Lalong has reiterated that the decision of his administration to hand over all missionary schools to their original owners is in realisation of the need to partner with faith-based organisations for greater educational development of the State.
Governor Lalong statement is contained in press release dated 23rd January 2023, signed by the Director of press to Governor Makut Ml and made available to this medium in Jos.
The Governor said this when he received the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria Arch Bishop
Anthonio Phillipazi who paid him a courtesy visit at the new Government House Little Rayfield Jos.
The Governor who appreciated the Papal Nuncio for the visit said he has continued to enjoy the support and prayers of the Church in the discharge of his duties as Governor of Plateau State, Chairman Northern Governors Forum and currently the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
He acknowledged the role that the Catholic Church has played in the educational sector of Nigeria and in Plateau State saying such foundation gave many people including him the opportunity to serve the nation with passion, integrity and honesty.
Lalong told the Nuncio that very soon, the State would mark the day of forgiveness where continuous prayers and advocacy for reconciliation, forgiveness, tolerance and fighting crime would be highlighted. He disclosed that the State will invite the Papal Nuncio to join in the celebration.
The Papal Nuncio thanked the Governor for sparing time to receive him and his team explaining that he was in Jos
to Commission a new building in St. Augustine Major Seminary Jos.
He said the Church is growing fast particularly in the North disclosing that the new Diocese of Wukari will be inaugurated in April with the new Bishop installed. He said this growth is possible when there is collaboration and unity in the body of Christ.
There Governor later hosted the Papal Nuncio and his team to dinner.
The Plateau State People Democratic party (PDP), Governorship Candidate, barrister Caleb Mutfwang has unvailed his plans for the people of plateau State when voted into power as Governor in the forthcoming General election which is less than a month from now.
The Party candidate’s planned policies dated 24th January 2023, is contained in a press statement signed by the Director,Directorate of Media and Publicity
Atiku-Okowa Mutfwang-Piyo Campaign Council
Plateau State, Pastor Yiljap Abrahim,and made available to this medium in Jos.
The document reads details robust programmes for the State ,also unveils funding plan for campaigns Captured the “ Plateau Heritage”in its essence.
Says sound and visionary leadership key to arresting decay and unlocking potentialities of the state
Urged them to Put Plateau first in priority,struggles of past generations in defending the land must not be betrayed .
Added that Jos, the State Capital to receive special security attention,Governor will lead by personal example
The Party unvailing of plans action plans happened Saturday January 21, 2023 at an exclusive fundraising event at Abuja Continental Hotel.
As the Candidate also unveiled a website through which supporters, party members and stakeholders can make financial contributions towards the campaigns. Here it is:
The document is titled: _GOVERNANCE PHILOSOPHY AND PROGRAMMES OF BARRISTER CALEB MUTFWANG, GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), FOR THE 2023 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION._
The Plateau Heritage
traced the historical, cultural and governance evolution of Plateau State from the British colonial era, its post independence creation to its modern setting. With not less than 53 ethnic groups, the document points out that the people of Plateau have had their unique religions and ways of life; they have enjoyed freedom and never come under any conquest. “The Plateau identity and way of life is best put as *The Plateau Heritage.”
It is this “Plateau Heritage” that has become the philosophical foundation upon which the state is standing and should progress.
“Plateau is First”
Mutfwang highlights the peculiarity of the Plateau identify and culture within a diverse and united Nigeria. However, he explains that *The Plateau Heritage* mainstreams the Land and the People first. Therefore, Plateau is first in governmental priority and focus.
The gubernatorial Candidate stresses the need to secure the land and the people urgently. “The Time is Now to secure the future of the people and to make a deliberate effort to develop the land for the people, by the people and with the people.”
“Leadership is The Key”
Mutfwang therefore believes that “A sound and visionary political leadership is key to reversing” the decline of the state’s broken hope and economy, and “unlocking the potential of the state.”
He notes that the state has had its enviable prestige and respect “substantially eroded in recent times due to violent conflicts and leadership deficits.”
Mutfwang then posits that The Time is Now that the “broken state of affairs must be restored in order to save our people.”
