The Nigeria Police ,Plateau State Command on Wednesday has arraigned one Dr Aniyi Williams along side his wife Mrs Yinka Aniyi Williams for using fake company name to commit crime of issuing visa abroad ticket in Europe ,and others international related countries .
Dr Aniyi Williams registered an online organization called ,” Wilda Global sports limited ” to dupe his gullible victims claiming that the company is a registered firm to mobilized for traveled agency of trans Africa routes to all the interested party .
The defendants Mr /Mrs Aniyi Williams were arraigned at the Jos Metropolitan Development Board,(JMDB) Magistrate Court for alleged N20 million fraud for duping of over four families for collecting huge amount of money and they discovered that the arranged fake visa and a dubious traveled agency to extract money from them .
The man and his wife including the company were arraigned as 1st ,2nd and 3rd defendants on two-count charge of fraud and conspiracy ,cheating .
The complainant counsel Barr. Yusuf Ali , told the court that the defendant committed the offences on December 2nd , 2022, in Plateau state claiming a branch office in Jegede Street, Akinogun, Lagos State.
He added that Dr Aniyi Williams and Mrs Yinka Aniyi Williams all fraudulently got the N20 million from Four persons under the pretence of using it for organizing job opportunity for them in Canada but failed to provide the visa either repay back the money as agreed.
The first complainant was Evangeleen Okoye against Wilda global &sports limited ,2nd defendant Dr Aniyi Williams, 3rd defendant Yinka Aniyi Williams all resident at Zarmangada community of Jos South LGA .
However, the Second defendant Dr Aniyi Williams recruited the wife as an employee on December ,2022 registered fake company of traveled agency promised the family of six of job opportunity in Canada which is scheduled to take effect in February, 2023.
Another group of complainants who falls victims of the fraudulent antics of Aniyi and his wife includes, Emeka Kenneth Udigi ,Ibrahim Musa Gyang and Barnabas George against Wilda global &sports limited Dr Aniyi Williams and Mrs Yinka Aniyi Williams as defendants respectively.
The offences, according to him, contravened Sections 306,307,and 56 of the Criminal Law of Plateau State, 2017criminal conspiracy contrary to section 58 and punishable under section 59 of the panel code law .
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate court judge granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in the same sum.
Hello adjourned the case till July 27 for mention the second complainants’ come up 31st July, 2023 on same count charge .
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has solicited for more support from National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who suffered from the incessant attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Mutfwang made the call on Wednesday during a visit to the Headquarters of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abuja where he applauded the Agency for its swift intervention whenever the state was engulfed in humanitarian crisis.
“Before I even came into office, I know that NEMA has always extended its goodwill to us when there was a storm in Mangu. We received that package and our people were very happy. Also, with the recent development that bothers on insecurity, we also received the goodwill of NEMA and it has gone a long way in addressing some of the fall out of the security challenges.
“At the last count, we had IDPs in about 13 different locations and it is unfortunate. Part of this visit is to brief Heads of Security Agencies on the true situation on the Plateau and to harvest their goodwill to ensuring that this challenge is brought to an end.
“Plateau is a multi-lingual state, is a multi-religious state and we have always lived in peace with one another but in the last two to three months, there is a dimension in which it has taken. There are places which hitherto were quite peaceful and one of the places is my own Local Government Area Mangu. Before now, it was one of the most safest places but now, it has come under serious siege.
“As Government, we are doing everything to reassure the people that we can still live together but some vested interests find a way of bringing in mercenaries from outside who have attacked those communities. Their houses have been destroyed and their properties vandalized.
“Few of the communities which have managed to still farm, these insurgents come in the night and cut the maize which has already grown and if you can farm in Mangu for example, it makes a significant contribution to food security in Nigeria and this year, there will be reduction in food production.”
He appealed to NEMA to come to the aid of the innocent communities that have been made to go through this unfortunate humanitarian crisis.
Governor Mutfwang reassured Plateau people of government’s commitment towards addressing the vicious attacks on innocent communities in the state.
The Dorector General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Habib Ahmed thanked the Governor for the visit and assured that the Agency will do everything possible to assist the victims.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for donating a befitting office for the smooth operations of the Agency and said that will aid their on-the- spot assessment of the current situation for swift intervention.
It is no longer news that Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Riyom have become killing fields. It has been like this for more than two months running, and this is not to forget the other years, which had been plundered by the locust. That it has not abated remains a matter for concern for all who value human life.
