The Governship Election Tribunal sitting in plateau has admitted documents tendered by People Democratic Party (PDP) seeking to debunk insinuations by the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) that the party PDP lack legal structures to contest the governship election in the state in 2023 general election because the state Exco’s that conducted it primaries were Illegal ,go contrary to the electioral Act.
As Dr.Nentawe Yilwada , Governship candidate of the All Progressive Congress APC,as 1st Petitioner,and APC 2nd petitioner in the matter sought the leave of the court to disqualify Governor Caleb Mutfwang 2nd respondent on the ground for lack of Exco’s which conducted the primaries that produced the 1st respondent as candidate of the party.
The matter which is Continuation for hearing was adjourned to 29th June 2023 for presentation of witnesses by the Petitioner Dr. Nentawe Yilwada and APC who are 1st & 2nd petitioners respectively.
However, when the the case file was called,Governor Caleb Mutfwang represented by his Counsel P.A Akubo (SAN), informed the tribunal that the 2nd respondent have documents to tender at the bar in line with the tribunal’s Pre-hearing result.
In quick reaction, Counsel to the Petitioners Professor Kayode Olatoke (SAN), vehemently objected to the submission of the 2nd respondent to tender documents at the bar on the ground that the 2nd respondent Mutfwang should harmonise his intended documents and tender it holistically instead of tendering them instrumentally, rather in pieces meal.
The Petitioner further added that the matter is adjourned till today for Continuation of hearing and presentation of witnesses by the Petitioner, not for tendering of fresh documents which the 2nd respondent is trying to introduce.
Stressed the action of Akubo is a ploy to wast the time of the honorable tribunal, and wast the precious time of the Petitioner who suppose to have start bringing his witnesses by now. And draw the attention of the tribunal to note that Election Tribunal is generic and time bound, urged the court to direct the 2nd respondent to go and harmonise his documents and tender them before the tribunal at ones instead of instrumentally he chooses.
Akubo dismantled the argument of the Petitioner by remaining the tribunal that the Petitioner who is insinuating of tendering of documents in piece meal , should also be remained that some of his subpoenaed witnesses ,the Commissioner of Police and INEC are yet to bring the documents the tribunal directed them to bring.
Further draw the attention of the court to the Golden Rule which state that what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.
After argument and counter argument, from both the Petitioner and the 2nd Respondent, the tribunal ruled that Caleb Mutfwang should tender his documents through the bar,in line with Pre-hearing report that all non contentious documents should be tendered through the bar , while the contentious documents should be through witnesses.
The documents tendered by the 2nd respondent Caleb Mutfwang, have help to dislocate the argument canvases by the Petitioner that the 2nd respondent Caleb Mutfwang lack the legal backing to contest the governship election in the first instance as at the time he did.
The argument of the Petitioner is anchored on the premise that the party exco which conducted the party’s primaries that announced the 2nd respondent as candidate was faulty and go against the electoral Act.
The Petitioner went ahead to cite the state High Court judgement delivered by Justice Gang that stopped the party, PDP, to field candidate for the 17 Local Government Election.
Similarly, APC has presented Four witnesses to testify that the governship election in the state is characterized by rigging, over voting and refusal to use BVAS machine.
In Cross examinations separately, they submitted that they where not physically present at the polling Units, that they got their feedback from their field agents from various polling Units.
As the collation agent in Naraguta Ward “B” in cross examination denied knowledge of the arrest of some people in Jos North illegally in possession of BVAS machines.
Revealed to the tribunal that the returning Officer directed him to sumed up the calculation because the result stayed two days without substantial collation.
The matter is adjourned till 30th June 2023 for Continuation of hearing.
Emefiele, who is said to be “cooperating with investigators” reportedly narrated how he gave money to monarchs, army generals and judges at some point or the other during his time in office.
Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) has identified some traditional rulers, Nigerian Army generals and judges as his accomplices, SaharaReporters learnt from DSS sources.
Emefiele, who is said to be “cooperating with investigators” reportedly narrated how he gave money to monarchs, army generals and judges at some point or the other during his time in office.
The suspended CBN governor has been in detention along with Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after both of them were suspended from their respective offices by President Bola Tinubu’s administration over corruption allegations and abuse of office.
SaharaReporters on June 15 reported how Emefiele named Bawa as an accomplice in the Naira redesign scam that rocked the country some months ago.
SaharaReporters had learnt that Emefiele and Bawa – both undergoing interrogation – were being quizzed on sundry issues including the Naira redesign scam.
Giving SaharaReporters update on Wednesday, DSS sources claimed that Emefiele was “revealing a lot” and had named some top accomplices in his mismanagement of the country’s apex bank.
“As per Emefiele, he is cooperating with investigators and revealing a lot. Emefiele corrupted and bribed almost every major traditional ruler, army generals, some judges and clerics,” one of the sources revealed.
“Almost all the CBN directors are also being quizzed and they too are cooperating,” he added.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Emefiele was suspended “sequel to the ongoing investigation into his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy,” according to a release by Willie Bassey, the Director of Information for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
On November 23, 2022, then-President Muhammadu Buhari alongside Emefiele unveiled new naira notes in denominations of N200, N500 and N1,000. Emefiele insisted that the old notes would cease to be legal tender from January 31, 2023.
Addressing journalists after the event, Emefiele insisted that the move was not targeted at anyone as there were speculations that the move was pushed by the cabal in the Presidency and targeted at preventing Bola Tinubu, then-presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress from winning the February 25, 2023 election.
The policy caused Nigerians untold hardship due to the scarcity of naira notes with the CBN unable to meet the demand for new notes. The policy led to a cash crisis and long queues at banks and ATMs.
