sway in power,and the recent cashless economy that has practically throw Nigeria into hardship.
“I am not against cashless economy ,but there is no layed out structure that suppose to make it work seamlessly without causing pains to already over stressed average Nigerians, that was not done”.
“He Called on the electorates to be wise in the forthcoming General Election and vote wisely because of the insensitivity of APC Government to the plight of the people,I believed the welfare of the people should come first which is primary ,and other things are secondary”.
” Looking at our logo, the labour Party,it represent humanity which is now embrace all over the world, which we on the party want to replicate as the party’s ideology here in Nigeria.”
He said his concern about the people of his Constituency and by extension plateau state in general ,how they strive to earn a living informed my coming out to offer myself to serve my people.
I discovered that is not only the orphanage and less previlege are the only the vulnerable,all of us in the Society are Vulnerable ,we all need to do this thing together if not we will all miss it. He maintained.
Reminiscence back his background,he remembered as Child born in Gada-Biu , grown up in Tudu-wada all in Jos North local government , moving from one street to the other looking for drinking water,I know the yearning and cry of common man on the street because I was ones there.
“I have once queued for drinking water at Tudu-wada and jenta,so my concern is about the provision of Social amenities that is not available to the community”.
Asama said he want to be remembered as that person that has contributed to the emancipation and liberation of my people .l may not be alive to reap the dividend ,but I want my name to be written on Gold.
And further said he want history to have it that there was one time Daniel Asama in the National Assembly ,this is what he has done greatly,as good name is better than Gold and Silver.
He lamented that his challenge is some people refusal to know that the APC Government has failed woefully which is very sad.
And frowned at the way the electorates are still brain wash about the current condition of the country, stressed that he has to make a frantic efforts to convince them to believe what what you see is bad, which is difficult , which is my greatest challenge.
“For you to convince people that when you vote me this is what and what l am going to do for you is hard because this is what they had heard often In the past.”
Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has dared President Muhammadu Buhari’s order that only N200 old notes should be re-circulated with the newly redesigned notes.
Buhari gave the order on Thursday.
Reacting, El-Rufai asked residents of the State to continue using the old Naira notes.
In his broadcast to the people of Kaduna State, El-rufai urged them to stand up strongly for democracy, peace and national unity.
He said, “Let us stay calm and peaceful, and support the lawful means being utilised to solve our problems. On behalf of the Kaduna State Government, I wish to assure you that none of you would lose the money you have in old notes. Let no artificial and illegal deadline frighten you. Whether you live in towns, villages or in our isolated rural communities, do not feel stampeded to deposit your old notes in the banks. Hold on to them. Continue to use them as legal tender as ordered by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. No deadline can render them worthless, ever. The law is on your side. The Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and the Bills of Exchange Act, both oblige the CBN to recognise your old notes and give you value in new notes whenever you bring them to the CBN, even in the next 100 years.
“Therefore, as your governor, I wish to assure you that the Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with elected legislators, traditional institution, elected local government councils, markets, and traders associations will help you collect, record, document, collate and deliver all your old notes to the Kaduna branch of the Central Bank on your behalf into the new ones immediately after the elections.”
His speech in full:
My dear people of Kaduna State,
1. With just about 100 days before leaving office, and elections just round the corner, it was my intention to host another media chat to interact with the people of our state in the next few days. While I still hope to do so, I feel the need to address you all today due to the unprecedentedly cruel situation our people and their livelihoods have been thrown into, particularly in the last two to three weeks by the decisions, actions and inactions of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
2. On behalf of the government of Kaduna State, I wish to express my deepest regret at the needless suffering you are enduring as a result of the prolonged fuel shortage and the difficulties occasioned by the so-called “currency redesign” policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria. We understand your pain. I assure you that as your State Governor, I have been working with my other colleagues to do everything in our power to end these pains.
3. While publicly supporting what appeared to be a beneficial policy, we innocently engaged privately with the President and the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria to review the implementation of the policy so as to reduce its negative impact on the lives and livelihoods of our people, and end the pain being inflicted on citizens. In the absence of any progress to modify implementation on the part of the architects, we were forced to go public about two weeks ago, with our concerns and demand that this suffering must stop.
4. We take seriously our duty to protect ordinary people from the consequences of these policy fiascos. The sad fact is that the victims of these mindless policies are the people that elected us. It is their welfare that is being threatened. Many of our people have been left in a situation where the money they put in banks has literally been confiscated, depriving them of the ability to buy food and basic necessities. Our traders cannot sell as much as they used to because their customers have no access to their hard-earned money.