“The Way Forward”
The Mutfwang restorative plan is embedded in a 7-point Agenda:
1. “Peace and Security.” This is at the top of all priorities because it is “the enabler of every development.“
The Mutfwang plan outlines a multi-faceted approach to defending and securing the state. These include:
• Operation Rainbow framework
• Community empowerment & vigilance
• Deploying ICT
• Collaboration with federal security network
• Working towards restructuring of current security architecture
• Strengthening early warning and response mechanisms
• Effective interface with stakeholders and communities
• Jos the state capital to receive special security attention
2. “The Economy” – The Mutfwang plans proposes a creative, resourceful and sustainable approach to agriculture, tourism, solid minerals development, commerce and sports development.
3. “Education”
Part of the plan on education is the focus on bringing back the People’s confidence in public schools.
Its goal is to raise the quality of education in the whole state across all tiers of institutions. There’s emphasis on science and technology.
4. “Health”
The Mutfwang plan anticipates a healthy citizenry.
It aims to rehabilitate, re-equip and restaff government health institutions; provide a referral hospital in the state and ensure proper regulation of private health facilities
5. “Robust Physical and Infrastructural Development”.
The plan encompasses roads and transport, power and energy, water supply and Urban governance.
There will be:
• a comprehensive state transport policy,
• provision of electricity to all 17 LGAs,
• halt the disorder in urban development,
• Reclaim abandoned parks and recreation centres
• ensure improved supply of clean and healthy drinking water
• Open up and tar locked up areas with roads
6. “Local Government Administration and Chieftancy Affairs” .
• Local government administration will witness equitable sharing of resources along constitutional and legal frameworks
• Chieftancy Affairs will see the traditional institution given its pride of place and guidelines issued for certification of peculiarities of each autonomous community
7. “Good Governance”
• The governor will personally lead by example
• Professional civil service in view here
• Strong media presence to promote “ The Plateau Heritage”
• Regain dignity of JD Gomwalk Secretariat and other government offices
• Stress Unity of the people, manage their diversity and diminish lines of division
• Cut cost of governance
• Radically improve Internally Generated Revenue to fund state development, deploy technology.
• Run an accountable and transparent administration with zero-level tolerance for corruption in governance.
With the official unveiling of the Mutfwang plan of action for Plateau State, all aspects of campaigns will be reinvigorated, as indeed, for the people of Plateau, “The Time is Now!”.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the appointment of 10 new Permanent Secretaries to cover the vacuums created by retirement/resignations of some permanent Secretaries in the Service of the State Government.
The appointment of the Permanent Secretaries is contained in Press Statement issued 23rd January 2023, signed by the Director of press and public Affairs to the governor Makut Macham and made available to this medium in Jos.
The new Permanent Secretaries are:
1. Keziah Dung (Barkin Ladi)
2. Yusuf Ayuba Gimba ( Bassa)
3. Gongden Micah Sunday (Mangu)
4. Lamu Michael Dennis (Mangu)
5. Peter Wuyep (Kanke)
6. Bapman Naankin Emmanuel (Mikang)
7. Boniface Gwotbit Bankshuet (Mikang)
8. Gotan Benjamin James (Pankshin)
9. Salamatu Ritmwa Parlong (Pankshin)
10. Wuyep Zitta (Langtang South)
The new Permanent Secretaries are expected to be sworn in on Tuesday 24th January 2023 at the Victoria Gowon Hall, new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos by 10am.
The immediate past Minister of sports ,barrister Solomon Dalung has denied the insinuations from Nigerians that he has practically become pest to president Buhari led APC Government because he has fall out of favor from the president, and said in the contrary, he is still very much close with president Buhari, still tells him the hard truth base on our earlier agreement, infact he saved me from the clutches of the almighty late Abba Kyari.
He said like many of Mr President Buhari’s appointees,he never lobby him or any other persons to be appointed minister , Mr president looked for me to my village in Lantang, and we agreed on term to ensure l do not hold back truth from him no matter how hard it may be , any day I joined bandwagon singing his praises, instead of the truth , meaning I have renegade in our agreement.
The candidate for the House of Representatives to represent Lantang North/South federal Constituency of plateau state ,was speaking to Journalists in Jos over the week.