“Emefiele who is currently cooling his feet in the cell of the DSS is the reason why the EFCC chairman has been detained overnight. Emefiele who is cooperating with the DSS claimed that Bawa was the one who raised a memo to former President Muhammadu Buhari, asking that the Naira should be redesigned to stem money laundering during the 2023 election,” a top source had revealed to SaharaReporters.
“Bawa confronted him that he (Emefiele) and the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Malami were the ones that came to him to raise the memo because they suspected Tinubu had warehouses stuffed with naira notes,” the source had added.
In February and March, Nigerians were subjected to extreme difficulty with the Naira redesign and cashless policy due to the scarcity of the new Naira notes.
To make matters worse, Emefiele had refused to heed a Supreme Court ruling which made the old notes legal tender till December 31, before former President Buhari distanced himself from the disobedience to the court order.
SaharaReporters in February reported how the DSS attempted to arrest Emefiele, but the then Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, shielded him by providing soldiers to guard his residence and office.
The DSS had said it intensified its investigations to arrest and prosecute Emefiele, on allegations of terrorism financing and fraud.
SaharaReporters also in February reported that new court documents obtained from the DSS indicted Emefiele for funding “unknown gunmen” terrorising the Southeast region of the country
The Chief of Army Staff ( COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has approved the posting and appointment of some senior officers of the Nigerian Army (NA) to command, instructional and staff appointments across NA formations and units.
The move of the New Chief of Army is geared towards an effort to reposition the Nigerian Army (NA) for operational efficiency and functional administration.
This is contained in a press statement dated 24th June 2023, signed by the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu and made available to this medium.
Those affected in the recent redeployment include some Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) of the Army Headquarters (AHQ) General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of training institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, amongst others.
Some of the senior officers appointed as PSOs of the AHQ include Maj Gen AB Ibrahim who was posted from Headquarters 3 Division NA to the Department of Policy and Plans (DAPP) and appointed Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj Gen BR Sinjen posted from Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA) to the Department of Army Operations (DAOPs) and appointed Chief of Operations(Army) and Maj Gen OR Aiyenigba from Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police to Department of Army Standards and Evaluation and appointed Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation (Army).
Others are Maj Gen NC Ugbo from Nigerian Army Signals School to Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil Military Affairs and Maj Gen E Akerejola from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport to Army Headquarters Department of Logistics as the Chief of Logistics (Army).
Senior officers appointed as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) are Major General BA Alabi from Army War College Nigeria ( AWCN) to Headquarters 1 Division as GOC, Maj Gen AE Abubakar from Headquarters 7 Division to 3 Division as GOC 3 Division/ Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and Maj Gen PP Mala, who was posted from Depot Nigerian Army to Headquarters 7 Division as GOC/ Commander Sector 1 Joint Task North East( NE) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
Others are Maj Gen GU Chibuisi from HQ Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena (MNJTF) to Theatre Command Joint Task Force NE Operation (OPHK) and appointed Theatre Commander, while Maj Gen IS Ali was redeployed from Theatre Command Joint Task Force NE OPHK to HQ MNJTF as the Force Commander and Maj Gen EAP Undiandeye whose
redeployment from Martin Luther Agwai International Peace Keeping Centre to Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) as Chief of Defence Intelligence has been formalised.
Senior officers appointed as Corps Commanders include Maj Gen OO Oluyede as the Commander Infantry Corps, Maj Gen MG Kangye from Department of Civil Miltary Affairs(DCMA) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery and appointed Commander. Others are Maj Gen AA Adeyinka from Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport and appointed Commander.
Other senior officers also affected in the redeployment are Maj General KO Aligbe who is appointed as Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Maj Gen JO Ochai, from Defence Headquarters to Nigerian Defence Academy( NDA) and appointed Commandant, Maj Gen IB Maina posted from Department of Policy and Plans to Army War College Nigeria and appointed Commandant.
Equally redeployed are Brig Gen TB Ugiagbe who is appointed Acting Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Brig Gen OG Onubogu from Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre to Martin Luther Agwai International Peace Keeping Centre as Commandant, while Brig Gen N Ashinze moves from Department of Civil Military Cooperation to Defence Intelligence Agency as Director Fusion. The Nigerian Army has also formalised the redeployment of Col AO Onasanya from Army War College Nigeria to Headquarters Guards Brigade as Acting Commander.
The Chief of Army Staff has directed all newly appointed senior officers to redouble their effort and commitment to duty in ensuring the sustenance of the ongoing onslaught against terrorism, insurgency and other threats to national security, as they assume their new appointments.
The embattled ALGON ,Chairman of Shendam Local Government Council of Plateau State Hon.Alex Miskoom Naantum has admonished Governor Caleb Mutfwang to eschew politics of bitterness and shun what is capable of causing disaffection amongst the citizens of the State .
He said ,”I want us to put our energy together to fight our common enemy’s ,not to continue to engage ourselves on what we could best described as political fight , which is not going to be on the interest of our political setting which we have grown beyond.”
Miskoom decried the negatives image of Plateau outside as unpleasant reports coming from place of home of peace and tourism to say the least, is not too pleasant and encouraging, that we now engage in attitude of creating chaos with the recent upheaval ravaging communities .
He further pointed out that what is happening now potents danger to our democracy as our democracy cannot continue to be nascent , there is need for us to grow because other countries are growing in mathematical progression while we are growing in arithmetic progression, however linked our growth rate to that of snail speed.
Na’antum condemned the sacking of the 17 LGAs and the legislatives arm by appealing Mutfwang to toll the part of honour as Executive Governor of plateau state were he has gone beyond this undemocratic display that is been exhibited under him .
He reiterated that Governor Caleb Mutfwang is a lawyer with over 30 years of experience at the bar ,one will expect him to be at advantage of knowing better.
Alex Miskoom said despite the recent happening in the state where some people refuse to follow due process to do what is right, they still have abiding faith in the judiciary which was demonstrated in the court today 22nd June 2023 ,it’s that abiding faith the local government Chairmen will continue to propel us in this struggle.
