News Release. From: Plateau State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
A member of the Plateau State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has been elected into the Governing Council of the NIPR. She is Professor Mrs. Sarah Benjamin Lwahas,mnipr, a lecturer with the University of Jos and one-time vice Chairperson of the Plateau State Chapter of the NIPR. Professor Sarah Lwahas was elected during a highly contested election that took place recently at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)of the NIPR in Abuja. Prof Lwahas was one of the 28 contestants from 36 states including Abuja, that vied for elections into the 17 elected-membership seats of the NIPR governing Council, for which the Plateau State Chapter sponsored two candidates. Prof. Lwahas now replaces Barr. Haroun Audu,fnipr, from Plateau state, who voluntarily stepped down after serving three terms in the Council. The well-mobilized contingent from the Plateau Chapter attempted the unprecedented feat of presenting two members to the Council but fell short due to the intricacies involved with the process of the election. Meanwhile, the Chapter Chairman Bajeh Thomas on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Plateau State Chapter of the NIPR has expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, who supported the state contingent and was represented at the conference by the Plateau State commissioner for information, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, who came in the company of the Director of Press to the Governor, Gyang Bere. The Distinguished Senator Simon Mwatkon, Senator representing Plateau North, as well as the Director General/ Chief Executive Officer of the ITF, Sir Joseph Ari, KSM amongst other stakeholders gave their support which resulted in the successful participation of the Plateau Chapter of the NIPR in Abuja. Meanwhile, Dr Ike Neliaku, fnipr has emerged as the New President and Chairman-in-Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. He won against his other contestant from Lagos State, Mrs Nkechi Ali-Balgun, with 830 votes. The new council will be inaugurated at a later date by the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation.
Signed :
Richard Nanpon Jonah, Gnipr, Public Relations Executive.
The intensive anti human policy of president Buhari using his stooge the Central Bank Governor (CBN), Godwin Emenfele to achieve the anti people Policy under money redesign which has plunge the whole country into naira crisis has taken a frightening dimensions.
This as the harsh Policy that has make the naira notes in the country become scarce commodity to come by , where it really available, Money is use to purchase the few naira reprinted by Mr President and his accomplish Emenfele.
Journalist falls victim of naira redesigned
As popular journalist who is presenter with Ibadan-based private radio station, Fresh FM, popularly known as Baba Bimtinlaye or Baba Bimtin has died after he slumped on his way to radio station during long trekking from his house to his program on Saturday morning for lack of money to board taxi cab to the office because of naira crunch.His death…
Peoples democratic party PDP in plateau state has commenced its zonal rally with the southern senatorial district of the State the rally which held at the popular mini Stadium Shendam LGA
The event had electorates mobilised from the grassroots at all levels to canvass support all parties candidates during the February and March general elections.
Atiku Okowa Mutfwang Piyo join Campaign Council Media Directorates, observed how the Rally witnessed an unprecedented crowd, and was climax by presentation of flags to all candidates of the zone, from the senatorial federal and state houses of assembly seat.
Senator (Dr) Jonah David Jang officially presented the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, to the Plateau people saying, “ this is the man who will take over from me”
The former governor sought forgiveness from plateau people for the mistake of 2015.
“Plateau is a home of PDP, if not for the mistake of 2015 that about this APC’s mess as a government over our dearest people” Said Jang.
Director general of the Peoples democratic campaign Atiku/Okowa -Mutfwang/Piyo and PDP candidates, joint campaign Council, chief Honorable Letep Dabang, a.k.a the plateau political masquerade, apologize to people of the Zone for all the failed promises of APC , he was involved in making as the party chairman during the regime.
Letep begged God for mercy upon himself and sought forgiveness from the people of plateau.
He further announced and submitted the list of over 170 APC members which include word chairman EXCO, aspirants from APC C including former LG a party structure and former local government Council executive members led by Shendam former Secretary to the Local Government (SLG) in Shendam who declared their total commitment towards Plateau course.
Receiving the decampees, chairman of the PDP, Chris Hansen noted that, “the test of this bitter colar served on innocent citizens of plateau state, over this eight years, has manifested dangerous, multiple epidemic diseases which if not treated at this point again opportunity has presented itself to us, (Plateau citizens), will lead to an incurable state that will consume the whole State and nation which must not be allowed”.
“I therefore challenge every right thinking plateau citizen to reject the agent of this destruction called, APC in it’s totality. “vote candidates of the PDP”.
Gubernatorial candidate of the party, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang has on his part, expressed anguish over the numerous developmental set back the APC administration’s brought on Plateau “thank god that they are on their way out, we will address them by God’s grace”.
Personalities within and outside the Zone who also delivered their remarks where senator ID Gyang, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse and Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, Theopholus Dakas Shan, all emphasized the need to return PDP on power.
AVM Napoleon Bali senatorial Candidate and Reps Beni Lar spoke on behalf of Candidates both called on electorates to vote for PDP. Johnbull Shekarau, Nshe kemi, Zonal woman leader, State Youth DG Campaign, coordinator Persons living with disabilities all pledged to deliver their constituency to the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming general elections.
Alhaji Samaila AA Rukuba, convener of Zaman TARE has condoled with the Peoples Democratic Party PDP family, Pengana State Assembly constituency, Plateau State and Nigeria over the demise of the party’s State Assembly candidates for Pengana Constituency, Hon. Mathew Adawu.
In a condolence message signed by Alha AA Rukuba “Condolences to the immediate Family & PDP Family in BASSA LGA and Pengana in Particular. Needless to narrate the overwhelming heavy hearted mess of us all in the PDP Family”.
Rukuba described the sudden dead of Hon. ADAWU as “sad occurrence” which according to him, has left humanity with nothing but to keep wondering on awesomeness of God Almighty.
He prayed the soul of the gentleman rests perfectly in perfect peace.
A Nigerian-America Film Director, Mr Taiwo Oduala has planned to shoot a film documentary on Gov Ademola Adeleke having returned home five years after a successful career exploit in America.
The film director, who made the disclosure in a statement issued in Lokoja on Wednesday, said the documentary was part of Oduataj Productions and Entertainment’s way of celebrating and honouring Adeleke after his victory at the Osun governorship polls.
“The film documentary on Gov Adeleke of Osun State is solely Oduataj Productions and Entertainment grant style of celebrating his political successes and honouring him as a philanthropist.
“We will look at his swearing-in as Governor of Osun and his activities within his 100 days in office to be chronicled into the film documentary, ” he said.
Oduala, who just arrived Nigeria Wednesday, said while in Nigeria, he would begin editing his two movies shot in colorado USA, Germany and Nigeria.
He gave the names of his movies as “LOVE FROM GERMANY” and “DREAMING OF AMERICA” which he said were fantastic movies to watch out for at their release.
The director, who described his baby programme, Afro Award 2022, as a “huge success” said plans for the Afro Award 2023 edition has began in earnest and was scheduled to also take place in Los Angeles, California, USA again.
However, Oduala, the Hollywood and Alumni of Colorado Film School, is breaking new grounds and making history having successfully made the most outstanding indigenous Nigerian Language Hollywood drama movie (Ilu America) shot in various cities in America.
Ilu America (Land of America), is an African / American movie screened at various film festival globally and had its world premiere on Dec 4, 2021 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, where history was made.
He also directed more Hollywood films and Diaspora movies such as LOVING A YOUNGER MAN, GREAT NEWS, GOLD, GUILTY ADVICE, AFEJU (dangerous emotions), LOVE FROM GERMANY and DREAMING OF AMERICA, amongs others.
The film director has also acted in some Hollywood films and actualize his 20 years dream of holding his maiden edition of Afro awards 2022 in Los Angeles, which honoured some American and African community leaders, philanthropists, dignitaries, and celebrities who are pioneers in their field and have demonstrated exceptional humanitarian excellence.
The Plateau Peoples Democratic Party PDP Gubernatorial Candidate’s Running mate, Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo has describe the lost of a child as “One of the most tragic events one, as a mother could ever experience in life”.
The PDP Governorship running mate stated this while on condolence visit to the family a one time State woman leader of the Party, Hajiya Ladi Nimlang over the loss of their son Aminu Nimlang said, “ This is an absolute heartbreaker, no word takes away the pain of this devastating loss except God’s comfort”.
Woman Leader of the Party, Hon. Martina Dakur assured the Nimlang of God’s aboundant grace and strength as she is not alone.
“The Party especially Women, share in your grieve moment and will always stand by you in prayers”. Dakur Added.
Responding on behalf of the Nimlangs, Head of traditional Council, Amper Chiefdom Nde Emma Jatau who the deceased is a nephew to, appreciated the delegation for identifying with them in this critical moment.
The Monarch used the opportunity to call on Plateau people especially, politicians to continue showing love to one another in good and bad times regardless every form of divides.
There were prayers for God’s mercy upon the family, and for repose of the deceased soul, by Hon. Esther Dusu, the only female Serving member of the State House of Assembly.
Meanwhile, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang had lead a powerful deligation in Campany of the Party Chairman Engr. Chris Hassan, DG and Campaign Council Chief Letep Dabang, and other Party Stalwarts of the PDP visited the Nimlangs where he sympathized and prayed with the family.
Those who are united will be seen and testified
Text: Nehemiah 12:43
Why did the Israelites rejoice?
Strength, Life, context of this text noted why the book of Nehemiah?
Reasons 1.Vission, “To know what you have before you doing, set a goal for the job, fix a timeframe ”
Nehemiah led the people to rebuild the wall, reformed and reconcile the people, prayed, thanksgiving, testify and dedicated the building to the glory of God. This is a time, we evaluate our progress, harvesting, remember God as a great provider, acknowledging blessings, place God on his position, this will make you to do everything because gos is controlling you . Allow Jesus to rule your life. You will love and even love your enemies. Allow Jesus to rule your life. The consequences of an effort of an activities you have deposited part of your life in doing . expression of gratitude in acknowledgment of God’s grace upon your life.
“Do good and you will harvest good ” giving thanks to God with your substances, in action and gesture as an exhibit” differences between tithe, thanks given, and offering were also briefly explained.
Every year, set a time to bring your first fruits. The process of expressing thanksgiving services to God Almighty.
Which includes: Count your blessings because obstacles were certain on human way of goals attainments and you will see reasons on why you have to give thanks to God for the ones achieved. “In life you don’t have to feel hopeless, get discouraged when life becomes miserable”. When you have a lot of burden to care for and the doors too heavy to response, cast it upon Jesus. Stay together, unite as one, appreciate one another, work with everybody without any hitch or reason for separation.
There is no smooth life anywhere in This life except to one Christ has reformed. Take the life as a training ground. Offer generously the best and precious thing to the lord.
President Muhamadu Buhari has challenged Nigerians and African politicians leaders to practicalize lesson from the lecture that was been delivered with a view to moving Nigeria forward by Professor Patrick Lumumba, the renown Kenyan Anti-Corruption crusader.
Buhari who was represented by Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, at the 10th Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki Memorial Anniversary Lecture, held in Abuja described the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, as “A Nigerian Statesman who played an active role in the evolution of Nigeria’s political development”
The president emphasized the need for Nigerians to chose wisely during the fast approaching general elections.
While delivering the memorial lecture on THEME “Leadership and the followership Debate” Lumumba pointed that, the leadership recruitment process in Africa as well as the attitude of followers would continue to stifle growth if not changed.
He said: “I am suggesting that Africa is not going to grow as long as you are in position of leadership, and you have perfected the art of appealing to the stomach rather than the minds of the men and women that you lead.
“I am suggesting to you that Africa is never going to realize our potential as long as we are dividing our people along ethnic lines.
“I am suggesting that Africa is not going to realize her potential as long as we continue to conduct the politics of money and money bags, not the politics of ideas.
“ I am suggesting that as long as you were in positions of honor and privilege and you are in the business of dividing our people on the basis of the religion, Africa is not going to realize her potential.”
“History has demonstrated that governments have been toppled and presidents have been removed on account of this in the past.”
Also speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar lII, who chaired the occasion, invited Nigerians to show greatest interest in happenings around them.
He said, “We are interested in what happens in our country and this is very serious period with politics dominating the space and we are talking about leadership and followership by a distinguished African.
“The topic chosen by the organizers is so apt, and important because we are into political activities and we are looking for leaders to steer the ship of State to an excellent destination, we must look at who a leader should be, what leadership should not be, what we should do as followers to ensure we have a good leader.
“I want to thank the guest lecturer for coming all the way to talk to us, he has been so blunt in telling the powers that be, what should be done as regards leadership, because he has always been the conscience of the People and if you have good leaders, you will have good followership, if you have bad followership, you will have bad leadership.”
Speaking Earlier in his remarks on behalf of the Saraki family, former Senate President Bukola Saraki thanked dignitaries that honoured the occasion saying, “Ourvfather built solid relationships across the length and breadth of the Country”.
“He said that his children, have continued to benefit from the relationships beyond Nigeria”.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the event were Sokoto State governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Gov. Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Gov. Diri Duoye (Bayelsa), Gov. Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) His Royal Highness Muhammad Sanusi who is also the Royal father of the day.
Vice-presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, congratulated Convieners, Saraki and siblings including well wishers.
Some stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the North Central Part of Nigeria, Hon. Theopholus Dakas Shan the Vice Chairman PDP North Central Zone, Zonal Treasurer Emanuel Ija, and Dr. Adagazu who is the Zonal Organizing Secretary, all commended Family, associates for holding memorial lecture in honour of Oloye Saraki.
Theopholus Dakas Shan said, the “THE Leadership and followership Debate”is timely and spearing not the leadership nor it followership concerning accountability.
The PDP North Central Zonal vice Chairman said, “ Bukola Saraki and his siblings are succeeding in their service to humanity because of their sound humanitarian and leadership background”
Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Governorship Candidate Barr. CALEB MUTFWANG, has expressed feeling of optimism concerning his victory at the poll in 2023.
Delivering remark during the funeral service in honour of his late Mother, Kaka BRISKILA Manasseh Mutfwang, which took place at Church of Christ in Nations COCIN, RCC Headquarters, AMPANG-WEST, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State Nigeria.
Mutfwang expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the life well spent of his mother. Seeing that, people had earlier run given their lives to Christ during the sermon delivered by Rev. David Pofi, Mutfwang said “it would have been an optimum fulfillment of our mother, that on the day of her burial, somebody’s eternity is assured”.
The PDP Governorship flag bearer said, “by the special grace of God, we will one day, meet again here ,to celebrate our victory and God’s fulfilment of his word concerning us to tell God yes he is indeed God Almighty”.
“We thank personalities who attend this burial event, visited us or called to commiserate with the Mutfwangs in this critical moment, especially the presidential candidate of the PDP, his Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor Darius ishaku of Taraba State, former Governors of plateau State, Da Jonah David Jang and Chief Joshua dariye” said Mutfwang.
Mutfwang also appreciated his counterparts governorship Candidates from different states, Governor of Plateau state, His Excellency, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, Deputy Governor of plateau state, Da Prof. Sonny Gwanle Tyoden, Amb. Bagudu Hirse, the PDP family, Mutfwang’s Labour Party opponent professor patrick Dakum, family friends, community, relations amongst others.
Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, used the occasion to caution supporters, not to cause disunity and disharmony, among Plateau Brothers in the name of politics. “we are all one and God gives leadership to whosoever he feels like giving leadership to at a given time according to his purpose. May his will be done”!
Governorship running mate of Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo, Fmr. SSG Prof. Shedrack Gaya Best, Reps Aminu Jonathan were also in attendance including Former. and Serving political office holders across political Parties lines.
There were testimony is from the family, Mr. Morris Mutfwang, who described kaka as as a rallying point, and appreciate sympathizers from Ampang Plateau zaria and diaspora for rally and round the Mutfwang family.
Friends of the deceased, Mama Dakum and kaka Kaman Hassan, well wishers, Women in Health Ampang West, Precious Women Foundation all described her as a voice of the voiceless who’s virtuous can not be forgotten.
Friends of the deceased appreciated the most Kaka’s children for giving their mother the needed care, and called on others to emulate the MUTFWANgs by taking care of their parents too .
Kaka is a mentor darling point Frank and resilient eternal City is second to none distrust womandan who fear the Lord we will greatly miss her, that was a remarks from her maternal uncles as the delivered by Clifford .
Gindiri Old Students Association GOSA set 1982 represented by AVM Napoleon Bali, also sympathized with the family and donated the sum of Five hundred thousand Naira(500,000) for the needy in honour of Kaka BRISKILA’s vision of caring for them during her life time.
Prayers were offered for the family of the deceased as her soul was laid to rest at the family burial ground in Ampang West.
9th Assembly Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abok Ayuba has began a strategic move towards massive youth and students mobilization into the Peoples Democratic Party fold ahead of 2023 general elections.
The young Abok who became a speaker of the house though a first-timer, was elected from Jos East Constituency in 2019 sympathized with Nigerian and Plateau students over the long closure of public institutions.
Abok blamed government for the lingering strike action, called on the affected students and their stakeholders who have suffered consequences of the strike action, to ensure they mobilize voter’s massive registeration in order to vote out the government of All Progressive Congress APC that has failed citizens in all sense of leadership direction.
The lawmaker described youth active participation in politics as a means through which the get empowered to play a vital role in their own development as well that of their communities.
He urged the youth to get involved as this will help them to learn vital life-skills, develop knowledge on human rights and citizenship to promote positive civic action as well.
The speaker revealed his massive youth mobilization strategy that is aimed at neutralizing all forms of differences amongst Plateau youth across-the-board in order to focus on PDP’s winning of elections in 2023.
He assured Plateau youth that his party will run a youth friendly government by harnessing all the resources to put in place a stable IGR for a balance economy that will address youth unemployment issue.
“This government barely generate funds to pay salaries, the Youth are taking over the political campaign space with all youthful minds and sense of victory, the APC most go!”
“Students on strike should ensure they have registered voters, position themselves strategically to fight this evil strike condition vote their votes”. Abok emphasized.
The High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State has adjourned the trial of senator Jonah David Jang by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to a date to be communicate to the Parties.
The adjustment is to enable the leading counsels from both parties who where unavoidably absent ,the prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacob (SAN) counsel to (EFCC)and Chief Mike Ozehome (SAN) counsel to the 1st defendant to be physically present at the trial.
The trial of senator Jonah Jang which was adjourned to 16th and 17th February,2021, for hearing and presentation of witnesses was however stalled by the conspicuous absence of the prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacob (SAN) who was represented by his junior lawyer Geofry Mathew counsel in court.
“My Principal who is the leading prosecuting counsel in this case has directed me to tell the court that, he could not attend today’s trial because there is and urgent matter that needs his attention at the apex (appeal) court in Lagos Nigeria” Mathew told the Court.
With a letter from Rotimi William (SAN) to the court, Mathew explained, “ the leading prosecutor in the matter would have loved to personally attend today’s trial to cross examine the witnesses, but he is unavailably absent due to the appeal court matter his attention was needed there”.
“As against this background my Lord ,my principal Chief Rotimi William has directed me to plead with the court for an adjournment, for a day convinient to your lordship to enable him to be physically and personally present.” he maintained.
Similarly, Counsel to the 1st defendant led by the former Commissioner for information Olivia Daziem(Esq), also apologized to the court on behalf of leading counsel to Jonah David Jang, (Chief Mike Ozehome) who she said ,is currently attending proceeding at the Appeal court in Lagos.
Daziem added that, the absence of Mike Ozehome is not intentional and so, aligned herself with the application of the prosecuting counsel for an adjournment subject to the convinence of the honorable court to enable the leading counsel attend be in court for the case continuation.
Counsel to the 2nd defendant Sunny Odeh also aligned themselves to the application of the prosecuting counsel for adjournment to enable both the leading counsels on the matter to be physically in attendance.