Since April 2023, Mwaghavul land of Mangu has come under intense attacks. The other local government areas that have come under fire this year and its continuing are Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Riyom. All sane people feel that this must stop; human life should matter to us, and whoever that has targeted the state for continuous pounding.
No day passes without a post or two from various points of concern in the new media of impending attacks targeted at one community or another. And truly they had come to pass, leaving the people with lamentations and followed by superfluous condemnatory statements from governments, individuals and organizations. We must ask, what then should be done?
Even if the posts were made up ostensibly to raise alarm, we have arrived at the most critical point that such ‘alarms’ should be investigated. They may provide the leeway to helping Plateau State communities return to peace, and at best bring perpetrators to justice.
The question to ask is: What may not have been done by the security personnel to get to the root of the attacks all these years? Difficult as the question has remained, it leaves the state with the moral burden of what to do to unravel the identities of the attackers and bring them to justice.
I have not only imagined, but seriously thought that there is much left to be done to stem the tide of attacks against communities in Plateau State.
Repeatedly the press has been rightly inundated with calls from Mangu on how their plight can be sent out to the world. Since the attacks started in some villages in the local government area, yours sincerely has had the opportunity of crying to the world several times over. The fact that our compatriots are daily decimated in the most atrocious manner should worry all of us.
There is nothing in this part that is now a secret to the world; what is needed is to unravel the forces behind the onslaught against the state and its people. Nothing would make the people better assuaged than for the killers to be identified.
The losses incurred, particularly of human lives cannot return. The hardships and indignities survivors have gone through can only be imagined, just as property lost may be a temporary setback for most of the families; and by extension the communities. What is on the minds of people of the state and other sane human beings is to have an end to this recurring madness.
All the attacks have not come through happenstance; they are a product of coordinated plans made over the years; if not, pray say; why have the attackers been able to easily penetrate communities hitherto thought to be impenetrable? Do they have collaborators in the communities that are targeted for attack? If there are, by now, some of them may have been identified.
Initially tagged ‘unknown gunmen’ over the years, what later emerged was the sophistication that came with the manner of the attacks. If the attacks were initially labeled farmers/herders’ attack (and we know they are not), how come, it is the natives that are mostly the victims?
Why is it that the (attackers) come only when natives in those communities are preparing for the wet season? Has anyone thought about the colossal destruction recorded in various communities apart from the inability of the farmers to access their farmlands during the rainy season over the years?
Only recently, this atrocity came to the fore again at Ta-hoss of Riyom, when unknown men visited farmlands nearing harvest and cut crops in the most despicable manner. As usual, no one has claimed responsibility, but the owners are ruing in pains and regrets. That of Farin Lamba in Jos South July 9, 2023 took away seven precious lives.
Indeed, many have continuously interrogated to know why nothing has been allegedly done by the security as fingers have been pointed on a settlement called Mahanga in Barkin Ladi local government area. Repeatedly, allegations of the place serving as an armoury, safe haven and a launching pad for the bandits may have remained largely not investigated.
It was such a near acceptable postulation until the real colours and motives of the attackers became manifest to people. After series of violent attacks in the state, and knowing that the state does not control the security apparatus that Governor Jonah David Jang initiated Operation Rainbow. The security outfit was initiated to protect communities by giving them a sense of safety.
Air-Vice Marshal Bala Golgak Danbaba became Operation Rainbow’s chairman and supervised the organization’s day to day running from 2010 to 2015. A robust and steady responsibility of coordination and setting up the modalities needed to implement the road map took center stage from 2010. Sadly, for those who know, the organization has gone through hell, for after 2015 there was scarcely anything about the organization that was heard about its operations.
The state security outfit, like Amotekun in the south western part of the country was an idea whose time was ripe, and had come to play a pivotal role in Plateau keeping communities safe from any attack.
Operation Rainbow remains perhaps the only state security outfit in Nigeria that had an approval from the Presidency, hence its formation in 2010. It was created specifically for intelligence and early warning mechanism by checking possibility of threat to life and property.
No one should be reminded that the state has been under severe attack for over two decades. The sad aspect as we are aware is the inability of the state to have sustained the operations of the organization. I had written elsewhere that the price the state is paying now cannot be far-fetched: We may have taken things for granted, believing that it was calm, and ‘not knowing that it was the calm before the storm’.
Continuing, someone had posted on a new media platform thus: We are cut napping and left to scatter in disarray like sheep without shepherd. Amidst the granting of the means to secure ourselves, to assist the government to assist us we are crying foul.