5. We have been officially informed that the currency redesign policy is to reduce money laundering and render useless stashes of high denomination Naira that many politicians and public officers have accumulated through corruption and other illicit activities. As earlier stated, we are fully in support of such a policy and we made this public from the beginning.
6. We had privately expressed concerns about the timing of the currency design policy and the unrealistic timeline for its implementation. We were assured that all steps have been taken to ensure that we avoid the recent experience of India, where implementation of a similar demonetisation policy targeted at politicians ended up hurting the poorest and small businesses the most.
7. In official briefings to the President, the Central Bank of Nigeria constantly alluded to the fact that the policy also targets politicians who have accumulated a huge war chest for vote buying during the elections. It is now clear that the President has been deceived by the Central Bank of Nigeria and some elements in his government into buying into this overarching narrative, in the name of ensuring free and fair elections in 2023.
8. It is important for the people of Kaduna State, and indeed Nigeria, to know that contrary to the public pronouncements and apparent good intentions, this policy was conceived and sold to the President by officials who completely lost out in the Gubernatorial and Presidential Primaries of the APC in June 2022.
9. Once Asiwaju Bola Tinubu emerged as the candidate in June 2022, and subsequently did not pick one of them as his running mate, this currency redesign policy was conceived to ensure that the APC presidential candidate is deprived of what they alleged is a humongous war chest. They also sought to achieve any one or more of following objectives:
a. Create a nationwide shortage of cash so that citizens are incited to vote against APC candidates across the board resulting in massive losses for the Party in all the elections;
b. Ensure that the cash crunch is so serious, along with the contrived and enduring fuel shortage existing since September 2022, that the 2023 Elections do not hold at all, leading to an Interim National Government to be led by a retired Army General;
c. Sustain the climate of shortage of fuel, food and other necessities, leading to mass protests, violence and breakdown of law and order that would provide a fertile foundation for a military take-over;
10. In the pursuit of these objectives, the Central Bank of Nigeria and these other disgruntled Federal officials have so far convinced the President that it is fine for ordinary citizens to be dispossessed of their hard-earned money, and starved if need be, while small and medium-sized businesses are deprived of access to their capital, thereby bringing trade and exchange to a grinding halt. All our efforts to modify implementation of the policy to avoid what we assumed were unintended consequences were unsuccessful. I chose to speak out first as one person that has been particularly close to the President, believing that his actions were motivated by innocence, and mindful of his legacy. I have no regrets for doing my duty in this regard. One day, the President will appreciate what some of us are being insulted for today.
11. Yet, the politicians that the officials have convinced the President to regard as the real targets of the currency redesign policy have not been impeded in any way by it so far. Indeed, two of the presidential candidates, and a running mate of the opposition parties own or have preferred access to some of the licensed banks. For that reason and by various clandestine arrangements, these politicians have access to hundreds of millions of these new notes, while the traders, merchants, students and other citizens are queuing for days to withdraw a few thousand Naira just to buy food and necessaries.
12. Within two to three weeks of implementation, it was clear to everyone that the architects of this policy can see that it is our people that are being terribly affected, and not the politicians. It is quite unfortunate that many politicians who either own banks or have privileged access to money are so insulated from the pains of talakawa that they are recklessly endorsing a policy that is being badly implemented.
13. I am referring here to the comments by the candidate of one of the opposition parties who expressed opposition to the recommendation first of the APC state governors, and subsequently of all the governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum that the implementation timeline be extended, to enable the old and new notes to be legal tender side by side until the cash shortage ends.
14. My dear people of Kaduna State. Let me explain how the architects of this policy intentionally designed it to fail. The total currency in circulation in Nigeria was estimated at N3.2 trillion at the end of 2022. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, N2.1 trillion has been withdrawn as at early February. The CBN claimed that N700bn is the amount of cash needed for their functioning vision of a “cash-less” Nigerian economy. The Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Doyin Salami disagrees with this estimate, and believes at least N2 trillion of currency needs to be in circulation for our economic sustainability. Other experts variously estimate this to be between N1.2 trillion and above, so the CBN number of N700bn is not realistic.