Odeh stressed the need for the leading counsel to start having confident on their juniors expecially when their principal are unavoidably not present in a particular matter.
The sitting judge, Justice Christina Dabup ,re-echo the need for leading counsels in a matter to continue having confident on the junior counsel which will not only enhance the speeding dispensation of justice, but will assist in training and teaching the junior lawyers the basic principles of law.
The case was adjourned to a later date to be communicated to both Parties.
Note, Jonah David Jang is a Former Governor Plateau State between 2007 and 2015, is alledged to have misappropriated over N6billion, two months to the end of his tenure as the Governor through Pam, who served as cashier in the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SGS).
The former senator who was first Arraigned before Justice Longji in 2018 has been facing trial until December, 2019 when he retired as judge and the case file reallocated to Justice Christine Dabup.
Recalled also that, the Court had on December 31st , 2019 ruled that, “Jang has case to answer, as he(Jang) vows to appeal ruling”
Jang had through his Counsel Edward Pwajok (SAN) filed a motion on “No case submission” before the court, meaning that the prosecution counsel, the EFCC have not proved their cases against Jang and the former Cashier in the office of the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Yusuf Pam which was adopted by the Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacob during the sitting on the 17 December, 2019.
But when the matter came up, Justice Longji in his ruling, established that the Central Bank of Nigeria approved and release the sum of N2 billion for the improvement of primary education through the state projects account in Plateau state.
In justice Longji’s word, “It is unfortunate that today is my last sitting after 35 years of service. I will return the case file to the Hon. Chief Judge for reassignment to another Judge for determination.”
The Judge said the 1st and 2nd defendants are still on bail based on the previous bail conditions.
This did not go down well with counsel to Jang, Edward Pwajok SAN as he expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and said they will appeal the ruling on the “No case submission.”
PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY ( PDP ) PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER 20 / 22 YAKUBU GOWON WAY OPP NTA JOS
PRESS STATEMENT
17th DAY OF JULY, 2022
PLATEAU STATE PDP CONGRATULATES SENATOR ADEMOLA NURUDEEN JACKSON ADELEKE ON HIS VICTORY AS THE ELECTED GOVERNOR OF OSUN STATE
Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP warmly and joyfully congratulates Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, on his well-deserved triumph and emergence as the duly elected Governor of Osun State. This victory is a solid foundation on which the PDP Rescue Mission for Nigeria in the 2023 general elections, will be anchored.
The entire structure of the PDP across the State, rejoice with the Osun State Chapter of our great party the (PDP) His Exellency Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, and the People of Osun State over their brave, courageous, and hard-fought victory to emerge triumphant, in this election.
The leadership of the party in the State and our Governorship Candidate Hon Caleb Mutfwang, congratulate the Governor elect of Osun State which we believe that: ‘Osun election is very critical and important to the PDP. This election is very important to us and this victory will send a strong signal that we are ready to rescue and rebuild Plateau State and the Nation.
‘The foundation of what is to come is that we have to deliver Osun State to be able to inspire hope and change the narrative in the Country for positive development. We cannot allow our State and the nation to continue to suffer, we cannot allow a situation where our children will continue to be at home instead of being in school.
‘People are pained because of insecurity, killings, corruption, inflation, nepotism, devaluation of the naira, and other challenges, but if we are to turn around our State and the nation for good, we must work together to form the government at the state and national level. This is indeed a stepping stone towards 2023.
With PDP, there is great hope for the future. It is for us to collectively work together for the success of the party starting with the Osun election,” Plateau and Nigeria will be great again.
“As we rejoice with Senator Ademola Adeleke, the PDP family in the State and indeed the great people of Osun State, who have now reclaimed their mandate, which was brazenly stolen in 2018, with this resounding and authoritative triumph, let us state categorically that the PDP has delivered a forceful and definitive statement with this result that it is going for total victory in 2023 and there is no stopping the Rescue Plateau and Nigeria mission from now on.
“Once again, Congratulations your Excellency Osun State, Governor Elect, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke.
PDP! Power to the People!!
JOHN T AKANS KSM FICA JP STATE PUBLICITY SECRETARY PDP PLATEAU STATE PDP.
Christian Leaders have been charged to always have spiritual guard and watch over the flocks entrusted their care by God Almighty.
Rev. Jakawa
Chairman, Regional Church Council (RCC), of Church Of Christ In Nation (COCIN) Du, Reverend Dauda Leng Jakawa, gave the charge while delivering a paper titled “LEADERSHIP CONGRESS 16TH JULY 2022 EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP FOR A UNITED CHURCH”at COCIN LCC, RAYFIELD, Jos during the church’s maiden congress held on 26th July, 2022.
Relying on the book of Acts 20:35 in the holy Bible, the clergy drew the attention of christian Leaders to the fact that, “ Leadership is God’s gift to humanity, effective church leadership is even more precious”
Jakawa took his first reading From the book of 1Timothy 4:1 pointed that, “The Bible strongly describes it as “a noble task”. God chooses and appoints leaders at different times for particular assignments”.
“Leadership comes with responsibilities, privileges and challenges. It is accompanied by power and opportunities. Someone states, “Being a leader takes courage, discipline, and determination. While a great leader can bring great success, it also comes at the cost of being judged and overwhelmed.” He explained.
Earlier, leading pastor, COCIN LCC RAYFIELD, Rev. Samuel Dantoro, had during his welcoming speech Emphasized the matter of Unity in the church which is in line with the COCIN theme of the year 2022 “walking in Unity”.
The Church leader told members that, “the general church council (‘Babban Majalisa’) is the highest policymaking organ of COCIN.
pointing that, “the system of governance in COCIN is called, Consultative Presbyterianism. It means, leadership by consultation. That is why together, as a church denomination, we govern ourselves, together, we propagate or spread the good news of salvation (gospel), and together, we raise resources to sustain ourselves”.
Categories of members invited (delegates) are groups leaders particularly, Secretarys and Treasures of all the church groups drawn from variously branches of the LCC in addition to the different church committees saddled with various responsibilities within the Church.
Taking his text from the book of Psalms 133:1, Philippians 2:2, John 17:23 during the welcoming words, the clergy told the delegates “our gathering today is a mark of our Unity as a body of Christ in Rayfield. And one thing that COCIN has been stressing right from January 2022, is the matter of Unity . For what can we honestly do and achieve without Unity? ”
“Our victory as believers is in our Unity ; our spreading of the good news is in our Unity; Even our loving one another is in our Unity is also our success as an RCC and a congregation. Today’s Council is therefore, the meeting point of those that God has entrusted Leadership in their hands at the RCC, LCC, sub-group, prayer cell and committee or unit levels.
It meets in may and November every year , and also in emergency session at the COCIN headquarters, the regional church council also meets in Majalisa twice every year. Out meeting today is therefore, consistent with what the church at both GCC and RCC levels are undertaking for building up of the church”.
One of the Church Elders, N llpppde Manasseh, took turns to stress that groups are meant to work in the church, serve and glorify God not for his own good (God)but for the members.
He further stated that groups must adhere strictly to their vision and mission and it must enshrine fellowship,bible study, evangelism or mission,prayers, e.t.c. in their yearly activities to be effective in the discharge of their leadership responsibilities.
OCIN LCC RAYFIELD HOLDS IT’S MAiDEN CONGRESS…….
The church of Christ in Nations COCIN LCC Rayfeild held her maiden congress on the 16/O7/2022 at the church Sanctuary in other to fashion out the best way ever to improve the growth and development of it’s members spiritually and otherwise.
In an exhortation and purpose of the congress, the leading pastor Rev. Dr Dantoro admonishes members to be focus and attentive to the teachings, observations and questions that Will be raised in the course of the congress as this is aimed at equipping them for a better leadership delivery in their various congregations.
On his own part, chairman Regional Church Council RCC Du. Rev Jakawa,in his teachings hammered on the need for delegates as leaders in their different groups, they most strive hard to lead and live by example.
Congress concludes with the various Church groups and committees presentations of their reports and an action plan is expected to be issue out from these reports for the spiritual upliftment and development of the church.
In a brief observation of some of the reports, leading Pastor Rev.Dr Dantoro decries the use of prayer cells or houses as a channel only for gathering monies for Pastor farm against the quest for spiritual growth and upliftment of members.
Reverend Jakawa’s detail text:
“COCIN LCC RAYFIELD LEADERSHIP CONGRESS 16TH JULY 2022 EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP FOR A UNITED CHURCH
SCRIPTURE CITATION Pay careful attention to yourselves and to allq the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood –Acts 20:28. NOTABLE QUOTES A leader is someone who units people and guides them toward a shared goal. They help to set the target, the pace and the culture within an organization. In a church, leaders are crucial to a ministry’s ability to achieve its mission. Every church has a slightly different leadership model and terms for describing those leaders, however, the basic characteristics of a church leader should be the same – Patricia Lotich.
“Under the plan God has ordained for the church, leadership is a position of humble, loving service. Church leadership is ministry, not management. Those whom God designates as leaders are called not to be governing monarchs, but humble slaves; not slick celebrities, but laboring servants. Those who would lead God’s people must above all exemplify sacrifice, devotion, submission, and lowliness. Jesus Himself gave us the pattern when He stooped to wash His disciples’ feet, a task that was customarily done by the lowest of slaves (John 13). If the Lord of the universe would do that, no church leader has a right to think of himself as a bigwig.” – John MacArthur
INTRODUCTION
Leadership is God’s gift to humanity, effective church leadership is even more precious. The Bible strongly describes it as “a noble task” –1Timothy 4:1. God chooses and appoints leaders at different times for particular assignments. Leadership comes with responsibilities, privileges and challenges. It is accompanied by power and opportunities. Someone states, “Being a leader takes courage, discipline, and determination. While a great leader can bring great success, it also comes at the cost of being judged and overwhelmed.”
What is Christian leadership? What should a Christian leader be like? There is no finer example for Christian leadership than our Lord Jesus Christ. He declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). It is within this verse that we see the perfect description of a Christian leader. He is one who acts as a shepherd to those “sheep” in his care.
Leaders are those who lead others towards achieving a goal. Effective leadership is about right attitude resulting in right action. So for effective leadership to a united church, there must be.
A. SPIRITUAL CHECK Who am I? Am I qualified to be a Leader? The greatest and most dangerous deception is to deceive oneself. You are first of all a child of God, a Christian before you are a Leader, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God” –Jn.1:12.
Do I demonstrate godly character in all areas of my life? Do I destroy my claim and Christian testimony with the way I live? Church leaders need to be godly people who exemplify godly behaviors. Leaders must demonstrate a high level of integrity and adhere to honesty, moral and ethical principles regardless of the circumstances. Paul instructs, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” (1Timothy 3:1-5).
What is my personal walk with God like? When was the last time I heard from God? Am I living the way he instructs me to live? Am I pleasing him? “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead” –Phil.3:10-11.
Am I submissive? Do I follow the Lord’s leading or do I have a “know it better” attitude? God promises to teach and counsel us –Psalm 32:8. Am I willing submit to God and my superiors? “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” –Eph.5:21.
Do I understand that being a leader is a call? Am I approaching this call with eternity in view? Do I always live with the consciousness that I will give account of this leadership before God? “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). For “we are each responsible for our own conduct” (Galatians 6:5 NLT).
B. RESPONSIBILITY CHECK Do I have an understanding of the vision and mission of the church? Am I committed to the mission of the church? Do I participate fully in the life and activities of the church? Am I committed to discipleship? “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive” –Acts 20:35.
Am I leading by example? What example am I setting for those who look up to me as a leader? Can I be bold to tell others to imitate my faith and follow my example? Hebrews 13:7; 1Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 4:9. Can others follow my example and arrive safe? Where would those who follow my example spend their eternity? “Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” –1Timothy 4:12. Is my leadership characterized by integrity? The Bible says of David’s leadership, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them” –Psalm 78:72.
Do I have a teachable heart? Life is a journey of learning and only the teachable succeed and survive. Leadership responsibility requires that we are open to learning new things. “If the axe is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success” –Ecclesiastes 10:10. Do I have a team spirit? Am I willing to work with others as a team? Do I value the contribution of others for me to succeed in carrying out my responsibilities? “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another”–Proverbs 27:17. No one succeeds by working alone, no matter how smart you are, you need others. Do I recognize my place in my call as a leader? John the Baptist did it when he said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” –John 3:30. Do I understand that it is God who works through me? Am I willing to allow God do his work? “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” –Philippians 2:13. Do I value feedback and criticisms? Am I threatened by criticisms? Do I value other people’s opinions? How valuable is feedback to my success as a leader? How can I use feedback and other people’s perspectives to improve my leadership? –“If you listen to constructive critism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor” (Prov.15:31-33). Do I show commitment in handling any task assigned to me? Am I committed to ensuring that the church grows spiritually, numerically and socially? “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going” – Ecclesiastes 9:10. Do I cherish faithfulness and accountability in accomplishing any assigned task or responsibility? Do I approach my responsibility with an expectation of Christ’s return? God requires faithfulness and accountability from those he entrusts valuable responsibility. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions” –Matthew 24:45-47. Do I have the heart to serve others? Can I describe myself as a servant? Do I enjoy serving others or others serving me? Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” –Matthew 20:25-26. Is this orientation going to change my perception of what it means to be a leader? How will this affect me, my family and the entire congregation of COCIN LCC RAYFIELD? CONCLUSION As leaders you must always have your spiritual guard and watch over God’s flock entrusted to your care. You are accountable before God as individuals, committees and a council for how this church thrives. The strength of this church is as strong as the strength of your leadership. The mountains this congregation will move or level are as high as your faith. Go in the power of his might and lead God’s people in your care. Never will he leave nor forsake you –Hebrews 13:5.
Detail speech of Rev. Dantoro ;
BENEFIT OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL
This church council is to provide a platform for us to consult with one another.
We will hear from each other we will receive reports from each group we will ask questions make comments discuss and find a common ground to strengthen the ministry encourage one another share new ideas and agree on roadmap for the times and seasons ahead.
We are also desirous of being accountable and transparent in the assignment we have been given in our various groups we want openness and participation in the affairs of the church.
Therefore, we will hear about how each group is faring this has many benefits there will be no ignorance of what we are doing there will be no mischief or gossip there will be no clashes in assignments it will promote unity it will encourage us to continue serving wholeheartedly and to give her support freely and it will enable us to correct answers and promote godly examples.
We are all the more encouraged by personal presence of our father and leader at the regional level in the present of the chairman RCC du Reverend Dauda Leng Jakawa. Not here to be a spectator mode to give just a few words of encouragement in passing know our chairman is with us to give us fundamental teachings that will further strengthen our leadership root and points to the better directions in the administration and ministry of the church at the region and local level we are immensely thankful sir.
We are expecting a total of 33 reports from the church sip groups area sells and 15 committees and units there will be a lot to learn from each other”
LCC RAYFIELD IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
In hausa it is often said, ‘Waiwaya Maganin mantuwa’ when we look back, we remind ourselves not to forget.
History has it that, COCIN RAYFIELD was conceived in 1970 by late Da Jang Davou who saw the need for a church to be established in rayfield. Before then, believers were worshipping at COCIN GURA topp, until early 1970, when a place was secured for erecting a church. This crucial moment , Late Da Pam Tang willingly gave a land at Fwavei for that purpose.
Unfortunately his brother from Du oppost the donation of the Land to the church. The lord who makes a way where there seems to be not stirred the heart of late, Da Ezekiel Tok who gave his apartment for worship. Afterwards, COCIN in rayfield acquired a piece of land around where the church was built. The congregational Church was inaugurated by Da Not Pam Kim and Da Chuwang Kanang in 1972.
It is important to note that COCIN Rayfield was carved out from Gura Topp. In 1986 members usually went to Kwang for holy Communion as Kwang had been upgraded to LCC and Rayfield was attached to her.
In 1993 English service was introduced in the church as the number of worshippers increased, it was upgraded to an LCC with 209 communicant members the 10th January, 1998 by Rev. Samson C.D Pam who was the chairman of RCC kuru. Rayfield grew has grown in her own 20 year history to also given birth’ to LCC Gut, LCC Lahwol Gut, LCC mazaran and LCC Fwavei. To God be the Glory.
I give honour to the members committees elders as well as all the ordained and none ordained ministers, some alive and many already in sleep with the lord who had served in COCIN Rayfield from inception. From records I am the 8th ordained pastor to be posted to rayfield from 1998. In accordance with my official letter of posting from the COCIN headquarters, I reported accordingly on January 1st, 2022 assumed duty here in rayfield and received the assignment from my co-worker, Rev. Hehemiah Makunish Mafiyai on Saturday February 12th 2002.
I am also thankful to the RCC Chairman and EC for the warm welcome since my posting. I am elated that, i have come to enjoy the unique service and experiences of the first associate pastor LCC Rayfield, Rev. Prof. Jotham Maza kangdim, now retired as a pastor. I am grateful for the ministry of the wife of the late president of COCIN, Mama Grace Alexander Mamdip Lar, that of the outstanding trainer of hundred of pastors, my lecturer at TCNN, Dr. Mrs. Justina Damap as well as RCC Kuru treasurer who have been a long-standing assets in Rayfield,Da Chollom Jacob Nyam,. I am further grateful for the team that God has carefully assembled here to Minister as well I am truly very proud of them in every way.
Pastor Bulus Iliya From -Pastor Elder Yiljap Abraham-Secretary Elder David Denwa-Asst. Secretary Elder Yakubu D. Gyang-Treasurer Elder Paul Weka-Fin. Secretary Elder John Mankilik- Member Elder Habiba T. Alams-Member Elder Rahila Damnul-Member
I acknowledge the landmark achievement that were attained before my posting. And I pray that God will reward each person according to the measures of their faith and contributions in the name of Jesus Christ. I trust the leadership of the holy spirit, the guidance of our leaders at RCC and enthusiastic members I have encountered in Rayfield A to further grow the church and God’s Kingdom to the praise and honour of our Savior Jesus Christ.
MOVING ON WITH THE MINISTRY.
Since my arrival we have worked with sustaining and even raising the spiritual temple of leaders and members in this assembly kitchen sprayers visitation stored in the world tour together and attending to those who are weak both in body and soul have been important weapons in ministry the congregation is made up of more than 700 communicants and vibrant Sunday school with over 400 children they are very dear to our hearts as a Council.
So as I welcome you I also invite you to enjoy this Air of freedom in your father’s house and let us together dwell truly in unity.
REMAIN VERY CALM; LET US REBUILD THE PARTY TOGETHER.
Following the judgement of the Supreme Court on the governorship appeal for Plateau State, I hereby call on all Stakeholders, officials and supporters of the PDP, and indeed the good people of Plateau State to remain calm, peaceful, and to decline to react to any form of provocation.
It has been a long struggle to get to this point in our sustained and vigorous efforts toward freeing the people of Plateau from the new form of retrogressive politics and people-alianating governance that we have come to witnesss in recent years in our dear State.
I salute and thank you all for your support, hardwork and perseverance.
Let us then stand together and keep the party going. Do not trade blames. It won’t lead to any good destination. It is also no time for mourning. Afterall, we all fought gallantly together. Our best is yet to come.
So, let us face the future with pride, confidence and dignity. As long as God gives us breath, we must keep as our enduring agenda the vision for the total security, unity and prosperity of the people as our state.
To restore Plateau to enable her meet the yearnings of the people is a task that must be done.
Lt. Gen. (Rtd), Sen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, DSS, Fwc, mni, CFR, Leader of the PDP in Plateau State
A head of the Yoruba socio-political gathering, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, says a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, is afraid to speak on the Fulani herdsmen crisis in parts of the South-West region because he does not want to offend the President, Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Afenifere leader, Tinubu has not denounced the assaults by Fulani herders against the Yoruba individuals due to his official aspiration in 2023.
