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By, giwa alex, Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of plateau state has showered encomium  on the President Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his  leadership role and refusal to succumbed to intense pressure mounted on him to us his enormous power to influence ,sway the judiciary .

 He said Politicking aside Nigeria president remained among one of the most powerful leaders in the world ,so he has the power to do and undo including influencing the judiciary to any side , but choose to remained natural and bluntly  refused to be lured into encroaching into judicial space.

Barrister Caleb Mutfwang showed the praises on the president during his thank you speech after the supreme Court victory held at the Land Field event center Rayfield, jos south local government area of plateau state on 13th January 2024.

He said the president neutral posture enable your Lordships  the judiciary to delivered judgement without fear , favor or ill will, but that is not to say I didn’t salute the courage of your Lordships to delivered judgement without fear favor or ill will.

We are grateful to Mr President and the judiciary because when we loose hope on the judiciary which is the last hope of common man, the county is doomed forever, so with the landslide judgement of the supreme Court, our hopes, and the hopes of Nigerians is again rekindled.

Mutfwang appreciated the mammoth crowd who waited patiently under the scorching Sun to receive him at the airport from Abuja after the Supreme Court Victory.

Said the reactions of the people of plateau has spur us as government that for the rest of my administration , we will leave for the interest of the state, as what God has destined for the state , we will work day and night that it come to reality.

Thank the elder state man in the like of Ambassador Yahaya Kwande for standing by the party from the day the litigation started.

Thank the legal team led by P. A Akubo Senior Advocate of Nigeria whom he described as capable, eloquent, dodged and above all, a firm believer on the project of plateau State.

Even though I have thanked the commissioners in the state severally, I want to use this occasion to single out one person on this occasion ,the Anthony General of the state, Barrister Philimon Daffe who worked day and night coordinating the legal teams.

Thank the members of the National Assembly in the state whom he referred to as temporal Internally Displaced politicians, and assured them of returning to their various legitimate positions as lawmakers which was stolen .

Called on the people of plateau to come out emass come 3rd February 2024 Re-run election, and vote for Simon Mwadkwon as senator representing plateau North Senatorial district at the National Assembly to return to his position as Senator.

He Further charged the people to also vote for Musa Agah for Federal House of Representatives to represent Bassa/Jos North Constituency.

There are forces working against us as party in the state to make sure that we didn’t participate in the election, but if God is for us, who can be against us, so by the Grace of God our party will be fulling participating in that election. Not only to contest, but to come out victorious to confirm what the people of the state have done before.

He said those currently holding the mandates of the people should know that it doesn’t belong to them, but the earlier they relinquish it, the better for them to avoid being disgraced because the people of plateau knows those they give their mandates.

Thank his party PDP who believed on his candidature and give him the Governorship ticket ,who stood by him throughout the litigation base on the flimsy charges that our party did not  have structure which despite our explanations to convince our opponents falls in their deft ears because they thought we are telling them liars, and the supreme Court has finally vindicated us. 

He thank the elders in the state in the likes of Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, Professor Lumbe , Professor Manlo who find time to graced the occasion and who have stand by us throughout our trying time.

“When you have Father like Yahaya Kwande, you will not want him to die early because of his usefulness.”

” He always stand by us throughout the beginning of this litigation , I hava continue to  respect him and honor him.” 

He described the former Governor of the state Jonah David Jang as true and  dependable leader that the state is lucky to have considering his unalloyed love for plateau, fought for plateau and still fighting for plateau.

Stressed that the gathering of the people here to celebrate the supreme Court  victory is not for PDP members alone is for the whole  lovers of plateau State.

Promised that the victory of the party at Supreme Court mark New beginnings for the state and prayed that by the grace of God, his administration will eradicate poverty, illiteracy on the plateau.

Our children will be educated to any school in the state, fantastic health care and employment for the youth.

Mutfwang promised to surpass the achievement recorded by Jonah Jang administration which has put him on the state map of one of the best governor after JD Galwak and Solomon Dashep Lar, as people will be anxious to visit or to come and do business on the plateau.

“The people of plateau will remember me and my administration because we are going to do something positive in the state, that would remain indelible in the mind of the people of plateau state. “

Our Reporter 

Member Representing Pankshin Kanke and Kanam (PKk) at the Federal House of Representatives plateau State, Honourable Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has congratulates governor Mutfwang over his victory at the supreme Court.

Honorable Gagdi congratulatory message to the executive governor of the state Caleb Mutfwang is contained in a statement dated 13th January 2023, personally signed by him and made available to this medium in Jos. 

In the statement,the honorable member said todays’s decision of the Apex court affirming the victory of His Excellency Barr Caleb Mannasah Mutfwang as the validly elected governor of Plateau State in the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial polls in Plateau State has put paid to the legal tussle initiated by my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, my friend and brother, Dr Nentawe Yilwada, challenging the proprietary of his declaration.

We might differ  in our political views and beliefs, but the brotherly cord that binds us as citizens of Plateau State shall never be broken. Our utterances and actions while the struggle lasted might have offended one another, but despite all that, we must strike a balance for the benefit of Plateau people, whom we seek to lead; if our struggles are genuinely anchored on the well being of the populace.

It is on this premise that I wholeheartedly extend my sincerest felicitations to the Governor, His Excellency Barr Caleb Mutfwang, on his victory at the Supreme Court and wish him a prosperous tenure, as he braces up to better the lots of Plateau People who entrusted him with their mandates.

The time for politics is over, let people-centered governance and genuine concerns for the growth and development of our land and citizens take the center stage of our activities henceforth.

Politics without bitterness is what I pray for all elected and appointed  representatives of Plateau State in all strata of government.

While enjoining all my supporters and APC faithfuls in the state to accord the PDP administration in Plateau the desired support to lead the state to prosperity, I salute the doggedness of our candidate, Dr Nentawe Yilwada Goshwe, for believing in his vision for the state and pursuing the legal fireworks to a logical conclusion. We remain committed members of the APC in the state and at the national level.

I cannot thank our supporters enough for their steadfastness throughout the struggles. I urge them to take every banter arising from our legal defeat in good faith, because that is what makes politics more interesting.

Once again, Congratulations and God’s guidance as you administer the sacred mandate of Plateau people bestowed on you.

Signed:

Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Ph D, OON. National Assembly, Abuja.

By, giwa alex, Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of plateau State has admonished the citizens of the state to give their unalloyed cooperation and support the securities to bring expected peace by putting an end to sporadic genocidal Killings in some communities in the state.

He said this is imperactive because without the cooperation of the citizens, there is little the securities in the state could do to put an end to Incessant Killings of  innocent  citizens by blood thirsty militias who derived pleasure in splitting the blood of innocent people.