‘What else do we need from the federal government more than this? I think the negative tendencies of Plateau politics caused the limbo of Operation Rainbow because it could be that some elements thought that it was created on political party sentiments to protect a given ethnic group(s) and region (s)’.
The conclusion of the matter is exciting as it lays bare what I have always advocated in the past: The reactivation of the Operation Rainbow is long overdue to assist in the defeat of this menace ravaging our land and people. Our energy, time and resources should be channel to re-jig the outfit for optimum performance because it is a battle for survival as a right to life and to live. What is needed is the appointment of men and women after the heart of Plateau.’
For over two decades, most communities in Plateau have come under attack by bandits; killing and maiming men, women and children as well as destroying property, all in a bid to take over ancestral lands. The idea to have a state security outfit was to complement the services offered by the conventional military and police. It received acceptance as soon as it was mooted; and before long, it became law for the good of the state.
Many remember that at the time of its establishment, it was wrongly perceived by some people that it would be used as a means to settle local scores; however, as soon as its operations hit the communities, it was apparent that the idea was for the good of all. To think that in the last eight years, it became moribund and attracted lots of criticisms to the government from citizens is sad. They consistently have wondered why it was laying waste while lives were being wasted in the communities where its presence should have made the difference.
We have never been known for savagery, however to remain silent in the face of the atrocities against the people is rather indifferent. It is possible not to take up arms against the state; however, it is right to assist in all manner of ways that are genuine and legitimate to contain the onslaught and stem the tide of the attacks.
The recent skirmishes which led to a curfew in Mangu town by the authorities of the local government area were, if anything, instructive and revealing of how often relationships break down irretrievably as a result of lack of trust. The circumstances of the breakdown of law and order in Mangu town are known and well documented. What we have waited to know is the degree of punishment meted to those who were caught vandalizing shops and property in the town while the curfew lasted.
During the breakdown of law and order in Mangu, apart from the condemnatory notes, certain groups which are desirous of adding their voices to the impasse gave other details that may not be given by government or security agencies. Without being oblivious of efforts of the security, it is important to state that such efforts from the field must have enabled others access the indignities they went through with a view to helping them.
Hardly had the Mwaghavul Development Association concluded its press briefing on July 8, 2023 than Sabon Gari and Mararaban Pushit came under severe attacks leaving in their trail scores of death (about 12 persons). The assurance from the new GOC and OPSH Commander, Major General AE Abubakar is anything to go by; it is believed hope is in the air. It is understood that at the time of going to press, he remained in Mangu to take full charge of operations.
The group, Global Society for Middle Belt Heritage headed by Comrade Jerry Tongle Joshua has not minced words since the attacks started. In a press conference which was held TEKAN Headquarters in Jos a couple of weeks ago, the organization insisted that the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) personnel have no business being in the state on the mission of protecting people. They accused the STF of running businesses rather than securing lives and property of citizens; as such, they should be withdrawn and replaced with Mobile Police at check points in the state.
As a result of the attacks in Mwaghavul land alone, they disclosed that about 40,000 internally displaced persons are scattered in Mangu, Panyam, Mangu Halle, Yilpo (Sabon Gari), Fan in Barkin Ladi, Maikatako, Mariah in Bokkos and Bukuru in Jos South as well as in Jos North. The attacks on ‘Mper of Bwai and Kogul community of Panyam on July 7, 2023, must have added the number.
Those have a story to tell, however, what about the 276 dead bodies and still counting that were killed across 39 villages or even more? These figures were released by the group, even as they asked questions about three phones snatched at the Mangu Police station and those that were allegedly arrested with firearms.
There are many questions, but few unsatisfactory answers have been provided. On account of this development, we cannot continue to live in this fearful situation, as no one is safe any longer. It is on this note that the urgency to surmount stakeholders to a meeting by Governor Caleb M. Mutfwang has become necessary.
If there is a rallying point without borders, which is lacking presently; it is possible to see each other’s predicament as our concern. Like it or not, the state is in dire need of a voice.
At this stage the state has become more divided than it used to be, it is about time communities in the state are brought together to dialogue with one another toward finding a lasting solution to this intractable cul-de-sac.
he Governor of Plateau state has assured workers and members of cooperative society of prompt payment of salaries.