The Afenifere tribal leader said Tinubu accepts that Buhari will help him become the following leader of the country.
Of late, Fulani herders have been blamed for executing violations going from kidnappings, killings, assault to attack of farmlands with their cows in the South-West district particularly in Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Ogun States.
Adebanjo said rather than Buhari to ensure all Nigerians, he has taken to protecting the Fulani herders in spite of various proof that they are chargeable of the offensive wrongdoings.
I don’t accepting the promulgation of the Buhari government that how would you realize they are Fulani? Furthermore, when they are gotten, they will say, they are unfamiliar Fulani. In the event that you are a skillful safeguard of the Nigerian public, the Fulani herders won’t carry out all types of monstrosities unabated,” he said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the immediate resignation of the Service Chiefs, and their retirement from service.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina in Abuja Tuesday, the Presidency said, “Those involved are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar”
According to the statement “President Buhari thanks the outgoing Chiefs for what he calls their “overwhelming achievements in our efforts at bringing enduring peace to our dear country,” wishing them well in their future endeavours.
Meanwhile, new service chiefs were also named àccordingly as, “The new Service Chiefs are Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A. Z. Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.
“The President also congratulates them new Service Chiefs, and urges them to be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of their responsibilities.”
Recalled, an interfaith group under the aegis of National Coalition of Interfaith Group of Nigeria (NCIGN), has sometimes in December, 2020 decried the silence of President Muhammadu Buhari to rejig the nation’s security architecture over the growing insecurity in the country.
The group through its National National Coordinator, Sheikh Mohammed Ibrahim and Co-Coordinator, Bishop John Adebayo, reeled out six prayer points for Nigerians of all faith to take before God in prayers for intervention in the security problems.
Among those prayer points the group pointed out for Nigerians were “the health and wellbeing of President Muhammadu Buhari; prayer for the president to immediately restructure the security architecture of the country; prayer for peace and security of the country.
Others are for for Nigeria to come out of recession, prayer for the protection of our frontline troops and the safe return of all the adopted children in GSS Kankara, Katsina State.
On the other hand, pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation (Afenifere) has said “President Muhammadu Buhari had done nothing special”
According to Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin: “He (Buhari) has not done a special favour to make us jump in joy.
The nepotic way he has handled the security sector has created damage that will take a lot time to repair if we shall ever be able.”
Former Senate president, Bukola Saraki, has called for caution in Oyo and Ondo states.
The former Senate leader in a statement said, the development in the two states were symptomatic of the continued threat to the unity of the country. He said, “I strongly appeal to all of us to work for peace and take initiatives that can douse tension.
Both the elite and ordinary people have a responsibility to begin to take measures that will reassure the people across board that a united Nigeria will benefit everybody.
“The deafening silence by key stakeholders, leaders and others who we think should speak out is worrisome.
This silence is a dangerous tell-tale sign that things are wrong. This is not good for our country.“I appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to provide leadership.
Mr President, take measures that will reassure all and sundry that you are working on the problems and that nobody should lose interest in a united, peaceful and progressive Nigeria.”
Sunday Adeyemo, a popular Yoruba activist popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has dared the government of Oyo state to arrest him following his “leave” order to Fulani herders in Igangan community. Igboho had on Friday, January 22, stormed the town in Ibarapa East local government area of Oyo state after the expiration his seven-day ultimatum to the Fulani herders mandating them to vacate the community. Recalled that, the secessionist had a week ago visited the community to issue quit notice to herdsmen residents in the area after accusing them of perpetrating criminal activities. Sunday Igboho said nobody can arrest him, even Governor Seyi Makinde. @Seyiamakinde @OduduwaRepublic tweets that, He was reportedly said to have insisted that Seriki, a popular herder, must leave the town, saying so many people fingered him to be behind the insecurity in the area. Regarding the Yoruba activist threatening herders to leave Ibarapa (photo, video) where he Addressed the people of the community in a now-viral video, Igboho described Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive that no one can be evicted from the state as a joke. Igboho, who spoke in Yoruba language, dared the governor and accused him of backing the Fulani herders who are threatening the peace of Yoruba race. “Is it the Fulani’s that make the laws of the land? Have you forgotten when you were ‘bankrolling’ me when you wanted to become Governor and all I did for you all during the elections, and now you dare threaten me?
“Well, I don’t believe that you are serious with your threats yet, until you bring all the soldiers and policemen to arrest me in my house, before I know you are serious. You are all fools. “You are threatening me in my fatherland with Fulanis. You will not prosper.”said Sunday.
It would also be Recalled that, Sunday Igboho, supporters storm Igangan to chase herdsmen away as Governor Seyi Makinde has maintained that no one has the right to ask anyone to leave any part of the country.
The Governor on his part had also in a tweet on Friday stressing that “enemies are not people of any tribe or ethnic group but anyone engaged in criminal activities. “I pledged our administration’s support as they carry out their duties of maintaining law and order in our state. I restated that our enemies are not people of any tribe or ethnic group but anyone engaged in criminal activities in the state.”
The newly sworn-in United States President, Joe Biden, has began his first day in office by erasing some actions of former President Donald Trump. Biden canceled the ban which restricted travel to the U.S. from mostly Muslim nations in his first executive orders. Report said, the countries are Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Chad, North Korea, Venezuela, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania.
At the Oval Office’s Resolute Desk, Biden rolled out 15 orders and two other action items.
President Biden reversed Trump’s policies on the coronavirus pandemic, immigration, and climate change.
Biden has made mask wearing in all federal buildings and during interstate travel mandatory.
“It’s requiring, as I said all along, where I have authority, mandating masks be worn, social distancing be kept on federal property,” the President told reporters.
He also signed orders for America to formally rejoin the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Paris climate agreement.
Biden is stopping Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s actions that cause family separation.
He has halted construction of the wall along the US-Mexico border.
Two orders aim to provide immediate financial relief to the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
Biden signed another three to address racial disparities and inequities within the U.S. government and its operations.
He inked a decree directing the federal bureaucracy to conduct reviews and isolate any racial inequities in how government resources are allocated.
This dissolves the 1776 Commission, a Trump advisory committee established last September.
Another order borders on federal workplace sex discrimination protections to LGBTQ Americans.
The administration will roll out a total of 53 executive actions over the next 10 days.
All Progressive Party, APC’s candidates have emerged winners of the 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship positions in the election the just concluded LGA poll across the Kano State.
Ibrahim Garba-Sheka, head of the state independent electoral commission disclosed this while announcing the results of the election on Sunday in Kano.
Mr Garba-Sheka said candidates of the APC emerged winners of the 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship positions in the election.
“The total votes scored by the candidates is 2,530.577 million. Work is still in progress to ascertain the total votes scored by candidates of other political parties,” he said.
Mr Garba-Sheka said the election was generally peaceful in the 11,500 polling units across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.
While commending Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for his support and non-interference, the chairperson thanked the Civil Society Organisations for their support towards ensuring free, fair and credible election.
According to him, “twelve political parties took part in the election”.
Recalled that, governor Ganduje had on 7th presented flags to APC LG chairmanship candidates in Kano While a faction of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party loyal to a former Governor of the state, Rabiu Kwankwaso, opted out of the election, the other faction in the party participated in the election.
The Govpower should return to the southernor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, said on that for the sake of fairness, power should return to the south in 2023. He faulted the suspicion that any part of the country could not be trusted with power, perhaps for the fear of secession. He stressed that there was a need for fairness in the country, adding that marginalisation had become the loudest concern from the citizenry. Zulum spoke in Lagos, at the 17th Chief Gani Fawehinmi annual lecture, themed ‘The constitutional history of Nigeria’s dysfunction: Any pathway to indivisibility and common progress?’ which was an event organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, to celebrate the life and times of the late Fawehinmi. The governor stated that, one of the pathways to common progress was for fairness to reign in the country. Zulum, who was accompanied by some commissioners and special advisers, explained that power should shift to other sections of the country. The incumbent President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) is from the North-Western state of Katsina and is serving his second and final term in office. The governor said, “I’m persuaded that other sections of the country should be given the opportunity to lead in 2023, why not? It is constitutional.” Zulum, reeled out the criteria set by the constitution for anyone to contest the Presidency, as contained in Section 131 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), asked all the persons from the South-East and South-South at the event to rise. He then told them that once they met the four conditions stated in the Section, they were also qualified to contest the presidency.The section reads, “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (b) he has attained the age of forty years; (c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party; and (d) he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”Speaking further on the issue of fairness as regard 2023, he stated, “Consequently, my response to the question posed by the theme of this programme is that yes, there are pathways to indivisibility and common progress; we must collectively agree that we need to do more to demonstrate fairness to every constituent part that made up this country. That is the constitution.“We need to understand that pedestrian suspicion is not an empirical or legal reason to deny any section of the country from participation in the leadership of this country. We are fast moving towards a point of inevitable tension.“One of the loudest concerns from the public is marginalisation. Therefore, we must as a matter of necessity create an environment that is conducive for everyone. People must feel the impact of the government and that government is responding.”The governor also said south-easterners should negotiate for power rather than expect others to leave it for them.He said, “To our friends and brothers in the South-South and South-East particularly, only God gives power but you have to negotiate for power. Negotiation becomes easier when you make friends across the divide. If we negotiate for power, we don’t always get everything we want, but we will normally mention every clause that covers everything we need.“I said this because I have heard many people say ‘they don’t want to give us power’ but assumptions and projections will never actualise your aspirations. We must all remember that God gives power but human beings negotiate for it. Every interested party must be prepared to negotiate for it.”The governor also expressed reservation over the age limit of 40 as the minimum to contest the presidency, noting that in many countries around the world, people below 40 had become world leaders.He cited several examples of presidents or prime ministers who got to power under the age of 40, including President Emmanuel Macron, who became the President of France at the age of 39; Sanna Marin, who became the Prime Minister of Finland at 34; and Joseph Muscat who became the Prime Minister of Malta at the age of 39, among many others.“We must review our constitution to reflect this current reality in our country and provide greater access to the greatest number of our citizens,” he added. He admonished Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the 1999 Constitution, saying even though there are issues with the document, he believed strongly that it could still produce good results when faithfully discharged.He added, “If governance were to be a religion, the constitution would be its holy book. You know your Bible, you know your Quran, know your constitution. Gani Fawehinmi fought for a people’s constitution. We cannot let him down. Let us work to build bridges and drive a people-oriented constitution that would make Nigeria better for4 everyone.“We must make the constitution of Nigeria work for all Nigerians and not just some Nigerians. Our system of government must give people a voice while delivering services to them, including security of lives and property.”
The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has sound caution on Nigerians to know the history which àccording to him, this will help calm/qualm the taste for violence.
Kuka who spoke finally after an Islamic group in Sokoto have told him to tender an apology for a statement he made or leave the state.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, said , “the wounds of the civil war have not been healed”.
Speaking on the theme: The Second never again conference: 51 years after Nigerian-Biafran Civil war, the outspoken Bishop, advised Nigerians to compile a history of the country, noting that knowing the history will calm/qualm the taste for violence.
Kukah who has been on the media for criticizing the current administration and proffering solutions to the problems of the country also noted, “Nigerians and of course their leaders are not happy with the current situation of the country”.
He highlighted, poor economic policies, insecurity and poor education/health systems as issues bedevilling the country and advised the current administration to fix them. “We are failing in almost all the sectors. We must stand up and fix them”.
Speaking further, Kukah said that there is enough blame to go round, noting that everyone should be blamed for the current situation of the country. If we are saying NEVER AGAIN, we must identify some fundamental issues. We must have our history written down or acted as a movie.
We must understand the role of religion in Nigeria. The issue of consequentiality should also be of great essence. There should be consequences for good and bad behaviour.”
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Plateau State University chapter, has declared an indefinite strike.
The Chairman of ASUU in the institution, Dr Bentse Pamson told our correspondent that the decision by their members to embark on the strike was reached during their congress held in Jos on Friday.Pamson said, “We have just held our congress where our members unanimously agreed to proceed on strike immediately.
We have already secured the approval of NEC to embark on local strike action at Plateau State University if the state government fails to meet our demands.”Giving reasons for the strike, the ASUU chairman said, “We have a total of seven unresolved issues which we have been calling the attention of the state government to.”For instance, If you come to the University, you will not discover any capital project being funded by the state government except the ones being undertaken under TetFund.
This is totally strange and unacceptable.”Not only that, the state government has refused to reconstitute a new governing council after the tenure of the last officials expired leaving the University without direction. “There is also the issue of unpaid earned academic allowance spreading up to eight academic sessions totalling about N215 million leaving our members to suffer.
“We also have the problem of underfunding of the institution with the monthly subvention of about N90m which is grossly inadequate as against about N200 million needed monthly by the University to run it effectively.
“Apart from that, we have a situation where there is no special fund set aside for training and development of the academic staff of the institution to augment their efforts and those who wish to partner with the intention. “Besides, the University environment has been turned to grazing land thereby constituting a serious security threat to the staff and students mainly because the institution is not fenced. We have had instances where hoodlums break into the hostels and rape the students and subjected the lecturers to all forms of harassment. These are some of the issues which our members have endured and we cannot continue like that without anything being done to address them .” The ASUU added, “With the way education has been relegated to the background, a strike is the only option to draw the attention of the government to live up to its responsibilities.”
Aspirants for the leadership of the PDP in Plateau state has paid a condolence visit to the home of Professor Dimis Mailafiya, Director General, Useni Campaigns Organization.
Decieving the aspirants
The aspirants who were led by one of the Chairmanship aspirants, Hon. Aminu Izang said, “they are in Mista- Ali, the Mailafiya’s home town and family of the deceased to commiserate with them on the death of their mother, Hajiya Rabi Mailafiya.
The Chairmanship aspirant while bearing the condolence message on behalf of the Plateau PDP SEC Aspirants congratulated the Mailafiyas’ for the great woman they had in their mother.
Responding on behalf of the Family, Professor Dimis Mailafiya thanked the delegation and expressed appreciation to the PDP SEC Aspirants and PDP family for their show of respect and love for the Mailafiyas.
Mailafiya described the relationship between him and his late mother as that which has mutual understanding despite been of two different faith “My mother died a devoted Muslim, am a Christian, religion has never been a barrier between us”. Said Mailafiya.
“we appreciate your visit to the family, my life has been a miracle with my mother having lost my dad while i was in primary three.
My professorship and all that i am today, is a product of her struggles.
I thank God for everything . May God bless you all! For those of you whos parents are still alive, ensure you take good care of them”
Earlier, Hon. Bisidi who held from same Bassa LGA, said the deceased son professor Mailafiya has been a strong pillar and a Political father to the entire community, hence the need to identify with him in this moment of grieve.
The group also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.
Recalled that this medium had reported death of the mother of Prof.Dimis Inusa Mai-Lafia, Hajiya Rabi Mailafiya who died after a protracted illness and funeral prayer had since take place same day at Mista-Ali-Bassa LGA àccording to Islamic rites.
May Allah forgive and have mercy upon her soul. Aameen!
Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has challenged leaders to raise to the occasion and work hard or Nigeria to experience the desired change.
The former president who said this in his 2021 message to Nigerians, pointed that,“ Nigerians, especially the leaders must work very hard and also pray for the country to succeed in coming year 2021.
According to Obasanjo, “ Nigerians must work hard in the coming year to surmount the myriads of challenges confronting the Country”.
He equally lamented the insecurity and poor economic state of the country noting that, 2020 had been a challenging year for Nigerians, “but in all things, we must give thanks to God”.
The leader maintained, “We do not have to blame God for our situation, we have to blame ourselves. Nigeria does not have to be poor, no Nigerian must go to bed hungry.
“That we have a situation like this is a choice of our leaders and followers alike, my prayer is that God will make the year 2021 a better year for all of us, but it will not happen without work.
“We have gone from one form of insecurity to bad economy and on the top of it, is the COVID-19. Some people, either for insecurity or for the bad economy or for COVID-19 have gone to the great beyond, I will say may the souls of those who have departed, particularly in this year of challenges, rest in perfect peace.
“God did not create Nigeria to be poor, but the bad decisions of Nigerian leaders had left the country in its current bad situation”.
“But what then do we do the rest of us? As I said, we should thank God. I like the motto of a school which says ‘work and pray’ some people say it should be pray and work, but it doesn’t matter to me in what order I put it, but prayer must go with work and work must go with prayer.
“And I believe we need to work hard in this country as we pray hard so that the coming year, the year 2021 will be a glorious year for us, but it will not happen unless we work to make it happen.
“I would say as St. Paul, the great Apostle said, ‘in all things, we must give thanks, this year 2020 has been a year of challenge with the whole world, particularly for us in Nigeria.
On what to do to fix the economy, Obasanjo said, “When we do the right thing, we are not doing the right thing now, when we do the right thing, the economy will be what it should be. I do not believe that God created the Nigerian economy to be bad, No!”
The whole FGN is assembling arsenals against +Bishop Hassan Kukah for preaching a revival message on Christmas Day.
-Should the FGN not be facing the insecurities destroying Nigeria? WE CANNOT CRY
-Should the FGN not be solving ALL the problems facing Nigeria? WE CANNOT CRY
-The same FGN watched or and supervised the land grab, displacement of poor farmers in the NE, NW and Central regions, not excluding the massacres of hundreds of men, women, aged and children. WE CANNOT CRY
-The FGN spokespersons told the poor to give their lands for their lives, they did and were still killed. WE CANNOT CRY
-More recently farmers lost their lives for going to farm, did they need security? WE CANNOT CRY
-Our children and grandchildren cannot go to school in peace, universities and education as a whole is not on the agenda of things to do list… WE CANNOT CRY
-And now the Reverend Father Bishop takes our litany of calamities to the Lord in prayer and it is deemed an attack of and on FGN.
Who was talking to Government anyway, the prophet was speaking to God. Why is government worried that we are reporting evil to God?
We will raise our voices to God!!!
Leave the prophet alone!!!
Face the job for which you were voted and fulfill your campaign promises and see if Nigerians will NOT bless you. As it is now I can only see curses on the wicked!!!
GOD SHALL JUDGE THE WICKED Those who enjoy shedding of blood of the innocent and are merciless to widows, orphans, the vulnerable and aged shall meet with the wrath of God.
Do your job honestly FGN and leave the prophet alone!
The second wave of COVID19 is said to have down on plateau prominent Politicians.
It began with Governor Simon Lalong of who tested positive for Coronavirus one week ago, followed by Plateau State APC Chairmen, Hon.Letep Dabang and latest is that if the minister for Women Affair Dame Pauline Tallen.
While Governor Simon Bako Lalong is said to have recovered from the disease, fresh report reaching Sawabiya has it that, Dame Tallen has been tested positive to the COVID-19 virus.
The report as posted on the Minister’s aid verified social media handle reads “Following interaction with individuals that later show asymptomatic sign of COVID19, I have been advised by my medical team to undergo the test and self isolate for observation over the past few days.
This is to inform the general public that after undergoing a test carried out on myself and members of my family, my result returned positive while that of members of my family tested negative.
Currently, I am asymptomatic and have gone into isolation during the period of treatment. Please keep me in your prayers and I implore you all stay safe and observe all COVID-19 protocols as we grapple with this pandemic.
I urge you all to please take responsibility for yourself and family in order to protect our dear country even more at this time”
Couples have been challenged to be good to one another and let their actions also be in such a way that, it reveals, their love for God. This is in order for the Woman to bring dignity for the man, and the man, a shield for the woman.
Felicia & Gyang
Reverend Istifanus Mike of COCIN Lohdik, RCC Dadin Kowa Jos, threw the challenge while delivering sermon at the wedding solemnization between Felicia Gyang and Dung Dashuwei which took place at Gassa, RCC Ropp, in Barkin Ladi L.G.A of Plateau State.