The governor was speaking in an interview with Journalists during Friday Jummat prayer heralding 15th January 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the Jos Central Mosque 12th January 2024.

Represented by the commissioner for youth and sports Bashir Lawandi Datti thank God for giving the governor victory at the Supreme Court, said it is victory for the people of plateau state who stood by governor Mutfwang led administration throughout the court litigations filed by the candidate of the All progressive Congress APC, Nentawe Yilwada.

And reiterated  the needs  for the people to join hands with the securities  in the state so as to being insecurities currently ravaging some communities in the state in particular and the state in general to an end ones and for all.

He Commended the security agents for their support, and assured them that government will ensure that they are better equipped to make them engage the terrorists head on.

“I want to employ all the citizens of plateau state to Join hands and support in fighting insecurity in the state. he maintained.

By, giwa alex, Jos 

Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has dedicated his victory at the Supreme Court to God and the people of Plateau State, who stood by him and defended their mandate.

The supporters and associates of the Governor who had throng the premises of the Supreme Court, went into wild jubilation as soon as the verdict of the five-member panel was pronounced in favour of the People’s Governor.

In a statement issued on Friday after the judgement delivered at the Supreme Court in Abuja, Governor Mutfwang described the affirmation of his mandate as a divine act, and expressed his profound gratitude to God Almighty for sustaining him throughout the electoral process; from the polls to the tribunal, and to the apex court.

He hailed the landmark judgement as a triumph for democracy, noting that the highly respected justices of the Supreme Court corrected the erroneous impression created by the opposition in Plateau State, that the PDP lacked the structure to nominate and sponsor candidates for the 2023 General Elections. 

The Governor said, “I want to thank their Lordships who have today restored confidence in the judiciary. Their Lordships have demostrated courage and they have raised the hope of the ordinary man in Nigeria that justice is still available in the nation.

“I want to thank Mr President for showing himself as a true Democrat and not allowing  the political space to become intoxicated. He has also shown that as a beneficiary of the People’s votes, he would allow and support the judiciary to perform it role without undue interference.” 

“I want to thank the people of Plateau State who have stood by me. I want to thank Nigerians who have stood by us and I want to thank the International Community that has also insisted that the votes of the people must count in Nigerian democracy.”, he said.

He added, “This judgement is historic and highly significant in the political journey of Plateau State. It is the rebirth of a new Plateau where God has demonstrated his sovereignty as the owner and giver of power.”

Governor Mutfwang stated further, “This will motivate me to do more for my people; I wish to strongly reaffirm my commitment to continually provide purposeful leadership. We shall not rest on our oars until Plateau State becomes Peaceful, United and Prosperous.”

Governor Mutfwang said he would always be grateful to the people of Plateau State for believing in him and entrusting him with their sacred mandate to lead them at this critical time in the history of the state. He called on all citizens, irrespective of political inclination to join him in the quest of building a peaceful, United and prosperous Plateau.

Commenting on the Appeal Court Judgements that nullified the election of National and State Assembly members elected under the Platform of the PDP on issues that where thrown out by the Supreme Court, Governor Mutfwang said, “We have just crossed the bridge and when we settle down to savor this victory, we will know what to do.” He stated.

By, giwa alex, Jos

Fulani’s under the aupacies  of  Coalition of Fulani’s  Groups on the plateau has been described as serial liar who  hid under falsehood to unleashed  terror attack on innocent citizens that  has claimed lives and unquantified numbers of properties destroyed, houses burned to ashes and over 3,000 person  displaced  currently leaving in various Internally Displaced Persons Camp (IDP) in the state.

As the misleading account of the so-call Coalition, cannot  be true  that a total number of 8 Districts have suddenly risen against the Fulani or their purported number of cattle herds rustled without any reason, they should be honest enough to tell the world why this could even be the case. 

This contained in a press conference organized by the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), the Forum of Bokkos  Development Association and the Mwagavwul Youths Movement held  at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Secretariat in jos plateau State chapter 11th January 2024 and signed by Barr Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, 

President of Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Mr. Philip  Julson, Chairman Forum of Community Development Association Chairmen, Bokkos LGA and Dawap Sunday Dankaka,

President Mwagavwul Youth Movement. 

The body in the press conference said,our attention have been drawn to a press release credited to the Coalition of Fulani Groups in Plateau State in which a wide range of claims and allegations were made against the people of Barkin Ladi Bokkos and Mangu LGAs as well as the Government of Plateau State. 

He said could it be that the terrorist activities and banditry that  has come to be associated with the majority of the Fulani, is indeed, their push-factor?   To the best of our knowledge, Fulani herders have been hosted by our communities for decades, but have now, in our view, counted themselves unworthy of the hospitality and accommodation of the native peoples who are largely sedentary peasant farmers. 

 “Ordinarily, this Press Release would have passed without a single comment from us, except that the unsuspecting public and indeed, the International Community would have been mislead into believing that the barbaric and dastardly massacre of Christmas-Eve meted out on the people of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs are justified on the spurious grounds adduced by the so-call Coalition.”

 This is because, the concocted, illogical and fictitious Press Release issued on the 7th day of January was just an attempt to cover, confuse, misdirect and downplay the heinous crimes committed by their bandits, and therefore, there was no sincere place for their pretentious condolences which actually amount to a hidden sense of mockery and hypocrisy as they spoke from both sides of the mouth.

“By the misleading account of the so-call Coalition, how can this be true that a total number of 8 Districts have suddenly risen against the Fulani or their purported number of cattle herds without any reason? They should be honest enough to tell the world why this could even be the case. Could it be that the terrorist activities and banditry that  has come to be associated with the majority of the Fulani, is indeed, their push-factor?   To the best of our knowledge, Fulani herders have been hosted by our communities for decades, but have now, in our view, counted themselves unworthy of the hospitality and accommodation of the native peoples who are largely sedentary peasant farmers. “

The Berom association said from a wide range of experiences and parallels in other States and Regions of Nigeria that Fulani militants unleash terror on weak and harmless villages, annexed their lands and denied them access in those territories. In Plateau, there are over 102 Hamlets and villages that have been completely sacked and are being occupied by the Fulani.

 In addition,  a peace loving and very kind Paramount Ruler of Bokkos LGA, HRH Da Lazarus Agai was gruesomely killed in cold-blood on his farm while  a District Head and Village Head were both killed in similar circumstances. Sadly today, over 200 of their subjects have also been massacred by the same bandits and terrorist elements whom the  Fulani Coalition is advocating for their protection, and also be allowed to continue terrorizing the entire place.

