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By, giwa alex, Jos

The criminal Syndicates behind the incessant crisis on the plateau has been identified by the Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General A.E Abubarkar.

As Major General Abubarkar who doubled as the GOC 3 Div has send a strong warnings to the criminal Syndicates whose stock in trade is to cause crisis among the citizens of the state to change or by ready to face the wrath of the security agent in the state.

Major General Abubarkar made the revelation in a stakeholders meeting with traditional rulers and community leaders from 13 Districts in Barikin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau state.

 the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander  Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar further  highlighted the alarming influence of criminal syndicates in perpetuating the crisis on the Plateau. 

He Urged for collective action to consolidate peace in the State by underscoring the need for collaboration between all stakeholders to flush out the criminal elements living among the people.

 The meeting held in Headquarter 3 Division Jos, he emphasized the detrimental impact of criminal syndicates on the stability and security of the region. He said activities of criminal groups such as arms trafficking, armed robbery, cattle rustling and cattle poisoning, drug smuggling as well as willful farm destruction and  organized crime, continue to exploit tensions and exacerbate the crisis.

The Commander expressed concern over the far-reaching implications of these criminal networks, including the loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of innocent citizens as a result of reprisal attacks eliminating from activities of the criminal elements. 

 He noted that the criminals cut across the ethno-religious groups which he described as organised syndicates. The GOC further revealed the significance of collaboration to addressing these issues to ensure lasting peace and development in Plateau State.

Recognizing the importance of a united front, the Commander called for cooperation among traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and government institutions. He noted the convergence existing among the criminals resulting from poor parenting and strong traditional institutions to checkmate activities of the youth.

 He urged all to work together to disrupt the activities of the criminal syndicates, share intelligence, and support law enforcement efforts towards sustainable peace and security of the people. ” We cannot allow few criminals committing nefarious activities for their selfish interest to disrupt the relative peace of the society” he averred. 

The Commander appealed to the citizens to  report suspicious activities and provide information that could aid in the identification and apprehension of those involved in criminal syndicates. He remarked that,  more than 60 suspects have been arrested,  many neutralized as well as dangerous weapons and cache of ammunition recovered  in the last one month of sting operations launched by troops of OPSH in collaboration with local security network.

The stakeholders meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to intensify efforts in combatting the criminal elements responsible for perpetuating violence in the state. 

The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN expressed optimism that through collective action and coordination, Plateau State will emerge stronger, enjoying sustained peace, and paving the way for progress and prosperity.

Highlights of the meeting were comments from the traditional rulers and group photographs.

By, giwa alex, Jos

There was twist of judicial turned of  event at the ongoing election tribunal sitting in plateau state between John Dafaan of the All Progressive Congress APC who is the Petitioners against Isaac Kallu of the people Democratic party PDP the 2nd Respondent.

The Case in the last adjournment after the adoption of the final written addresses by Parties was slated today 1st September 2023 for judgement .

When the court resumed sitting, the case filed called and the Chairman of the panel William Rotimi commenced reading the judgement,He did not fail draw the attention of the court to one of the relief sort by the Petitioner in their Petition which is urging the tribunal to compel the 1st Respondent INEC to issue certificate of return to the 2rd Respondent Isaac Kallu as the winner of Qua’an-pan Shendam federal Constituency for the federal  house of Representatives . 

The other relief sort by the Petitioner is that the Petitioner as at the time he contested for the position of house Representatives in the above mentioned Constituency in the state the 3rd Respondent PDP is not having structure and lack the power to have nominated the 2rd Respondent Isaac.

The tribunal held that the Petitioner did not have power or  Locus Standi to Challenge the action of INEC neither that of PDP as what happened in PDP is an internal issue which can be address by the party not another party as APC appeared to be doing now.

On the issue of over voting alleged by the Petitioner in his Petition ,the Panel said in his judgement that he who most allege most prove as the petition of the Petitioner of over voting in favor of the 2nd Respondent,is hear say because most of the witnesses paraded by the Petitioner are not polling Units agent and all the witnesses that testify in the court amount to hear say which is not admissable in the court of law.

As against this backdrop,the petition lack merit and is here by dismissed.

All parties should bear their respective cost.