He reminiscence back how Mohammadu Buhari protected him from one of his over bearing minister,Abba Kyari the then Field Manshall of Aso Villia under Buhari Administration.
On this day we where at a function with important dignitaries seated, including diplomats, Abba Kyari looked at Mr President, and then looked straight at my eyes,and say to the president,”what are you doing with this boy, pointing at me ,he is always putting on “Kaki” uniform.
At this point the president did not utter a word.
In quick response ,l told Abba Kyari , I am even more annoyed with you wearing clothes that is for almost six people when average Nigerians are looking for clothes to wear, so you are here complaining of my clothes that is roughly two and half yards.
The president called Abba Kyari and said ,I have being warning you against the way you talk to this boy, see how you allow him to embarrass you,he didn’t only embarrassed you, but also me because we are using the same yards of clothes.
If not because of my relationship with Mr President ,I wouldn’t have spend more than Seven days as a minister under him because majority of powerful people in his government were working against me ,an they don’t want me there.
He reiterated his closeness with the president even out of power as minister.
Some time back after I left office as minister , I meet with Mr president in a function, after exchanging pleasantries,I asked him Mr President,”in 2015, did we agreed that under your watch, Nigerians will be Kidnapped and ransom paid for their release?He added that he remembered vividly telling Buhari wether in 2015, it was agreed that corruption is going to be legalized in Nigeria,but I told him look at the next person beside you ,he is grossly corrupt.
So you can see that I’m still very close with Mr President,the day I stop to be close with him , when I joined the bandwagon of praise singers and refuse to tell him the truth even when he is going wrong,it means I have go against our agreement.So Mr President is till my good friend .He maintained.
The immediate past Minister of Sports and currently candidate for Federal House of Representatives to represent Lantang North/South of plateau state on the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Barrister Solomon Dalung has an important message for politians specially the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and their cohorts who stock in trade in votes buying.
He said as a candidate of the party, SDP, who is vying for position as lawmaker in Lantang North /South federal Constituency, doubled as Director General Presidential Campaign Council of the party, has identified anti vote buying to inculcate those are in the habit of short changing antics of votes buying.
He said the SDP is a very good player that has not be featured by the coach,is warning up now since the match is about to kick-start ,the SDP is currently jumping on the touch line warming up for the match to start.
He add that once the party is introduce in the match , you will hear the sound of the gun ,then you will see the audience jubilating .
And stressed that the party is a political party to watch in 2023 General Elections just few months away in Nigeria political landscape.
The Director General Campaign Council of the party , barrister Solomon Dalung said the party was nowhere in Nigeria and came 1st in Ekiti state just concluded election ,and add that the party is working underground, not into renting of crowed.
“We are engaging Community leaders ,and we are not Organizing rallies ,and it have been fruitful .We tested it in Ekiti Election ,we have candidate in Ekiti that is not very strong , instead of wasting our money and time on campaign ,we introduced Campaign of anti-votes buying .
Our plans is to target those carring money to polling units ,wrestle money in one or two Polling units.
The Igbarman Otarko aka the Thunder of Tarok land promised that is what the the party will replicate in 2023 General Elections like Ekiti episode because we have invented Anti votes buying vaccine for them especially the ruling All Progressive Congress APC,who has this penchant for elections malpractice .
On wether his action is not tantamount to sabotage,he said no, because the 2010 and the electoral Act amendment before that ,has cured all the electoral virus except votes buying.
“So having study and suffer inuculation with some vaccine for votes buyer they should wait for SDP on 25th February,2023 at the polls .”
” Because anybody that goes to the polling boots , with money and police didn’t arrest them , we will orientate Nigerians to take procession of the money first so that they will have the energy to go and vote.”
Following the unfortunate accidents Involving supporters of the People Democratic Party (PDP),in two separate occasions on board from the party rally where many died and scores injured,the party decided to put on hold the campaign to mourned the dedicated supporters of the party who sacrificed their lives for the substance of democracy.
With the end of mourning ,the ban on campaign has been lifted with strong worded directives that the flag of the party in the state including Abuja hitherto flying half mast should fly full mast, stressed that the sacrifice of the accident victims will ever remember.