 It’s a notorious fact that Fulani militants have been launching attacks and raiding Hamlets and Villages, committing all sorts of human rights abuses with the hope of displacing the natives, grabbing their lands and taking over the economic activities of those areas. So, it is very ironical for the victims of FULANI aggression and  agenda to be portrayed as the aggressors in their own traditional homesteads and farmlands? This is, of course, a “PERFECT” work of their cheap propaganda, which is now common knowledge all over Nigeria.

“It’s mind-blowing and, indeed, mischievous to brandish statistics with little or no substantiation or evidence. It should, however, be understood that the aim of their Press Release was to fuel their propaganda machine, and to probably diffuse attention from the victims of their terror in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs.” 

Knowing the killer Fulani herdsmen for who they are, who will imagine that over 350 Fulani are killed, and thousands of their cattle rustled with over 115 in one day all rustled or killed, and unbelievably wait until January 7th for a so-call Coalition to make a Press Release on their behalf. 

Who on Earth will ever believe this? Is this not a diversionary tactics from the alarming Christmas-Eve killings and plunder that claimed 257 aside the over 100 injured,talk less of over  19,000 displaced and valuables worth Millions of Naira destroyed?

 It’s undisputed that the Fulani lack customary rights and authority over lands and territories in all our villages and Communities except those acquired through purchase, gifts and goodwill. Little wonder, therefore, that Fulani militants have chosen terror as a means of conquest land acquisitions in this 21st Century, where constitutionalism, civilization and civility is the hallmark of modern society. 

 Furthermore, we are abundantly aware that Government at all levels has been concerned and making deliberate efforts to bring relief and succour to victims of terror attacks and not to support aggressors, militants and bandits or their collaborators. Therefore, the ploy of the so-call Coalition trying to paint or even out humanitarian situation is,  indeed, misleading and very shameless. To make things worse, the  fictitious and propagandist statistics make the whole claims and allegations laughable and ridiculous.

 For the avoidance of doubt, here is what is established, and can be verified by all and sundry about the  Christmas-Eve massacre that occurred in 39 villages of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs:

They however give the verified statics of the people gruesomely massacred in cold blood by attacked villages to include:

 Barkin Ladi : 19 people killed, 6 injured, 2851 displaced aside homes and other valuables destroyed in 3 villages attacked. 

Bokkos: 187 killed, over 100 injured, over 15, 231 displaced from 31 villages raided.

 Mangu: 52 killed, over 1900 displaced from 4 villages completely overran. 

Our singular prayer is for Government to halt Fulani militants from raiding our Hamlets and Villages, killing our people and displacing as well as disrupting our livelihoods. Their sponsors and networks within and outside Nigeria should be bursted while the perpetrators and local accomplices be brought to justice. 

In conclusion, permit us at this juncture to unequivocally state that, our people are at the receiving end of Fulani terror orchestrated and unleashed through their bandits, local and International compradors. The will of the Nigerian State and Government is, indeed, on trial as to whether these terrorists would go on unchecked or that Security agents will rise to the occasion to guarantee the safety of lives and property of citizens in this country. 

We call on our people to remain very vigilant and ready to defend themselves if they have to under the circumstance we have found ourselves.  

Our Reporter

It is always a thing of joy to celebrate, but more joyous to mark the faithfulness in the vainyard of God for his mercy.

This is so as Ibrahim Shaltha is celebrated by his friends and associates on his 1st legacy Anniversary held 11th January 2024 .

The celebration is to mark , rather to commemorate the legacy and life of Ibrahim Shaltha whom is described by admirers as quiet, unassuming personality.

He is alumni of Air force primary school, Kings college Kano, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria ,and prodigy of Calvary life Assembly and the House on the Rock Kano where he laboured on his bit as the Church administrator/accountant. Remarkable in service such that he commanded the admiration of his peers, elders, friends and family.

He is further described by his friends, colleague, as indefatigable worker, a generous personality, a selfless kingdom promoter, an accountant by training, a song lover, singer and entertainer, and above all ,go getter Ibrahim J Shaltha will always be remembered.

He is remarkable in service such that he commanded the admiration of his peers, elders, friends and family. It is to this end that the legacy of accountability, selfless service, commitment, dedication and passion is celebrated.

A high light literature “Occupy Till I come” is a literature tribute excerpt comes apt to capture the beat of the moment and the values for which he represents.

The literature is an evangelistic tool to reach out to all and sundry with a mandate to Occupy in service to God, and to the furtherance of the gospel in all facets.

The reach out is seeing the distribution of the free literature across states in Nigeria and beyond amongst other activities. The strategic alliance of gifts, talents for the furtherance of the kingdom.

The legacy commemoration witnessed the distribution of the literatures and prayers in Jos, Plateau state, as other states of Kano, Edo, Kwara, the Federal capital territory are regional outlets for the reach out!

Indeed as the legacy and literature spells out that we all give our time, resources, energy and talent in service to God, it is also a good time of reflection as the year unfolds that we Re-prioritize, and redefine our life vision, get rid of the past mistakes, chart new courses, and make the most of our passion to serve humanity and the kingdom of God.

Our Reporter 

In a display of compassion and commitment towards the surviving families of  Fallen Heroes of the Nigeria Police Force, a United States-based Charity organization, Kedrick Scribner Foundation has flagged-off the long awaited edition of its Widow’s Mite 3.0 in Lagos, Nigeria. The grand event, which took place Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the United Church of Christ in Nigeria, A.K.A. HEKAN, Mounted Troops Police Barracks, Ikeja, had widows of the fallen heroes gracing the occasion alongside their children.

These families were carefully selected from different barracks within the Lagos State metropolis, which includes the following: Mounted Troops Police Barracks, Ikeja, Police Barracks, Obalende, Mopol 20 Police Barracks, Ikeja, Mopol 22, Police Barracks, Alapere, Police Barracks, Idimu and Highway Police Barracks, Ikeja.

Building on the successes of the previous edition of the Widow’s Mite 1.0 and 2.0, this third edition solidifies the foundation’s commitment to supporting the underprivileged.

Past successes of the foundation also include Widow’s Mite 1.0, which provided essential items to over 80 widows. These items include, 25kg of rice, 1 gallon of cooking oil, sauces, spices, dried milk, flour, and canned goods. Additionally, about 1000 people were fed, after the Sunday church service.

Similarly, the Widow’s Mite 2.0, offered a three days of events, featuring medical testing, free medical insurance for 180 Widows of the Fallen Heroes, with 25 fully paid scholarships granted to the children of the widows to study at federal universities in Nigeria, for a period of four-years. During the event, about 2000 people were fed after the Sunday church service.

The third edition of the Widow’s Mite 3.0 witnessed the inauguration of the Kedrick Scribner Vocational Center, a testament to the Foundation’s dedication to widows’ empowerment in Nigeria. The center, promises to offer sewing vocational training and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for the widows and their children.