” The state government and his agents continue to break the law, it’s the court that will speak in the appropriate time .But as its right now ,we still remain the occupants of our respective Offices.
We will continued as legitimate occupants of the office of Chairman in our various LG “.
They appealed to the supporters of their struggle ,and advised them to remain calm and maintain peaceful disposition because the state having enough problems on ground already with sporadic killings and blood bath all over the state.
He said Nigeria is a shining example in the commity of nation ,as they borrowed their independent from America system of government .
However, advised we should learn to do things so that in no distance time ,we should be seen as civilize people that can do things differently.
The embattled ALGON ,Chairman of Shendam Local Government Council of Plateau State Hon.Alex Miskoom Naantum has admonished Governor Caleb Mutfwang to eschew politics of bitterness and shun what is capable of causing disaffection amongst the citizens of the State .
He said ,”I want us to put our energy together to fight our common enemy’s ,not to continue to engage ourselves on what we could best described as political fight , which is not going to be on the interest of our political setting which we have grown beyond.”
Miskoom decried the negatives image of Plateau outside as unpleasant reports coming from place of home of peace and tourism to say the least, is not too pleasant and encouraging, that we now engage in attitude of creating chaos with the recent upheaval ravaging communities .
He further pointed out that what is happening now potents danger to our democracy as our democracy cannot continue to be nascent , there is need for us to grow because other countries are growing in mathematical progression while we are growing in arithmetic progression, however linked our growth rate to that of snail speed.
Na’antum condemned the sacking of the 17 LGAs and the legislatives arm by appealing Mutfwang to toll the part of honour as Executive Governor of plateau state were he has gone beyond this undemocratic display that is been exhibited under him .
He reiterated that Governor Caleb Mutfwang is a lawyer with over 30 years of experience at the bar ,one will expect him to be at advantage of knowing better.
Alex Miskoom said despite the recent happening in the state where some people refuse to follow due process to do what is right, they still have abiding faith in the judiciary which was demonstrated in the court today 22nd June 2023 ,it’s that abiding faith the local government Chairmen will continue to propel us in this struggle.
” The state government and his agents continue to break the law, it’s the court that will speak in the appropriate time .But as its right now ,we still remain the occupants of our respective Offices.
We will continued as legitimate occupants of the office of Chairman in our various LG “.
They appealed to the supporters of their struggle ,and advised them to remain calm and maintain peaceful disposition because the state having enough problems on ground already with sporadic killings and blood bath all over the state.
He said Nigeria is a shining example in the commity of nation ,as they borrowed their independent from America system of government .
However, advised we should learn to do things so that in no distance time ,we should be seen as civilize people that can do things differently.
Following the dissolution of the Plateau Local Government Council (LGC) Executives by the state governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang , the sacked Chairmen have resorted to seeking the legal interpretation of the remaining three years tenure in office
The affected officers have been contesting the termination of their tenure which is just half way.
Since the dissolution of the elected Chairmen and Councillors in the 17 Local Government Areas (LGA) in the state, activities in the various councils have been disrupted and non-functional with the decision attracting protests and rally to the state House of Assembly and the Police Command, to express their disagreement on the issue.
After securing an order from Justice Ishaku Kunda of the State High Court in Jos, the Plateau State capital, for stay of execution for the governor not to dissolve the local government officials, the Association of Local Government Of Nigeria (ALGON), Plateau State Chapter, also visited the Police Commissioner, Bartholomew Onyeka , to express their concern on the matter.
According to this medium , the controversy still raging in the House of Assembly who confirmed the Governor decision to bring in Caretaker Committee for the councils were opposed by the Inspector General to sealed off the councils .
The governor however insisted that the LG Chairmen, as well as the Councillors remain dissolved according to the laws guiding LG in the state.
Though the Chairmen were prevented from entering their offices, the Police Commissioner in the state and order instructions to the Divisional Police officers (DPO) seal off the headquarters .
The Honourably ,Justice Ishaku Kunda of the Plateau State High Court of Jos ,Division has adjourned to the 22nd day of September, 2023 to resumed hearing on the pending motions and substantive suit filed by the Seventeen (17) Local Governments Chairmen for illegal truncating the three years tenure .
The counsel to claimant/ applicants ,Pascal N.Mammo told the court their motion on notice dated the 9th day of June praying the order of mandatory injunction to be issue against the action taken by the Governor ,Caleb Mutfwang to scuttle the democratic structure of the 17 LGAs and their legislative arms .
However the defendants through his counsel Maren k.Mulen for the 1st and 2nd in replied to the claimants filed a counter affidavit on the 20th of June ,2023 ,saying that he was just served today 23rd June 2023 at about about 8:50am were the claimants served the mandatory injunction motion.
Maren explained that due to the volume of the claimants document on behalf of the 1st and 2nd defendants he is seeking for the extension of time to file further and better affidavit .
According to him ,as it is now the claimants application is not ripe for hearing because the service was done today in court so he prayed
Maren urged the court to grant him order for the extension of time to response and complete all processes in accordance with the law by complying to the dateline .
Besides ,Maren also told the court that he has three pending motions to move one is dated the 16th june 2023 praying that he should be given shortest possible time to response and the second is praying the order of the court to set aside the order of 19th june 2023 which was not contested by the claimants .
He also moved the motion dated 22nd day of June ,urging the court to grant them all prayer sought before the court and the claimants couldn’t opposed it .
Maren stressed that the last motion is that of preliminary objection dated 16th june 2023 in reaction to the claimants to be serve with a written address of bulking documents filed on the 22nd june 2023 which was served on the defendants here in court .