The Governor, Barrister Caleb Muftwang gave the assurance at the world cooperative day celebration on Saturday at the Rwang Pam township stadium Jos.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor Mrs Josephine Piyo,the governor said right from the inception of human society, Cooperatives have been in existence,with advancement in the society and increased societal needs hence, the need for the formation of more cooperative societies to benefit and improve their living conditions to make the society a better place .
To complement the effort of the cooperative societies, the governor said they will ensure that salaries are paid promptly while also ensuring everything possible is done to pay the arrears of salaries.
In a remark,the National president of Cooperative Federation of Nigeria CFN and International Cooperative Alliance Africa,Tajudeen Oriyomi Ayeola,said that cooperative societies play major role in poverty reduction and job creation.
The president of CFN also posits that with the removal of fuel subsidy in the county, the best platform government needs to partner with inorder to boost the economy of Nigeria is Cooperative Societies.
According to him, cooperative societies have contributed significantly in different sectors of the economy such as Agriculture Financial sector, and also an indispensable partner for sustainable development in the country.
Mr Ayeola noted that with increase population, by 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world. Hence, cooperatives remain the antidote to sustain the economy.
Earlier in an opening remark, President, Plateau State Cooperative Federation Limited PLASCOFED and the National treasurer CFN Hannatu Paul Meshak stated that the non- payment of cooperators salaries have greatly affected the society’s functionality because the workers depend on the salaries to pay their monthly dues.
Hannatu further added that absence of cooperative laws, remittances, and insecurity also slows the pace of comparative societies in Plateau State.
PLASCOFED president assured that despite the challenges, Cooperative societies in the state have remained resolute in expanding their participation in economic activities.
In his keynote address,the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry,Fidelis Daboer congratulated the Cooperatives for the day and said cooperatives have been the viable platforms that government use to distribute social services to the various communities and there is need for more sensitisation in the state for people to establish more Cooperative societies.
Present at the epoch event are the director of Cooperative Societies, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Plateau State,Ayuba Sabi AZI,retired permanent secretaries,directors and other key founders of PLASCOFED
Highpoint at the event was presentation of plaque to the National president of CFN, road walk from secretariat junction to the township stadium,match pass by the various cooperatives on the Plateau and cash award of fifty thousand each to two outstanding cooperatives, courtesy the National president CFN.
The immediate past Governor of plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has tendered two separate documents to National Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Jos, plateau state capital.
The subpoenaed witnesses are both from from the office of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), headquarters in Abuja the nation capital.
The case of the Ex-governor was at the last Adjourned date slated 10th July 2023 for further hearing ,and for subpoenaed witnesses to come with documents which they were directed to bring through the application made by Simon Bako Lalong granted by the tribunal.
When the case file was called, the lead Counsel to Lalong , Edward Pwajok (SAN), who is the Petitioner told the tribunal that the case is slated today for further hearing , however announced the presence of the two subpoenaed witnesses in the court.
One of the subpoenaed Witness give his name as Salisu Aliyu an (ICT) department , INEC, headquarters , Abuja.
He told the court that the Commission was subpoenaed to bring some certain documents to assist the Petitioner to establish his case.
Aliyu further listed the documents to includes , copy of front loaded EC8A from INEC portal, and data extracted from BVAS used to conduct plateau state Southern Senatorial Zones Election in 2023.
The second subpoenaed witness Festus Aisien, an assistant director voters registry department, also told the court that he was subpoenaed to bring all the PVC’s front loaded from the Commission BVAS for all the registered voters for plateau southern Senatorial Election.
The documents where tendered separately from the bar in line with the tribunal Pre-hearing result that all non contentious documents should be tender through the bar, while the contentious ones should be through the Witnesses.
The 2nd & 3rd respondent objected to the admissibility of the documents, reserved their response till final written address.
The matter was however adjourned to 12th,13th & 14th for Continuation of hearing and presentation of more witnesses by the Petitioner.
Governor Lalong is challenging the declaration of Napoleon Bail by INEC as the winner of plateau Southern Senatorial Election which he alleged was characterize by manipulation and over voting.
The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (COPSH) and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar has restored normalcy to Sabon Gari of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the recent attack in the area.
General Abdulsalami who assumed command on 8 July 23 as the COPSH and GOC 3 Div NA, visited the affected area today 9 July 2023, to have an on the ground assessment of the situation and proffer immediate solution to the lingering crisis. In his remarks during the visit, the commander stated that peace must be restored on the Plateau by every legitimate means possible.
During the visit, the commander led an operation resulting in the recovery of five fabricated AK-47 rifles, 19 rounds 7.62mm special and 4 rounds of 7.62 mm Nato from the two communities involved.