A 6-month certificate course in sewing, covering pattern cutting, dressmaking, and traditional wears making will be featured in the Vocational Training centre. Trained widows will have access to sewing machines to support their families by crafting clothing for sale. Additionally, a 3-month computer application course will be offered, covering beginner basic computer training to advanced-level skills.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kedrick Scribner Foundation, Dr. Kedrick Scribner, who is a Minister of the gospel and in Law Enforcement in the United States, while expressing delight over the success of the event shared his motivation for supporting families of the falling heroes in Nigeria:

“I grew up in a home, with 4 siblings. My mother was a single parent, we lived in the projects in Baltimore city, which is one of the most dangerous projects in Baltimore city called ‘Murphy Home ‘. My mother worked for Social Security Administration for 50 years, and that is where I got my work ethic from. 

So growing up, we were poor, but my mother maintained a good home as where there is food on the table, clothes on our backs and made sure that we went to school. This is what has engrained in me to help those that are not as fortunate as myself, because I understand the plight of being poor and I understand what it is like to not be able to have very much and to have your mother go out and slave, just so she could provide something on the table for her children.”

Kedrick Scribner Foundation also provided the sum of two million naira (2,000,000) to HEKAN church, Mounted Troops Police Barracks, to support the education of children of the fallen heroes, and orphans in the HEKAN community. Monies provided were solely for the children’s school uniforms, books and tuition fees at the HEKAN school.

Dr. Scribner, while speaking with newsmen in Lagos, called on spirited individuals, organizations and government institutions to contribute towards supporting the Widows of the Fallen Heroes, Orphans and the people living in the Valley.

For more inquiries on this event, contact Kedrick Scribner on: kedrickscribnerfoundation@gmail.com

https://kedrickscribnerfoundation.org/

Our Reporter 

In a display of compassion and commitment towards the surviving families of  Fallen Heroes of the Nigeria Police Force, a United States-based Charity organization, Kedrick Scribner Foundation has flagged-off the long awaited edition of its Widow’s Mite 3.0 in Lagos, Nigeria. The grand event, which took place Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the United Church of Christ in Nigeria, A.K.A. HEKAN, Mounted Troops Police Barracks, Ikeja, had widows of the fallen heroes gracing the occasion alongside their children.

These families were carefully selected from different barracks within the Lagos State metropolis, which includes the following: Mounted Troops Police Barracks, Ikeja, Police Barracks, Obalende, Mopol 20 Police Barracks, Ikeja, Mopol 22, Police Barracks, Alapere, Police Barracks, Idimu and Highway Police Barracks, Ikeja.

Building on the successes of the previous edition of the Widow’s Mite 1.0 and 2.0, this third edition solidifies the foundation’s commitment to supporting the underprivileged.

Past successes of the foundation also include Widow’s Mite 1.0, which provided essential items to over 80 widows. These items include, 25kg of rice, 1 gallon of cooking oil, sauces, spices, dried milk, flour, and canned goods. Additionally, about 1000 people were fed, after the Sunday church service.

Similarly, the Widow’s Mite 2.0, offered a three days of events, featuring medical testing, free medical insurance for 180 Widows of the Fallen Heroes, with 25 fully paid scholarships granted to the children of the widows to study at federal universities in Nigeria, for a period of four-years. During the event, about 2000 people were fed after the Sunday church service.

The third edition of the Widow’s Mite 3.0 witnessed the inauguration of the Kedrick Scribner Vocational Center, a testament to the Foundation’s dedication to widows’ empowerment in Nigeria. The center, promises to offer sewing vocational training and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for the widows and their children.

A 6-month certificate course in sewing, covering pattern cutting, dressmaking, and traditional wears making will be featured in the Vocational Training centre. Trained widows will have access to sewing machines to support their families by crafting clothing for sale. Additionally, a 3-month computer application course will be offered, covering beginner basic computer training to advanced-level skills.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kedrick Scribner Foundation, Dr. Kedrick Scribner, who is a Minister of the gospel and in Law Enforcement in the United States, while expressing delight over the success of the event shared his motivation for supporting families of the falling heroes in Nigeria:

“I grew up in a home, with 4 siblings. My mother was a single parent, we lived in the projects in Baltimore city, which is one of the most dangerous projects in Baltimore city called ‘Murphy Home ‘. My mother worked for Social Security Administration for 50 years, and that is where I got my work ethic from. 

So growing up, we were poor, but my mother maintained a good home as where there is food on the table, clothes on our backs and made sure that we went to school. This is what has engrained in me to help those that are not as fortunate as myself, because I understand the plight of being poor and I understand what it is like to not be able to have very much and to have your mother go out and slave, just so she could provide something on the table for her children.”

Kedrick Scribner Foundation also provided the sum of two million naira (2,000,000) to HEKAN church, Mounted Troops Police Barracks, to support the education of children of the fallen heroes, and orphans in the HEKAN community. Monies provided were solely for the children’s school uniforms, books and tuition fees at the HEKAN school.

Dr. Scribner, while speaking with newsmen in Lagos, called on spirited individuals, organizations and government institutions to contribute towards supporting the Widows of the Fallen Heroes, Orphans and the people living in the Valley.

For more inquiries on this event, contact Kedrick Scribner on: kedrickscribnerfoundation@gmail.com

https://kedrickscribnerfoundation.org/

Our Reporter 

In a display of compassion and commitment towards the surviving families of  Fallen Heroes of the Nigeria Police Force, a United States-based Charity organization, Kedrick Scribner Foundation has flagged-off the long awaited edition of its Widow’s Mite 3.0 in Lagos, Nigeria. The grand event, which took place Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the United Church of Christ in Nigeria, A.K.A. HEKAN, Mounted Troops Police Barracks, Ikeja, had widows of the fallen heroes gracing the occasion alongside their children.

These families were carefully selected from different barracks within the Lagos State metropolis, which includes the following: Mounted Troops Police Barracks, Ikeja, Police Barracks, Obalende, Mopol 20 Police Barracks, Ikeja, Mopol 22, Police Barracks, Alapere, Police Barracks, Idimu and Highway Police Barracks, Ikeja.

Building on the successes of the previous edition of the Widow’s Mite 1.0 and 2.0, this third edition solidifies the foundation’s commitment to supporting the underprivileged.

Past successes of the foundation also include Widow’s Mite 1.0, which provided essential items to over 80 widows. These items include, 25kg of rice, 1 gallon of cooking oil, sauces, spices, dried milk, flour, and canned goods. Additionally, about 1000 people were fed, after the Sunday church service.