In his message, Reverend Istifanus Mike described marriage as “God’s own institution, divinely set up by God himself intentionally and not an after thought action. purposely, to bring people close to God through serving one another in marriage”.
Mike who took his text from the book of Mathew 6:27, also rely on the song sang by COCIN women Fellowship, Gassa, urged Christian Parents to bring up children in the fear of God.
The minister commended parents of bride and groom for training their children (Felicia and Gyang) in a Godly manner which led to their marrying in Godly manner.
He encouraged the newly wedded couple and christians generally to continue Believing, persisting and trusting God as those he(Rev.Mike) said, are the key things that will make them act the way they act.
According to him, “Intimacy is part of what Jesus came to this world to build with humanity through fellowship. And so it is with the marriage between a man and a woman. As such, the action of believers must correspond with their declaration”.
“Loving your wife is not conditional but unconditional according to the biblical injunction, while wives are expected to submit to their husbands even if they are behaving in a manner that does not warrant such a submissiveness”. The Speaker Stresses.
The newly wedded couple ( Mr.&Mrs. Gyang) were also presented with a token of gift by Pastor Istifanus Gunkat on behalf of COCIN LCC Lohdik.
Pastor Alex Gungkat making presentation on behalf of Lohdik.
Prayers were also offered for the couple and the families generally.
.
Earlier, the boys Brigade Barkin Ladi Battalion Council had also presented them with a certificate and the church did same as well.
The sector command of operation safe Haven, Plateau State, has neutralised three Armed Robbers in Mangu last night.
Report reaching this medium has it that, the robbers were robbing opposite the camp when information got to the Sector commander who immediately mobilized his men to the area in a private vehicle as the engaged them in a shot that led to neutralising of not less than three of the robbers.
The villager were said to have celebrated the development as they could not hide their joy.
They expressed gratitude to the OPSH for saving their community because they can now sleep with their two eyes closed.
Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Simon Bako Lalong, has described the year 2020 as an unpredictable year which shown the limit of human being and the greatness of Almighty God.
Lalong who was representated by his Deputy, Professor Sunni Gwanle Tyoden, during the 2020 Christmas carol which took place at the Plateau State Government Chapel, Jos made this statement and called on believers to spend the period reflecting on the supremacy of God.
The Governor pointed that, “Christmas signifies hope”.
According to Tyoden, “the year 2020 has been a very challenging one to humanity without spearing anyone regardless of whatever form of status he or she must has attained.
COVID19 made everybody wore protective facemask irrespective of the position he or she occupies”.
He called on believers to trust in good Almighty with their deligent services, “We will get out of the pandemic if we submit to the supremacy of God”
“The Christmas season should be a critical moment for us to reflect on humanity as it gallantly exists”. Said Tyoden
“Look forward to a 2021 enthusiasm that the year will be more hopeful, beautiful and peaceful with a Beautiful future package”.
He wished Plateau people a prosperous season and call on all to remained peaceful.
The Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, on Saturday, ordered the immediate closure of all boarding secondary schools in the state following the abduction of many students by gunmen in Kankara Local Government Area.
The governor gave the directive while visiting the council area where gunmen abducted an unspecified number of students of the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, on Friday.
“The situation goes beyond one’s thinking. It’s a sad moment for Katsina, I am assuring parents of the missing students we will do anything humanly possible to rescue the children, it’s our responsibility to protect lives and properties.
“As I am speaking to you now, the soldiers are in the bush engaging the militants in a fire fight, I plead with you to exercise patience, we will rescue the children and I also ordered for the closure of all schools to save the children,” the governor said.
The governor further assured that both governments at federal and state levels were doing their best to bring an end to banditry and other debilitating criminal activities in the state. He said the government is very firm in its resolve to be ruthless in any engagement with the militants.
Recalled, the gunmen attacked the Government school in Kankara and abducted many students.
Residents said the gunmen had earlier attacked Kankara town, injuring many residents but were later repelled by the security forces.
Residents said the militants, in large numbers, on motorbikes, invaded the school’s premises around 11: 00 p.m. Friday night, shooting to scare and kill.
Federal Government of Nigeria has raised fears that, Nigeria could enter a second wave in the separate of COVID19.
The federal government has raised fears that, Nigeria could be entering a second wave in the spread of the COVID-19 virus following the rise in the number of cases recently.
Minister of health ,Osagie Ehanire, revealed that, he had directed isolation and treatment centres in the country to prepare for reopening over the development.
The minister who spoke at a COVID-19 briefing on Thursday, December 10, disclosed that, “Nigeria may be on the verge of a second wave judging by the increase in the number of confirmed cases in the last few days”.
He said: “In the past 24 hours, 474 new confirmed cases and 2 more deaths were recorded, with an indication that this week’s figure will beat last week’s.
According to the Minister, “As at today, we have crossed 70,000 mark with a total of 70,669 confirmed cases of which 65,242 have been treated and discharged”.
Sadly the number of deaths has now reached 1184 as against 1,167 in the last two weeks.”
Ehanire told Nigerians to prepare for a possible second wave. According to him, citizens must take preventive measures to prevent the explosive spread of the infection in the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja warned that any act of hooliganism hiding behind lawful and peaceful protests will be dealt with decisively to ensure peace and stability in the country.
Virtually declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020, President Buhari commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts at swiftly restoring law and order in various states during the large-scale criminality that ensued in the wake of the #ENDSARS protests.
Reiterating Government’s commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the land, the President recounted that the #ENDSARS protests were sadly hijacked by hooligans to cause wanton damage to lives and property in many cities across the country.
The President described the Year 2020 as a very challenging one, citing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impact on almost every aspect of national life.
”Despite this, I am pleased to note that the Army remained resolute in the discharge of its Constitutional roles and in keeping the wealth and welfare of our soldiers a priority.
”The Army’s support of Civil Authorities in the management of the COVID – 19 Pandemic is a case in point.
”Also, the peaceful elections conducted in Edo and Ondo States would not have been achieved without the high level of professionalism displayed by all security agencies, including the Army,” he said at the conference themed “Human Capacity Development in Sustaining Professionalism and Responsiveness of the Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles.”
The President commended the Army for its unwavering commitment towards curtailing the activities of insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other violent criminals through ongoing exercises and operations in different parts of the country.
Notably, he said the Exercise SAHEL SANITY launched a few months ago in the North West states to rid the Katsina-Zamfara corridor of marauding bandits had recorded commendable progress.
”I have also been briefed about the tremendous successes that have been achieved by troops during the ongoing Operation FIRE BALL in the North East.
”I charge you all to sustain these efforts until the full restoration of peace and security in the nation is achieved,” the President told members of the armed forces at the conference which provides an avenue for the leadership of the Army to re-assess its preparedness and operational readiness in carrying out its Constitutional roles.
President Buhari also used the occasion to pay tribute to men and women in uniform who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence and security of the nation, commiserating with their families, comrades and friends.
”As we pray for the repose of their souls, we must strengthen our collective resolve to address those issues that will make every part of our country a safe and secure place to live and carry out our normal business,” he said.
He pledged that his administration will not relent in its efforts to take adequate care of families of fallen heroes who had paid the supreme sacrifice in the fight against insurgency and other forms of crimes across the country.
At the conference, the President launched the Housing scheme for Next of Kin of personnel of the Nigerian Army killed in action.
”It is in line with this that the Army as part of its welfare initiative and in line with the Federal Government’s housing programme is undertaking the Housing Scheme for families and next of kin of troops that were killed in action in the fight against insurgency and other criminalities in the country.
”I believe this initiative will act as a huge morale booster to the troops on the frontlines as well as project the Army in good light.
”On our part, I assure you that this administration will continue to do all within available resources to provide for your operational and welfare needs,” he said.
President Buhari said he had been briefed that some of the major capabilities procured for the Army will soon be inducted into the various theatres of operations, urging personnel ‘‘to make judicious use of these capabilities, even as we await the arrival of others currently pending shipment to the country.’’
On the choice of the theme of the annual conference, President Buhari noted that it is only through human capacity development that any institution can attain the level of professionalism needed to effectively and efficiently carry out its Constitutional roles.
The President, therefore, congratulated the Army on holding this Conference at the magnificent edifice housing the Army’s Cyber Warfare Command with its state-of-the-art Cyberwarfare Operations Centre, adding that this shows that the Army is alive to the changing nature of warfare which is gradually moving into the cyber domain.
”By the same token, I commend the visionary leadership that has worked assiduously to emplace this vital capability that will fill an existing gap in our nation’s security and defence architecture.
”This and other numerous infrastructural projects that have been embarked upon in recent times by the leadership of the Army has shown good utilization of scarce national resources,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi appreciated the President for always approving funds for operations of the military in the country, assuring that all resources will be judiciously utilised.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, noted that the Nigeria Army was well poised to confront all security challenges, which includes cyber threats.
Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) December 7, 2020.
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COURT RESTRAINS WORKERS PROTESTS
The National Industrial Court holden at Jos, Plateau State, on Friday 3rd December, 2020 granted an order of Interim Injunction restraining the undermentioned whether by themselves or their agents, servants, privies or howsoever called from embarking on an industrial/state action or calling on any or all of its members to embark on any strike action or protest or any form of demonstration at all on the ground of non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage at the Local Government level pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for Interlocutory Injunction already filed by the Plateau State Government, the Attorney General of Plateau State and the seventeen Local Government Councils of the state.
For the avoidance of doubt, the persons so restrained by the National Industrial Court are:
Comrade Makwin Yohanna Arandong, President, National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Plateau State.
National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
Comrade Gana S. Ayuba, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Plateau State Chapter.
Nigerian Union of Teachers, Plateau State Chapter.
Comrade Selkur D. Stephen, Chairman, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter.
Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter (MHWUN).
Comrade Briskila D. Dabit, Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Plateau State Chapter.
National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Plateau State Chapter.
Comrade Angai A. Ayuba, Chairman, Non-Academic Staff Union of Nigeria.
Non-Academic Staff Union of Nigeria.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Plateau State Chapter.
Trade Union Congress (TUC), Plateau State Chapter.
Comrade Titus, Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Plateau State Chapter.
What this means in essence therefore, is that any such protest does not only amount to unlawful assembly, but contempt of court and shall be dealt with accordingly.
The Plateau State Government hereby warns the parties involved not to take the laws into their hands but allow the process of court to take its full course.
Government hereby assures its citizens, workers and non workers that it has their interest at heart and will not do anything deliberately to shortchange them in any way.
ALWAYS THINK PLATEAU AND ACT PLATEAU.
Dan Manjang, Honourable Commissioner, Information and Communication, Plateau State. 6th December, 2020
Special task force (Operation Safe Haven) in jos plateau state, has conducted a series of raid operations on criminaL and cultists hideouts and dens in jos metropolis.
The suspected criminals and cultists who were paraded at the office of the Operations at Jishe, Jos, were twenty-seven cultists and their associates including six females.
Most of the suspects were arrested at peoples and tripple hotels in apata, westside, rukuba road, jenta adamu and jenta miango areas all within the Jos metropolist.
The suspects also include a number of drug barons who were also arrested but handed over to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for futher actions.
The task Force said it for took this necessary steps based on the recent upsurge in cult related crimes on the plateau in Order to make citizens enjoy relative peace.
the task force assured citizen of their commitment toward maintaining peace and Unity saying, “we shall remain relsolute to our mandate of resoration and maintenance of peace on the plateau.
we shall continue to get rid of kidnappers, cultists and other enemies of the state. there shall be no hiding place for the kidnappers and other criminally minded people this time around.
citizens are encouraged to continue to provide useful information on criminals to enable us carry out our duties effectively”
Meanwhile, one of the arrested cultists members who was seen with his fingers chopped said, “rival group cut my hand”
One of the arrested females Promise Monday claimed she knows nothing about cultism, but she got arrested alongside her boyfriend.
Another arrested cultists member, Jerry Joseph on his part, narrated that he joined the group because of smoking.
Joseph said, “ i am a tipper driver, twelve tire, if I had not gone into smoking of cigarettes, I wouldn’t have met those who initiated me into this. I…I…I re..gret it!” said Joseph.
Keep you posted as events regarding this happening continue unvailing itself.
Former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a human right activist, Send. Shehu Sani has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari to rescue Nigeria from all forms of banditry.
Addressing press men
While addressing journalists shortly after he is been recognised with an award by National Association of Nigerian Students (NAN) Zone C, in Jos, the former law maker, pointed out that, “it is important that, those in the position of political power today, need to wake up to the reality of Nigeria today! People are been killed, people are been kidnapped, the country is on a siege”.
Shehu Sani added, “I come from North West, bandits are unleashing mehyem, bandits and terro against our people.
It is important that, those in the position of political power today, need to wake up to the reality of Nigeria today! People are been killed, people are been kidnapped, the country is on a siege”
He said, the know that, “the most important legacy they can leave behind, is a safe and secured Country, better than the one they met”.
It is important that, those in the position of political power today, need to wake up to the reality of Nigeria today! People are been killed, people are been kidnapped, the country is on a siege.
“i come from North West, bandits are unleashing mehyem, bandits and terro against our people.
The States of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and kaduna States, are under the siege of kidnappers and bandits” Said, Shehu Sani.
According to him, “Villagers are selling their homes and farms to pay ransom to kidnappers, life is becoming unbearable for Nigerians”.
“It is important that, the president should know, the most important legacy he can leave behind, is a safe and secured Country, better than the one he met.
Nigeria is on the edge, the insurgency, hardsmen violence, the bloodshed, the mindless killings in this Country, must stop!
We must as a Country know, that, this Country is spilling, and the earlier get our axe right, the better.
Nigeria has never been divided as it is today, those in the positions of Political power should know, that they should wake up and restore order and Civil authority in Nigeria.
We cannot leave our Country in the control of terrorist, and bandit of terrorists of hardsmen.
We must come together, Nigeria needs peace,Nigeria needs justice, Nigeria needs equity”
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Executive Council(SEC) Aspirants said, they are shocked and devastated by the news of the death of the notable Party member, Boniface Johnson (Bonny)
The party’s Aspirants described frontline defender of the party’s course who relates with members and people regardless any form of differences.
The aspirants who visited the deseased resident at U-TAN, in Jos, were recieved by his family members, two former Speakers of the State’s House of Assembly (RTD Hon. Titus Alarms and Nde Emmanuel Go’ar).
One of the SEC’s Chairmanship aspirants of PDP Hon. Bitrus Kaze who delivered the remark on behalf of the group, said, Bonny is a hard-working, courageous and patriotic, Youth who dedicated his youthful life doing his bussiness connecting with people to see how better he can defend justice, equity, and the unity of dear Plateau State.
Kaze said, “Indeed, our hearts bleed. Bonny’s death is a painful loss to our party, the PDP; the teeming Plateau youths as well as the overall struggle for democratic order and justice in the State”.
“Bonny is a man of all in Plateau State.
Bonny is for all, whom we would have humanly said, we lack where to start from, We will miss Bonny”.
“The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh, what have we to say then”?
“The glorious thing is that, the testimony Bonny left is a challenging one to humanity.
Bonny should be remembered because he remembered Peoples regardless of whatever.
We stand with the people of Pankshin in this moment of grieve, Kaze prayed God to grant all the hearts to beer this lost.
Responding on behalf not the deseased Family, one of his Cousins, Dakir Sunday, thanked God Almighty and appreciated the SEC Aspirants for their visit, says it has encouraged the family and prayed the unity continous.
Bonny who was the State Assembly flagbearer of the Party in Pankshin during the last 2019 general Elections, left his lovely wife and children, family, friends and relations to mourn him.
Former Military Head of States, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, have thrown their weight behind North Central People’s Forum and called for creation of North Central Development Commision.
The two Leaders gave their support when they received Board of Trustees of the NCPF led by it’s Chairman, Gen. Jeremiah Useni, separately at their Hilltop homes in Minna.
Having considered the peace and development of the region as Paramount, Babangida commended members of the forum for the formation of the forum which to him will help actually that.
According to him, “Your visit has made my day, the north central region is blessed by God but it never played it’s unique role for many years until now.
” We have heard other zones make noise but the north central zone has been quiet, in the area of votes, the north central zone has more votes than other zones yet they make more noise, ” he said.
He commended the forum for a job well done and pledged to give the forum necessary support that would foster peace and development in the region.
Meanwhile, Abdulsalami commended the members for forming the forum to seek for peace and development of the north central region.
He described the members of the forum as “eminent personalities” with records of tremendous achievement in the country and urged them to exhibit the same performance for the growth of the region.
“Use your influence and voices to promote peace among our people because you are the caliber of people that are respected and your voices are heard and listened to,” he said.
The former military head of state urged the forum to use their influence to work towards peaceful co-existence of the region for rapid economic growth and development of the country.
Earlier, while delivering his remark, Lt. Gen JT Useni(RTD) said “the purpose of the visit was to inform the former military heads of state about the forum and to present the constitution of the forum to them”.
Useni explained that “the aim of the forum was to work towards promoting religious and political tolerance among the people of the region”.
He pointed that, “the forum would work towards effective establishment of the North Central Development Commission that would help to address issues of infrastructure development in the region”.
The NCPF’s Leader added, “aim of the forum is to maintain peace in the zone and reach out to people irrespective of their differences for the peaceful co-existence among people in the region”.
Recalled that, just like the way Niger/Deltans have Niger Delta Development Commision to catre for their region’s infrastructural Development.
Sometimes in March 2020, Senator representing Kano North, Barau Jibrin has proposed a bill for the creation of North West Development Commission, NWDC, which to home will accelerate development of the region and bring peace to the country.
According to reports, the bill on NWDC has passed second reading at the Senate.
Considering the moves already made for the establishment of the North West Development Commission, for such Commision to be established for North Central.
Analysts have it that, it is therefore, necessary to initiate the move to be made an issue of law as the NCDC could act as a catalyst to develop the arrays of potentials of the region, as well as address the gap in the infrastructural development of the area.
Barr.Gideon Musa Kuttu, the Galadima & NguBilip- Mushere, has been confered with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Chief Gideon Musa Kuttu is a reknown legal practitioner who is versatile in commercial law.
Kuttu has developed expertise in various aspects of law to include; conveyance, insolvency, debt recovery, maritime, labour and employment, intellectual property, aviation, family and succession among others.
He is also the founder of G.M Kuttu & Company (Nanrie Chambers), and a Senior Associate of the company.
The Chambers has existed since the year 1993.
On the same note, Sawabiya family congratulates G.M Musa Kuttu over the development describing it as “a well deserved honour”.
In a Statement signed by Lilian Madaki-Dyel, Sawabiya expressed joy over Kuttu conferment with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)
The statement further said, “indeed, we as an organization are so proud of your achievement and pray this to be the beginning of many good things that life has to offer you”
While Northern Governors Forum had on Monday expressed support for the ongoing efforts to regulate the social media which they claimed it is meant to check the spread of fake news in the country.
A Stunch Elder Statesman of the Northern Region, a pillar of Arewa Consultative Forum, and North Central Peoples Forum, Sen. Gen. JT Useni has ejected the moves to regulate social media in Nigeria.
The General who was representated by his Media Consultant, Pastor Yiljap Abraham during an Inaugural Lecture and fundraising for purchasing of vehicle by Correspondent’s Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists(NUJ) Plateau Council, Useni expressed fear that, censoring the social media could be targeted the Conventional media practioners also.
Pastor Yiljap Abraham
This, according to him, youth, media and civil society organisations who are demanding accountability and competence from authorities will not longer have the freedom of expression to do so.
While I do not condone the act of dissemination of fake news, but I also frawn at the attempt to hide under fake news to use regulation of social media for selfish reasons.
Useni described Journalists and the entire media practioners as friends and defending sword of the Masses and to him in particular.
The Nationalist used the occasion to appreciate the Journalists for believing in Useni’s Ideology.