Major General Abubakar also led the enforcement of the 24-hour curfew imposed on Mangu local government area by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Mutfwang in order to allow security forces restore law and order in the affected communities arrested 36 curfew defaulters and after firm warnings allowed them to go.
The Cooperative Society of Nigeria has decried the hardship being face by the body occasion by non payment of salaries by most of the state government as at when due,and in most cases months without the payment of the workers salaries.
The act have greatly affected the Society functionality because the workers depends on the salaries to pay their monthly dues , the act which is having great negative effects on the cooperative Societies.
The PLASCOFED President/ National Treasurer, Mrs Hannatu Paul Mershak,
made the statement in Jos, during the 2023 International cooperative day celebration held Jos Township Stadium on 8th July 2023.
Hannatu further add that absent of Cooperative Laws, remittances and Insecurity are also form the Bane of Cooperative Societies in Plateau state.
The Day is set aside by the united Nations and Celebrated every first Saturday of July.
The theme of the Year is Cooperatives for sustainable Development.
The President decried obsolete acts/ absence of state laws,delayed remittances of some primary Cooperative deductions by some employers.
Insecurity among others,had posed a very serious challenges to the cooperating movements in Plateau state.
She said despite the challenges, Cooperative societies in the state have remained resolute in expanding their participation in economic activities.
Cooperatives have been consciously involved in the growth and the development of the Economy in the state by providing loans to her members at the affordable interest rates to develop and expand their businesses,
Cooperative societies, according to the President, have established various businesses in the area of Housing,water factories, commodity shops,printing press, Agriculture and many more.
Also Speaking at the Event,the President, Cooperative Federation of Nigeria.
Tajudeen Oriyomi Ayeola said he came to Jos since last three days and he is enjoying the hospitality of the Government and People of Plateau state.
I have the opportunity to go out in many states in Nigeria, the kind of reception we received from the Governor of Plateau state,we have never received it anywhere in this country.
The President said that the Governor promise to overhauled cooperative system in Plateau state.
The Governor was investiture as the patron of Cooperative movements in Nigeria.
He said that the theme is inline with the crucial role of cooperative in sustainable development in Nigeria.
The cooperative societies are playing a major role in poverty reduction and job creation.
No wonder,the Cooperative society aligned itself with the targets of Sustainable development goals on poverty reduction,food security, Gender desparity among others.
And with the removal of fuel subsidy in the country, the best platform government need to partner and boost the Economy of Nigeria is Cooperative societies.
According to him, cooperative societies have contributed significantly in different sectors of the economy such agriculture, Financial sector and cooperative is indispensable partner for sustainable development in the country and with the increase in the population,by 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world, hence, cooperative is the antidote to sustain the economy.
In his keynote address, Permanent Secretary, ministry of commerce and Industry,Fedelis Daboer Congratulated the Cooperatives for the day and said cooperatives are the have been the viable platforms that government use to distribute social services to the various communities and there is need for more sensitisation in the state, for to people to establish more Cooperative societies.
His ministry will continue to support all cooperative activities through her policies and programs.
The Governor of Plateau state, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang,through His Deputy,Mrs Josephine Piyo said right from inception of human society, Cooperative have been in existence and with the advancement in the society, people also have societal needs hence,the formation of Cooperative societies to benefit her members and improve their living conditions to make society a better place.
To complement the effort of the Cooperative societies,the governor said they will ensure that salaries are paid promptly and government is doing everything humanly possible to pay the arrears of salaries.
Highlights of the event was the exhibition of various items produced by the various cooperative societies.
The Guest were also thrill with a match pass by over 40 cooperative societies that participate ranging from local governments,State,Federal Agencies staff multipurpose cooperative societies,Private and Community Cooperatives.
An Award for selfless service to the nation was presented to the President.
Member representing Pankshin Kanke Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon.Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has denied rumours making the around that his party , All Progressive Congress (APC) ,is currently facing unresolved crisis in the state.
As the former Chairman house committee on Navy in the 9th Assembly said contrary to the
insinuations by some people who didn’t wish the party well,the party is strong ,united and focus than ever.
Gagdi stated this in an interview with journalists during his solidarity visit to Plateau State High Court ,venue of the ongoing Governship Election Tribunal sitting in the state capital.
He said contrary to the rumours that Plateau State Chapter of APC is presently at logger head at each other among members, which informed the recent meeting of the party, held at the party’s Secretariat, is not a meeting for any reconciliation as speculated, because there is nothing to reconcile in APC, but the usual meeting of the party. I was at the meeting for the normal stakeholders meeting .