Similarly, the Widow’s Mite 2.0, offered a three days of events, featuring medical testing, free medical insurance for 180 Widows of the Fallen Heroes, with 25 fully paid scholarships granted to the children of the widows to study at federal universities in Nigeria, for a period of four-years. During the event, about 2000 people were fed after the Sunday church service.

The third edition of the Widow’s Mite 3.0 witnessed the inauguration of the Kedrick Scribner Vocational Center, a testament to the Foundation’s dedication to widows’ empowerment in Nigeria. The center, promises to offer sewing vocational training and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for the widows and their children.

A 6-month certificate course in sewing, covering pattern cutting, dressmaking, and traditional wears making will be featured in the Vocational Training centre. Trained widows will have access to sewing machines to support their families by crafting clothing for sale. Additionally, a 3-month computer application course will be offered, covering beginner basic computer training to advanced-level skills.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kedrick Scribner Foundation, Dr. Kedrick Scribner, who is a Minister of the gospel and in Law Enforcement in the United States, while expressing delight over the success of the event shared his motivation for supporting families of the falling heroes in Nigeria:

“I grew up in a home, with 4 siblings. My mother was a single parent, we lived in the projects in Baltimore city, which is one of the most dangerous projects in Baltimore city called ‘Murphy Home ‘. My mother worked for Social Security Administration for 50 years, and that is where I got my work ethic from. 

So growing up, we were poor, but my mother maintained a good home as where there is food on the table, clothes on our backs and made sure that we went to school. This is what has engrained in me to help those that are not as fortunate as myself, because I understand the plight of being poor and I understand what it is like to not be able to have very much and to have your mother go out and slave, just so she could provide something on the table for her children.”

Kedrick Scribner Foundation also provided the sum of two million naira (2,000,000) to HEKAN church, Mounted Troops Police Barracks, to support the education of children of the fallen heroes, and orphans in the HEKAN community. Monies provided were solely for the children’s school uniforms, books and tuition fees at the HEKAN school.

Dr. Scribner, while speaking with newsmen in Lagos, called on spirited individuals, organizations and government institutions to contribute towards supporting the Widows of the Fallen Heroes, Orphans and the people living in the Valley.

For more inquiries on this event, contact Kedrick Scribner on: kedrickscribnerfoundation@gmail.com

https://kedrickscribnerfoundation.org/

By, giwa alex, Jos 

The Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Plateau State, and Emir of Wase, HRH Mohammed Sambo Haruna, has expressed the Muslim community’s solidarity with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration in tackling the ongoing violence in the state. Haruna emphasized the need for decisive measures to end the recurring acts of violence and foster meaningful development.

Addressing the Governor on Monday when he led a delegation, Alhaji Haruna lamented the lack of arrests, prosecutions, or convictions related to the past acts of violence. He underscored the importance of holding perpetrators accountable to break the cycle of violence affecting the state.

The Royal Father urged the state government to enforce tax payment through community leaders as a means of identifying individuals, with the aim of preventing crime at its root.

Representatives of the Dariqa Muslim Council, Umar Shehu and Khalifa Abdullahi Shehu commended Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and highlighted infrastructure improvements in Muslim communities as evidence of inclusive leadership.

Governor Mutfwang welcomed the delegation to the Government House, affirming his administration’s commitment to inclusivity. He refuted claims of bias against Muslims, assuring them of his genuine goodwill. Mutfwang pledged justice for all and announced plans to sponsor seats for Muslims to go to Mecca within the available resources.

The Governor urged continued support from the Muslim community for the overall development of the state.

Our Reporter , Abuja

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang urging it to uphold his election.

The Governor alleged that he was not given a fair hearing by the Court of Appeal, therefore its decision to nullify his election was manifestly flawed.

The Court of Appeal on November 19 sacked the governor and declared the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, as the winner.

Mutfwang, however, faulted the Court of Appeal judgment and asked the Supreme Court to restore his mandate.

In his eight issues distilled before the Court of Appeal, Governor Mutfwang argued through his legal team led by Kanu Agabi (SAN) that only one of them was determined as others were untouched.

He said the decision of the Court of Appeal was contrary to the directive of the Supreme Court that intermediate courts should pronounce on all issues placed before it.

The appellant told the Supreme Court that when he presented eight issues before the Court of Appeal, only one was considered to invalidate his election.

During the hearing of the appeal on Tuesday, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by John Okoro took arguments from lawyers to parties in the case.

After a fierce session of arguments between Mr. Mutfwang’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, and Mr. Yilwatda’s counsel, J.O Olatoke, the Supreme Court said a date for judgment would be communicated to parties in the suit.

But before reserving judgment in the appeal, the Supreme Court raised two fundamental questions as to whether the tribunal has the jurisdiction to listen to issues of party congresses.

And also to whether given its judgments in several cases, issues of nomination and sponsorship which are pre-election matters can be entertained by the Tribunal.

Agabi argued that alleged disobedience to a subsisting orders of court is not part of the grounds to consider in disqualifying a candidate sponsored by a political party.

He argued that the entire petition was founded on the nomination and sponsorship of his client by the PDP.

He said the court departed from judicial precedence of the apex court on the issue of sponsorship is a pre-election matter.

The presiding justice of the five-man panel chaired by Justice Inyang Okoro asked Agabi to address them on the implication of the court sacking almost all the candidates that contested on the PDP platform in the state over a subsisting orders of a court.

Responding, Agabi said he had listed in his brief of arguments how the PDP complied with the order of court.

According to him, the court below only said the compliance was inadequate because the PDP did not have the required numbers of delegates from the Local Government Areas in Plateau state.

“What is the effect of the subsisting order of a high court that said PDP should conduct a valid court?”, the apex court asked again.

Agabi said exhibits were tendered by INEC and others to show that a valid congress was held.

He added that in any case, by the apex court decision, the APC has no standing to challenge the congress of another political party.

Counsel for the PDP candidate, Prof. J.O Olatoke, was asked if the order of a high court which obviously was given without jurisdiction can have an effect against the PDP and its candidates.

Olatoke replied that the matter of invalid congress was instituted by PDP chieftain and was affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

Barrister Omosoya Popoola, counsel for the APC, asked the apex court to uphold the removal of the governor.

“Does the court have jurisdiction to deal with the issue of how a candidate is nominated by a political party?,” the apex court asked him.

Poopola said it is not in all cases that the court can decline jurisdiction.

After hearing them, the Supreme Court reserved judgement.

The verdict will be passed on or before January 16, when the appeal would elapse.

Mutfwang insisted that since he was not given a fair hearing, the Supreme Court should dismiss the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which invalidated his election.

He added: “It is our further submission that having denied fair hearing to the appellant concerning Notice of Preliminary Objection as well as a motion to strike out the incompetent grounds of appeal, the decision of the lower court to dismiss same is, with all due respect, manifestly flawed.