Details shortly

By, giwa alex, 

The Election Petition sitting in plateau state has again  dismissed the petition brought before it by Daniel Asama of  labour Party and Mohammed Adamu Alkali PRP challenging the election of Musa Agah of PDP 

The Petitioner Daniel Asama predicated his Petition  on two grounds against Musa Agah of non qualification to contest the election  for Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency because as at the time the 3rd respondent PDP, presented him as the candidate of the party was not having valid structure .

He further added in his Petition that the 1st Respondent didn’t win majority of the lawful votes conducted by the 5th Respondent INEC that returned the 1st Respondent as winner of the election.

  The Petitioner petition is also challenging the participation of Mohammed Adamu of PRP for allegation of forgry of primary certificate which is the minimum  qualification to contest the election.

 In his judgement the tribunal hold that nomination of Musa Agah ,1st Respondent by the 3rd Respondent is an internal affairs which any attempt for any other person to interfer amount to poke nosing to other people affairs and interloper.

The tribunal further add that the law is very clear in the matter  he cited some section to back his judgement.

And however hold that Musa Agah remain the winner of Jos North/Bassa Federal House Representatives

On the issue that the 1st Respondent didn’t win the majority vote cast, the tribunal ruled that is also settled matter cited some relevant sections of the Constitution to buttress his judgement that the body of prove lay on the Petitioners which they could not do as the tribunal cannot speculate.

The panel further stressed that the Petitioners failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the election was rigged in favor of the 1st Respondent as all the Witnesses paraded by the Petitioners were not an eyes witnesses , as hear say is not admissable in law.

Details Shortly. 

By, Juliana Olajide, Jos

The Gender Studies Association of Nigeria (GSAN) has endorsed the hosting rights of her 8th International Conference to the University of Jos. 

This is the first time the conference will hold in the Northern part of the country between the 17th to 20th April 2024. 

The conference   theme SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY: INCLUSITY, OPPORTUNITIES AND HARVESTS shall be discussed from the lens of intergender including the boychild education.

A world renowned scholar in science education and gender, Prof. Ben Akpan FSTAN,  the Executive Director of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria is to deliver the key note paper at this conference. 

The Gender friendly Vice Chancellor of University of Jos, Prof  Tanko Ishaya, FBCS, FNCS, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb M Mutfwang  and the Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. Joseph Maina Musa PEAN shall be the Chief Host, Special Guest of Honour and the Host of the conference respectively.  

 In an interview with the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee Prof. Emeka D Ozoji Fgsan, our correspondent was assured that early arrangements for a bumper conference has since started as  the conference is expected to be the biggest and most well attended ever in the history of GSAN conferences and that his committee will take profound measures to ensure its set goals are fully achieved. 

The highlights of the opening ceremony shall include the induction of GSAN Fellows, and the inauguration of the Plateau State Chapter of GSAN, and her Students Wing (REALISTICSCOPE),

Prof. Ozoji extends special invitation to STAN members to attend the conference to identify with their Executive Director, the academia to present well researched papers, Gender activists to send good will messages to GSAN and the public to welcome the National Exco, Chapters and participants are expected from all over the country and beyond. 

He promised scholars that a Book of Abstracts will be published in addition to peer reviewed papers in GSAN indexed journals. 

The erudite Professor Ozoji, the 2023 GSAN Festschrift awardee further hinted that the conference will “provide a forum for academics, professionals, curriculum and Gender studies experts as well researchers, teachers, students and other stakeholders to share and cross-fertilize ideas on global gender issues.

Finally, the LOC chairman emphasized that the highpoint of the conference shall be a transformative workshop on academic writing specifically for Postgraduate students and emerging scholars. 

The workshop promises to be a profound watershed in their academic careers, Prof. Ozoji concluded.

By, giwa alex, Jos

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from 21 to 28 August 2023 have arrested 17 criminal suspects in connection with murder, kidnapping and armed robbery as well as recovered arms/ammunitions and illicit drugs. 

The troops arrested 5 murder suspects for killing one Mr Joshua Deme in his farm at Kassa village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. 

This is contained in a press statement dated 28th August 2023, signed by the Media Information Officer Operation SAFE HAVEN Captain Oya James and made available to this medium in Jos.

Troops also carried out a sting operation at Jagindi Tasha village in Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, where a suspected kidnapper, Mr Baba Yusuf Habu who has been on the wanted list of OPSH was arrested. Another kidnap incident was foiled at Angwan Takai village in Bokkos LGA consequent upon prompt response to a distress call by the troops. 