Wase Federal Constituency of Plateau State ,Ibrahim Bawa Kanje has alleged wrongful computation of the results of the 25th February election through his agents while testifying in six of polling units as agents against the APC candidate ,Rt .Hon. Idris Ahmed Maje who was declared winner
The PW1 Zayat Daihiru Yaro from Gudus ward who is regular witness of the PDP and kanje at just concluded National Assembly election, revealed this at the election tribunal sitting in Jos, state capital on Thursday 22nd June 2023 when testifying as witness to the tribunal .
The National Election Petition Court in Plateau as a witness in the petition filed by Ibrahim Bawa Kanje and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to challenge the outcome of the February poll.
Leading in evidence by the petitioners’ agents told the court that they are PDP’s Collation Agent, identified himself as a businessman and a politician.
“The results were wrongly computed and announced. That was why I refused to sign. I don’t endorse fraud,” Mr Yaro re-echoed his grouse that he had expressed during the collation of the results in February.
Under cross-examination by S.S.Obende , said most PDP agents promised to object to the admissibility of the result ,but further disclosed that he did not sign the Form EC8As which were the result from Angwan Madaki Dugus polling unit as an agent I signed results of the election but i can only read and write Hausa fluently Not English Language ,my tag didn’t have my passport attached to the because the gum use removed ” he told the court.
Giving another reason for rejecting the outcome of the poll, the witness said that the results brought to the ward collation centre by state electoral officers were at variance with the results which shows one person thump printed the whole results .
Mr Nanfa Dindam of the Angwan Ciroma polling unit , added that the results declared by INEC were also at variance with the ones computed from copies of the result sheets uploaded on IReV, an online portal designed to receive polling units result sheets real-time.
“My lords, exhibits have shown that result on the IReV was at variance with what was announced.
“
He said the Electoral Act 2022 mandates INEC to electronically transmit election results from polling stations to INEC’s IReV portal.
The electoral commission’s inability to electronically transmit the election results in real-time from the polling units across Wase forms one of the grounds upon which Kanje and other petitioners are challenging Mr Idris Ahmed Maje victory.
He, however, said that the result captured in Form EC8A could not be changed even where it was not transmitted electronically.
The tribunal adjourned sitting for continuation of hearing.
The National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos, the Plateau State capital was stalled by inability for Independent National Electoral Commission INEC,to make available vital documents that would assist John Dafaan the Petitioner in the case.
As the Petitioner who billed to take six witnesses today 21st June 2023 , only take three following fragrant failure of the election umpire INEC, Nigeria Police Force and DSS to obey the earlier subpoena issued to them by the tribunal to make available the documents before the Petitioner.
John Dafaan, of the All Progressive Congress (APC ), filed petition against INEC, Isaac Kwallu, PDP in respect of the February 25th, 2023 National Assembly Elections for Shendam/Quan’Pan/Mikang Federal Constituency.
When the case was file was called, S.S Obende Counsel for the 1st Petitioner, John Dafaan expressed displeasure over the failure of INEC, Nigeria Police and DSS to make available the documents he subpoenaed the body through the tribunal to make present to add facts to his Case.
Counsel lamented that the failure of these Organizations to produced the needed documents made it impossible for the Petitioners to call three out of the six witnesses lined up to testify in the Petition.
However, the other three witnesses were led in Evidence-in-Chief by Counsel for the Petitioners in which all the witnesses identified and adopted their various statements on oath as evidence in the Petition before the Tribunal.
Under cross examination, two witnesses confirmed to the Tribunal that they are members of the People’s Democratic Party – PDP in Quan’Pan while one witness in Shendam Local Government Areas.
All the witnesses however confirmed to the court not to have mentioned in their statements on oath, the names of their various Wards and Registration Card Number explaining saying they did not know such information would be requested.
Reason advanced by one of the witnesses is that there was an illegal extension of tenure of Senator Tunde Ogbeha’s led Caretaker Committee of the PDP by 40 days. They however confirmed to the Tribunal that they neither see the appointment letter of the Committee nor its terms of reference.
Witnesses also made reference in their separate statements on oath to High Court Judgment but confirmed to the court that they did not include the suit number and names of the parties involved in the matter.
On cross examination by F. O Shuaibu Counsel for the 3rd Respondent (PDP), PW1 who give his name as Mhadi Muhammed Lamis said he wasn’t holding any Executive position in the PDP but that he was a stakeholder in the Party.
PW1 further confirmed to the tribunal that it is the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP that is responsible for organizing primaries for elections into all positions from Houses of Assembly to the Presidential, noting that it’s the same NWC that conducts state congresses.
Witness stressed that though he stated in paragraph 8 of his witness statement that the Tunde Ogbeha Committee did not conduct congresses in Ward and Local Government Areas, he didn’t challenge that decision in a court of law.
Nobert D. Lwankwap ,PW2, told the Tribunal that he casted his vote at Unguwan Magaji in Kwande Qua’Pan LGA. He added that on the day of the election there was little misunderstanding at the collation center which quickly resolved.
Witness further told the Tribunal that he wasn’t aware PDP conducted its state congress in Plateau on 25th February, 2021.
PW3 Mohammed Abdullahi told the Tribunal he has read the Petition before it but that no where in the Petition was reverence or mentioned of Sen. Tunde Ogbeha Committee was made.
The petitioned was adjourned to 3rd July, 2023 for further hearing.
In a bid to finding a lasting solution to the resurgence of hostilities in some communities on the Plateau, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim today 20 June 2023, held a meeting with stakeholders from Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State, at Headquarters OPSH Jos, where he made a loud call for sincere commitment of all the stakeholders to peaceful coexistence in the state.
The GOC/Comd OPSH noted that, the root causes of the crises on the Plateau that have lasted over 20years must be identified and addressed holistically. He decried the rate at which human lives are being wasted over trivial issues that could have been resolved through dialogue. He advocated for a strict legislation that would keep the people in check for good behavior. “How long shall we continue killing ourselves for no reason,” he noted.