The lifted ban on campaign of the party is contained in a press statement dated 21st January 2023, issued by Director, Directorate of Media and Publicity Atiku -Okowa Mutfwang -Piyo Campaign Council Pastor Yiljap Abrahim and made available to this medium in Jos.
According to the statement,Campaigns to resume,Masts to fly at full mast,Prof. Best Chairs committee on welfare of accident victims
The mourning period declared by the Gubernatorial Candidate of the PDP Barr Caleb Mutfwang in honour of the party’s members involved in road accidents comes to an end on Saturday, January 21,2023.
Normal Campaign activities which had been suspended following the accident will therefore resume.
The first accident involving a bus conveying PDP supporters to the Southern Zone rally in Shendam occurred on Tuesday January 10 at Bisichi junction. 16 of them were admitted with injuries at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, but seven were treated and released.
The PDP candidate upon return from Shendam had proceeded straight to JUTH to see the accident victims. He told them, “You are my people. We are all doing these campaigns together to salvage Plateau.”
He promised to pick up their medical bills.
The latest accident occurred last Saturday when a truck conveying some party members from Pankshin after the Central zone flag off crashed before Panyam bridge in Mangu Local Government Area. A total of 13 supporters died. 17 have been discharged from various health facilities in Jos and Mangu town and 12 are still on admission at JUTH.
Mutfwang, after due consultation, had declared a weeklong mourning period, calling those involved in the accidents as “heroes of our democracy “. He suspended all campaign activities and promised every assistance to the survivors and families of the deceased.
In a prompt show of solidarity, the presidential candidate of the PDP Atiku Abubakar arrived Jos in company of the PDP national Chairman Dr Iorchia Ayu, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State and a host of party and campaign Council officials. Atiku referred to.the tragedy as a “painful loss.” He donated 30-million Naira and the Party Chairman announced a donation of ten million Naira.
The PDP flag was flown at half mast at both Abuja and Jos as a mark of mourning.
The gubernatorial candidate in company of his deputy, Hon Josephine Piyo, state Chairman of the party Chris Hassan, DG campaign council Hon Letep Dabang party Chieftains, elders, campaign council officials as well as stakeholders and supporters have visited the survivors and families of the dead at Ampang West.
The Candidate’s wife Mrs Helen Mutfwang has also led teams of women political office holders, wives of legislators and former aspirants as well as many stakeholders to visit the injured at hospitals and families of those who had died.
And just as the mourning period was ending, the party Chairman after consulting with the candidate and other stakeholders set up a nine member Management committee to manage all forms of assistance received and ensure that they are delivered to the accident victims.
Former Secretary of the government of Plateau State Prof Shedrack Best is chairing the committee and is expected to submit a report in four weeks after inauguration at a date yet to be fixed.
Both the presidential Candidate of the party Atiku Abubakar and the state Gubernatorial Candidate Caleb Mutfwang have assured that the accident victims will always be remembered for their sacrificial commitment to the PDP.
Less than Two months to the general election,the crisis bedevilling the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC),in plateau is taking frightening dimensions as the Factional Chairman of the party ,Hon.Ishaya Itse said honorable Rufus Bature led APC faction lack moral integrity to speak on the affairs of the party.
The factional chairman honorable Itse was speaking in response to the recent interview Rufus Bature illegal Excos led by one Syvanus Nanma granted with a radio station in the state where he said the party has settled it difference.
The party factional Chairman honorable Ishaya Itse stated this why speaking with journalists in Jos the plateau state capital at the weekend in Jos.
Why I am not surprise over the comments of self acclaimed Rufus Bature illegal Excos , because they are riding on false mandate of the party ,so they lack the mental capacity to speak anything which we bring peace and sanity to the party ltse said.
I am using this opportunity as authentic chairman of the party, who is in better position to inform the general public and the party supporters in the state that the difference in the party has not been settled contrary to Rufus Bature and his co-travellers claim.
Hon.ltse stressed further that the legal fees they agreed to pay for the lawyer to sign out of court agreement have not even be completed.
Rufus Bature and his group said in that interview that we should go and meet the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Danladi Atu that they have settled with him.