He said, “instead of regulating the social media, why not authorities transform governance to make impact in the lives of citizens?”
“i don’t support the move to regulate social Media” Useni emphasized!
“Those in places of authority should rather be accountable to the people, open, feed people with the truth and thats the only way they will have no counter” said Useni.
He pointed out, ”More so that, the social media platforms are already self regulated by conditions that the news, conversations or dialogue taking place through the platform are monitored and controlled as per defined guidelines by their various administrators”.
“Danger of this move is when any regulatory agency becomes captured by the people it is supposed to regulate”
“For instance, situation where an agency that is supposed to regulate social media is been captured by politicians and activists who might want to use their position to suppress the arguments of their political opponents”
He also supported the Correspondent’s Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists(NUJ) with the sum of four hundred thousand (400)naira towards purchase of the Bus for their safety and convinience so as to give their best.
He sympathized with the Council over the demise of their colleagues some years back at Dankang as a result of acicident which occured due to lack of standard vehicle for their mobility.
Over fiftey-two Plateau Young indigenous lawyers have so far vulunteered themselves to offer pro Bono services to all those arrested in connection to #Endsars .
According to one of the vulunteer young lawyers Panshak Dakyen (Esq.), There action is to free their generation.
Dakyen noted that, hunger and starvation is too obvious in the society due to Government insestivity to the major plights of it’s citizens.
His text as made available to this platform says which read in parts “followed the Press Statement issued on the 26th October, 2020 by the Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, Dr. Makut Daniel Macham, wherein he stated that 307 suspects that were arrested by Security Agencies in various locations in connection with COVID 19 RELIEF MATERIALS”
The young vulunteer lawyers are Walshak Gwankat , Mafeng Davou, Charles Amagong Charles , Yirvoms Chamsan James, Lashom Machen, Esther Messeng Jock, Samuel Albarka Lahbudam, Elizabeth Ogar, Maria Adda, and Tokwam Lenkat.
Others include, Daniel Daniel Kelvins Obekpa, Arin Nyako, adama , Abduljalal Muhammed, Kehinde Ibiyeye, Dr. E. I. Otor, Kere Usendu, Shadrach Pam, A. P. AZANG, S. T. GYANG, Peggy Maimaji, Ruth B. Magit, Nendelmwa Kwashil, Fomwul Gonsum and Stephen Ye’rat Dalyop among 52 others.
Meanwhile, A another young Lawyer Nantok Dashuwar (Esq.) had earlier declared his vulunteer position to stand in for those arrested in connection to COVID19 palliatives/Fertilizers warehouses in Plateau State.
As at the time of filling in this report, Dakyen said, more vulunteer young lawyers are still sending in their names.
He also told Sawabiya that, an office has been donated to them at a secured area for the said purpose and they are about to start operating.
Recalled that, Commander, Special Military Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo had on Saturday 27th September, 2020, paraded before reporters in Jos 30 suspects for vandalising and looting valuables at the Jos residence of former Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.
Plateau Lawyer, Nantok Dashuwar (Esq.) volunteer free legal service to defend in court all those who were arrested on account of the forceful distribution of COVID-19 palliatives horded by the government.
Dashuwar who made known his decision on a post he personally made on his verified Facebook account said, his services are restricted to only those who took food and fertilizers.
He was an immediate past Plateau Youth Council (PYC) Bokkos LGA and a President of Student Union Government (SUG) University of Jos(UJ) during his University days, conversant with Youth issues.
Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)t. Gen (Rtd) Sen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, has called to President Muhammadu BUHARI to take urgent action to reduce unemployment in the Country.
In a statement titled Safeguard our Unity and Unity , issued on October 25th, 2020 which he personally signed, the General appealed to the President to give marching orders to the appropriate authorities to accelerate the implementation of the demands collated from the legitimate #EndSARS Protesters which he said, “this will inspire confidence in the citizens”.
Useni urged Nigerians to undertake public enlightenment and confidence-building measures in order to uphold the Country’s dignity and Continue safeguarding it’s unity as a Nation.
According to the Former FCT Minister, “The nation must not allow itself to descend to the level of anarchy. I appeal to the people undertaking these improper actions of outright looting and arson to stop”
“They should instead use alternative, peaceful and constitutional channels to resolve whatever issues they wish may be addressed toward a much better society. Destruction of national and private infrastructure does not help in improving our lives or growing our economy in anyway”. Useni Stressed.
The statement explained, “Since the initial demands have already been received, noted and acknowledged by the governing authorities, it is only proper for the protesting groups to follow up on those demands within the government for speedy implementation and monitoring”.
The former Minister furtherl called for calm and self-restraint in the face of on-going break-ins, looting and destruction of both government and private property across the Country.
Full text:
PRESS STATEMENT
*SAFEGUARD OUR DIGNITY AND UNITY*
I appeal for calm and self-restraint in the face of on-going break-ins, looting and destruction of both government and private property across the country.
These actions can dent and diminish the genuine agitations for justice that triggered the #ENDSARS protests nation wide.
Since the initial demands have already been received, noted and acknowledged by the governing authorities, it is only proper for the protesting groups to follow up on those demands within the government for speedy implementation and monitoring.
The nation must not allow itself to descend to the level of anarchy. I appeal to the people undertaking these improper actions of outright looting and arson to stop. They should instead use alternative, peaceful and constitutional channels to resolve whatever issues they wish may be addressed toward a much better society. Destruction of national and private infrastructure does not help in improving our lives or growing our economy in anyway.
I call on all people of goodwill and influence, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents and elders, as well as the media, to undertake public enlightenment and confidence-building measures to uphold our dignity and safeguard our unity as a nation.
On the other hand, I appeal to Mr President to give marching orders to the appropriate authorities to accelerate the implementation of the demands collated from the legitimate protests. This will inspire confidence in the citizens.
Mr President should also take urgent action to reduce unemployment among the youth by ordering for immediate employment of very large numbers of young people into the public service in addition to other relief measures he is already undertaking.
I appeal to defence and security officers and men to exercise every caution and be humane in their contacts with unarmed civilians as a way of deepening our democratic practices and safeguarding human lives.
I offer my condolences to the families of all who have lost their lives and wish the injured speedy recovery.
Lt. Gen (Rtd) Sen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, DSS, Fwc, mni, CFR.
Citizens across nineteen Northern States of NIGERIA especially Plateau have been rather to know the outcome of their governor’s meetings in Kaduna on 22nd October, 2020.
This came when a meeting of the Forum is reportedly said to be taking place over the crisis in some parts of the country as a result hoodlums and miscreants attacking and hijacking peaceful Protests of youth who are crying out concerning certain injustices taking place in the society ranging from Unemployment, Huge take home of Political office holders, insecurities, hunger, among others.
The meeting which was being held in Kaduna state and chaired by the governor of Plateau state and chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Simon Bako Lalong had a total of nine governors and three deputy governors who participated.
The governors are expected to issue a communique to take a stand on the crisis after the meeting.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has apologized to Nigerians and admits the Federal Government could have “moved faster” in addressing the demands of #EndSARS protesters.
“Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry,” he said in a series of tweets on his handle late Friday.
“I fully understand how many young people feel. Many feel that we have been too silent and have simply not done enough. These feelings of frustration are justified.”
According to him, “There are far too many people who have been brutalized at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable.
“We must take responsibility for protecting young people, even sometimes from those who are paid to protect them.”
He also believes the protests rocking the country goes beyond agitations about the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
“They’re deep and systemic and we’re undertaking comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions, and training,” he explained.
According to the former University of Lagos lecturer, meetings have been held with several stakeholders in the country with a view to addressing the demands of the youths who are championing the protests.
“We understand that you want to see action from us and I’m here to tell you that work is ongoing,” the Vice President noted. “I chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT (NEC), where we resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry so we can see justice served, and fast.
“The reason being that only state governors, by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their states. The hearings will be public.”
While reiterating the disbandment of SARS, he assured that officers from the unit will not be part of any tactical squad.
Osinbajo equally commiserated with the “families of Jimoh Isiaq, and all those who have lost their lives at the hands of wayward police officers. To those injured, I wish a full and speedy recovery.
“We have proposed that each state government set up a Victims’ Support Fund, which will support. This is the least that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.”
However, some Nigerans have reacted to the statement with Comments as read, below;
The Special Task Force(STF) in charge of security of lives and properties of citizens in Plateau, Bauchi and parts of southern Kaduna known as Operation Safe Haven(OSH) has called on the online Media practitioners to be patriotic in the manner they handle news stories during Crisis situations.
Commander the Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, made this call at the Operations’ Head Quarters in Jos when he received on courtesy visit, members of Plateau bloggers and online Media practitioners.
Okonkwo described the media practioners as critical stakeholders in handling secuirity issues and used the visit to call on the Journalists and Citizens of Plateau State, to continue giving all the necessary support and encouragement by providing the Operation with all the necessary information that would continue restoring peace and security to all the affected parts of the State and it’s environs.
He assured Citizens of their (OSH)’s total commitments in maintaining peaceful coexistence.
“We acknowledge your role in curbing insecurity and I advice you to stand for peace, intergrity, as we are also committed to doing our job beyond call for duty in ensuring that, peace is restored in all Plateau communities” Said the Commander.
“the media has the ability to quench crisis and can also incite people against one another, don’t do that, so that people don’t keep killing themselves like what happened in Rwanda”
Concerning recent attacks in Barkin Ladi LGA where a monarch was killed, Major Gen. Okonkwo said, “ We have been arresting and investigations are ongoing, attacks on communities have reduced, except for isolated killings. There is no perfect or 100% secuirity anywhere in the world. We will still work arcidiously to reduce it to the bearest minimum.
Earlier during his presentation, leader of the delegation Friday Bako, said, they are in the OSH’s visit to partner with them in projection of peace on the Plateau.
Bako applauded the operation for discharging their responsibility in curbing some of the insecurities ongoing in some of the communities in the state without fear or favour.
He appealed for the security to build a synergy with the association as the online medium is one key platforms where people nowadays gets their informations due to the evolution in technology in this 21st century.
Children and wives of those killed by Boko Haram becomes homeless, hopeless, widows, and ophans etc without any much due attention from concern authorities as we (citizens) unsafely listen to speaches upon speaches. (Papetrators will be brought to book) clergy men continue calling for God’s mercy upon the country. .
Senators on their part, initiated bill for the (killer) Boko Haram to enjoy foreign Education.
Unemployed graduates (Youth) who are lawfully conducting themselves in the society now begin asking questions like
“Where is the headquarters of Boko Haram I want to pick a form since opportunity to travel abroad has unvailed itself”.
“So this is how much prominence the terrorist tagged repentant are given, even in the Senate? The Senate, tell me, what is the fate of those maimed, decapitated, widowed, widowers, orphaned, displaced etc by the so tagged repentant? Tell me the Senate”
“This is disdainfully disgraceful They’ll enjoy foreign education while the orphans, whom d same idiots made so could not be given even the local one These people are encouraging terrorism, no doubt. They’ll now learn how to terrorize more stealthily n with utmost complexity”
Recalled how the news had sometimes around August, 2020 concerning Nigerian Defence Headquarters reintegrating 601 ex-Boko Haram terrorists including 14 foreign nationals from Cameroon, Chad and Niger into the society through their respective national and state authorities.
Finally, anxiety that built up in the ancient city of Zaria since the demise of the late Emir Shehu Idris as to why his successor has not been appointed has come to an end with the emergence of Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamali as the 19th Emir of Zazzau.
Bamali succeeds Shehu Idris, who died on Sunday, September 20, 2020, after reigning for 45 years.
This was announced in a press statement by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Ja’afaru Sani, on Wednesday.
The statement was titled, ‘KDSG appoints Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli as Emir of Zazzau’.
The statement read in part, “Following the death of His Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Shehu Idris, the late 18th Emir of Zazzaus, the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has approved the appointment of Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamali as the 19th Emir of Zazzau
“Bamalli is the first emir from the Mallawa ruling house in 100 years, following the demise in 1920 of his grandfather, Emir Dan Sidi.
The statement said, “Bamali’s appointment is with immediate effect”.
“All other arrangements for the installation ceremony and presentation of the staff of office would be announced in due course.
“The Governor congratulates the new Emir of Zazzau for a deserved appointment and wishes him a successful reign.”
Born in 1966, Bamalli studied Law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a diploma in Organisational Leadership from Oxford University. He is also a fellow on Conflict Resolution of the University of York, United Kingdom.
Until his appointment as Emir of Zazzau, Bamalli held the title of Magajin Garin Zazzau and served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Thailand, with concurrent accreditation to Myanmar.
He has been a permanent commissioner in the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission since 2015.
He was a staff of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency before a stint as head of Human Resources at MTel, the mobile communications arm of the old Nigerian Telecommunication Limited.
Recalled that, the kingmakers had on Thursday, September 24, submitted the names of three people for the governor to pick one as new emir which the name of Bamalli was conspicuously missing and development did not go down well with his friend, Governor El- Rufai. Àccording to our source.
Former FCT Minister, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni (RTD) has called on Mr President to consider creating a special palliative and rebuilding package to revive and resettle communities displaced through criminal activities.
Useni made this call a message to commemorate 2020 Nigeria’s 60th independent anniversary tagged “EQUITY WILL KEEP OUR UNITY” where the General Said, the displace persons should be empowered as that is the way the will be given hope and a new lease of life in the Nation.
According the the former FCT Minister, “Sixty years of the people running their own affairs, setting their goals and working at their pace to fend for themselves and influence the whole world positively is something to really thank God for and to celebrate”.
“We are certainly not where we would have wished to be in view of the many and daunting challenges the nation faces today, but growing a nation is a process and not a destination”.
“Our unity of purpose should be our weapon of choice against banditry, terrorism, killings and destructions in our village areas, kidnapping, insurgency, corruption and every vice that stands on our way in our march to greatness and prosperity” said Useni.
“Since this is so, I appeal strongly that our unity must be our greatest asset in surmounting the intractable issues we are facing
He also appeal to the federal government to show transparent fairness and equity in the distribution of national infrastructure, and allocation of national resources and offices. Strategic appointments and more inclusiveness in governance can engender nationalistic passions and give a sense of belonging to all sections of the country in the quest for national cohesion and Called on Nigerians extend hands of love by giving the displaced ones shelter away from the camps.
Read also…..
Press Release.
NIGERIA AT 60: EQUITY WILL KEEP OUR UNITY
I congratulate all Nigerians on the unique Jubilee we are marking today.
Sixty years of the people running their own affairs, setting their goals and working at their pace to fend for themselves and influence the whole world positively is something to really thank God for and to celebrate.
We are certainly not where we would have wished to be in view of the many and daunting challenges the nation faces today, but growing a nation is a process and not a destination.
Since this is so, I appeal strongly that our unity must be our greatest asset in surmounting the intractable issues we are facing.
Our unity of purpose should be our weapon of choice against banditry, terrorism, killings and destructions in our village areas, kidnapping, insurgency, corruption and every vice that stands on our way in our march to greatness and prosperity.
All these vices, and yes, the consuming reality of COVID-19, should provide every Nigerian the vision to see the opportunities in our difficulties and offer ourselves selflessly to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria for the better. For to lose hope, or despair by the dark clouds is to accept defeat. Nigerians should not surrender to criminality.
In this wise, I call on Mr President to consider creating a special palliative and rebuilding package to revive and resettle communities displaced through criminal activities. They should be empowered. This will give them hope and a new lease of life in the nation.
At our 60th anniversary, Nigerians should not be living for longer periods in IDP Camps or running from pillar to post with no hope and no aid. This can be a special jubilee gift to our fellow citizens.
Fellow Nigerians should also extend hands of love by giving these displaced ones shelter away from the camps.
I also appeal to the federal government to show transparent fairness and equity in the distribution of national infrastructure, and allocation of national resources and offices. Strategic appointments and more inclusiveness in governance can engender nationalistic passions and give a sense of belonging to all sections of the country in the quest for national cohesion.
This is a much smaller price to pay to keep Nigeria one.
*Equity will keep our unity.*
I am confident that the God that has kept us as one nation so far will strengthen our bond of unity and heal us where we are hurting.
*Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Senator Jeremiah Timbut Useni,* DSS, Fwc, mni, CFR
As Nigeria marks it’s 2020 independent day anniversary, Delta Government says it has executed 182 micro projects in 91 communities through the State Employment Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) community-driven development.
The state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Barry Gbe, said this in his address at a one-day sustainability workshop, on Monday in Asaba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised for stakeholders who had benefited from the SEEFOR project community-driven development sub-component.
The commissioner listed the projects executed to include: market stalls, town hall, skill acquisition centres, electrification extensions, toilet facilities, pipe-borne water and examination halls.
Gbe, represented by his Special Assistant, Dr Alex Ighoro, stressed the need for sustainability of the SEEFOR projects by the communities where they are located.
He said that the projects were being financed by the World Bank, the European Union (EU), the state government and the benefiting communities.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that the sustainability of these micro projects must be a major priority for your respective communities.
”You must ensure that you reciprocate the gesture of the state government, which provided the funds for the projects, by putting the facilities to use, while ensuring that you imbibe a maintenance culture,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the community-driven development sub-component of the SEEFOR projects was one he had admiration for.
He said that this is because the initiative was rooted in community participation, right from the initiation stage through implementation to the completion stage.
”There is no better way to entrench community participation in governance than through this medium, where communities are allowed to propose their respective projects.
”The communities are also allowed to determine the contractors to execute the projects for them.
“They even disburse the funds to the contractors from their community’s accounts, with strict monitoring by the social implementation unit and the state project coordinating unit.
”From all indications, the community-driven development initiative is indeed a commendable one,” he said.
Gbe explained that the state government intended to leverage on the achievements of SEEFOR community-driven development initiative for future grassroots’ projects.
The state Coordinator of SEEFOR, Mr Frank Apokwu, said that the essence of the workshop was to appraise the achievements of the community-driven development initiative.
Akpokwu said that the SEEFOR projects were geared toward curbing youth restiveness in the Niger Delta zone and enhance opportunities for youth employment.
He added that it was to create access to socio-economic services, while improving the financial management of the benefiting states.
NAN reports that the community-driven development unit, domiciled in the state Ministry of Women Affairs office , has seen to the completion of projects in 18 out of the 25 local government areas of the state.
Some of the participants at the workshop said that the community-driven development initiative had impacted greatly on their communities.
Mrs Ejiroghene Idogho from Ethiope East Local Government area said that the renovation of 20 open market stalls in the community had attracted customers from neighbouring communities.
The Organised Labour has called off its planned strike after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, announced this on Twitter in the early hours of today where he said, “electricity tariff had been reversed albeit temporarily while the deregulation of the oil sector was retained”
According to the Minister,, “Federal Government and labour reach agreement at 2:53am. Deregulation to stay as government rolls out palliatives for labour (details in two weeks)”
Report has it that, Electricity tariffs suspended by government is for two weeks with a joint committee headed by Keyamo to examine the justification for the new policy.
The National President of the Trade Union Congress, Quadri Olaleye, has also confirmed the development where it was revealed that, document were signed to suspend the action for two weeks for the government to implement those things that were agreed in the agreement and strike were as well suspended for two weeks.
Sawabiya will monitor to keep you abreast with information as events keeps unfolding in this light.
National Union of Aviation Employees, has directed it’s members to withdraw their services at all aerodromes nationwide as from 00hrs of 28th September 2020 until otherwise communicated by the NLC/TUC or our unions. All workers shall comply
In a Statement by it’s General Secretary of the Aba Ocheme, “As you are aware, the NLC and TUC have declared indefinite nationwide strike action with effect from Monday, September 28, 2020. Our unions as above named are in full support of the strike action”
Four aviation unions have backed the Organised Labour nationwide strike expected to commence on Monday.