Major General Ibrahim further cautioned against making unguided statements about security agents, who are working tirelessly to savage the situations and ensure normalcy is restored in the affected communities. He asked the general public to continually support security agencies so they could deliver effectively on their mandates. He stated further that solving security challenges must be a collective responsibility of every individual and must be with all sincerity of purpose.
The stakeholders who spoke during the meeting appreciated the work and sacrifice of security personnel on the Plateau and criticized those making unfounded statements against the security agencies. They identified deep misconceptions on the part of the people as the root cause of the crises and called for frequent dialogue between the people and security agencies in order to proffer lasting solutions to the lingering conflict.
The stakeholders also urged security agencies to be diplomatic in engaging with the people and deal decisively with those fomenting trouble in society. They pledged to continually cooperate with security forces.
The speakers further suggested that stringent measures be taken against anyone found destroying crops and properties, rustling or killing cows. They also identified harbouring of criminals and youths involvement in drugs as factors responsible for the resurgence of hostilities in the affected areas.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, youth leaders and women leaders, as well as religious leaders from Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas.
As Federal House of Representatives Election Tribunal sitting in plateau state gathered momentum , member representing Jos North/Bassa in the Federal House Representatives honorable Agah is said to be the rightful candidate in the last general election contrary to the claim of opposition parties.
The revelation is contrary to the earlier speculations by people whose stock in trade is peddling force and fake political rumor devoid of law and electioral Act that PDP in plateau state lack Structures to contest the said Election under contention.
The clarification of the legality over the candidature of the honorable member is revealed 19th June 2023 by the Star witness of hon Mohammad Adamu Alkali the immediate past member of the house of Representatives , who contested for re-election on 25th February 2023 general election and lost to Hon. Musa Agah.
It will be recalled that the house of Representatives election tribunal sitting in plateau State,in the last adjournment, adjourned till Monday 19th 2023 for Continuation of hearing and taken of witnesses .
The Petitioner in the matter ,Hon. Mohammad Adamu Alkali told the court that he has three witnesses to testify before the tribunal, all “Star” witnesses .
Naziru Abubarkar Sani a trader who leaves at Dogo Agogo Bauchi Road in plateau State said he served as collation agent in Jos North/Bassa Federal House of Representatives in the last general election.
Naziru who earlier adopted his statement on oath dated 17th March 2023, submitted a letter and flash drive which was tender before the tribunal as an exhibit ,and it was marked accordingly by the court as an exhibit.The parties objected to the admissibility of the documents,but however reserved their separate objection to final written addresses in line with Pre-hearing guidelines of the tribunal.
On cross examination whether INEC who is the electoral umpire give him letter to monitor Jos North/Bassa federal house of Representatives Election,he said his party the PRP, summited his name to INEC,and got the permission to supervise the said Election through his party who issued him sticker as passing permit to move around without securities harassment.
On paragraph 12 of his statement on oath where he stated that the vote cast is more than the registrated number of voters ,he told the tribunal that he is not an expert on the operation of BVAS machine.
On further cross examination, he told the tribunal that he didn’t know
name of the collation Officer in Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency but said he was around the Collection center when the electioral umpire declared the final result which makes Musa Agah winner of the said Election.
On whether he has documents to back his claim that the said Election is inconclusive,that there was security report from the police Commissioner Bartholomew Onyenka ,he said no, but reiterated that he still stand by his earlier statement on oath that Honorable Musa Agah is the legitimate candidate for Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in the house of Representatives Election in plateau State.
Rabiu Lawan was the first on the the list of witnesses to testify , he is the Chairman of People’s Redemption Party (PRP),a businessman, resident at Zaria Road in Jos plateau state. He tendered two documents through the bar, a letter which was earlier pleaded and BVAS machine that was marked as an exhibit before the tribunal accordingly.
In cross examination, Lawan told the court that the 2nd Respondent is not a candidate of the party, because the part did not have Structures in the state go by the Appeal Court judgement of October 28th 2022.
He further added under cross examination whether he read the Appeal Court judgement which declared PDP candidate without Structures, whether he is agent in the polling Units listed in his disposition,if paraventure signed any documents related to the election under contention, and if he operated BvAS mechine ,he said no. But however stressed that he didn’t handle the polling Units register and agreed that he only visited some few polling Units on that day during Election.
The Petitioner who appeared to have dried up or better still lost her memory during cross examination, told the court that he could not continue with the 3rd witness as earlier announced to the court .
And urged the tribunal to adjourned the matter for Continuation of hearing and presentation of the remaining witness.
The tribunal however adjourned the matter to Wednesday 22nd June 2023 ,for Continuation of hearing and presentation of witnesses.
It was a mammoth crowd of young and old, male and female at the Sanga local government township stadium when the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) flagged-off a Peace Football Competition code named “Major General AB Ibrahim Peace and Unity Football Competition 2023” aimed at uniting youths of diverse communities in Southern Kaduna in Kaduna state.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander OPSH, Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, commended the youths of the area for agreeing to participate in healthy competition. He noted that the competition will enhance robust civil-military relation through sporting activities.
” It is part of OPSH non-kinetic approach to conflict resolution and peace-building process,” he remarked.
Represented by the Deputy Commander OPSH, DCP Tazangwu Iyua, the commander said OPSH is open to exploring credible avenues in its quest to bringing permanent peace to OPSH area of responsibility. He added that the competition and other non-kinetic activities of OPSH are aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and improve human relationship within its jurisdiction.
The GOC/Comd OPSH while congratulating participating teams, urged them to show spirit of sportsmanship during and after the competition. He tasked them to continually support security agents as they work tirelessly to secure the communities.
Welcoming the dignitaries at the event, the Commander Forward Operating Base (FOB) Sanga, Major Mohammed Galadima, disclosed that able youths from various chiefdoms are given the free ground to participate in the football tournament, at the end of which trophies and handsome cash prizes would be given to winners.