15. The CBN informed the President at the very beginning that the Mint (NSPMC) has enough capacity to print the needed currency in circulation within the 6-week timeframe for the so-called ‘cash swap’. By its own admission, only N400bn worth of new notes had been printed for CBN as at early February.The current cash shortage was therefore designed from the beginning, the President was lied to about the domestic capacity of the Mint to print, and even if the announced N700bn was printed, it would have been grossly inadequate anyway. Imagine then printing only N400bn, and making most of it unavailable to the banks but passed to favoured entities through special arrangements. How can the CBN collect N2.1 trillion from citizens and print only N400bn? Is this not a clear case of economic sabotage?
16. It is bad economics to so curtail economic activity and the velocity of circulation of money. It is also insensitive to deliberately cause cash shortage and then seek to instigate the public against the mostly innocent commercial banks. Even the most honest and prudent action by banks cannot magically make N400bn to look like N2.1 trillion, or have the same spread and availability like the CBN should have ensured. As a regulator, the CBN should not be seen to be setting up the banking sector as the public enemy to cover up the glaring failure in its design and implementation of the cash swap policy.
17. We have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government to allow whatever remains of the old notes to circulate concurrently with the new notes. We recommended that the Federal Government should also hasten to ensure that more of the new notes are printed and brought into circulation. We thought that if the Nigerian Mint is incapable of printing the volume of cash needed as it appears, then necessary steps must urgently be taken to get a reliable supply source.
18. There is no reason why the old notes and the new notes should not coexist until the old notes are gradually withdrawn over the years as is done in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and other countries. It is unfortunate that in implementing this policy, Nigeria is departing from global best practise, without any compelling justification. The Kaduna State Government did all these, not in opposition to any person or authority, but because we stand with our people and their interests.
19. When it was clear that our recommendations will not be seriously considered, the Kaduna State Government decided, along with the governments of Kogi and Zamfara States to declare a dispute with the Federal Government. In line with the provisions of the Constitution, we approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria to invoke its original jurisdiction to hear us and the cries of our people. The Court did on February 8th, and ordered that the deadline of February 10th for all the ‘old’ notes ceasing to be legal tender be rescinded until the determination of the suit. This ruling applies to the Federal Government and its agencies like the CBN, and all commercial banks! We are grateful to the Court for this ruling, and we had hoped that compliance by the CBN and the banks would bring relief to our people. It is now clear that the architects of this policy are determined to continue to inflict maximum pain on the citizens to achieve their objectives outlined earlier.
20. It was our hope that the Federal Government of Nigeria would welcome this injunction as an opportunity to mitigate the needless human suffering being experienced and correct its course on this matter. There is no emergency situation that justifies the rushed and seemingly deliberate incompetent execution of this policy. We suggested that compliance with the ruling would include adopting a whole-of-government approach, that involves the agencies of the federal and state governments in modifying the design, execution the implementation of the currency redesign policy.
21. Even when confronted with the facts above, the CBN and its masters remain determined to implement their agenda no matter how much human suffering, death and destruction results. It is clear that the architects of this policy always had objectives that are totally in conflict with public interest, peace and the unity of Nigeria. They neither considered our suggestions in line with the Court order, nor respected the unanimous resolution of the Council of State.
22. It is also quite revealing that the Federal Government and its agencies not only disobeyed the February 8th ruling by continuing to say the February 10th deadline stands. It is shocking to see the blatant violation of the subsisting and continuing order of the Supreme Court that ALL the old and new notes should continue to be legal tender until it gives judgment in the case filed by the Kaduna State Government along with several others.
23. The address by the President earlier this morning limiting the legal tender status of old notes to only N200 amounts to total disregard and disobedience of the ruling of February 8th which was extended further yesterday by the Supreme Court. The misguided action of the Attorney-General to mislead the President into engaging in this public violation of the order of the highest court of the land shows how desperate the policy architects are to cause national chaos, by showing open contempt for the judiciary.
24. The decision to recognise only N200 as legal tender till April that the President announced this morning was offered to the state governments as part of proposals for an out-of-court settlement three days ago. The Federal Government asserted that this was offered because all the ‘old’ N1,000 and N500 notes had been destroyed. We rejected the offer and proved to the officials that not a single higher denomination note had been destroyed. We also believe that circulating N200 only to be inadequate in alleviating the suffering that we see every day. We insisted that all the components of the Supreme Court order should be complied with.
25. But back home, what do we do in Kaduna State? My dear of people of Kaduna State, with the foregoing revelations, it is clear that our peaceful coexistence as a state, and a nation, is being placed under deliberate danger using the intentional combination of fuel and cash supply disruptions. These evil people using the instrumentality of the Federal Government and the President as convenient covers are willing to truncate our democracy because they have personally lost out. They are massively deploying resources and tools to defeat the political party that gave us the platform to serve the country just because they could not impose the candidates of their choice. Let us not help them.