The unions said, “With this, airspace may not be open for operations from Monday” . The four aviation unions joining the strike are the National Union of Air Transport Employees, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals.
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has warned that Nigerians’ future was at stake due to misgovernance.
Jega stated this at the inauguration of the 34-member Policy Advisory Committee of the People’s Redemption Party in Abuja on Friday calling on Nigerians not to allow bad people to continue to misgovern the country by contributing to the electoral process.
The former INEC boss said, “I believe that all Nigerians can no longer sit on the fence, as everybody needs to contribute to the cleansing of politics in Nigeria.
There should be no fence-sitters; our future is at stake. We cannot allow bad people to continue to misgovern us and continue to wreak havoc on our country and its future.”
According to Jega, “the committee is to prepare policy papers and frameworks that would make the PRP a strong political party that could win elections”
The committee is made up of Jega, Mr Richard Umoru, Prof Ifeanyi Anigbogu, Dr Aminu Aliyu, Mr Abdulkadir Isa, Prof Ahmadu Sanda, Hajiya Aishatu Dankani, among others.
The party chairman, Mr Falalu Bello, earlier while inaugurating the committee, said its members were thoroughbred intellectuals drawn from different fields of expertise and experience.
He advised the members to consider the progressive provisions of Chapter two of the 1999 Constitution in carrying out their assignment.
“Our party, the PRP, shall court the involvement and participation of intellectuals in the struggle for the material and social advancement of the masses of this country,” he stressed.
Lt. Gen (Rtd) Senator Jeremiah Useni has advised the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to see ahead, use wisdom and quickly move to resolve internal Crises in different States chapters before the 2023 general elections in Nigeria as “laying something on nothing, expecting something, will amount to achieving nothing”.
Useni gave the advise while addressing the gathering of agrieved aspirants vying for various offices of the party in the state.
Useni, Kaze, Aminu and the group of aspirants who boycotted the State Congress.
“As a leader, I am not happy about what has happened in the recent past. But I am not going anywhere, I will remain in PDP to share my experience with the younger ones on how to run a successful opposition party with capacity to be a societal watchdog.”
“I am in PDP for solutions and not divisions. We must live together as one. God brought us together ro live as one otherwise we will be having useless fights which will not help us. There must be a solution that is fair to every member.” Said the General.
On the party’s State Congress of 29th August, 2020, Gen. Useni said, “the right thing was not done, my hand no deh inside, my hand no deh inside, my hand no deh inside oo.”
He called on all party faithful to remain calm and peaceful since the Courts are adjudicating on the matter.
He further advised the national leadership of the PDP to do more to resolve crisis to rock the Party in some the North Central States and frowned at the situation where the party has only one state Governor in the whole Zone.
Earlier, the agrieved aspirants who boycotted the 29th August, 2020 congresses due what they termed as non adherence to stipulated rules and regulations of the PDP as stated in the Party’s Constitution.
This part of the story background was reported in their press statement on 27th August, 2020.
The aspirants said, they are in General Useni’s House to acknowledge him as a Leader and to pledge their loyalty to him.
The aspirants who spoke through one of the Chairmanship aspirants and a former member of the National Assembly, Hon. Bitrus Kaze briefed Sen. JT Useni on the event that led to their boycotting of the Congress and instituting of legal action to challenge the exercise in the Courts.
Kaze narrated how they had exusted deligently all avenues aimed at ensuring fairness and the pursuit of justice but their efforts were thwarted at the state level.
They appreciated Sen.Useni for all his sacrifices in keeping the party going in Plateau and for his intervention to bring about a semblance of fair contest in the ward congresses.
Recently, some party members came from Plateau to Abuja. Senator Mantu phoned and recommended that I should see them because they wanted to greet me. Should I have refused to see my party members, or brothers and sisters from Plateau? So, when I met them I told them that I was not happy with what happened with the party. That doesn’t mean I accepted anything. I did not endorse anyone because the right thing was not done.
“We want peace in Plateau. There will be no fight. We cannot give up on achieving peace and unity in the party.”
Recalled that, the aggrieved aspirants had issued out a Statement, calling for the stop of PDP Congress on the Plateau barely some hours to the conduct of the State Congress on Saturday, 29th August, 2020 which accordingto them, was in the interest of all.
The aspirants who said were neither screen, called, sms nor contacted for any meeting regarding the process, including non observance of contitutional guides of the PDP had also called on National to recall the congress officials sent to the state for conduct of the exercise pending resolutions as directed by Gov. Ortom’s committee few days as at then.
The aggrieved members also queried the party’s National Working Committee, NWC for carrying out deliberate plans to disenfranchise some of the would be aspirants vying for various positions in the party, calling on the NWC to reverse its decision to hold the congress, until every issue has been resolved.
Meanwhile Senator Suleiman Odokwe and the Chairman of the Electoral Congress Committee from the PDP National Secretariat, Major-General Kweskebe (Rtd) could not give any listening ears to that complain nor did they invited the aggrieved aspirants for an interface concerning the complains.
The duo went ahead with the exercise with a faction of the Party which according to report, were all declared winners.
The development had earlier on led to two members of the reconstituted caretaker committee, Professor Dimis Mailafiya and Jacob Dashe withdrawing their membership from the committee which they both said, their intergrity were at stage should they take part in such an undemocratic process.
Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Jeremiah Timbut Useni has expressed grave concerned on the dilapidated state of Nigerian roads, particularly in the North Central States, and has therefore called on federal and state authorites to pay urgent attention in fixing them.
Gen. Useni
He made the appeal while playing host to newly elected officials of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondence Chapel, Plateau State Council on Friday in his residence in Jos.
Gyang Bere(Chairman NUJ Correspondence Chapel) with Gen. JT USENI
Useni expressed worry that the terrible state of Nigerian roads could lead to more losses of lives and property in on regular basis. “I travelled on the dreaded Abuja – Kaduna road right up to Zaria. It was so bad it took us more time than in the past. Then from Zaria to Jos, and especially from Saminaka – that one is even worse. It was like there is no government on ground, even though I know Nigerians need more patience since governments cannot fix everything at once, especially in the face of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.”
Useni used the opportunity to call on citizens to always embrace peace in all their dealings saying, “I believe that all tribes and languages are equal and must live in peace. We belong to God so no one should derive pleasure in taking away the life of another.”
Sen Useni also pointed out that there should be no IDP Camps. “The government should set up better accommodation for them and secure their towns and villages to enable them return home and lead normal lives. I am not sure the huge investments being made in keeping these camps open are reaching the people affected. They should be helped to stay with relations instead.”
Regarding the recent leadership challenges facing his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Useni said it is not peculiar with Plateau alone but he expressed optimism that, “it will amicably be resolved. I call on party faithful to remain calm as they await peaceful resolutions as we continue working towards achieving a level play ground for all members in order to form a stronger opposition that will put government on their toes.”
He appealed to journalists to report fairly, “If you report correctly, you are helping people. But if not you are making the national situation worse.”
Earlier, State Chairman of the NUJ Correspondence Chapel Gyang Bere said they were in Useni’s house to identify with him in his efforts at making the society a better place for all.
Gyang Bere
“No wonder you are called baba Mai Tuwo, because of your openness and touching the lives of people across dividing lines. We will stand by you as you work towards achieving peace, progress and Unity of North Central and Nigeria. Our search light as professionals will continue to beam on you. We will stand by you in the course of fighting injustices of whatever kind in the society as a father to us on the Plateau and Nigeria as a whole.”
Group photo of the Union with JT Useni.
The new leadership of the Correspondence Chapel will be inaugurated in November, and has requested Gen. Useni to play a very important role in securing the lives of the 56 members of the chapel as they perform their professional roles across the state.
The Federal Government on Wednesday approved $1,959,744,723.71 for the construction of a rail line that will link Nigeria to Niger Republic.
The approval was given at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, told State House correspondents at the end of the meeting that the sum approved for the development of the proposed rail line linking Kano-Dutse-Katsina-Jibia and to Maradi in Niger Republic is inclusive of Value Added Tax.
Amaechi said apart from that, the council also approved the award of a contract worth N3.049 billion for the design, manufacture, supply, testing, and commissioning of one railway crane for the purposes of clearing rail tracks in situations of accidents.
Recalled, report had it sometimes in the year 2018 that, the Kano to Niger Republic rail line will cover 248km connecting at least three states in the North, which are Jigawa, Kano and Katsina.
Although the Report said, the rail line, when completed, would assist in the supply of crude oil from Niger Republic to the refinery being built in the border town between both countries.
Nigerians criticism of the development as gathered, look at it as having less or no impact on the country’s growth.
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has blames the Party’s National Leader and former Governor of Lagos, Senator Bola Asiwaju Tinubu over APC’s candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s defeat in the last Saturday governorship election in Edo State.
Oshiomole who spoke about the election’s outcome said, the video released by the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu contributed to party’s failure to deliver.
The APC’S former chairman said “Edo State people felt insulted by Tinubu’s campaign video and they reacted angrily against our party on Saturday.”
Recalled that, Tinubu, who is a former governor of Lagos State had released a recorded broadcast shortly before the election where he described Governor Godwin Obaseki as a dictator and called on the people to reject him at the polls.
Oshiomhole, who was said to have complained to some of his associates today, said it was Tinubu’s video that amplified the “Edo No Be Lagos” campaign, which presented the candidate, Ize-Iyamu as someone coming to be Governor to serve Tinubu. Which to them, Asiwaju’s comments as an indication that he wanted Edo to be a subdued territory under Lagos State and that affected our chances in the election.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Edo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Anselm Ojezua has blamed APC’s defeat on Adams Oshiomhole whom he said, pushed Governor Godwin Obeseki from the party.
According to him, that was what caused the defeat suffered by the party in the just concluded governorship election in the state can be partly blamed on Adams Oshiomhole and the national organ of the party.
Reacting to the victory of Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo governorship election, Ojezua insuated saying, as the state APC chairman, he received the news of Obaseki’s win with mixed feelings.
We the Conveners of CENTRAL ZONE 2023 AGENDA wish to congratulate the Plateau State Deputy Governor, Professor Sunny Gwanle Tyoden as he clocks 70 today.
Prof. Sunny Gwanle Tyoden
Sir, as we pray God Almighty to continue blessing You with more leadership wisdom and May the years ahead of you be great and lovely, we want you to also know it that, incredible Leaders like you are very special to have as you are definitely one in a billion and for this, and we have you our utmost respect and love.
Former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Senator, Lt. General Jeremiah Useini (rtd) has called for unity amongst the people of Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in its order to ensure that palpable peace and stability is established and sustained within the zone.
Useni made this call while unveiling unveiling a group North Central People’s Forum (NCPF) which he said is in “pursue of rapid industrialisation across all nooks and crannies of the zone as well as pursue policies and process that would ensure that the massive solid mineral and agricultural endowments were adequately harnessed”
The Former FCT Minister the group draws Prominent Nigerians across the North Central geo-political zone of the country, is officially launched, to intentify efforts aimed at addressing various socio-economic and political challenges facing the region.
Speaking at the unveiling of the group, Gen. Jeremiah Useni, who doubles as NCPF Chairman of Board of Trustees, (BOT), expressed delight at the launch of the North Central People’s Forum,(NCPF) saying that the existence of these administrative sub-divisions had led to the group affinity and solidarity among the states in a particular geo-political zone.
According to him, “the Forum is also aimed at ensuring cooperation and support the good policies and administration of the six governors of the zone irrespective of our political, religious and ethnic differences; support and cooperate fully with the Federal Government for full and complete implementation of infrastructures, development projects situated in the zone and involvement of the people of the zone in the National affairs of the country and promote, defend and strengthen North Central unity and interest of its people in the context of one indivisible Nigeria and to contribute in safeguarding her territorial intergrity.
“Consequently, every zone now have a common socio-political platform where they meet to discuss their strength and weakness with the view to propounding and promoting progress and development of the zone. It is therefore in this context that the South-South People’s Assembly and the South-South Elder’s Forum were formed to champion the common cause of the South-South people and draw Federal Government attention to the perceived problems facing the people of their zone
“It is in a similar vein that the South-West Zone of Nigeria established the Afenifere Group, a Yoruba socio-political organization that is constantly being used to draw Federal Government attention to their common challenges. The South-East people of Nigeria have the Ohaneze Indigbo as their own socio-political platform for mobilising their people to actualise political and economic objectives that may attract positive development to their zone” Useni recalled.
Recalled that, the people of North-East floated a body called the North- East Elder’s Forum for the attainment of similar objectives who succeeded in getting the North-East Commission approved by the Federal Government. It is in the light of the foregoing that it becomes imperative and pertinent for us as a zone to rise to the challenges and launch our own geopolitical platform from where we can draw the attention of relevant authorities on the need to address various socio-economic, political and securities challenges ravaging our zone”.
While commending all the governors across the Zone for their efforts in rising to their responsibilities in defending the people of their various states against the insurgency, kidnapping and other various crimes affecting the Zone, Gen Useni pledged the Forum’s support towards achieving the desired peace in their various states.
He further urged all the parties to “bury our individual, political, religious and ethnic differences and unite and cooperate with each other for the development and progress of our people in the zone.
“Those of you who are present here today should consider yourself as the voice and true representative of your people whom they have known to have at one time or the other represented them fully at various level;
” Therefore, no sacrifice will be too much on our side to give the people of the zone the peace and development they desire from us as their leaders”.
In his remarks, Arc. Yakubu Aduku, NCPF Pro-Tem Chairman, who observed that NCPF was an “age-long dream” explained that the Zone was made up of a population of over 25 million people, spread across 71 tribes, with numerous varied spoken languages.
According to him, “the socio-cultural, political and economic diversities of the Zone simulate it as a microcosm of the macrocosm known as Nigeria. It’s extremely rich human and mineral resources make this Zone a unique divine arrangement for immense prosperity, development and leadership within the Nigeria Federation
” Its immense human resource capital has undoubtedly announced the citizens of the zone for excellence and impact. Sadly, however, in spite of its enormous solid, liquid minerals and natural endowments, commercial fishing, farming and agro-allied activities, as well as the massive intellectual human resources, the Zone has become a sleeping giant, good enough only for political exploitation and exploration by its “patrons” and vote seekers
“Within this giant, painfully lie its great potentials, including several dormant projects, factories, industries and untapped natural and human resources; within this, also lie sleeping great voices and docile interests and aspirations. This irony of the absurd should not be allowed to thrive any longer.
The North Central Peoples’ Forum has chosen to rise to the occasion and the challenges
“It has come to ensure the effective aggregation, promotion and actualization of dormant and latent interests and potentials of the zone. It has come to give momentum and expression to voices of giants of the zone that have become silent, weak and inaudible
“The Zone hosts strategic industries, such as the Ajaokuta steel plant, the Iron Ore Processing Plant at Itakpe, the Obajana and Benue Cement facilities, the Bacita Sugar Processing Plant and Jebba Paper Mill and several others, all of which have become challenged.
“Apart from being a solid mineral belt, with a network of inland ports to Baro, Lokoja, Ajaokuta and Idah, the Rivers Niger and Benue have also put the Zone at a strategic These rivers have been neglected, abused, ignored and serving independent Nigeria as it did for the Royal Niger Company (RNC) of Pre-independent Nigeria. Unfortunately and painfully, budgetary arrangements for dredging these rivers in order to make them fulfil their expected, commercial and developmental strategic roles have met frustrations and failures.”
He also lamented that: “In the face of all the above great endowments and potentials, which should have made the Zone both political, economic and socio-cultural hub of Nigeria, it is unfortunately bedevilled by security and developmental challenges of unprecedented dimensions.
In terms of insecurity, it is an incontrovertible fact that almost in all states of the zone are people being killed and kidnapped regularly. Lives within the zone have ceased to be scared
“The leaders of the North Central People’s Forum are no longer interested in the unending theories about the killings, but that they must stop. These have thus made our dear giant an endangered specie amongst the comity of the six geopolitical zones of the federation”.
Some of those present at the inauguration is Sen. Nasiru Mantu, Col. David Bamigboye (rtd) former Military Administrator of Kwara State, Chief Olusola Akomode, former Deputy Chief of staff, Presidency, Nda “h Isaiah, Publisher of Leadership Newspaper, Alhaji Tajudeen Kareem, Media Consultant, Ambassador Ahmed Musa Ibeto, former deputy governor of Niger State, Chief Stephen Lawani and Alhaji Alfa Mohammed amigos others.
It was another moment of joy for the people of Bashar community as wife of the deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Hajiya Barr.Nafisa Ahmed Idris donated a Clinic built which she personally built to the community.
This according to Barr. Idris is to enable the community tackle health care need of women and children in the community.
Commissioning the project, chairman of Wase local government council Dr.Ado buba commended the Deputy Speaker’s wife for the good gesture which according to him, “ will go a long way in improving the health care sector of the community and the local government in general”. the clinic on Tuesday 8th September 2020 in Bashar,Wase LGA.
The chairman also congratulated the Deputy speaker and his wife for the milestone achieved so far and prayed for the protection of the family for the good of the society.
Dignitaries at the occasion in Bashar, were the Distrct Head of Bashar, His highness Alhaji Aliyu Adamu Idris,the village head of Bashar and Madakin bashar,His highness,Alh.Sani Ibrahim,other traditional title holders amongst others.
The clinic, now regarded as one of the best in the District, has facilities such as CT scanner and other state of the art medical equipment,as well as power generating set to provide constant electricity for the facility.
The clinic is equiped with beds, chairs and modern testing tools
As crisis rocking People’s Democratic Party PDP continue deepening iin Plateau State, Sen. Gen. JT Useni has urged agrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State not to leave the party but remain committed to ensuring that, the party comes back to power in 2023.
Useni made this call while addressing party stalwarts at his campaign office along Dogon Karfe in Jos City, Plateau State capital.
He expressed dismay over the decision of the national body of the Party to conduct congress in the state contrary to that of collective resolve of the Stakeholders at a meeting chaired by Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue State which set up a Care taker Committee, with the mandate to resolving all pending issues before setting a date for the Congress.
The Senator Jeremiah Useni’s remark which signal that, Plateau PDP already has a parallel State EXCO due to the non adherence of some group to the faction on Saturday.
The Party leader and a nationalist, also recalled how the national gave a level play ground to everybody by setting up a committee chaired by Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State but, expressed disappointment saying, “Only for Theophilus Dakashan to at night sent a kangaroo officials to come and conduct a kangaroo exercise which can best be described as a Sham”
Useni said, “it is very sad the way things are happening, people do things in a very unfair manner.”
“I called Ortom and he was very disappointed too, i congratulated all aspirants for standing firm in what they believe in.
They have done their worst, but all I know is that there was no congress on the Plateau, we will swear- in our EXCO and see how the headquarters will now run two structures” said Useni.
“We are not confusionists and will not tolerate confusion, but if people want to set in confusion, we will use Confusion to settle confusion”“Do not look for trouble, don’t fight, don’t insult anybody, but remain firm until impunity is killed . Niger, Nassarawa amongst other States including Plateau had similar cases, so remain calm” the Party leader advised supporters.
A group known as WASE EQUITY PROJECT has condol with the family of Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, RT Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, over the demise of his sister, Hajia Aishatu which occurred on the 28th of August, 2020 in Jos.
The group conveyed it’s message in a message sent to this medium, signed by Abubakar Muhammad Badu it’s Publicity Secretary saying, “with a profound grief and sadness that, we express our deepest condolences to our leader Our thoughts and prayers also go to the family of the Deputy Speaker.”
They described her as a true and dependable sister that contributed immensely to the success of Maje in personal and family matters with wisdom and foresight.
They prayed Allah (SWT) grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Plateau PDP crisis takes another more destructive dimension two members of the newly reconsitituted CARETAKER COMMITTEE resigned their membership based on principles.