He further noted that, the tournament would provide a platform for all youths across ethnic and religious lines to interact and embrace one another regardless of their differences; disclosing that twelve teams are expected to participate in the competition, including a team of fulani residents.
Major Galadima further thanked the commander OPSH for his uncommon leadership and support towards the competition. He assured that Operation SAFE HAVEN would continue to deal ruthlessly with anyone found harboring or supporting criminal activities.
On his part, the Chairman Sanga Local Government Area, Honourable Bissallam Mallam applauded the untiring efforts of the security agencies especially OPSH in ensuring peaceful coexistence among the people.
Also speaking, the member representing Jemaa/Sanga Federal Constituency, Honourable Dan Amos noted that, it is time youth forget what divides them and embrace unity, cooperation and peaceful coexistence. He noted that sports are globally known to unite people of diverse sociocultural and ethnic background. He revealed his promise to support the competition with cash prizes for the first, second and third positions during the finals.
The event was attended by government officials, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders and heads of security agencies in the area.
A 24 hours curfew has been imposed in Mangu Local Government Area of plateau state to avoid further breakdown of law an order occasioned by the killing of some Persons by some Persons believed to be Fulanis militias in the council and it environs.
As against the backdrop, the movements of persons and vehicular movement has been restricted within the hours.
This is contained in a press statement dated 18th June 2023, signed by the interim Management Committee Chairman of Mangu LG Hon.Markus Artu and made available to this medium.
The statement further state that there will be no vehicular movement of any sort except only Security personnel and workers on essential duty that will be allowed to move.
The executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council , Shehu Bala Usman has described as unfunded and baseless allegations making the rounds that he embezzled funds over 250 million from the council’s coffers between January and February 2023.
The unfounded allegation the Hon. Chairman described as the infringement of the imagination of the the faceless group who claimed to be under the auspacies of Transparency, Accountability and Initiative.
The Executive Chairman of Jos North Shehu Bala is dated 18th June 2023 personally signed by him and made available to this medium.
In a strong worded statement personally signed by the Chairman, noted that, the allegation infringement of the imagination of the authors who are working in cohorts with his detractors who to tarnish his image.
He explained that insinuations making the rounds that he disbursed funds to some selected councillors loyal to him and contractors in the execution of projects in the locality, are false, baseless and malicious.
According to the chairman all documents relating to the award of contracts are properly usually go through due diligence and are executed according to specifications by the legislature during their oversight functions.
The contract awarded to Kega Motors Limited for the supply of six cars followed due process as the were supplied and paid as enshrined in the contract entered into by the two parties.
The Chairman disclosed that all these allegations raised against him is aimed at rubbishing his modest achievement so as to paint him black before the unsuspecting members of the public.
On the allegation of the 2023 budget which is riddled with repetitions suggesting fraud, the chairman noted that , that’s false due to the fact that the document passed through the legislative arm of the council which always undergoes scrutiny by the Plateau State House of Assembly before passing it for execution to the executive arm of the Council.
The transfer of ten million naira from the UBA overhead account to the duo of Ishaya Atu and Cecilia Azi without proper definition is unfounded as every transaction between
the council and the bank is appropriately captured, followed due process and well documented.
Usman wondered why a busy-body, faceless group will make spurious allegations when the authority mandated by law has never at any point in time, invited him for any explanation.
Allegations by the Transparency , Accountability and Initiative group that these are some of the accusations levelled against the Jos North Council Chairman and his counterparts across the state , clearly indicates that the faceless group is doing the bidding of its paymasters.
This is because, the peculiarities of the Local Government are different as such, all of them can not be wrongly accused of committing the same offence as Jos North, should be use a yardstick to Local Government areas without thorough investigation.
The statement advice the so-called Transparency, Accountability Initiative not to delve into issues that they are not sufficiently familiar with, as the Shehu Bala Usman led administration is running an open and transparent government which has received awards and commendations for been exemplary in its conduct.
If you have met Air-Vice Marshal Bala Golgak Danbaba, you will certainly come out with this opinion about him: Here is one of Nigeria’s thorough bred military professionals. Only those who have not encountered him will be wondering who he is.
Being the professional that he is, some people would want to know what contributions he has made to the development of his fatherland.
This may sum up the usual interrogations people make of certain individuals, who have been away from home on national assignments; but however have made meaningful contributions to the commonwealth through their professional callings.
AVM Danbaba may be in this league, for hardly were many young people able to pick him out in the crowd a few years ago (having been away for three and a half decades) before his retirement from the Nigerian Air Force on June 15, 2009.
It should be noted that life does not give all of us the opportunity to remain on the local scene; however through fate, some have been catapulted to the national and international scenes playing various roles for human development.
It is in this regard that we can situate what individuals have achieved in the course of their lives to the development of the state and or nation. Indeed, if this is not lost in our estimation of people’s contributions, Danbaba’s is such that he has continued to add value both as a military man; while also using his company, Kugym Global Cargo Aviation Services which, he is its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer to provide jobs for young Nigerians from various walks of life.
For a man whose life has revolved round strict military service and discipline for the most part of his life, I have, like many, attempted to ask: How did he ingratiate himself into civil life after spending 35 years of his productive energy in the military?
Thankfully, on his return home after his tour of duty, he had the comradeship of some of his classmates at Government Secondary School, Kuru, Plateau State, who also had left their states to contribute to nation building in various spheres of human endeavour.
Such classmates and friends included among others, His Royal Majesty, Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwom Jos, Justice Ibrahim Ndahi Auta, retired Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and President, Kuru Old Students’ Association (KOSA), Nde Emmanuel Manasa, who pioneered the state transport company, Plateau Riders and retired as a director in the federal civil service, Engineer Damang Fwangchi and indeed many others in that regard.