In a similar development, troops raided the hideout of  criminals at Gwash and Kamantan villages in Jos North/Zango Kataf LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States; and recovered 1 pistol, cartridges and rounds of 7.62mm special. A notorious armed robber Mohammed Lawal was also arrested in Kafanchan town by troops and 2 fabricated rifles and 1 pistol  recovered.

In the same vein, troops intercepted a truck with registration number EKY617XF conveying vandalised railway tracks along road Gidan Ado village in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. 

Also, a drug kingpin, Maxwell Dusu Davou was nabbed during a sting operation with substances suspected to be illicit drugs at Waye foundation Du in Jos South LGA.Furthermore, a fighting patrol made contact around Alaghom and Mangu axis leading to the neutralisation of some bandits. Troops recovered 1 X AK – 47 rifle and another fabricated rifle.

 Additionally, troops arrested over 237 cows within the period for farm destruction/ cattle rustling activities especially within Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Fas and Riyom axis. A total of 17 arrests were effected, 9 victims rescued from kidnappers, 6 armed robbery attempts foiled and 4 attacks on vulnerable communities deterred within the period.

OPSH assures the good people of Plateau, Bauchi and Southern Kaduna of maximum protection and continued prompt responses to all distress calls with a view to ridding all criminal elements operating within these communities.

By,giwa alex, Jos

Christians has been adviced to promote unity and peace within the body of Christ  in Plateau state.

Plateau State Deputy Governor ,Mrs Josephine Piyo give the admonition to the Christian Leaders in plateau state  during the inauguration of the New Officials of the Plateau Chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Jos, Monday 28th August 2023.

The deputy governor Piyo applauded the numerous contributions the fellowship has made in the areas of denominational cohesion, peace, and other achievements,  charged them to imbibe and promote the spirit of brotherliness and remain steadfast in  pursuit of unity and progress.

She also charged them to build bridges across religious and cultural divides and realise that our strength lies in our collective efforts.

The Deputy Governor also admonished the elected executives not to forget the noble teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized love, peace, and service to humanity, stating they must translate the teachings into action by extending a helping hand to the less privileged, speaking out against injustice and corruption and promoting a society that values the dignity and rights of all citizens.

Piyo while congratulating the new officials, urged them to keep praying for the peace of Plateau state while emphasising that the Mutfwang-led administration will continue to work round the clock to find solutions to end the cycle of killings in state. 

In a sermon, Bishop Wale Oke, enjoined the elected officials to strive to keep the bond of peace, noting that God commanded his people to love one another.

Oke urged them to continue to propagate the teachings of Jesus Christ and pray for the restoration of peace in Plateau State. 

Our Reporter 

Kogi State State government has debunked the rumours making around by some people in the state who strives in rumor that the government of the state has released plans of subsidy removal palliative.

Contrary to the rumour ,is very imperative to make it public to the citizens of the state that is a rumour that the government will make it public when the time is reap to do so.

This is contained in a press statement dated 26th August 2023, signed by the state Commissioner of information and communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, and made available to this medium.

According to the Press statement read in part said attention of the Kogi State Government has been drawn to a document, purported to be the palliative program of the Kogi State Government to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the masses. 

The State Government wishes to state unequivocally that the document did not emanate from the Kogi State Government and should be disregarded by the general public. 

The Government is working on an inter-ministerial approach to come up with a realistic plan that will help ameliorate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Kogites. We will release the plans officially through our channels of communication when they are ready. 

We urge the people of Kogi State to be patient with us as we are fashioning the short, medium and long term plans that will address their concerns and the economic pressure associated with the fuel subsidy removal. 

The decision of Mr President to implement the removal of fuel subsidy enjoys the support of the Kogi State Government, as the Federal Government under the leadership of our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is trusted to plough back the gains of the policy into the development of our nation and better welfare for the Nigerian people. 

By, giwa alex, Jos

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar has charged troops of 3 Division to be proficient in using their weapons on enemies of the state and ensure it’s safety among comrades. The GOC gave the charge today 25 August 2023 at the end of the Bi-annual Range classification exercise organized to improve the proficiency of troops in handling weapons. 

The GOC/Commander OPSH who noted that the country was facing multifaceted security challenges also charged the troops to master the art of using their weapons effectively. He said continuous training and practice will upscale and develop the professional skills troops need to counter the current security challenges.