Professor Dimis Mailafiya and Hon. Jacob Dashe withdrawn their membership from the newly constituted Plateau State Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
In two separate letters of resignations carrying their both signitures, Mailafiya on his part said, the committee is working contrary to the mandate given to it by the Governor Samuel Ortom reconciliation pattern.
When Sawabiya contacted him for further comment, Mailafiya said, “I cannot be part of a process that will create more problems. Good morning”
Hon. Jacob Dashe who’s letter is in his handwritten form stated his reasons to be in view of development in the State .hence, makinit possible for him to continue.
“28th August, 2020
Mailafiya’s resignition letter reads;
The National Chairman (NC) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat Wadata Plaza Plot 1970 Michael Okpara Street Wuse, Zone 5, Abuja U.F.S: Chairman, PLCC.
Attn: The National Organizing Secretary (NOS)
WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERSHIP FROM THE NEWLY RECONSITITUTED PLATEAU STATE CARETAKER COMMITTEE (PLCC)
I write in reference to the decision of the National Working Committee conveyed via a letter signed by the NOS dated Wednesday August 26, 2020 on the subject “PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER: RECONSTITUTION OF STATE CARETAKER COMMITTEE”
I express my profound appreciation to the National Working Committee for finding me worthy of approving my nomination as a “Member of the Newly Reconstituted Plateau State Caretaker Committee (PLCC)”.
I received this appointment with much enthusiasm as another opportunity to contribute to the rebuilding of trust to the Plateau State chapter of the PDP which has been engulfed with crises leading to a plethora of litigations being a fall-out of Ward and Local Government Congresses.
Being privileged to be at the Governor Ortom’s intervention meeting which gave birth to this new PLCC, my initial acceptance of this offer was with the belief that the new PLCC was set to correct issues that were done wrong and normalise the abnormalities arising from the actions and inactions of the immediate past State EXCO which later also metamorphosed into the Caretaker Committee.
The contending issues are majorly bothering on the conduct of Ward and LGA Congresses, which if the new PLCC resolves will set the stage for a peaceful and acceptable State Congress. However, from our introductory meeting of 27th and the first main meeting of 28th, it is evident that the new PLCC was set to continue the execution of the errors that brought the crises. The endorsement to be part of the planned State Congress scheduled for 29th August, 2020 and to be facilitators without resolving outstanding cases at Ward and LGA levels, and without withdrawals of the pending court cases on same is against both the spirit and the letter of reconciliation and progress of which I am not convinced to be part of such a process.
On this note, I write to humbly withdraw my membership of the newly constituted PLCC.
Hon. Bitrus Kaze, Hon. Aminu Zang, 38 other candidates (under the auspice of Plateau State PDP EXCO Aspirants) for various positions in the PDP state congress in Plateau allegedly rescheduled for today have made their intention clear to boycott the congress if the national body of the party insists on conducting the exercise.
Mr Simon Jok, former acting National Legal Officer of party said that their decision was due to anomalies associated with congress.
Jok who is vying for the position of the Vice Chairman, pointed out some unresolved issues that should have been addressed before the congress.
Some of the unresolved issues includes, several court cases which he said “has to do directly with the congress”.
Jok stated that there were 13 cases at the state level and 66 in the local governments.
He wondered why the congress would go ahead when non of such issues were subsisting.
The vice chairmanship stated that the national secretariat had sent Gov. Samuel Ortom to of Benue intervene in Plateau situation in order to revolve the issues.
“We have a caretaker committee that its tenure has elapsed, Gov Ortom had suggested a neutral committee to be put in place to address these issues before an elective congress.
“But we are surprised that a congress was slated to hold tomorrow,” he said.
Mr Aminu Zang, a Chairmanship Aspirant said that apart from boycotting the congress, they would diligently pursue the cases to a logical conclusion.
“We are not going to be party or a part of that charade.
“We have been technically knocked out of a process that is supposed to be democratic.
“Less than 24 hours, we do not know who the delegates are.
“We calling on the national working committee of our party to reverse the decision to hold congress tomorrow and if they have send somebody, the should call the person back,” he requested.
Mr Bitrus Kaze, another Chairmanship Aspirant on his part emphasized that an appeal panel was not constituted to listen to complaints from the screening.
Kaze who is also Former two time member of the National Assembly, said that the aspirants were entitled to 48 hours to write the appeal panel whether they were satisfied with screening or not and the appeal panel needs another 48 hours to decide on the petitions.
A cross section of the aspirantsfrom the left Hon. Aminu Zang, one of the Chairmanship candidates, Barr. Jok, Kaze, Gombi….
Kaze added that it was also the practice in the PDP to release the names of state congress committee, at least three days before the congress, “but as we speak, we neither know the Screening Appeal Panel nor do we know the state congress committee”, he said. Speaking further, the former federal law maker stated that the 40 candidates do not know the list of delegates for the congress, “so we do not know who to take our campaign to”, he lamented.Hon. Kaze also alleged that even the state congress Planning Committee (a local committee) set up by the out gone EXCO and charged with the responsibility of arrangement for venue, entertainment, security among others has a campaign manager of one of the contestants for chairmanship as a member. “We believe firmly that we have been shortchanged. We will not partake in the charade because it has already been determined. We have already been taken to the slaughter slap. We can’t be part of that illegality”, Kaze stated.The State Party Chairmanship candidate said that if the national body of the party goes ahead to conduct the congress, it would amount to violating the resolution arrived at last week with the Governor Ortom’s reconciliation committee and they would have no choice than to continued their cases that were still pending in courts. He added that conducting the exercise will also violates an undertaking signed by the state Legal Adviser of the party in the State High Court (Pankshin Division) to the effect that the party will not conduct congress until a court case is heard on September 2, 2020.
Hon. Kaze, Hon. Amos Gombi and other aspirants during the media briefing on Friday
The former lawmakers also expressed surprise as to why the national body of the party that set up a Care taker Committee and given 90 days to ensure that all legal matters were resolved before the conduct of the state congress will suddenly decides to conduct the exercise 48 hours after the committee resumed work.
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has advised church leaders aggrieved over the Company and Allied Matters Act 2020 to take their case before the National Assembly.
Under the law, religious bodies and charity organisations will be strictly regulated by the registrar-general of Corporate Affairs Commission and a supervising minister.
CAMA provides that the commission may by order, suspend the trustees of an association or a religious body and appoint an interim manager or managers to coordinate its affairs where it reasonably believes that there has been any misconduct or mismanagement, or where the affairs of the association are being run fraudulently or where it is necessary or desirable for the purpose of public interest.
But many religious leaders, especially pastors, had rejected the law which they described as a declaration of war against the church.
Presiding bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo had said the law was borne out of the government’s jealousy about the prosperity recorded by the church.
But speaking at the Annual General Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association on Thursday, Osinbajo advised those aggrieved over CAMA to approach the National Assembly.
Osinbajo, who is also a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, said under democracy the church leaders can seek redress at parliament.
The vice president said, “We have a process by which this (CAMA law) can be redressed. Whatever the proposal for amendment may be, whatever the view of the leadership of the church may be, regarding the question of how the trustees, whether they are interim trustees or not, can be put into a proposal that will be brought to the National Assembly for consideration for amendment to the law, that is the process which is entirely opened and ought to be pursued.
“We are in a democracy and there is a process by which things can be done and that process is the one where you bring forward amendments to the National Assembly and they will do whatever is considered useful in the circumstance.”
On the southern Kaduna crisis, the vice-president said the federal government will ensure those perpetrating violence are brought to justice.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), reconstitutes the State Caretaker Committee to pilot the affairs of the Plateau state chapter of the party.
The party in a press release signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, the National Publicity Secretary read as follows:
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), reconstitutes the State Caretaker Committee to pilot the affairs of the Plateau state chapter of the party.
The NWC also approved the expansion of the Niger State Caretaker Committee of the party.
The action of the NWC which is pursuant to section 29 (2)(b) and 31(2)(e) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended) is consequent upon the dissolution of the Plateau State Caretaker Committee, today, Wednesday, August 26, 2020 and expansion of the membership of the Niger State Caretaker Committee respectively.
The Plateau State Caretaker Committee is charged with the sole responsibility of running the affairs of the party in Plateau state until a new executive committee is elected, for a period not exceeding 90 days (3 months).
The members of the Plateau state caretaker committee are as follows:
Senator Suleiman Adokwe (Chairman) Rt. Hon. Istifanus Mwansat Hon. Monday Kassani Hon. Emmanuel Loman Hon. Ado Adere Hon. Gregory Yenlong Prof. Dimis Mai-Lafia Hon. Jacob Dashe Hon. Shima Ayati (Secretary)
In Niger, the State Caretaker Committee has been expanded to include Hon. Barr. Peter Nda Alkali Jiya, Hon. Mohammed Ricco and Hon. Garba Abara.
S/Court has given ruling on right of female child to inherit properties in Igboland
Delivering judgment on the matter, which was a judgment delivered on the appeal marked as “SC.224/2004 filed by Mrs. Lois Chituru Ukeje (wife of the late Lazarus Ogbonna Ukeje) and their son, Enyinnaya Lazarus Ukeje against Mrs. Cladys Ada Ukeje (the deceased’s daughter)”, the court held that, “the practice conflicted with section 42(1)(a) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution”
Although Igbo law and custom is said to have been in such a way which forbids a female from inheriting her late father’s estate, on the grounds, the court ruled that, it is discriminatory and in conflict with the provision of the constitution, the Supreme Court has voided this.
Cladys had sued the deceased’s wife and son before the Lagos High Court, claiming to be one of the deceased’s children and sought to be included among those to administer their deceased’s father’s estate.
The trial court found that she was a daughter to the deceased and that she was qualified to benefit from the estate of their father who died intestate in Lagos in1981.
The Court of Appeal, Lagos to which Mrs. Lois Ukeje and Enyinnaya Ukeje appealed, upheld the decision of the trail court, prompting them to appeal to the Supreme Court.
In its judgment last Friday, the Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal, Lagos was right to have voided the Igbo’s native law and custom that disinherit female children.
Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, who read the lead judgment, held that “no matter the circumstances of the birth of a female child, such a child is entitled to an inheritance from her later father’s estate.
“Consequently, the Igbo customary law, which disentitles a female child from partaking in the sharing of her deceased father’s estate is breach of Section 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution, a fundamental rights provision guaranteed to every Nigerian.
Despite calls by several Nigerians condemning the judgment of the Upper Sharia Court in Kano against a young musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu who was sentenced to death by a court in Kano for blasphemy, against Prophet Muhammad, report has it that, has been in chains in an underground prison.
The latest report about the ordeal of a 22-year-old singer sentenced to death for blasphemy from different midiums said, he is been kept in an underground prison in the state and held incommunicado.
Although he had 30 days to appeal the judgment, but they are keeping him in the worst possible condition and has also been denied of visitors including his immediate family’s access to him as he is been kept in a solitary confinement cell known as Back Cell at the Kano Central Prison.
Recall that, Sharif-Aminu, was on sentenced to death for committing blasphemy against the Prophet of Islam in a song he circulated via WhatsApp and was accused of committing the offence in March 2020 after which protesters burnt down his family house.
Most Nigerians continue to express concern that, the boy might get infected where they are keeping him or exposed to cold. They have put a leg chain on him since he got in and he sleeps with the leg chain.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN(OPSH) deployed at BISICHI Area Command of Barkin Ladi Plateau have rearrested another escaped Prisoner, Mallam Adam Yusuf, one of the 6 notorious inmates that escaped at High Court Barkin Ladi on 23 July 2020. It would be recalled that OPSH following a manhunt operation that was launched had earlier rearrested Mallam Mohammed Ibrahim, one of the escapees and had since handed him over to Nigerian Correctional Service Plateau State, bringing the total rearrested into 2. According to OPSH Commander, Maj. Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, the latest arrest was made in an abandoned house at Bisichi Village of Barkin Ladi Plateau State at about 1530Hrs today 18 August 2020. The Commander stated that the 19 years old inmate have confessed to be among the escapees, stressing that concerted efforts are ongoing to rearrest others. Consequently, Gen. Okonkwo solicited for vital…
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN(OPSH) deployed at BISICHI Area Command of Barkin Ladi Plateau have rearrested another escaped Prisoner, Mallam Adam Yusuf, one of the 6 notorious inmates that escaped at High Court Barkin Ladi on 23 July 2020. It would be recalled that OPSH following a manhunt operation that was launched had earlier rearrested Mallam Mohammed Ibrahim, one of the escapees and had since handed him over to Nigerian Correctional Service Plateau State, bringing the total rearrested into 2. According to OPSH Commander, Maj. Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, the latest arrest was made in an abandoned house at Bisichi Village of Barkin Ladi Plateau State at about 1530Hrs today 18 August 2020. The Commander stated that the 19 years old inmate have confessed to be among the escapees, stressing that concerted efforts are ongoing to rearrest others. Consequently, Gen. Okonkwo solicited for vital information from members of the general public that could lead to the rearrest of the remaining inmates.
Adamu Yusuf, the rearrested escaped prisoner (m) with personnel of the Operation Safe Haven
He said that the rearrested criminal will be handed over to the Nigerian Correctional Service Plateau State Command for necessary action.
The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba , has disclosed that the current ASUU strike will not hinder the reopening of tertiary institutions. ASUU has been on strike since March, 2020 over lingering issues including an attempt to force the lecturers to enrol on the Federal Government Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) platform.
Nwajiuba stated this while speaking at the daily briefing of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 in Abuja, on Thursday.
The Minister noted that the PTF would release directive on when the universities would be reopened, saying he was also in consultation with proprietors of private universities in the country who have continued to mount pressure on the government to reopen the education space.
He noted that owners of private universities has argued that since worship centres and markets have reopened, private universities should be reopened if the public institutions were not ready.
He said the over 62,000 lecturers with more than 10,000 professors, are patriotic Nigerians who have also been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that they would see reasons to return to classrooms when the institutions are eventually reopened.
Been a regulating and controlling body of broadcasting Industry in Nigeria, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has fined NigeriaInfo 99.3fm Five Million Naira For Unprofessional Broadcast.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Broadcasting Commission said, “it noted with grave concern, the unprofessional conduct of Nigeria Info 99.3FM, Lagos, in the handling of the Programme, “Morning Cross Fire”, aired on August 10, 2020, between 8.30am and 9.00am”.
According to NBC , The station(NIGERIAINFO 99.3FM) provided its platform for the guest, Dr. Mailafia Obadiah, to promote unverifiable and inciting views that could encourage or incite to crime and lead to public disorder.
NBC noted that, “Dr. Mailafia Obadia’s comments on the “Southern Kaduna Crisis”, were devoid of facts and by broadcasting same to the public, Nigeria Info 99.3FM, is in violation of the following sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code”
The fine the NBC notes is expected to serve as a deterrent to all other broadcast stations in Nigeria who are quick to provide platform for subversive rhetoric and the expositions of spurious and unverifiable claims, to desist from such.
The Commission further sounded warning maintaining that, it will not hesitate to suspend the Broadcast Licence of broadcast stations that continue to breach the Code.
Meanwhile, the, Northern Governors Forum have stated their reasons Why they Want Obadiah Malafiya’s Comments where in he alleged that “…one of the Northern Governors is the Commander of Boko Haram in Nigeria”, investigated.
Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong who is also the Governor of Plateau State said “the Forum is concerned about the weighty allegation made by Dr. Mailafiya which must be thoroughly investigated”.
Describing the allegations as weighty and needed to be investigated, Chairman of the Forum said, it’s forum which has been working with the Federal Government, security agencies, community, civil society, traditional and religious leaders as well as development partners to defeat terrorism, banditary and other forms of crimes in the region, finds the allegation by Dr. Mailafiya very weighty which deserves further investigation.
The Governor expressed concered that, such allegations are not smear campaigns or attempts to discourage the Northern Governors who are putting in their best to bring and end to insecurity in the region.
He maintain that the Forum does not, and will not support the activities of any criminal group, because they as Governors and their families are also not spared as was recently witnessed when the convoy of Governor Babagana Zullum of Borno State was attacked.
He has therefore urged Dr. Mailafiya and indeed all citizens with useful information on the activities of criminals and terrorist groups to assist security agencies and Governments at all levels with such intelligence for proper actions.
Recalled that, the day of Mailafiya’s invitation by the DSS, Sawabiya had reported how sympathisers of Dr obadiah mailafia kept waiting for his release from the DSS office at the vicinity of their office till his release where he spoke with the press saying, “killing must stop, every Nigerian child is my child” said Mailafiya.
The former Apex Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor, Dr. Obadiah Mailafia has called for an end to all the killings going on in the southern Kaduna and other States in the country saying, “it must stop with immediate effect. Every Nigerian child, is my child my child”
Mailafiya with newsmen
Mailafiya who was invited to the office of Nigeria’s Department of State Security Service (DSS), on Wednesday in north central Plateau State for interrogation over his comment on Boko Haram, got released on bail .
Mailafiya with wife, Margaret and others.
Speaking with Journalists shortly after his release, the Ex- Apex Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor said, “I am not talking Politics! like Nelson Mandela, the struggle for the emancipation of the people is my concern and I am not afraid to die for the sake the people” said Mailafiya.
He said, he was treated with great respect and decorum during his interrogation by the security operatives, but insisted that, “ it is the duty of government to protect lives and property of its citizens, adding that, government at all levels must take the security of lives seriously”.
Meanwhile, his wife Margaret Vou Mailafia had earlier, called on the international community, Generals Yakubu Gowon,Olusegun Obasanjo, T Y Danjuma, J T Useni, Joshua Nimyel Dogonyaro,IBB and other stakeholders to intervene in the release of her husband unhurt.
She made the call in a media chat with journalists close to the DSS office in Jos while waiting for the husband to be released by the DSS and insisted that, the DSS should not give her husband food, water or anything to be taken orally.
According to Mrs. Mailafiya, it is not possible for everyone to belong to the APC and that the 19 Northern Governors should be held responsible if anything happens to her husband.
Recalled that, Mailafia in an interview with a south west commercial city Lagos based media house, had accused one of Nigerian northern governors of been a leader of the dreaded Boko Haram.
Sawabiya observed that, protesters had been on ground at the DSS office carrying placards with different inscriptions on it which reads, Stop killings, free Mailafiya and so on in show of solidarity, asking for the release of Dr. obadiah mailafia after being promised to be released by 5:00pm.
The sympathisers of Mailafiya who were in their numbers from different States of middlebelt, maintained a waiting position for his release from the DSS office.
Citizens reactions on social media platforms reads;
A Social activist and Youth crusader, Dr. Bapigaan William Audu has challenged Youth to raise frontally in challenging the negative perceptions and scale over the barriers that continue to stand in the way of political emancipation and economic liberation of the youth from the twin dangers of political godfatherism as well as poverty which he said has “continue to deal repeated, sustained devastating blows to the body of Nigeria Youth”.
Bapigaan who is a medical Doctor and reknown Youth activist on the Plateau a d beyond, threw the challenge in a message to mark the INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY, ON WEDNESDAY, 12TH AUGUST, 2020 which has it’s theme : ‘’YOUTH ENGAGEMENT FOR Global ACTION”
According to the Youth activist, “The International Youth Day is a day dedicated to celebrate the Youth, raise awareness on challenges confronting these subset of peculiar individuals, as well as call for action from all stakeholders in the Youth Industry in filling gaps in Youth development”
The Young, vibrant Doctor said, 2020 Theme ‘’Youth Engagement for Global Action” could not have been more apt with the COVID-19 Pandemic ravaging the world as well as the International dimension that crime has taken, but stressed it that, it has also become more imperative for collective global actions towards solving the problems that the local and global communities are grappling with.