Apart from those he met at Kuru, there were others during his Higher School Certificate days at Gindiri. All of them combined, must have helped him understand and was be able to navigate the terrain back at home; while fitting to make his mark in the development of the state.
How lucky could he have being. They say a dutiful officer can only retire but not tired. After 35 years of meritorious service to his fatherland, many will recall how he was brought in by Governor Jonah David Jang to set up the security outfit code named Operation Rainbow.
He became the chairman of the organization. The security outfit, like Amotekun in the South Western part of the country was an idea whose time was ripe, and had come. No one needs to be reminded that the state has been under severe attack for over two decades.
He was charged with the audacious responsibility of coordination and setting up modalities needed to implement such from 2010 to 2015. The organization went through hell after he stepped down; however, given the work he did earlier, Governor Simon Bako Lalong gave him the responsibility of coordinating IDP Resettlement Committee, Plateau State in 2018.
Basically, the task was to recommend to government where the Internally Displaced Persons were to be resettled. That was a hard task if you must know.
Scattered in various locations, how would he and his team do to return them to normal life through their recommendation? Recall that in most of the communities which were attacked, the invaders had occupied the ancestral lands of the victims, hence making it hard to run rings round the assignment.
For about two decades, most communities in Plateau have come under attack by bandits; killing and maiming men, women and children as well as destroying property, in a bid to take over their ancestral lands.
The idea to have a state security outfit to complement the services offered by the conventional military and police received acceptance as soon as it was mooted; and before long, it became law.
At the time of its establishment, it was wrongly perceived by some people that it was going to be a means to settle scores, but as soon as its operations hit the communities, it was apparent that the idea was meant for good.
Sadly, in the past eight years, it became moribund as it attracted lots of criticisms to the government from citizens; who wondered why it was laying waste while lives were being wasted in the communities their presence was highly needed.
And having settled and worked to establish the presence of its personnel as a portent force in combating violent crisis in Plateau communities using the instrumentality of the Operation Rainbow, he announced, though subtlety his intentions to become the state’s number one citizen in 2014. The modalities that went into the preparations were pronounced and instructive.
The fact that it did not work as was envisaged could not have been as a result of not being found to be qualified. The political calculations then were that the southern zone of the state was slated to produce the governor of the state.
Therefore, no matter how qualified he or any other person from the central zone was, such would be going against the political current and arrangement. He, like many others, beat a retreat to plan for the future.
He was born on June 15, 1953 at Pankshin in Plateau State; and attended the Central Primary School Pankshin before proceeding to Government Science Secondary School, Kuru from 1967 – 1971. He obtained the Higher School Certificate at the Boys Secondary School, Gindiri 1972–1973.
Determined to make a career in the military, he proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna as a member of Regular Course 16 on July 3, 1974.
He was commissioned Pilot Officer on January 3, 1977. Since then, he was fortunate to have attended several courses including Ab-inito Pilot Training at 301 Flying Training School, Kaduna; Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), United States Air Force Laughlin Air force Base (1976 – 1978) on the T-41, T-37 and T-38 aircraft.
He later proceeded for Lead–in–Fighter Training at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico USA in 1979 and MIG-21 conversion course at 303 Flying Training School, Kano and Markurdi 1980; G–222 Conversion in Italy; Falcon-900 Conversion in France.
Other military trainings included Junior Staff Course at Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji and Senior Staff Course at the Indian Defence Services Staff College at Wellington, India from1990 – 1991; Air War College at the Pakistan Air Force Air War College, Karachi from 2001 – 2002.
He holds two masters degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies (First Class) from Madras University, India and another in Strategic Studies from Karachi University, Pakistan.
Some of the noticeable platforms which his military dexterity found expression was as, Director of Operations, NAF HQ, Air Officer Logistics Command, Lagos, and Chief of Policy and Plans DHQ.
Blessed with the experience of strategies in the field, such was what was needed to enable him impact knowledge in the Command and Staff College and also as the pioneer Staff Officer 1 Coordination at the National War College, Abuja.
Having passed these institutions, destiny once gave him the rare privilege of Commanding the flying Schools in Kaduna and Kano at some point in the course of his tour of duty.
From being a Pilot Officer in 1977 in the military spanning years with regular and steady promotional progression until he was elevated to Air -Vice Marshal in 2005; these appointments and assignments were within the shores of Nigeria and outside.
He is married to Grace, and blessed with three children, Pyemwa, Nenghak and Yilduna, apart from many children of his late friends and relations he had adopted. To occupy his time, he takes interest in reading, golfing and farming. Presently, he is chairman, Board of Trustees Rayfield Golf Club, Jos.
At exactly seventy last Thursday, he knows that the flight has been tough, however, despite the tempestuous weather, God has enabled him land safely.
In the surprise birthday celebration planned for him June 17, 2023 by his family members; nothing shall take away from them this fact: In God’s hand is the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.
But even more, the 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Bible enjoins us to ‘rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’.
If you have met Air-Vice Marshal Bala Golgak Danbaba, you will certainly come out with this opinion about him: Here is one of Nigeria’s thorough bred military professionals. Only those who have not encountered him will be wondering who he is.
Being the professional that he is, some people would want to know what contributions he has made to the development of his fatherland.
This may sum up the usual interrogations people make of certain individuals, who have been away from home on national assignments; but however have made meaningful contributions to the commonwealth through their professional callings.
AVM Danbaba may be in this league, for hardly were many young people able to pick him out in the crowd a few years ago (having been away for three and a half decades) before his retirement from the Nigerian Air Force on June 15, 2009.
It should be noted that life does not give all of us the opportunity to remain on the local scene; however through fate, some have been catapulted to the national and international scenes playing various roles for human development.
It is in this regard that we can situate what individuals have achieved in the course of their lives to the development of the state and or nation. Indeed, if this is not lost in our estimation of people’s contributions, Danbaba’s is such that he has continued to add value both as a military man; while also using his company, Kugym Global Cargo Aviation Services which, he is its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer to provide jobs for young Nigerians from various walks of life.