26. Let us stay calm and peaceful, and support the lawful means being utilised to solve our problems. On behalf of the Kaduna State Government, I wish to assure you that none of you would lose the money you have in old notes. Let no artificial and illegal deadline frighten you. Whether you live in towns, villages or in our isolated rural communities, do not feel stampeded to deposit your old notes in the banks. Hold on to them. Continue to use them as legal tender as ordered by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. No deadline can render them worthless, ever. The law is on your side. The Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and the Bills of Exchange Act, both oblige the CBN to recognise your old notes and give you value in new notes whenever you bring them to the CBN, even in the next 100 years.
27. Therefore, as your governor, I wish to assure you that the Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with elected legislators, traditional institution, elected local government councils, markets, and traders associations will help you collect, record, document, collate and deliver all your old notes to the Kaduna branch of the Central Bank on your behalf into the new ones immediately after the elections. We will also ensure the delivery of your new notes to your various locations without any hardship or expense on your part. We shall save you any panic and the stress of a long journey from your community to the CBN office in our state capital, from March until December 2023 if need be.
28. For the avoidance of doubt, all the old and new notes shall remain in use as legal tender in Kaduna State until the Supreme Court of Nigeria decides otherwise. I therefore appeal to all residents of Kaduna State to continue to use the old and new notes side by side without any fear. The Kaduna State Government and its agencies shall seal any facility that refuses to accept the old notes as legal tender and prosecute the owners. If need be, we shall take further consequential actions according to the law.
29. While urging you all not to fall for these antics of the enemies of Nigeria, please be patient and continue to exercise resilience in the face of open provocation and deliberate disinformation. We encourage you to be ready with your PVC to vote in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections. We are doing all we can to ensure that it is peaceful, orderly and hitch-free. I appeal to you to understand the shenanigans of these unpatriotic elements in Abuja and ensure you vote massively for the intended victims of these last-minute policies of needless hardship and incitement of the citizens – our party, the APC and its candidates in all the elections.
30. The Kaduna State Government is making this appeal, and taking all these measures to shield our people from the terrible consequences of the currency redesign policy. We seek to protect our people’s hard-earned money, their ability to engage in trade and exchange and buy what they need. We also seek to protect their civic rights, liberties and freedoms under a democratic dispensation. I call on the people of Kaduna State to remain peaceful and vigilant in the face of brazen attempts to engineer crisis in order to get a pretext for unconstitutional or undemocratic actions.
31. In conclusion, our Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked me to convey his greetings, empathy and words of encouragement to the good people of Kaduna State. He urges us to remain patient, pray for our country and remain vigilant in ourg
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, accused the party of fueling agitations and riots over the scarcity of new Naira notes to heat up the polity, make the country insecure and cause election postponement.
Frank, who made this assertion in a statement in Abuja, however called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to bow to APC’s pressure and blackmail through ongoing sponsorship of riots to trigger election shift.
He insisted that the ruling party is fueling the crisis to enable them perfect their vote buying and rigging strategies ahead of the elections.
He said: “It is unfortunate that the APC has chosen a dangerous route to retain power by instigating killings and destruction of property by paid irate mob protesting scarcity of new Naira notes.
“I dare say that the country is bigger than any political party or party candidates. Instigating crisis to provoke a postponement of the elections is least expected of the APC.”
Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, called on President Buhari and INEC to be resolute in their commitment to conduct the elections notwithstanding the evil machinations of the APC to get the polls shifted.
He called on the international community, especially election observers already deployed by statutory bodies to monitor the elections to put pressure on the nation’s election management body to hold the election as scheduled.
He insisted that if elections are being held in countries in worse security situations or experiencing full blown war, there is no justification to postpone the forthcoming elections on the basis of protests over scarcity of new Naira notes.
He added: “Even though the riots seem localized in the southern parts of the country, we have information that very soon APC will cause it to spread to states in the North.
“This to enable them sustain their blackmail and pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Buhari to postpone the elections under the guise of widespread violence.
“We condemn this resort to violence being masterminded by the APC and we call on all well meaning Nigerians and international development partners not only to condemn this shenanigans by the ruling party but to hold it responsible for all deaths and properties being destroyed at this time as well as any postponement of the election. “
The office of the plateau State Attorney-General has warned the opposition Party , People Democratic Party(PDP) , plateau state chapter to stop his antic of trying to drag the office into murky water of politics.