Gagdi who contested for the seat of Speaker house Representatives in the 10th Assembly and suddenly dropped, said is to respect the decision of the party , and that of Mr president Ahmed Tinubu who expressed his intention to support one of us in North West .
He add that, as loyal son of the president,and loyal friend of the former speaker Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila , its honorable for me to drop from the race for the spirit of oneness of our great party APC.
Gagdi further revealed that he had just been appointed the Chairman Committee to investigate over 800 of Federal Government Parastatals across the country ,which is a pointer that he is not doing badly and the 10th Assembly believe in him.
The honourable member assured the people of Nigeria that by the Grace of God the achievements of the 10th Assembly will surpass that of the one achieved in the 9th Assembly.
He called on his constituents to keep faith and pray along with him , and expect more and good representations that will surpass that of 9th Assembly.
And however called on the party members to embrace peace and be law abiding which APC members are know for , heprayed that by the special Grace of God things will work out.
“APC are law abiding party,we don’t disabuse the position of the Supreme Court , Local Government law or the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
” We are waiting for the out come of the tribunal .”
The member of the house of Representatives honorable Gagdi, who was in court in solidarity for the APC family over Governship Election Tribunal, hope by the Grace of God, the party Governorship candidate,Dr.Nentawe Yilwada will come out victorious at the tribunal.
The Chairman of the People Redemption Party ,(PRP) Hon. Rabiu Lawal has testified before the National Election Tribunal held on the 25th day of February ,2023 on the Plateau Northern Senatorial District of six (6) local government councils of Plateau State .
Rabiu Lawal whose statement on oath was front loaded in page 40 of the witness dated 19th April 2023 told the tribunal that he is a businessman who is into buying and selling , upand resident in Jos North LGA, were he identified the petitioners statement through his own signature .
He adopted his statement on oaths as part of oral evidence before the tribunal and the 1st ,2nd and 3rd respondents couldn’t object to the admissibility of the petitioners fresh list of documents .
Rabiu Lawal who is a star witness ,the counsel to the petitioners, Yakubu H Ruba applied to tender additional documents which was marked exhibits 184-186 that reference in page 11 .
While on cross examination ,Rabiu Lawal told the tribunal that he voted on the day of election and he went through proper accreditation and his name was ticked from BVAS machine .
He further confirmed to the tribunal that he is not an agent but as an opposition they’re challenging the adhoc delegates selection that produced Hon .Musa Avia Agah victory illegality who is the 2nd respondent in the matter .
When the 1st respondent counsel ,Barr. Salisu Aliyu and S.S.Usman sought to know whether Rabiu is a card carrying member of the PDP ,he said no ,my lord but we are aware that the 3rd respondent PDP conducted congress on April ,2022 ,he said no,and add I know the process that produced the 2nd respondent ,Lawal maintained .
The respondent Aliyu requested that paragraph 22 of the witness statement on oaths be shown to him , that is in the list of 174 polling units but during the cross examination ,he said there was no numbering of rejected votes listed in the scheduled .
However ,the second documentary evidence presented by the witness statement was the exhibits P183-P185 they’re judgment delivered in 2022 .
The 2nd respondent ,Simon Mwadkon counsel Pius Akubo ,SAN, asked the Rabiu Lawal whether he still stand by his statement depose to on oaths,he answered in the affairmative ,yes .
Akubo requested to know if Rabiu Lawal personally applied for CTC he said no but his Counsel did .
Akubo told the court that the witness statement he depose to are misleading to the fact of the tribunal but he rather says ,”no ,adding I’m not a candidate of my party PRP and also shown paragraphs 10 and 13 statements which bordered on PDP structure in Plateau State and the nomination and sponsorship .
Rabiu further explained that his witness statement on oaths was sent in error by the petitioners counsel and they were unable to effect correction as the Counsel told me in confident that it had been submitted to the tribunal.
According to Rabiu,I read some parts of the petition but emphasized more on the over voting and irregularities in 178 polling units and that was not captured in the statement 43 -53 including pages 12-21 of the Petitioners Petition.
Led in evidence,Rabiu adopted his witness statement and was cross-examined by other respondents .