For a man whose life has revolved round strict military service and discipline for the most part of his life, I have, like many, attempted to ask: How did he ingratiate himself into civil life after spending 35 years of his productive energy in the military?
Thankfully, on his return home after his tour of duty, he had the comradeship of some of his classmates at Government Secondary School, Kuru, Plateau State, who also had left their states to contribute to nation building in various spheres of human endeavour.
Such classmates and friends included among others, His Royal Majesty, Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwom Jos, Justice Ibrahim Ndahi Auta, retired Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and President, Kuru Old Students’ Association (KOSA), Nde Emmanuel Manasa, who pioneered the state transport company, Plateau Riders and retired as a director in the federal civil service, Engineer Damang Fwangchi and indeed many others in that regard.
Apart from those he met at Kuru, there were others during his Higher School Certificate days at Gindiri. All of them combined, must have helped him understand and was be able to navigate the terrain back at home; while fitting to make his mark in the development of the state.
How lucky could he have being. They say a dutiful officer can only retire but not tired. After 35 years of meritorious service to his fatherland, many will recall how he was brought in by Governor Jonah David Jang to set up the security outfit code named Operation Rainbow.
He became the chairman of the organization. The security outfit, like Amotekun in the South Western part of the country was an idea whose time was ripe, and had come. No one needs to be reminded that the state has been under severe attack for over two decades.
He was charged with the audacious responsibility of coordination and setting up modalities needed to implement such from 2010 to 2015. The organization went through hell after he stepped down; however, given the work he did earlier, Governor Simon Bako Lalong gave him the responsibility of coordinating IDP Resettlement Committee, Plateau State in 2018.
Basically, the task was to recommend to government where the Internally Displaced Persons were to be resettled. That was a hard task if you must know.
Scattered in various locations, how would he and his team do to return them to normal life through their recommendation? Recall that in most of the communities which were attacked, the invaders had occupied the ancestral lands of the victims, hence making it hard to run rings round the assignment.
For about two decades, most communities in Plateau have come under attack by bandits; killing and maiming men, women and children as well as destroying property, in a bid to take over their ancestral lands.
The idea to have a state security outfit to complement the services offered by the conventional military and police received acceptance as soon as it was mooted; and before long, it became law.
At the time of its establishment, it was wrongly perceived by some people that it was going to be a means to settle scores, but as soon as its operations hit the communities, it was apparent that the idea was meant for good.
Sadly, in the past eight years, it became moribund as it attracted lots of criticisms to the government from citizens; who wondered why it was laying waste while lives were being wasted in the communities their presence was highly needed.
And having settled and worked to establish the presence of its personnel as a portent force in combating violent crisis in Plateau communities using the instrumentality of the Operation Rainbow, he announced, though subtlety his intentions to become the state’s number one citizen in 2014. The modalities that went into the preparations were pronounced and instructive.
The fact that it did not work as was envisaged could not have been as a result of not being found to be qualified. The political calculations then were that the southern zone of the state was slated to produce the governor of the state.
Therefore, no matter how qualified he or any other person from the central zone was, such would be going against the political current and arrangement. He, like many others, beat a retreat to plan for the future.
He was born on June 15, 1953 at Pankshin in Plateau State; and attended the Central Primary School Pankshin before proceeding to Government Science Secondary School, Kuru from 1967 – 1971. He obtained the Higher School Certificate at the Boys Secondary School, Gindiri 1972–1973.
Determined to make a career in the military, he proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna as a member of Regular Course 16 on July 3, 1974.
He was commissioned Pilot Officer on January 3, 1977. Since then, he was fortunate to have attended several courses including Ab-inito Pilot Training at 301 Flying Training School, Kaduna; Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), United States Air Force Laughlin Air force Base (1976 – 1978) on the T-41, T-37 and T-38 aircraft.
He later proceeded for Lead–in–Fighter Training at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico USA in 1979 and MIG-21 conversion course at 303 Flying Training School, Kano and Markurdi 1980; G–222 Conversion in Italy; Falcon-900 Conversion in France.
Other military trainings included Junior Staff Course at Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji and Senior Staff Course at the Indian Defence Services Staff College at Wellington, India from1990 – 1991; Air War College at the Pakistan Air Force Air War College, Karachi from 2001 – 2002.
He holds two masters degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies (First Class) from Madras University, India and another in Strategic Studies from Karachi University, Pakistan.
Some of the noticeable platforms which his military dexterity found expression was as, Director of Operations, NAF HQ, Air Officer Logistics Command, Lagos, and Chief of Policy and Plans DHQ.
Blessed with the experience of strategies in the field, such was what was needed to enable him impact knowledge in the Command and Staff College and also as the pioneer Staff Officer 1 Coordination at the National War College, Abuja.
Having passed these institutions, destiny once gave him the rare privilege of Commanding the flying Schools in Kaduna and Kano at some point in the course of his tour of duty.
From being a Pilot Officer in 1977 in the military spanning years with regular and steady promotional progression until he was elevated to Air -Vice Marshal in 2005; these appointments and assignments were within the shores of Nigeria and outside.
He is married to Grace, and blessed with three children, Pyemwa, Nenghak and Yilduna, apart from many children of his late friends and relations he had adopted. To occupy his time, he takes interest in reading, golfing and farming. Presently, he is chairman, Board of Trustees Rayfield Golf Club, Jos.
At exactly seventy last Thursday, he knows that the flight has been tough, however, despite the tempestuous weather, God has enabled him land safely.
In the surprise birthday celebration planned for him June 17, 2023 by his family members; nothing shall take away from them this fact: In God’s hand is the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.
But even more, the 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Bible enjoins us to ‘rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’.
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