And stressed that the office of the Attorney-General of the state is non- partisan as trying to drag it into politics has the potential to undermine public confidence in the revered office with grave implications for public order and the Rule of Law .
The warning is contained in a press statement dated 15th February 2023, signed by the state Attorney General Chrysanthus Ahmadu Esq and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state capital.
According to the statement captioned “Reaction To Press Statement By PDP Legal Adviser” said the attention of the Attorney-General of Plateau State, Mr. Chrysanthus T. Ahmadu Esq. has been drawn to a Press statement by the PDP Legal Adviser, Binchen Jantur, issued in reaction to a Court of Appeal decision in a matter involving two members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a Case emanating from the PDP Primary Election in Langtang North Local Government in Plateau State.
“In the said Statement, the PDP Legal Adviser insinuated that there was something unusual in the decision of the Office of the Attorney-General of Plateau State taking over a Case instituted without following due process, by Direct Criminal Complaint, because the Case was between 2 PDP Members. Certainly, those said comments by the PDP Legal Adviser must have been made in ignorance of the facts of the matter.”
The statement further said,let it be known that the Office of the Attorney-General is yet to receive any Official Complaint by the PDP in respect of its decision to take over the Case in question, a clear indication that the Party and its Candidate realized the wrongfulness of its action in the manner the Direct Criminal Complaint was instituted.
For the record, the Office of the Attorney-General upon Complaints by aggrieved Citizens of the State routinely takes over Criminal Cases filed in Court where the investigation of such Complaints show the improper and indiscriminate use of the Criminal prosecution machinery of the State to short-circuit due process of Law.”
As regards the Case in question, instituted by one Nanmi L. Joseph against one Augustine Timkuk before the Chief Magistrate Court 1, West of Mines Jos for alleged Perjury, upon the receipt by the Office of a Complaint of improper use of the judicial process the following findings were made:
1. That the Complainant and the Defendants were Candidates in the Primary Election of the PDP held in Langtang North of Plateau State.
2. That even though the Offence of Perjury alleged against the Defendant is an offence against the State, the Charge was neither filed by the Attorney-General’s Office nor the Commissioner of Police, contrary to Section 120 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Plateau State.
3. The Complainant a Private citizen filed the Charge without a Report of Investigation by the Police and without obtaining the Fiat of the Attorney-General as required by Law.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Attorney-General of Plateau State took over the said Case, like many others before it, where Direct Criminal Complaints are frivolously filed even in purely Civil Cases including even disputes on Title to Land, pursuant to his powers under Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution, out of a sense of duty and in the public interest to prevent an abuse of the judicial process by Citizens who are always quick to employ Criminal Process in a bid to settle purely Civil Disputes.
I have found it necessary to address you today, on the state of the nation and to render account on the efforts of our administration to sustain and strengthen our economy, enhance the fight against corruption and sustain our gains in the fight against terrorism and insecurity which has, undoubtedly, been impacted by several internal and external factors.
2. Particularly, I am addressing you, as your democratically elected President, to identify with you and express my sympathy, over the difficulties being experienced as we continue the implementation of new monetary policies, aimed at boosting our economy and tightening of the loopholes associated with money laundering.
3. Let me re-assure Nigerians, that strengthening our economy, enhancing security and blockage of leakages associated with illicit financial flows remain top priority of our administration. And I shall remain committed to my oath of protecting and advancing the interest of Nigerians and the nation, at all times.
4. In the last quarter of 2022, I authorised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the N200, N500, and N1000 Nigerian banknotes.
5. For a smooth transition, I similarly approved that the redesigned banknotes should circulate concurrently with the old bank notes, till 31 January 2023, before the old notes, cease to be legal tender.
6. In appreciation of the systemic and human difficulties encountered during implementation and in response to the appeal of all citizens, an extension of ten days was authorized till 10th February, 2023 for the completion of the process. All these activities are being carried out within the ambit of the Constitution, the relevant law under the CBN Act 2007 and in line with global best practices.