Responding to questions from Akubo ,S.S.Usman ,M.Y. Tanko and J.M.Okafor counsel to respondents, the witness said images captured on bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) machines required data services for them to be uploaded to the INEC result viewing portal (IREV) and stressed that documents are with INEC
He added that whether or not photographic copies of polling unit results captured by BVAS are transmitted manually or electronically, the integrity of the election was not compromised.
The witness revealed that the election was marred by irregularities ,but while on docked he said it not “free, fair and fragrant disobedient to the electoral Act.
Under further cross examination , the witness add that he said the glitch on the IREV portal on the day of the election did not affect the actual scores of the candidates as the results of each of them remained the same.
He said INEC did not do an electronic collation of results during the senatorial election .
The petitioners has formally applied to closed their case on July by calling at least few witnesses.
Former Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Monday 3rd July 2023 visited Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja.
The Vice President warmly received Governor Simon Lalong and rekindled his fraternity and friendship with him over the years.
The two later held a closed door meeting details of which were not disclosed.
It would be recalled that Governor Lalong took over as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum from Vice President Kashim Shettima after his tenure as Borno State Governor.
The two also worked closely during recent General elections where Governor Lalong spearhead the campaign for Tinubu/Shettima as Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council that returned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima elected.
The Member Representing Langtang South Constituency at the Plateau State House of Assembly ,Hon.Nimchak S.Rims has been alleged to involved in certificate racketeering by forging the grade lI certificate .
The allegations was raised by the All Progressive Congress ,APC, challenging the victory of the member elect to represent the good people of Langtang South in the house .
Hon. Nancwat Bendal , the second runner-up in the last Langtang South House of Assembly Elections has taken Hon. Nimchak S. Rims to the Tribunal to challenge his victory.
According to Bendal ,the Hon .Rims graduated in 1984 and he was referred to rewrite Arithmetic which was main scrux of the petition before the tribunal and to the DSS and Police Command in Plateau State to unravel the authenticity of the claimed .
He alleged that ,”Hon. Rims is said to have used a Forged result to contest in the Elections. The defect of Forgery in the result has given to Hon. Bendal counsel to challenge the academic .
Bendal said ,”The opportunity to file academic disqualification as one of his grounds against the victory of Hon. Rims .
In another event , one Mr. Solomon from Sabongida has written a criminal complaint against Hon. Nimchak S. Rims for the offence of Criminal Forgery, Perjury among others before the Plateau State Police Command”he said .
The Police is said to have investigated the crime against him and will soon arraign him before the Court. Certificate Forgery has become rampant among our political class in Nigeria today.
However ,the former Principal was invited to clarify her signature before the issuance of the allege forged document to the independent National Electoral Commission ,INEC, which was fingered on the member .
Chairman Social Democratic Party SDP, in Plateau State, who doubled as the Chairman Inter-party Advisory Council (lPAC)in the state ,Hon. Abubarkar Dogara has lauded president Bola Ahmed Tinubu Over his recent appointments of key Officers of his cabinet which reflect all the geo-political zones in line with federal character formula.
As the steps taken by the president so far barely a month after assumption of Office is a pointer that he is ready for the job of governance devoid of political, religious and tribal sentiment that characterize the past administration of ex- president Mohammadu Buhari.
The IPAC Chairman gives the commendation during an interview with journalists at the party Secretariat along Murtala Mohammed Way in Jos, plateau state over the weekend.
He said the president has distinguished himself without any sentiment attached from the past administrations since 1999 the country returned to Democratic Rule within the short time he assumed office as president of federal republic of Nigeria.
Dogara further revealed that president Tinubu appointments so far reflect the three geo-political zones that makes up Nigeria .
“Recently he appointed Chief of staff and other key appointments within the short period of time ,he was able meet with critical stakeholders in Economics , Students Union body, Traditional rulers to seek and solicit for their cooperation to Savage the country from the current economic hardship.”
” I don’t think there is any administration since 1999 that was able to achieved the feats of Ahmed Tinubu in hundred days in office . Tinubu ,less than two months as president, practically touched all the facet of Nigeria.”
However revealed that if continue In this momentum , before he completes his first tenure ,the country which is currently at the verge of economic and other mess, will be back on track.
Hon.Abubakar used the opportunity of Eid-El Kabir celebration to advice Nigerians to join hand together and support president Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration to address most of the problems facing the country.
Chairman Inter-Party Advisory Council (lPAC), Plateau State Chapter Hon. Abubarkar Dogara has Condemned in strong team attack on the governor of Plateau State , barrister Caleb Mutfwang during the ongoing Governship Election Tribunal sitting in the state capital.