“The implication of denial of fair hearing renders proceedings null and void.

“We respectfully urge the Honourable Court to invoke its powers in Section 22 of the Supreme Court Act by upholding the Notice of Preliminary Objection of the appellant embedded in his Brief before the lower court and also granting the Motion of the appellant filed on 2nd November 2023 before the lower court by striking out Grounds 1 – 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21 and 22 of the Notice and Grounds of Appeal of the first and second respondents.”

Mutfwang listed eight reasons why the Supreme Court should validate his election including the fact that; “The issue of nomination and sponsorship which underpinned Ground 1 of the petition is not only a pre-election issue but within the internal affairs of the fourth respondent and as such the first and second respondents lacked the locus standi to canvass it.

“The judgment of the lower court delivered on 19th November, 023 is fatally flawed for want of jurisdiction having regard to Section 285(2) of the Constitution (supra).

“Disobedience of court order is not one of the grounds for maintaining election petition under Section 134 of the Electoral Act (supra) nor is it part of Section 177(c) of the Constitution (supra), let alone disqualifying the appellant from contesting the election.

“At any rate, given the overwhelming oral and documentary evidence including but not limited to exhibits U and 2RA3, the fourth respondent complied with EXHIBIT G1 by conducting State Congress on 25th September 2021 in Plateau State.

“The evidence of PW16 was thoroughly discredited and controverted and as such the lower court was clearly in the wrong to have heavily relied on it against the appellant.

“The first and second respondents woefully failed to discharge the requisite burden of proof on them and as such not entitled to the reliefs sought in their petition more so that having impugned the election as invalid for non-compliance, it is absurd of them to lay claim to victory for the same election.

“The lower court was, with all due respect, in grave error when it held that the tribunal was wrong in striking out the offensive paragraphs of appellant’s reply and in utilising PW16, PW24, PW27, and PW28 as a tribunal of first instance.

“The lower court denied fair hearing to the appellant by dismissing his notice of preliminary objection as well as motion to strike out certain grounds of the notice of appeal of the 1st and 2nd respondents without properly considering same.”

Our Reporter, Abuja 

The supreme Court seating in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory has frowned at the state High Court plateau state division for assuming Jurisdiction over the petition filed by Hon.Bitrus Kaze challenging the primary election Conducted by People’s Democratic Party (PDP),in the state which grossly  lacked Jurisdiction to entertained the matter. 

The court further stated that in the first instance ,the issues of nomination and sponsorship of candidates was the sole prerogative of the National working committee of a political party and not the state chapter, as stipulated by section 87 of the Electoral Act.

The Apex  Court frown came on Tuesday 9th January 2024 during the hearing  on the appeal filed by the incumbent Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the nullification of his election by the Court of Appeal.

The five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice John Okoro, presided over the matter  raised fundamental questions on the jurisdiction of the tribunal and the lower court to entertain issues of nomination, sponsorship and qualification of candidates by a political party. 

The appellate court had declared Nentawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the  elected governor on the grounds that Mutfwang was not validly sponsored by the PDP, which had violated a court order to conduct a repeat congress in all the local government areas of the state.

The court clarified during adoption of briefs that it had ruled severally that the  issues of nomination and sponsorship were internal affairs of the party and not justiciable by the tribunal or the court. 

The court also noted that there were three petitions filed by different parties, but it would only consider the one filed by the governor and any decision taken would bind on the others with similar matters to aviod wasting of the court judicial time.

The legal teams of the parties were led by eminent Senior Advocates of Nigeria. Chief Kanu Agabi representing the Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Emeka Etiaba appeared for the PDP, S. Atung argued for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while Prof. Olatoke defended Nentawe Yilwatda of the APC. 

The court further stated that the nomination and sponsorship of candidates was the sole prerogative of the national working committee of a party and not the state chapter, as stipulated by section 87 of the Electoral Act.

The court however reserved judgement in the appeal and said a date would be communicated to the parties. 

The judgement is expected to be delivered on or  before 16th January 2024, when the appeal will expire. 

By, giwa alex, Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of plateau state has assured Christians in the state to transmit their requests, demands, fears and apprehensions to Mr President Ahmed Tinubu promised to work assiduously with the federal government to see that  your demands are met.

The governor called for unity among the Christendom to fight enemies who are out to destroy us and our Communities, properties and our lives.

The governor give the assurance when when Christians under the auspices of Denominational Churches the umbrella body  of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) , plateau State Chapter who take a walk Protest to Government House to register their feelings over the recent genocide killings in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu local government where not fewer than over Two Hundred Christians where gruesomely massacred on Christmas Eve . 

He said the state have gone through a lot of heart arch  because we desired to leave in peace, thank the people for how they were able to keep the peace of the land even with the series of provocations and didn’t allow themselves self to loose  sense of humanity.

Promised  by the Grace of God, I have received your petition , I will forward it to Mr President Ahmed Tinubu who has showed that he come as a deliverer, and has assured me on a number of occasions , that he wants to bring an end to the circles of violence on the plateau and by extension where they exist in the country.

“I believed him because I have seen him given matching order to the headd of securities agents and we have seen some attempts of the security agents to do with them”.

He decried some of the lapses discovered among the security agent which he is currently looking into , by the Grace of God as I always said , in every fora that I didn’t come as a Governor of plateau state, to preside over burial ceremony and by the grace of God the state will move from the book of lamentation to the book  of Acts of the Apostles.

He promised that the government can’t seat back and fold it arm watch his people being slaughter like Ram , but by the Grace of God , the Government will do what it takes to ensure that carnage in the state is stop. We will do what we can to ensure that our land is secure and the blood of those gruesomely murdered will not be in vain and continue to cry for justice.

Stressed that the government will bring those behind the Callous killings to justice, deviod of religion, ethics and political under tone.

“If that is all I can be able to do to secure plateau state and you tell me that is enough, l will rest”.

” I didn’t come as a politician , I have come that plateau state will raise again, and by the grace of God, we are going to work towards this end , we will not rest in our oars, we shall be going to see Mr President in the course of the week.

He thank the military, those who have secrifies their lives, and those who  have used the opportunities to do harm to our people , we want to say God is looking at them.

He reiterated government commitment to continue to mobilize all agencies on ground , give them the enabling environment for them to be able to function effectively. 

The state will not continue to weep, we can only cry in our closet to God but we will not retreat, not back down and our spirit will not be broken.

And called for oneness of purposes, together will Stand shoulder to shoulder evil men will not penetrate our community.

Charged all to be leader in their right and encouraged them to rise to the occasion , demonstrate leadership capacity in their various communities.