Speaking further,  the GOC/Commander OPSH further revealed that he will ensure every opportunity was employed to make sure troops improve on the use of their weapons. “You can only become proficient with constant training”. The GOC averred. 

The Bi-annual Range classification exercise was organized for both officers and soldiers to train and improve on the effective use of their weapons.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The election Petition tribunal sitting in plateau has thrown out the petition of Chris Giwa of APC and others for gross incompetent.

As the Panel said it have being infested with may incurable diseases that if allowed to remain, will engulf other parts of the body .  

The Chairman of the panel William Rotimi give the analogy when delivery the judgement on the Petition brought before him challenging the election of Senator Simon Mwadkwon Representing Plateau North Senatorial district in the Red Chamber ,Friday 25th August 2023.

Chris Giwa is challenging  the election of  Senator Mwadkwon, 2nd Respondent in the matter for  lack of structure and not validly nominated.

In his judgement , the tribunal said the  Petitioner  lacked the Locus Standi to Challenge the qualification and nomination of the 2nd Respondent because he is not a member of the party more so that the 3rd Repondent PDP conducted it primaries,  the report of the Congress was tendered as Exhibit before the tribunal.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The election Petition tribunal sitting in plateau has thrown out the petition of Chris Giwa of APC and others for gross incompetent.

As the Panel said it have being infested with may incurable diseases that if allowed to remain, will engulf other parts of the body .  

The Chairman of the panel William Rotimi give the analogy when delivery the judgement on the Petition brought before him challenging the election of Senator Simon Mwadkwon Representing Plateau North Senatorial district in the Red Chamber ,Friday 25th August 2023.

Chris Giwa is challenging  the election of  Senator Mwadkwon, 2nd Respondent in the matter for  lack of structure and not validly nominated.

In his judgement , the tribunal said the  Petitioner  lacked the Locus Standi to Challenge the qualification and nomination of the 2nd Respondent because he is not a member of the party more so that the 3rd Repondent PDP conducted it primaries,  the report of the Congress was tendered as Exhibit before the tribunal.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The election Petition tribunal sitting in plateau has thrown out the petition of Chris Giwa of APC and others for gross incompetent.

As the Panel said it have being infested with may incurable diseases that if allowed to remain, will engulf other parts of the body .  

The Chairman of the panel William Rotimi give the analogy when delivery the judgement on the Petition brought before him challenging the election of Senator Simon Mwadkwon Representing Plateau North Senatorial district in the Red Chamber ,Friday 25th August 2023.

Chris Giwa is challenging  the election of  Senator Mwadkwon, 2nd Respondent in the matter for  lack of structure and not validly nominated.

In his judgement , the tribunal said the  Petitioner  lacked the Locus Standi to Challenge the qualification and nomination of the 2nd Respondent because he is not a member of the party more so that the 3rd Repondent PDP conducted it primaries,  the report of the Congress was tendered as Exhibit before the tribunal.

By, giwa alex, Jos

The election Petition tribunal  sitting in Jos,  Plateau state capital,has affirmed the election of  member Representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives ,Hon.Musa Agah and that of his counterpart in the Senate representing Plateau North Senatorial district in the Senate Simon Mwadkwon .

Delivery the two judgement separately which lasted less than  three hours ,the tribunal held separately that the Petitioner   Mohammed Adamu Alkali of PRP, challenging the election of Musa Agah, member representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency , failed to prove to the tribunal that People Democratic Party PDP, didn’t have legally recognized Exco’s that conducted the primary election that elect the 2nd  Respondent  Musa Agah as candidate of Jos North/Bassa Federal House of Representatives election.

Similarly, tribunal also held that Gyang Zi of the labour party(LP), Petition suffered same faith as he could not substantiate on his Petition that the 2nd Respondent Senator Simon Mwadkon Representing Plateau North Senatorial district was not validly nominated by  party for lack of Party structure and sponsorship.

The  three man election Petition  panel sitting in plateau state unanimously stated this in their separate  judgements in the Case of Mohammed Adamu Alkali Vs. Musa Agah ,and also in the case  of barrister Gyang Zi  Vs Simon Mwadkon delivered  24th August 2023.