7. Fellow citizens, while I seek your understanding and patience during this transient phase of implementation, I feel obliged to avail you a few critical points underpinning the policy decision. These include:
a. The need to restore the statutory ability of the CBN to keep a firm control over money in circulation. In 2015 when this administration commenced its first term, Currency-in-Circulation was only N1.4trillion.
b. The proportion of currency outside banks grew from 78%in 2015 to 85% in 2022. As of October 2022, therefore, currency in circulation had risen to N3.23 trillion; out of which only N500 billion was within the Banking System while N2.7 trillion remained permanently outside the system; thereby distorting the financial policy and efficient management of inflation;
c. The huge volume of Bank Notes outside the banking system has proven to be practically unavailable for economic activities and by implication, retard the attainment of potential economic growth;
d. Economic growth projections make it imperative for government to aim at expanding financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population; and
e. Given the prevailing security situation across the country, which keeps improving, it also becomes compelling for government to deepen its continuing support for security agencies to successfully combat banditry and ransom-taking in Nigeria
8. Notwithstanding the initial setbacks experienced, the evaluation and feedback mechanism set up has revealed that gains have emerged from the policy initiative.
9. I have been reliably informed that since the commencement of this program, about N2.1 trillion out of the banknotes previously held outside the banking system, had been successfully retrieved.
10. This represents about 80% of such funds. In the short to medium and long terms, therefore, it is expected that there would be:
a. A strengthening of our macro economic parameters;
b. Reduction of broad money supply leading to a deceleration of the velocity of money in the economy which should result in less pressures on domestic prices;
c. Lowering of Inflation as a result of the accompanying decline in money supply that will slow the pace of inflation;
d. Collapse of Illegal Economic Activities which would help to stem corruption and acquisition of money through illegal ways;
e. Exchange Rate stability;
f. Availability of Easy Loans and lowering of interest rates; and
g. Greater visibility and transparency of our financial actions translating to efficient enforcement of our anti- money laundering legislations.
11. I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy. I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.
12. To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.
13. I have similarly directed that the CBN should intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, so as to ensure that any institution or person(s) found to have impeded or sabotaged the implementation should be made to bear the full weight of the law.
14. During the extended phase of the deadline for currency swap, I listened to invaluable pieces of advice from well meaning citizens and institutions across the nation.
15. I similarly consulted widely with representatives of the State Governors as well as the Council of State. Above all, as an administration that respects the rule of law, I have also noted that the subject matter is before the courts of our land and some pronouncements have been made.
16. To further ease the supply pressures particularly to our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.
17. In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.
18. Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.
19. Let me assure Nigerians that our administration will continue to assess the implementation with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are not unnecessarily burdened. In this regard, the CBN shall ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to our citizens through the banks.
20. I wish to once more appeal for your understanding till we overcome this difficult transient phase within the shortest possible time.
21. Fellow citizens, on the 25th of February, 2023 the nation would be electing a new President and National Assembly members. I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.
22. This is a positive departure from the past and represents a bold legacy step by this administration, towards laying a strong foundation for free and fair elections.
23. I urge every citizen therefore, to go out to vote for their candidates of choice without fear, because security shall be provided and your vote shall count.
24. I however admonish you to eschew violence and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral processes. I wish us all a successful General Elections.
Thank you for listening. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Plateau State University under the auspacies of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) ,has cried out over hardships its members are currently passing through occassioned by Governor Bako Lalong led administration refusal to pay the salary of its members for the past Three months running.
And alleged that its members are passing through excruciating pains and hardship for this reasons considering the bitting Economic excruciating pain deliberately inflicted on Nigerians by the Apex Bank redesigned naira policy.
In a communique issued on Wednesday after an emergency meeting of the EXCO and signed by the Chairman, Timnan Rimdap and Secretary, Fom Dakwa said members of the association are getting into four months without salary payment.
Its noted that the Lalong’s administration started on a good footing in terms of payment of salaries and pension but the administration is derailing now that it is winding up.
“The Plateau State University Branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), at its emergency EXCO meeting deliberated extensively on the commitment of the Governor Lalong administration to the welfare of its members and staff of the University in general, especially as regards the payment of salaries.
“SSANU EXCO, at the end of its meeting, came out with far reaching resolutions which are products of its deliberation and note with deep concern that though the Governor Lalong administration started well as far as issues of workers’ welfare are concerned, particularly in the area of prompt payment of salaries and pension, the administration appears to be indifferent about that obligation to staff of the University.
“SSANU notes with worry the untold hardship being faced by staff of the University who have laboured for three (3) months without salaries and are even due for the fourth month – February 2023.
“SSANU is disappointed that even though the Governor graced the recent convocation of the University, he didn’t address the problem of arrears of salaries owed staff of the institution.