Let rally behind our church leaders, make sure that together we operate under the same lot ,  banner and the same savour.

He advised that as people facing the same victimization from the enemies, should avoid fighting ourselves which will not yield the required results.

“We should eschew our differences  and work together in unity, it is possible to be united , as the people that are united can never be stopped.”

” The people united we always defeat their enemies so let us be united to fight those men that are out to destroy us as people and we shall be victorious.”

By, giwa alex, Jos

Sequel to genocidal attacks on some communities of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government of plateau on the Eve of Christmas 2023 which left not fewer than over Hundred of innocent persons gruesomely massacred in their homes by Fulani’s Militias, the Christians in the state has issued a Ten Points demands to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for perusal and urgent implementation.

As the Christians body said “Enough Is Enough” , they can no longer stand aloof and watch their families been massacred on daily bases, places of worship reduce to ashes, including their farm produce, and above all make them refugees in their respective communities and doing nothing to savage the situation, the president should act , if not, as a body of Christ, they will be force to defend themselves through any means. 

The Christians issued the(10) points demands during a Peace Walk organized by ECWA President, Chairman Denominational Leaders on the plateau who doubled as the President Rev.Stephen Baba Panya  at the Government House Little Rayfield in Jos  South Local Government Area  8th January 2024.

The Forum under the aegis of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State Chapter, said the entire Christian community in Plateau State once again condemns in the strongest terms the unprovoked, wicked, satanic and genocidal killings of innocent and harmless Christians on Christmas Eve in over 20 communities in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State. The timing of these killings on Christmas Eve and during Christmas celebrations which has shown that the attackers had clear intentions and objectives, which were to target Christian communities, take them unawares and inflict maximum casualty on them. Based on authenticated statistics released so far, 

this is one of the deadliest and most devastating attacks on the Plateau. 

The demands of the Christians which was contained in a speech by the president of ECWA Stephen Baba  and delivered on his behalf further said, 

These attacks were not only Horrific and Reprehensible but Incomprehensible. For example, Veronica Malan, a nursing mother was shot through her stomach and the bullet pierced her abdomen and passed through the stomach and back of her 9-month-old baby boy, Godwin. 

To ensure that they were both dead, they were slaughtered along with 23 others, mostly women in their hideout in Chirang, Mangur District. A three-year-old baby girl was shot point blank and still lies critically ill at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). At the Mbong community, the charred bodies of a woman and her S children and relatives set ablaze by the terrorists lie in the ruins of their burnt bedroom. 

Our Ten Points Demands to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is as follows:

We call for timely intervention in the provision of emergency relief in terms of food, water, toiletries, sleeping materials and other such necessities. We appreciate the directive given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to relevant Federal government agencies such as NEMA to mobilise and provide succour to the victims. We also commend the great effort of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in not only outrightly condemning the attack, but also taking urgent concrete steps in providing food and other necessities to the 

displaced survivors in the {DP camps. 

We unequivocally and emphatically call for an end to these sustained attacks and killings on the Plateau and in Nigeria. We demand immediate justice for the innocent people of Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, Bassa, Barkin Ladi and other affected communities. 

 We commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for condemning the dastardly attacks in totality and directing security agencies to go after the culprits and bring them to justice. We note with great encouragement and hope that this is a marked departure from the lacklustre response of the Presidency and the Federal Government during similar attacks in the past. We therefore cail on security agencies to align with this new mindset and ensure that the criminals responsible for these heinous attacks are apprehended, prosecuted and brought to justice. 

We unanimously call on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as a matter of urgency, to initiate the process of officially proscribed the armed terrorist militias responsible for these mindless killings. They should be officially designated as terrorists. This will give the military the power to fully engage them as provided in the Terrorism Act of 2022. It is on record that in 2015, the Global Terrorism index (GTI) named the armed Fulani 

militias as the fourth deadliest terror group in the world. Nigeria must urgently act and treat them as such while also engaging other West African countries, through ECOWAS, to do the same thing. A regional approach, consensus and action have become extremely imperative to deal with the menace of the Fulani militias. 

We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Muftwang, to provide adequate security for the 15,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos who are today located in various temporary Camps and houses of relatives. All communities destroyed should be rebuilt and the displaced people relocated and resettled back in their ancestral homelands as soon as possible. 

We call for an end to the intentional dispossession of land and the current land grabbing through militarization and the activities of these armed militias and bandits which have gone on for too long now in Plateau State. Records show that several indigenous villages have been over, the people displaced and some of these villages are currently being occupied by these armed militias. This sad reality and social tragedy must change. The displaced people should be resettled back to their ancestral lands and given adequate security. 

We demand an end to the intentional destruction of farm produce and cattle rustling which have become huge security issues. We urge His Excellency Governor Muftwang to look into this and find ways to tackle these issues once and for all. We also call for the construction of food barns which were burnt down with farm produce in the communities attacked. By implication, even if the survivors return to their communities, there would be no food left. Unless there is a timely intervention, the people will face hunger and starvation. 

We strongly appeal to the Federal Government to establish the North Central Development Commission (NCDC). This has become necessary following the frequent attacks and wanton destruction of lives and properties across the zone in the last decade. We recall that the militancy in the Niger Delta led to the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission. Similarly, the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East has led to the establishment of the North East Development Commission. Therefore, the massive and unrelenting destruction of lives and properties in the Savannah belt region of the Middle Belt, which has witnessed continuous attacks and killings in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger States; and Southern Kaduna, make a strong case for the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC). This will help immensely in the rebuilding and rehabilitation process of the affected communities. 

We call on the Federal government of Nigeria to direct the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately commence the process of rebuilding the destroyed communities pending the establishment of the North Central Development Commission. A robust and comprehensive security architecture should be put in place to enable all displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes. We encourage the Federal government to solicit funding and other support from the AU, EU, and UN to provide massive humanitarian interventions as well as save the people from impending hunger due to the reality of food terrorism which has now become a potent weapon in the hands of the terrorists. 

We call for the release of all those alleged to have been arrested with legitimate self-defence implements such as Cutlasses, clubs, machetes, & and in the co . of protecting a. r communities in the aftermath of the attacks. Where such persons have been arrested as alleged, they should be immediately released because, it amounts to aggravating the pains of the people by security agencies who did not respond on time to protect the communities, to come belatedly and arrest those who are sacrificially and patriotically defending their communities from further attacks. 

The letter was handed to the governor of Plateau State Caleb Mutfwang for onward delivery to Mr. President. 

However, the death toll of the  Christmas Eve attack has been alleged to have been raising over Two Hundred. 

Our Reporter

Even before the peoples’ Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang formally assumed office in May 2023, some parts of Plateau State were already under siege from suspected armed men unleashing terror in several hinterlands.