In an interview with the Counsel to the respondents after the judgement, P.A Akubo (SAN), on how he feel over the judgement,he said” I feel happy,I feel fulfilled . He Commended the tribunal who have graciously given the two landslide judgement right ahead of time before the expiration of the tribunal.”

He said the judgement is evidently clear because they were  both delivered in an open tribunal which he described as Hallmark of erudite judgement.

“Your Lordships painstakingly commendable deals with every  issues raised ,and canvassed by respective Parties , particularly whether PDP has structure ,let alone nominating and sponsoring a candidate for the election was confronted head on in the two judgement “.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, further said it becomes clear that your Lordships looked at the matters holistically from the point of view of Locus Standi ,they found that as much as the Petitioners are not member of the party PDP, they lack the Locus Standi over the issue.

Secondly, Akubo stressed that the tribunal held in accordance to the extent jurisprudence of electioral matters the nomination and sponsorship of a candidate that preceded the  actual election date.

To that extents , Section 84 Sub section 14 of the electoral Act 2022 come to fore .ln other words he continues , it’s only aspirant that participated in the process that have the Locus Standi , like the party primaries that would have the Locus Standi to Challenge . 

If you look at Section 285 Sub section 14 of the Constitution ,it is time barred ,you most activate the course of action with the time line limit , and if you fail to do so, the matter become status barred.

Akubo said that was the major issue that come out in their judgement just delivered today the 24th of August 3023.

He further revealed that the tribunal also determined the issue of NON Compliance . He said when alleging the irregularities that took place on the day of the election,the best witnesses  are those that operate at the polling Units level, they are called Party agents.

Explained that as it turned out in both  judgements ,the witnesses pleaded by the Petitioners were those that are not directly at the polling Units . instead, they were depending on borrowed information  which under our law,it amount to hear say which become their Waterloo.

The Petitioners also alleged the candidate  who scored the majority of lawful votes, in the petition they are alleging that the results declared by INEC is not correct .

Under our laws,if you indict the integrity of INEC,you are under obligation to tender two sets of results , in this case, the two cases  just delivered, the Petitioners didn’t produced any contrary results expect the one declared by INEC.

He said the second case , they didn’t even secured Certified True Copy (CTC)of the result ,how did they want the tribunal to help them the Petitioners in this circumstances he questioned.

It’s however become clear that these two sets of Petitions ,is dead on arrival .

“Akubo add that the Respondents are happy because the tribunal has pronounced the dead warrants of the two Petitions .And they have been formally escorted for final burial by order of dismissal”.

He however dedicated these two victories to God Almighty who see us every steps of the way. We know that he is the one that have been gracious upon us ,we are not God .

However thank the fourth estate of the realms , journalists that have been covering this tribunal sitting from on set .

On his part ,counsel to the 1st Respondent  INEC ,S.Oyawole said the Commission have been vindicated because the Petitioner alleged that the election  conducted by my client is not credible and characterize with irregularities, today judgement  have proven that we conducted the election in a strict compliance with the electioral guidelines free fair and transparent.

By,giwa alex, Jos

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH),  Major General AE Abubakar has today 24 August 2023 inaugurated students of Exercise SHINNING STAR 4/2023 organized as Basic Battle Training cadre for young officers and soldiers of the Division at the 3 Division Small Arms Range Miango Jos.  

The GOC/Commander OPSH who was the special Guest of Honour at the inaugural ceremony reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to training of troops towards improved security of lives and properties of the citizens. He noted that the training of the young officers and soldiers was in line with the Chief of Army Staffs’ drive to ensure realistic training of troops to be able to respond to emerging security challenges. 

 General AE Abubakar further noted that the Post Basic training exercise  was organized in all the Divisions aimed at achieving effective and battle-focused training for young officers and soldiers.  He noted,  the training  will enhance the tactical skills of troops  for effective employment of weapons in both day and night operations.  He further charged the students to pursue the training with all sense of seriousness,  dedication and commitment.  The GOC also applauded the leadership and strategic guidance of the Chief of Army Staff towards the training of troops in 3 Division. 

Earlier in his welcome address,  the Acting Commander 3 Division Training School Jos,  Colonel Aliyu Aminu noted that the training was necessitated by the drive of 3 Division towards constantly improving the capacity of troops to measure up with any security challenge.  He thanked the GOC and Commander OPSH for placing high premium  and support to training of young officers and soldiers. 

The event was anchored by a group photograph with the students.

Detail later.