“SSANU is taken aback by a statement credited to the State APC Chairman commending the State Governor for paying workers’ salaries and third-party deductions up to December 2022 while staff of the State University have only been paid up to October 2022.”
The association expressed disappointment that the Lalong’s administration which pride itself as worker friendly has gradually assumed an anti-Labour posture.
“SSANU calls on the Governor Lalong administration to live up to its obligation by clearing the backlog of salaries owed staff of the University in the next five (5) days in order to forestall the breakdown of industrial harmony.” Its stated.
Count down to General Elections in plateau State in particular and Nigeria in general, the Director General Hon.Daniel Asama’s campaign Council , Comrade Ajik Amos has said his Principal Hon Daniel Asama Remained the only Candidate whose name is approved and released for the 2023 general election by INEC under the platform of labour party (LP), for Jos North/Bassa House of Representatives.
He said contrary to insinuations from quarters, the law of the electoral umpire INEC supersede any other law which spelt out the eligibility , qualification of candidate vying for election which Asama has met.
Amos Ajik who is the campaign for Honourable Daniel Asama candidate for house of Representatives representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency made the clarification in an interview with journalists in his office in Jos, plateau state.
Comrade Amos said the clarification is very important to put our unwavering supporters of labour Party on the know and stands of the INEC,as it regards the qualification of our candidate Daniel Asama for February 25th 2023 house of Representatives Elections.
He adviced the Electorates to shun money bag Politicians who are head bent to change the conscience of gullible electorates with their ill gotten money during election , and vote for their future and the future of their generations yet unborn for the sake of posterity.
And further adviced them to shun religious, tribal and politics of sentiment and vote for the candidate that can Savage them from the current political, Social and Economic crunch facing Jos North/Bassa Constituency in particular ,and the state in general.
Ajik frowned at a situation where some desperate Politicians and their agents engaged in what can be best described as shameful attitude by sharing money and other items to vulunrable Electorates aimed at changing their voting direction against their conscience.
He stressed that labour Party (LP), in the state , and the nation as a whole,did not have the fund to influence the voting pattern of the electorates, and adviced them to vote for the party based on it past record and the candidate credibility.
The DG called on the Electorates from Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in particular , and the state in general, urged them to Shun money politics and vote the candidate that can develop the Constituency irrespective of religious , tribal and political linage.
However lamented that money politics has really blind folded our eyes to see credible candidate.
The lgede Community of Benue State residing in Jos North local government of Plateau State had adopted Honourable Baba Hassan for House of Representatives representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency at the National Assembly in 2023 General Elections.
As Baba Hassan who is currently representing the Jos North-North at the Plateau State House of Assembly on the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) promised not let them down if given the mandate and become house of Representatives member.
The Community adopt Baba Hassan as their candidate when he held meeting with them as Part of last minute campaign before the general election coming up few llweeks from now.
He said he decided to meet with them ahead the election because Igade Community have a significant numbers of population resident in Jos North which has the capacity to influence votes significantly in their domain, hence the reason of my coming here.
He stressed that when voted in as member of the “Green” chamber he will not renege on his campaign promises,and he will ensure that some of the sons and daughters of Igade people are regarded accordingly in one way or the other.
He further added that the reason why he is running for the position of House of Representatives, as member of state house of Assembly for the past 16 years ,and know the nitty gritty of law making as member of the state house of Assembly, as law making at the National Assembly will not be tiresome to him,and promised to develop Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency if given the opportunity to serve.
On his part, the commissioner for Rural and Urban development Peter Akuja appealed to the community to cast their Votes for Hon. Baba Hassan is a man that had been tested and trusted and will not let you down.
In his response ,the spokesperson for the Igade elders in the state Comrade Eziekel Uwandu charged Hon.Hassan to allow his words be his bond and don’t renegade on his promises when voted in as Rep member.
Eziekel further stressed that to whom much is given much is expected to try and remember the community when there is job opportunity if voted in as lawmaker.
Honourable Baba Hassan had been in State House of Assembly as lawmaker for the past 16th years representing Jos North-North under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), who doubled as the chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in plateau state , Honourable Dogara Abubarkar has Commence Campaign for Ministrial position for the former transition chairman of Jos North Local Government , Honourable Theresa Azi.
Dogara said this is necessary considering Mrs Azi capability, transparency and above all detribalised manner she exhibited during her tenure as the transition chairman of Jos North which is one of the most cosmopolitan local government among the 17 LGs of the state.