Communities in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, parts of Jos South and Bokkos were summarily targeted for annihilation by the terrorists.

Their reasons for carrying out such heinous acts, as always, were hinged on cattle rustling, kidnappings and other acts of criminality. Not daunted by these odds, the incumbent governor hit the ground running.

Following series of stakeholder meetings to find enduring solutions to the security challenge, Mutfwang made attempt to revive the hitherto moribund local security outfit- Operation Rainbow.

Within his few months on the saddle, the government identified and trained Six Hundred (600) youth at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Center, Shere Hills as part of efforts to revamp the Operation Rainbow.

The training and deployment of these young men and women was aimed at complementing the conventional security apparachik, more so that operatives of the local security outfit were mainly locals who may have a better understanding of the terrain especially at flash points of attacks or insecurity across the 17 Local Government Councils.

This may not be unconnected with the drive to have a community security architecture that would be swift in identifying early warning signs and responding to them in record time.

Suffice to say, this move has restored some level of sanity, law and order to the affected areas.

Additionally, Mutfwang’s strategic step to engage critical stakeholders on the political scene both at home and in the diaspora leaves no one in doubt as to the governor’s level of preparedness to face the daunting challenge of navigating Plateau State to its desired position in the scheme of things.

His personal interface with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who gave him the listening ear to narrate the true picture of insecurity in Plateau Stats despite being from different political parties is a testament of Mutfwang’s charisma and mien.

Aside his several visits to the service chiefs in Abuja which the paved way for them to conduct on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the state.

The revitalization of the moribund State-owned security outfit “Operation Rainbow” and the training of 600 personnel to inject life into the Operation Rainbow for security intelligence/early warning signs for swift response is highly commendable.

With the appointment of a seasoned security expert as his Special Adviser, the current situation and the spate of unprovoked attacks on communities in Plateau State would soon be a thing of the past.

In the same vein, the setting up of the State Security and Information Center for citizens to report concerns on insecurity in local communities will also give impetus to the operations of both conventional and non-conventional security outfits operating within the state.

Furthermore, following the unfortunate Christmas Eve attacks in communities in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs and the outcry that trailed the massacre from all quarters shows that the present administration in the state is indeed enjoying the sympathy of all and sundry.

On the aspect of roads rehabilitation within Jos-Bukuru metropolis and other major roads linking major towns across Plateau State, the Mutfwang government has given the state a new lease of life as major roads are now wearing new look.

Some of the roads that have attracted attention of the government are Gada Biyu, Farin-Gada, Polo Roundabout to Police Headquarters, Gold and Base Roundabout, Liberty Boulevard, Rayfield, Dadin Kowa, Dogon Dutse, Bauchi Ring Road, Heipang through Barkin Ladi to Mangu town, D B Zang Junction, Bukuru Expressway way, Plateau Specialist Hospital Round, Hill Station roundabout.

Others are Ola Hospital Roundabout, Masallacin Juma’a street, Zololo Junction, Angwan Rukuba, Tafawa Balewa Street Jos and Plateau Riders road to Terminus Market among several others.

One of the milestones achieved under the present administration is the revitalization of Railway line in Jos-Bukuru metropolis The civil service is not left behind as the government has offset the backlog of over five months’ unpaid salaries and pensions it inherited from the immediate past administration amounting to over N11 billion.

As it stands now, the state government is up to date in the payment of salaries and other entitlements of workers.

The government has also directed the payment of gratuities to retired civil servants who disengaged from service since the late 80s. The present government has approved the disbursement of the 90% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for workers; approved the disbursement of 75% Hazard allowance to other health workers, including the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, as well as, approved relevant trainings of workers for efficient service delivery in the public service.

The education sub-sector in Plateau State has had its own fair share of “The Time is NOW” Agenda of the Mutfwang administration. Within the last few months that the “People’s Governor” assumed office, he has approved the payment and release of N200 million to bail out Plateau State Polytechnic from total collapse as all it courses were long overdue for accreditation.

The government has also released and paid N300 million to rescue Plateau State University Bokkos from losing some of its courses as a result of non-accreditation in the last eight years.

Mutfwang secured full scholarship for Five Plateau State indigenes to study Engineering in reputable universities outside the shores of Nigeria.

To foster closer strategic ties with critical stakeholders in the education sector, the governor paid visit to the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja and requested the commission’s attention to the urgent need to fund schools that have been adversely affected by the conflicts in the State.

Concerned by the rising cost of living in the country as a result of the inflation, the government took the bull by its horn to cushion the effects of the high tuition fees for students studying in state-owned tertiary institutions.

Thus, the government subsidized tuition fee for students of Plateau State University Bokkos to encourage more prospective students to enroll.

The government also facilitated the payment of bursary scholarships for the students to complement their educational pursuits.

Similarly, in the agricultural sector, the “Time is Now” government is poised to keep faith with its promise of making the land of Plateau State green.

The government has taken decisive steps to revive the Agricultural Services Training Company (ASTC) which was left to rot by the immediate past administration.

To this end, Mutfwang has already mobilized ASTC to farming communities in Mangu, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGA to assist farmers continue with farming season which was abruptly interrupted by attacks that took place in April and May 2023.

Suffice to say that the revamped ASTC has ploughed over 900 hectares of farmland for farmers across the state by deploying about 29 tractors to farming communities.

Of interest is the procurement of 200 trucks of fertilizer for distribution to farmers for use in both rain-fed agriculture and irrigation farming across the state.

The hitherto moribund Plateau Agricultural Development Project (PADP) has also being given a new lease of life and given the marching order join other government MDAs in the crusade for all year round farming activities that would improve the fortunes of the majority of the population of people of the state who are mostly subsistence farmers.

On the environment, the incumbent governor, upon assumption of office in May 2023, immediately declared a state of emergency on environmental sanitation.

This laudable move has restored appreciable level of sanity, cleanliness and orderliness by galvanizing the moribund environmental sanitation machinery of government into action.

The reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise is a clear testament to the Mutfwang’s administration to make Plateau State indeed the “Home of Peace and Tourism” that it is!

What is most captivating about this green cap crooner and advocate of a better Plateau where inclusivity, equity, justice, peace and security of lives and property remains sacrosanct is that he seems not to be daunted by the many distractions that his government traducers and opposition have continued to haul his way.

His focus on delivering good governance to the people despite these myriad of challenges says a lot about the mental stability and level of preparedness of Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to handle the exigencies of the Office of the Executive Governor of Plateau State at this material time.

Plateau citizens could not have asked for a better governor to pilot the affairs of the state at such a crucial time, period!!!

BOK John Daniel is a Public Affairs Analyst in Jos