Which by interpretation, the money including out of court settlement are with Danladi Atu.
Well,as authentic Exco of the party in the state, our stand is simple and clear, as two weeks ultimatum given to Hon.Rufus Bature and his illegal Excos to vacate the Offices they are currently occuping and give way to my legally elected excos is sacrosanct.
We are calling on our supporters to calm down not to engage in anything that would breach the peace of the state, but we may not manage it further after the expiration of the deadline.
We are again using this medium to appeal with Governor Simon Bako Lalong, who is the leader of the party in the state to do the needful to avert the pending crisis of the party that may Rob it Victory in the coming election.
The Embattled Factional Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC),has commended the bravery and dodgeness of the Youths of Izere nation for their timely intervention to rescued the Paramount Chief Agwom Izere Dr.Isaac Wakili from his Kidnapper
Hon.Itse commendation dated 21st January 2023,is contained in a press release personally signed by him and made available to this medium in Jos the plateau State capital.
He further commended the youth for ensuring that the Paramount Chief is rescued from his adoptors unharmed.
And prayed that God should continue exposing the perpetrators of such dastard act, and use the opportunity to admonlished them to repent or face the wrath of God.
However prayer for long reigns of the Paramount ruler as well as Izere Nation, bless plateau State and Nigeria.
The Former Minister of sports honourable Solomon Dalung said the plethora of projects the member of federal house of Representatives representing Lantang South/North of plateau state, honourable Beni Lar has claimed to have provide for her Constituencies for the past Sixteen years she held sway as member,is
amorphous, unrealistic and cannot be found any where in the Communities in Lantang.
Challenged her to come out and make the projects know to the general public as her claim are scam, she wasted the useful 16 years as member of the federal house without any useful developmental projects to the Constituencies she claimed to represent.
Dalung was speaking to Journalists in Jos within the week to register his dissatisfaction over the misrepresentation of the honourable member for the past 16 years in the Green chamber.
He called on the people of the Constituencies to raise up, garner courage and ask Beni questions to account for the billions of naira she mismanaged which is accrued to the Constituencies throughout her tenure.
He stressed that is why he is vying under under Social Democratic party (SDP),to liberate the people of Lantang who have been denied good representation for the past Fifteen years Beni Lar held sway as member house of Representatives representing Lantang North/South Constituency in the National Assembly.
Seen the magnitude of challenges facing my people of Lantang, I believe the best thing that would have happened is give me the chance because the politics of the country , experience is very important in the politics of a Nation.
He added that in National Assembly, I don’t think I will be a stranger in political landscape . I would be able to use the national connections to build Bridges , influence developmental projects which will be contrary to 16 years of Beni Lar in the National Assembly.
The Minister lamented that Sixteen years she has not been able to address critical problems in her Constituencies that are begging for an attention like, education, roads, water and health which are my priorities , I will engage relevant ministries just as I did when I was minister . I will influence so many projects as to put those things in their budget.
He further said that the issue of education is very important , I don’t think the member of the house of Representatives need only these in government to intervene.
With the little you have from friends, you should be able to influence all these things, he maintained.
The Igbarman Otarko, meaning the spokes man of Tarok , better still the “Thunder of Tarko Land”, said the primary school build at Sabogida in the community when he was the Minister , was not directly build by him, but with the assistance of his friends who was in my village at one point, I introduced the primary school were I did my elementary school , but in a sorry State.
He said that is the kind of leadership that is grossly missing from Beni Lar as member house of Representatives, it most not come from me, you should be able to influence and deploy people to do the work base on the relationship from me in engagement to be able to attract meaningful development for my People to change the narrative of these federal Constituencies.
He however disagreed that lawmaker is only elected to influence the development of the Constituencies he/she represent, including democratic institutions that are relevant to the welfare of the people .
He said in Lantang local government we don’t have a functional health care facilities ,I didn’t hear Beni Lar moving motions on the floor of the house, preparing a bill or bills for the establishment of these medical health Center ,in these daring LGs.
He added that its not reported how many bills the member house of Representatives has sponsored in her 16 Years in the national Assembly that has direct bearing to the social well being of the people of Lantang North/South she claimed to be representing for the past 15 years.