As the action of yet to be identified group of sponsored hoodlums and their collaborator to say the least is not only disgraceful , showed how extreme some desperate politicians could go to seek for power.
Hon. Abubarkar Dogara who doubled as the Chairman Social Democratic Party (SDP),in the state , expressed his Condemnation in an interview with newsmen in his office along Murtala Mohammed Way in Jos, plateau state.
The Chairman said he received the trending video of the attack on Governor Caleb Mutfwang with a rude shock and disbelief that something embarrassing such as this could rear it ugly head on the plateau know for it peaceful nature, politically matured among other states in the federal which he described as very unfortunate.
He further add that the court premises and it environs is expected to be the most safest place for all citizens, but this singular act of these hoodlums and their co- sponsor is beginning to create doubt of safety in my mind.
The SDP chairman stressed that at this stage of the tribunal sitting, nobody know where the pendulum will swing , so there is no reasons what so ever to be dagger drown at one another let alone number one citizen of the state, Governor Mutfwang .
The IPAC boss further said those who carried out the shameful act with the intention to disgrace the sitting governor or for whatever reasons behind their actions, should understand that they only disgrace themselves not the Governor .
However use the Condemnation message to call on the “Time Is Now” apostle , Caleb Mutfwang to reach out to the political stakeholders in the state with the view of putting an end to the ugly happenings in the state ,with pockets of attacks on some Local Government which has resulted to lose of many lives and properties worth millions destroyed.
Urged the governor to look at the issue of security in the state passionately , and bring to book anyone found culpable no mater how highly place in the Society.
” Security issue is not what you handle with levity and should be decisive about it especially now that the insecurity problem Started at the beginning of his tenure, if not, some people particularly Politicans will capitalize on it to distrupt your tenure as sitting governor”.
It will be recall that Caleb Mutfwang who was at Governship Election Tribunal sitting in plateau State High Court as respondent to listen to the proceedings.
Unfortunately, when he was going,
Some group of political supporters started chanting insulting song directed towards his person .
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Special Task Force, Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim has donated bicycles to children of the Nigerian Army Personnel who joined the GOC in a dinner to mark the Ed- El – Kabir and praying for the well-being of their parents in the discharge of their constitutional roles.
The donation of the brand new bicycles the GOC/Comd OPSH noted was in appreciation of the sallah goodwill messages and prayers the children continue to pray for the well-being of their parents.
Speaking at the event, General Ibrahim revealed that, he believe in the power of prayers especially those of children to their parents. He remarked that, the secret to the successes military personnel continue to achieve lies in the powers of prayers from their family members. The donation of the bicycles he said were to encourage the children to remain steadfast in their prayers and well-being of their parents.
The children in their individual Sallah messages wished for a better society, unity and lasting peace in the country. They also prayed for the safety and victory of troops deployed in various theatre of military operations across the country.
The event was attended by senior military officers, both serving and retired, family members and friends.
The umbrella body of private employment agencies in Nigeria, the Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria, HuCaPAN, has felicitated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and globally on the commemoration of the 2023 Eid-El Kabir festival.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos by the President of the association, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo urging Muslims to imbibe the lessons of Eid-El-Kabir, which centers on love, sacrifice, selflessness, and obedience to Almighty Allah.
Ogunlowo urged members to make sacrifices in supporting the association to achieve its objectives.
The statement reads in part, “The Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria, HuCaPAN, felicitates the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, especially, our members and across the globe on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El Kabir festival.
“We urge Muslim faithful to reflect on the significance of the celebration, to pray for Nigeria and our association as we continued in our efforts to position it as the voice of business.
“We are not unaware of the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies and other government policies that are affecting businesses and households.
“We urge the new administration to as a matter of urgency develop policies that will cushion the effects of the subsidy removal and ensure that businesses and Nigerians benefit from it.
“We acknowledge the support of member companies to the association. Such support has placed us in a vantage position to advocate on issues that affect our sector and engagement within the tripartite structure.
“We wish our distinguished members and Muslim faithful a wonderful celebration.”
The Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria, HuCaPAN, is the umbrella organization of registered and licensed recruiters in Nigeria, also known as Private Employment Agencies (PEAs). It was midwife by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, with international guidelines from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2007.
HuCaPAN provides a platform for Private Employment Agencies to interact with the regulatory body (government), labour, communities, and other relevant institutions within and outside Nigeria to develop and promote International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards and ethical practices in recruitment, deployment, and management of manpower in Nigeria.
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