He made the advocacy during N50 Million Fund Raising Organized by the Plateau Southern and Central Unity Forum (PLASCUF), to build it Secretariat held at the Solomon Lar Amusement Park 11th February 2023 .
The Social Democratic Party (SDP), chairman reminiscence back when she was the chairman of the council,how her office and house is synonymous to tourist attraction where many people including myself go for an assistance and she has never failed to rendered assistance even if it is going to inconvenience her irrespective of your religion, ethnic and tribal linage.
Considering all these humanitarian attributes possessed by Hon Theresa Azi ,I advocate that She is the kind of personality Plateau state ,by extension Nigeria needs at the Ministrial position considering the problems of ethnic, religious and tribal issues the country is currently grappling with as we now look at one another with skepticism.
Gogara said if she is given the opportunity, aside attracting federal government projects to plateau state,she will set precedent on how she is able to work with the two religion under his watch as LG Council boss, which the country needs at this time when the adherence of the two religion , Christians and Muslims are practically in incessant face off.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks the chairman of the forum Comrade Panshak John Varenkat thank the invitees for honouring the invitation and urged them to donate generously towards the actualisation of the projects for building befitting Secretariat for Plateau Southern and Central Unity Forum(PLASCUF) that Will make it convenient for their Operation.
Among the invited guests were the APC Publicity Secretary , Philip Adik, member representing Jos North/Bassa in the house of Representatives, Mohammed Adamu Alkali, represented, hon.theresa Azi,Idris Ahmed Maje
The guest speaker at the occasion, Hon.Shehu Kanam the Senior Legislative Aid to Hezekiah Dimka speaking on the topic “One Voice ,One Mind”, urged leaders to create enably environment to strive among their supporters irrespective of political religious linage.
He described one voice and mind as those with the same objectives and goals, stressed that its difficult for meaningful achievements with discordance voice and charged members of the forum to speak with one voice with one mind for meaningful achievements.
The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has postponed it earlier scheduled rally slated 11th Feb 2023 at Pankshin to 14th of the same month, time and venue.
The postponement is contained in a press release dated 9th February 2023,signed by the Spokesman Generation Next Campaign Council,Shittu Bamaiyi and made available to this medium in Jos.
According to the statement,”following an unforeseen development, the All Progressives Congress governorship rally for the central zone slated for Saturday the 11th has been shifted to Tuesday the 14th of February.”
A statement by Spokesman for Generation Next Campaign Council Shittu Bamaiyi said the postponement became inevitable due to some unforeseen circumstances.
The statement which added that the venue and time for the event remain the same, however said that the Northern zone rally is now to take place on Wednesday the 15th of this month.
Shittu, on behalf of the campaign council regrets the inconvenience the postponement might have caused our teeming supporters and other well wishers of the party.
The Executive Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency, Architect Darious Dickson Ishaku has commended troops of the Nigerian Army for their sustained efforts towards flushing out criminal elements in state.
The governor’s commendation is contained in a press Statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division, lieutenant Colonel lshaku Takwa and made available to this medium in Jos, plateau state.
Ishaku made this know today when the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim paid him a courtesy visit in Government House Jalingo.
The Governor revealed that since the deployment of troops in the state, banditary and other forms of criminalities have been kept at low ebb. He further called on the people of the state to sustain the level of support and cooperation with security agencies to flush out the remaining criminal elements in the state.
The Governor who also presented Certificate of Occupancy of the land donated by the state to the Nigerian Army (NA) for the construction of Headquarters 6 Brigade, reaffirmed his commitment to providing the needed support to enhance the operation of the NA in the State. He disclosed that the speedy approval of the land was in recognition and appreciation of the commitment of troops to ensuring peace and security of lives and properties of the people.
Speaking earlier, the GOC and Commander OPSH noted that the NA will not rest on its oars untill criminal elements are completely flushed out of the country. He added that development can only strive in an atmosphere of peace.
General Ibrahim further appreciated the Governor for allocating the land to the NA to build the Brigade Headquarters in Jalingo and commended the state government for the support and cooperation being enjoyed by troops deployed in the state.
While Commissioning the newly built resident of 6 Brigade Regimental Sergeant Major in Jalingo, the GOC said the house was constructed on the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya in line with his vision of having ” A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Mission Within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.” He noted that the Regimental Sergeant Majors are very significant in ensuring discipline and regimentation in the military.
Highlights of the event includes Commissioning of a Detention Facility, Training Shade, as well as inspection of sick Bay and other facilities in Headquarters 6 Brigade.
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