Beni Lar failed woefully in her primary responsibilities as an elected lawmaker representing Lantang North/South .
Those laws that bring development or attract developments to the Communities in question. How many bills has she moved to affect roads construction linking one state to the other.
How many motions has she moved on the floor of National Assembly to facilitate the roads that are in bad condition, posing danger to the people of the communities.
Their are many roads in the community that required attention but she didn’t make any impact.
Solomon Dalung reiterated the abysmal failure of Representatives, honorable Beni Lar for the past Fifteen years she held sway,I know as Minister that every Constituency projects not less than 200 Million .
In 2015 we made attempt to temper with the amount accrued as Constituency allowance ,but attracted public out cry,we decide to leave it to avoid crisis, which lingered on from 2015-17.
If Beni is to be fear and transparent with the people of his Constituency,as she claimed ,she should give them the exact amount she has collected as Constituency allowance from the period of Sixteen years she has spend as member in the National Assembly to be honest with posterity.
Dalung called on the people of Lantang North/South to be careful the person they elect as their representatives in the forthcoming coming election to avoid the situation they found themselves under Beni Lar.
“It is time to try another person apart from Beni Lar who has assumed the political landlord and become “Demi god” which we will not allow to continue.
Sequel to the unfortunate accident involving the supporters of People Democratic party (PDP), Plateau State Chapter along Pankshin road which claimed over Ten lives,more than the numbers sustained various degrees of injuries,the party has deemed it necessary to reach out to the families of those that died,and the injured for possible assistance.
This contained in a press release dated 18th January 2023,signed by the Director, Directorate of Media and Publicity Atiku-Okowa Mutfwang-Piyo Campaign Council Pastor Yiljap Ibrahim and made available to Journalists in Jos.
According to the release, which read in part,more help are coming the way of PDP Accident Victims in Plateau State: Party sets up committee to get the job done.
The release further read that,the Governorship Candidate of the PDP in Plateau State Barr Caleb Mutfwang and the PDP Chairman Hon Chris Hassan are sparing no effort in making sure that more help reaches the PDP members who were involved in road accidents and are facing other health challenges during the party’s campaign rallies and meetings.
A statement from the office of the Chairman issued by his Personal Assistant on Media and Protocol Kefas Sumdi says following consultations among other candidates and critical stakeholders a management committee has been established to ensure that donations and all forms of assistance are delivered to the accident victims.
The nine-member committee is to be chaired by former Secretary to the Government of Plateau Prof Shedrack Best.
Other members are the Deputy Director in charge of the Medical Team of the Campaign Council, Dr Raymond Juryit, wife of former Governorship aspirant Mrs. Roseline Dauda Gotring, PRTV Deputy Director of Programmes Kacholom Abbah and former Councillor of Ampang West Ward Jonathan Fwangden. The others are a youth and gendre advocate Dr Chikas Kumle, a Consultant Pathologist at the Jos University Teaching Hospital Jos, Dr. Agabus Manasseh, COCIN Regional Church Council Secretary and Leading Pastor in charge of COCIN II Ampang West, Rev. Emmanuel Dogo and former House of Representatives Aspirant for Jos South/Jos East Constituency, Dr. Chomo Datiyi who will also serve as the Secretary of the management committee.
The committee has also been given terms of reference as follows:
1. To source for funding from committed individuals and groups within the PDP, and any concerned philanthropic groups; utilise any existing funds; in order to ameliorate the suffering of party members involved in accidents and other health challenges during the party’s campaign rallies and meetings.
2. To identify the number and addresses of casualties resulting from the recent road transport accidents involving members of our dear party.
3. To identify and document valid next-of-kin for victims.
4. To develop a comprehensive medical report of all admissions, treatments, and discharge as ii affects the victims.
5. To ascertain the medical expenses arising from services rendered to victims and make funds for their settlement.
6. To determine the restorative and supportive rehabilitation of some of the victims and give the necessary short and long term assistance.
The Committee will soon be inaugurated and has four weeks to submit its report.
On his initial reaction to the accidents, PDP Governorship Candidate Barr Caleb Mutfwang called the victims as heroes of democracy. He said their sacrifices will always be remembered. He had also suspended all campaign activities as a mark of honour for the victims.
PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in company of the National Chairman of the party Dr Iorchia Ayu flew into Jos and visited the victims at JUTH. He assured them that their sacrifices will not be on vain.
13 people were confirmed dead in the truck crash last Saturday near Panyam bridge, but the Bisichi bus crash had no fatalities.
Jos University Teaching Hospital holds about 28 injured party members from both road accidents still undergoing various medical treatments while 17 have been discharged.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya commissioned a state of the art gymnasium and swimming pool at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army, the edifice will complement the Government efforts at providing qualitative sporting facilities for personnel of the Nigerian Army.
Gen. Yahaya who was represented by the Chief of Standard and Evaluation Army Maj. Gen.S Muhammed commended the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN for conceiving the project and ensuring it completion within his tenure in office as GOC.
He charged the personnel to make sporting activities a hubby in order to improve their competitiveness in sport competitions. Adding that his decision to support the improvement of supporting activities in all Nigerian Army Barracks is premised on the resolve to make sporting activities a tremendous source of joy and energy to troops and members of their families.
He further said the facility is significant to the health and fitness of personnel as well as assisting troops preparing for combat competitions to train for a successful outing.
The Chief of Army Staff further commended the GOC for his visionary leadership and laudable achievement achieved during his tenure and wished him success as he goes to take over as the Theatre Commander Operation HADIN KAI.
Speaking earlier during the welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN welcomed all present and disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff laid the first block on which the Gymnasium and Pool was built and thanked him for his continuous support to 3 Division.
Also speaking during the brief, the Deputy Director 3 Division physical Training Lt Col AA Olatoye said the gymnasium which has the male and female sections is equipped with 6 treadmills of 7 horse power, 6 electric exercise bike, 2 multipurpose machine, 4 total crazy body massagers, a leg press, a hip abduction machine, 2 sauna rooms amongst others. While the pool which is 4 feet deep at the shallow end and 8 feet deep at the deepest end is equipped with a water heater, underwater lights, and it’s pavilion has a 170 spectator capacity.
The Commander 3 Division Garrison Brig Gen MO AGI while delivering the Vote of Thanks said the building of the gymnasium will not only improve troops welfare but also enhance competence in the field.
Highlights of the event was the tour of the facility, swimming demonstration by Private Joy Ogbolu, presentation of gifts and group photographs.
Hitherto self acclaimed Governship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), in plateau state, Ambassador Yohanna Margif has been arriagned in Senior Magistrate Court sitting at Kasuwa Nama of Jos North Local Government Council yesterday 17th January 2023.
He was arraigned on one count charge boarded on criminal breach of “Trust” between Sule A.Bashir ,Eliya Gajere and Amb. Yohanna Y. Margif at Plateau State Command.
The accused Ambassador Margif, in 2011alleged to have bought cars amounted to N28 million promised to pay within two weeks by issued a cheque of the said amount , only to be bounce from Union Bank.
According to the prosecuting counsel ,Barr.M.N.Alex, further narrated that since after issuance of the bounce cheque, the suspect absconded and relocated to Abuja, which is a criminal breach of trust punishable under section 297 ,307,294 of plateau state panel code law .
However Amb .Yohanna Yilpwan Margif who is being arraigned by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police (COP)on 1 count charge of alleged N28Million fraud had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The counsel to the accused M.B Abdullahi applied for bail to be granted his client ,Ambassador Margif, which the prosecuting Counsel barrister Alex vehemently opposed the application and instead asked the court to denied the suspect bail because he has jump administrative bail thrice, granted him by the Plateau State Police command make an order for an accelerated hearing of the matter.
Abdullahi argued that they are not opposing the application as he also apply for bail under section 36 (5) 36(6) of the 1999 constitution because he is assumed to be innocent ,the accused person will not jump bail and can’t temper with investigation and would provide a credible surety in that regard.
He said under section 117 & 182 the position of law is very clear saying the court can’t refuse him bail because the defendant is not physically disposed and needed medical .
In his ruling on the application and counter-application for bail ,the Judge upheld arguments that the defendant should be granted bail .
The judge granted him bail with sum of N5Million with two Surties that must have a landed properties within court jurisdiction.
The matter has been adjourned till February 2023 ,for hearing.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army (GOC)and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali, was today 17 January 2023, honored with a novelty volleyball match as part of activities marking the end of his tour of duty of OPSH.
Speaking after the novelty match that saw officers of OPSH defeating the soldiers, the Chief of Staff, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Brigadier General Amos Egbejule and Deputy Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Iyau extolled the leadership qualities of the commander and his infrastructure revolution in OPSH.
The senior officers described the outgoing GOC 3 Division/Commander OPSH as an upright and reliable leader whose legacies cannot be forgotten. They recalled the numerous interventions of the commander in providing basic amenities to communities in dire need of assistance towards the improvement of their standard of living.
In his response, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali, said he has gathered a worthwhile experience during his tour of duty of OPSH. He lauded the personnel for their dedication to service and charged them to remain disciplined while discharging their duties to the country.
Major General Ali urged personnel of OPSH to give maximum support to the incoming Commander, describing him as a versatile senior officer with vast experience and unmatched expertise.
It would be recalled that Major General Ibrahim Ali has been posted to North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) as Theatre Commander.
High points of the event were the novelty volleyball match between officers and men of OPSH, presentation of gift item to Major General Ali and group photograph.
The governship candidate People Democratic party PDP, for 2023 general election in Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang has condoled with the families of People’s Democratic Party PDP, supporters who were involved in ghastly motor accident during the party’s rally held in Pankshin the state central zone.
Mutfwang described the Victims as brothers who come directly from his Community working extra hard for democratic ideals on the Plateau in particular, and Nigeria as a whole.
The PDP candidate condolence message dated 17th January,2023, signed by the Directorate of Media and Publicity Atiku-Okowa, Mutfwang-Piyo Campaign Council Pastor Yiljap Ibrahim and made available to this in Jos,reads:
It was a day of pain and emotions for the Peoples Democratic Party Gubernatorial Candidate Barr Caleb Mutfwang as he paid condolence visits to the families of those who lost their loved ones in a truck accident while returning from the party’s central zone rally in Pankshin last Saturday.
Mutfwang was accompanied by his running mate Josephine Piyo, campaign DG Letep Dabang, member representing Mangu South State Constituency, Bala Fwangje, PDP National ex-officio member Olivia Dazyam, Campaign Council Central Zone Coordinator Ephraim Usman, an elder of the party Chief Simon Tangni, former governorship aspirant Irmiya Sarpiya, Directors and officials from the Campaign council, party stakeholders and supporters.
While at Ampang in Mangu Local Government Area, the governorship candidate visited each of the 13 families that had casualties in the accident.
At the palace of the District Head of Ampang, Barr. Mutfwang could not hold back his emotion while commiserating with the Mishkham. He noted it was a difficult and traumatic time for him as the deceased were his younger ones from his community.
He regretted that inspite of all the prayers and necessary safety measures taken, the devil struck through the accident.
While submitting to the Almighty, he prayed for God’s strength for the families and communities.
Responding, the District Head, Mishkaham Pius Mutla appreciated Mutfwang for the visit. “No one can question God”, the chief concluded.
The families of the 13 deceased are located in Ampang, Danggu, Jerep, Perka, and Pishik. And as Mutfwang went to each of the families, he prayed for God’s comfort upon them.
The various family representatives appreciated the PDP gubernatorial candidate for the visit.
In a twist, some of the families in their responses were comforting Barr Mutfwang and encouraging him to also remain strong while praying for his victory in the forthcoming elections.
*Mutfwang and Jang condole Sango*
In a related development, Barrister Mutfwang and former governor Jonah Jang have led a delegation of PDP chieftains on a condolence visit to the family of former state PDP Chairman Damishi Sango who lost his wife recently.
Mutfwang described Mrs Sango as a warm and friendly woman. He challenged all to order their steps to attain eternity.
Sen Jang who was accompanied by his wife Ngo Talatu said Mrs Sango was a humble and virtuous woman.
Responding, Hon Sango said his wife was an evangelist in the family.
He appreciated the show of love to his family by the PDP delegation.
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