He advised Youth to “ rise to frontally challenge the negative perceptions and scale over the barriers that continue to stand in the way of political emancipation and economic liberation of the youth from the twin dangers of political godfatherism as well as poverty which continue to deal repeated, sustained devastating blows to the body of Nigeria Youth”.
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PRESS RELEASE BY COMRADE (DR.) BAPIGAAN WILLIAM AUDU ON THE OCCASION OF CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY, ON WEDNESDAY, 12TH AUGUST, 2020. Gentlemen of the Press, Since the year 1999, the United Nations has set aside the 12th of August each year to be marked as International Youth Day. The International Youth Day is a day dedicated to celebrate the Youth, raise awareness on challenges confronting these subset of peculiar individuals, as well as call for action from all stakeholders in the Youth Industry in filling gaps in Youth development. The Theme for this year’s commemoration: ‘’Youth Engagement for Global Action” could not have been more apt. With the COVID-19 Pandemic ravaging the world as well as the International dimension that crime has taken, it has become more imperative for collective global actions towards solving the problems that the local and global communities are grappling with. In similar vein, the problems that the 21st Century youth is faced with (though different depending on clime) can be better prevented and or solved when actions are local and global in nature and effect. Furthermore, the theme of International Youth Day 2020 seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions, and processes as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal / informal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced. Therefore, youth must rise to frontally challenge the negative perceptions and scale over the barriers that continue to stand in the way of political emancipation and economic liberation of the youth from the twin dangers of political godfatherism as well as poverty which continue to deal repeated, sustained devastating blows to the body of Nigeria Youth. This year’s commemoration offers in no small measure, a glimmer of hope for all young persons facing one challenge or the other especially on the Plateau. If we can join hands locally, then we can generate traction for our actions that can create national, international awareness with the attendant effect of sustaining global actions to propel the improved welfare and quality of life for the youths. Inferiority complex, selfishness, thuggery, slander must have no place in our thoughts or actions, if indeed we are to rise to the Rubicon we desire. We must sort ourselves out by ourselves. No one will be able to carry out this onerous task for us but we ourselves! Money must not be the only currency we transact with and cling onto. Integrity,self- reliance and love for one another and our communities must underline the very essence of our thought processes and visible actions. To all Plateau youths, I implore us to remain steadfast and perseverant as our cause is sure to become better soon. The pains and tears of yesterday and today will not last for long. Be assured of my highest and most sincere regards on this August Occasion. Happy International Youth Day 2020 my fellow Youths! God bless the youth!! God bless Plateau State!!! God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!! Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!!!!! Signed: Comrade (Dr.) Bapigaan William Audu.
Department of State Services has invited a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Obadiah Mailafia, to appear in its Jos office on Wednesday (today) at 12noon.
This is just as groups in the Middle Belt have begun to mobilise support for him.
This mediumlearnt that the groups would be at the Jos office of the DSS to demand safety for Mailafia as he honours the security agency’s invitation today.
Mailafia’s invitation by the DSS followed an interview he granted an Abuja radio station, 95.1fm early this week.
Confirming his invitation, he said, “Yes, it true. The DSS invited me to appear in their Jos office tomorrow (Wednesday) by noon.”
He had alleged in the interview that repentant terrorists told him that a serving northern governor was the Boko Haram leader.
Mailafia, who was the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2019 election, also alleged that terrorists moved weapons even during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Meanwhile, several Middle Belt groups are mobilising their members to storm the DSS headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, where the secret security agency has invited Mailafia to appear today at 12:00noon.
It is said that the Middle belt groups will be at the DSS office in Jos to demand that nothing untoward should happen to Mailafia.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has unveiled the timetable and guidelines for the conduct of its 2020 examinations for Senior Secondary 3 students.
NECO Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Professor Godswill Obioma disclosed this on Tuesday during a press conference at the Council’s Headquarters in Minna, the Niger State capital.
His briefing is tagged, “Making the Conduct Of Public Examinations Work in the COVID-19 Era.”
The NECO chief noted that the body has rolled out guidelines to enable schools prepare for conduct of the exams.
The guidelines include preparing examination centres and schools in compliance with COVID-19 protocols; decontamination of examination centres and schools; maintaining prescribed physical and social distancing protocols by candidates and examination officials.
Others include the provision of water and hand washing facilities, sanitizers and face masks by school proprietors, managers, parents and guardians as the case may be; as well as use of water, hand washing facilities, sanitizers and face masks by school proprietors, managers, parents/guardians, examination officials candidates and security officials.
On the number of candidates expected to write the examination, Professor Obioma said so far, only 169,144 students have registered for the Senior School Certificate Examination.
He also explained that 104,341 students and 80,110 pupils have so far registered for both the Basic Examination Certificate Examination (BECE) and the National Common Entrance Examination respectively.
This comes two weeks after the Federal Government released a comprehensive schedule for various national examinations for exit classes including Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3.
The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajuiba, who made the announcement on July 29 in Abuja after a series of meetings with chief executives of examination bodies in the country revealed that NECO examination will hold will start on October 5 and end on November 18.
According to him, the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) examinations will start on September 21 and end on October 15.
“Other details of the schedule indicate that the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations, for SS3, conducted by NECO will start on October 5 and end on November 18, 2020,” he said.
He explained that the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) for JSS 3 students, also conducted by NECO, will start on August 24 and end on September 7th, 2020
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Stakeholders from Lantang have rejected the purpoted suspension of Reak ward chairman of the party by an artificial faction said to be created by the LGC Chairman Joshua Laven Ubandoma.
In a message conveyed through press statement as signed by the stakeholders and EXCO at that level which recognised the last congresses conducted by the party across 17 LGAs of the state, expressed dismay over the development as they expressed concern on how “some disgruntled elements in the party are working tiredlessly to cause disharmony”.
According to the statement, the stakeholders said, “as ward exco and stakeholders, we have not written any petition to your factional leadership regarding any misconduct on our ward Chairman. That at no single time has our attention been drawn to any misconduct of any sort by the Chairman”
The release pointed that, “the procedures for any disciplinary measures are clearly spelt out in the Party constitution which to the best of our knowledge have not been followed”.
The stakeholders and EXCO further declared the suspension as “null and void” in their eyes describing such action as an attempt to destabilize their hard earned peace which they said, “will be resisted” but that, they can only can collaborate in areas that will promote the growth of our Party.
They called on all all stakeholders to conduct themselves with a view to bringing unity and not overheating the political system. You can count on our as.
Meanwhile, this medium has keenly observed that, it is not longer news that, the PDP Crisis in Plateau which is becoming a pandemonium and embarrassing situation across almost all the local government Areas and wards, is been fueled by some few selfish ambitions minded leaders of the party.
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PDP Secretariat Reak Ward Dadur–Bwarat Langtang North
The Factional Chairman (Ventim Tyem) PDP Langtang North
Sir, RE: SUSPENSION OF REAK WARD CHAIRMAN We the undersigned have been following the events of things within the PDP family in the State and Langtang North in particular which have not been healthy for the growth of the Party. We also watched with dismay, how some disgruntled elements in the party are causing disharmony. Notwithstanding, in all these we have conducted ourselves in a manner that we had a peaceful ward congress. Ours is one of the ward that had no factions. Thus cannot allow anything that will bring disunity in our ward, though conscious of the existence of factions in the Party. We have been therefore constrained to write and note as follows: – That as ward exco and stakeholders, we have not written any petition to your factional leadership regarding any misconduct on our ward Chairman. That at no single time has our attention been drawn to any misconduct of any sort by the Chairman. That the procedures for any disciplinary measures are clearly spelt out in the Party constitution which to the best of our knowledge have not been followed. That we have resolved to stand by the Chairman, as he is the product of the people’s mandate However, we have resolved as follows: That the purported suspension letter which is an attempt to tarnish the good image of our Chairman be withdrawn forthwith. That the suspension is null and void in our eyes. That any attempt to destabilize our hard earned peace will be resisted That we can collaborate with you in areas that will promote the growth of our Party. That all stakeholders must conduct themselves with a view to bringing unity and not overheating the political system. You can count on our assurances. Thank you. EXCO/STAKEHOLDERS Mr. Nannim Rimfat Mr. John Dindam Mr. Timloh Ramko (LGA Reps aspirant) Mr. Nanloh Labar Mr. Kadir Wuyep Engr. Nanman Gamde Mr. D.D Ntyem Mr. Selzing Garba Hon. Labwam Lagnian Hon. Solomon Domcir Yarnap Hon. Lohnan Lamzir Hon. Lohnan Salwang Mandor (Former youth leader LGA) Hon Daniel Ladul (Barde) Mr. Selbol Jangbut (Former Ward Chairman)
WARD EXCO Nantim Pwatbol – Chairman Nanwa Yohanna – Deputy Chairman Ponwat Stephen – Secretary Esther Selkur Lafa – Chairlady Nanzing Laven – Youth Leader Nimjul Nimmyel – P.R.O Colins Ayuba – Ex officio Grace Pirfa – Ex officio Shendum Nanman – Financial Secretary Timzing Nimmyel – Organizing Secretary Danladi Turfa – Ex officio Changla Dafam – Auditor Nanya Nden – Treasurer Pouloh Emmanuel – Assit. Secretary Venzir Nansel – Ex officio Nansel Nimdul – Ex officio Nanlir Nimmyel – Legal Adviser
The Ag. Director-General, Global Centre for Media and Human Empowerment (GCMHE), Charles Ejoh has challenged Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau state to resign as Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Charles Ejoh threw the challenge while addressing a world press conference on Thursday in Jos the Plateau state capital on the security situation in the country.
The Media and human Right Advocate noted that, “Organization which is not political, religious or socially affiliated or held allegiance to any body had observed with dismay what it called insensitive and lackluster approach of the NGF under the leadership of Gov. Lalong towards the ongoing genocide in Southern Kaduna and the killings by armed bandits of innocent Nigerians in other parts of the North”.
He further expressed sadness saying, “it was more pained with the situation in Southern Kaduna because it is purely a genocide”.
Consequently, GCMHE said, it considered the NGF as a betrayal of the people’s trust which has sent a wrong signal to other regions of their inability to secure their people. “We urged the Chairman of the NGF, Barr. Simon Lalong to resign its appointment owing to his poor performance of the Forum as his own state(Plateau) has suffered poor governance”, Ejoh observed.
He added that Lalong resignation would afford him the opportunity to pay attention to mirage of problems confronting his state and enabled him to concentrate on improving the fortunes of the people in the State.
Plateau State, the once acclaimed “Home of Peace and Tourism” has suffered unimaginable attacks which has claimed many lives and property worth billions destroyed; the worst hit has been Plateau North Senatorial District.
From the declaration of emergency rule in 2004 on the State by the Olusegun Obasanjo led administration, to the lingering ethno-religious unrest that has further marked the State out for about 20 years.
It would be recalled that over 200 persons were killed and over 38, 000 were displaced from their ancestral homes when suspected herdsmen attacked some communities on June 23 and 24, 2018, in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of the state.
Restitution is the restoration of something lost or stolen to its proper owner.
The law of restitution is the law of gains-based recovery. It is to be contrasted with the law of compensation, which is the law of loss-based recovery. When a court orders restitution it orders the defendant to give up his/her gains to the claimant.
In the wake of the aforementioned attack, Governor Lalong had on the 14th November, 2018, said when he inspected the site of the proposed Mobile Police Squadron in one of the affected communities (Gashish District) of Barkin Ladi LGA of the State, that those who forcefully annexed ancestral homes and villages of Plateau people would soon be forced out.
The attackers now occupy the communities and have taken over the houses, lands, livestock and economic trees of the victims.
But an angry Lalong told the “foreign” occupants that they would soon be pushed out.
“Nobody will take the land from the original owners. If you are occupying somebody’s land or house, know that you are living on borrowed time.
“It is not a matter of choice, you will be forced out soon”, he stressed.
“This is not just in Gashish; it will cover the entire state. We will not allow anybody to take over another person’s property,” he declared.
He advised the illegal occupants of the houses to vacate them, saying that government would restore peace and resettle displaced persons to their original places.
He, however, implored the people to learn to live in peace with one another, saying that government’s efforts would amount to nothing if the people would not embrace peace.
Also, in his call for restitution in Plateau North Senatorial District, which has being the worst hit by the about two decades attacks, the Senator representing the zone and Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Istifanus Gyang, had said there will never be forgiveness without restitution if true reconciliation is to be achieved in Plateau North.
He equally said, “if you are occupying someone’s land or property that does not belong to you during the unrest that have happened in this place, you have to give it back”.
However, with relative peace and reconciliatory efforts underway, hence the call for restitution by the lawmaker.
Gyang had on several occasions calls for restitution for true “forgiveness and reconciliation” to take place.
In February, 2020, while addressing journalists after touring the six LGAs that makeup his senatorial district, the Lawmaker had said, he will support any policy that will secure and guarantee the safety of lives and property of the citizenry at the grassroot.
On his agenda for his senatorial district, Gyang who represented Barkin Ladi/Riyom constituency in the House of Representatives between 2015 and 2019, before he was elected to the Senate, said, “But by and large, my agenda for Plateau North, is; first of all secure the people through peace not through arms; and through constructive engagement of the communities.
“Secondly, is to reconcile the people on the pillars of forgiveness and restitution.
“We forgive ourselves of what we have done, and we restitute in the way of, if you are occupying someone’s land or property that does not belong to you in the process of the unrest that happened in this place, you have to give it back.
“You can’t be convicted for corruption and still retain the proceeds of crime, its not done”, he explained.
“So, if forgiveness is undertaken, you cannot retain the things that belong to other people in the process of this unrest, you know that they are not your own and you took ownership of them”, he stressed.
Sadly, over two years after the attack that claimed the lives of the over 200 persons, displaced thousands and property worth billions destroyed, the Mobile Barracks promised by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, to be constructed in Gashish District, is yet to see the light of day.
Government and Security operatives have made some efforts to assist some of the displaced persons return to their communities, but the major undoing of such efforts is the lack of restitution; as communities taken over by the alleged aggressors remains in their custody.
While others were supported to return to their ancestral homes, others where not lucky, they had to take the risk of resettling themselves, leaving themselves vulnerable to attacks.
Another LGA that has suffered attacks and issues of land grabbing in recent time is Bokkos LGA, in Plateau Central Senatorial District.
Particularly of note, is Daffo district of the LGA which has been taken over by the aggressors.
Government must back its statements with political will, to ensure true forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence among people who had hitherto coexisted and shared a lot together.
As the worst hit LGAs of Barkin Ladi and Riyom, especially in the area of land grabbing by the aggressors, it mandatory for government who is saddled with the constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, come to the aid of these affected communities, by ensuring that lands/property grabbed are returned to their rightful owners, the Barracks promised by the Federal Government is put in place, to forestall any future occurrence of such criminal acts.
The High Court of Justice sitting in Jos the Plateau State capital has ordered the immediate reinstatement of the suspended Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of the state, Hon. Isaac Kyale Kwalu back to office.
It would be recalled that the Plateau State House of Assembly had on the 30th June, 2020, suspended the Chairman of Quaan Pan Local Government, Hon. Isaac Kwallu and that of Kanam Hon. Abas Wokdung for illegally suspending their councillors and refusing to pay their entitlements.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abok Ayuba who announced the suspension during plenary, directed the affected chairmen to immediately handover to their deputies.
Also, the House Committee Chairman on Information, Hon. Philip Dasun, had told journalists that the chairmen had been embroiled in some squables with their councillors.
Dasun explained that the State House of Assembly invited them (the two chairmen) and subsequently directed them on what to do but they refused to obey to the directives.
“They were directed to pay the entitlements owed councillors but they fail to do so.
“In the case of Kanam, he even sacked the substantive Clerk of the House posted there by the House of Assembly Service Commission and refuse to reinstate him as directed,” he explained.
The Information Committee chairman maintained that the suspension of the Kwallu was not in connection with his senatorial ambition.
This follows and order of interim injunction granted to the plaintiff (Hon. Isaac Kyale Kwalu) by Justice N.L Musa of the State High Court Jos in a suit No:PLD/J328/2020.
Filed by the application stopping 30 defendants whether by themselves, their servants, agents and privies, from doing anything or continuing any act or making any pronouncement or taking any step whatsoever or otherwise acting in any manner that will interfere, or have effect of interfering with the plaintiff’s three-years term of office before its expiration in October,2021 pending the determination of the motion on notice.
Justice Musa granted all the prayers of the plaintiff upon the consideration of a motion exparte dated 1st August, 2020 and filled on the 3rd August, 2020, supported by a 61 paragraphs affidavit deposed to by the plaintiff himself and also attached his written address which counsel adopted as his oral argument in the case.
The Judge after hearing the motion by Counsel to the plaintiff. Yetunde Nze Esq with N.M Nyelong Esq who prayed the Court to grant the plaintiff, “An Order granting the leave to serve the originating Summons and all the processes in the suit on the defendants by substituted means to wit.
“A Leave to serve the 1st and 2nd Defendants/ Respondents through the Office of the Clerk of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
“A Leave to serve the 4the Defendant/Respondent through the office of the Secretary of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council.”
Also is a, “Leave to serve the 5the Defendant/Respondent through the office of the Secretary of the Qua’an Pan Local Government Council.
“A Leave to serve the 26th-30th Defendants through the office of the Chief Resgiatrar of the Plateau State High Court”.
The applicant secured an order of interim injunction restraining the,”Defendants/Respondents whether by themselves, their servants, agents and privies, from doing anything or continuing any act or making any pronouncement or taking any step whatsoever or otherwise acting in any manner that will interfere, or have effect of interfering with the plaintiff’s three-years term of office before its expiration in October,2021 pending the determination of the motion on notice.”
Justice Musa hereby ordered that the, “Leave is hereby granted as prayed for all the reliefs.
Meanwhile, the returned date shall be 14th August,2020 for hearing of the motion on notice.
The 30 Defendants/Respondents in the suit restrained amongst are “The Honorable Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, the Plateau State House of Assembly, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Plateau State, the Acting Chairman of Qua’an Pan LGC, Hon. Yusuf Abdulmalik Haruna, the Legislative Arm of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, the Leader of Qua’an Pan Legislative Arm Hon. Haruna Kangmi Jibrin.
Others include, “all the Principal officers of the Qua’an Pan Legislative Arm whom are (The Deputy Leader Hon. Daboer Benjamin Dasha’ar, Majority Leader. Hon. Dashik Peter Paul, Deputy Majority Leader. Hon. Shintoe Kwallat, Chief Whip. Hon. Dana’an Sunday Benedict and Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Abdullahi Isah Dabogon) as well as all other members of the Qua’an Pan Legislative Arm in the state.
Also restrained are, “The Honourable Chief Judge of Plateau State, Panel of Investigation, Elder Yohanna Manoah Chairman of the Panel of Investigation, B.K Adams ESQ member Panel of Investigation as well as A.G Yirvoms ESQ member Panel of Investigation”.
Meantime, sources from the ruling APC in the state said, Kwallu was advised not to go into the Senate contest for Plateau South, to replace deceased Senator Ignatius Longjan.
It was also gathered that the powers that be in the party have their preferred candidate.
A section of the secretariat of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS in Asokoro, Abuja was on Tuesday night gutted by fire.
Information gathered has it that, the inferno affected one of the floors housing the Finance and Accounts department in the secretariat.
Though the cause of the fire was not immediately known, it was gathered that fire fighters from the Federal Fire Service were immediately dispatched to the scene and were able to prevent it from spreading to other floors.
Further enquiries by the media to ascertain the extent of damages could not be successful as at the time of filing in this report.
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has warmed that, his party would not fold its arms and watch Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP violently rig the September 19 governorship election, in Edo State.
Oshiomole who is the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on a live Television Broadcast programme restated his earlier on made reasons for opposing Obaseki, and backing Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
The former APC chairman also allleged that, Obasake threatened to deal with APC members and supporters in the guise of dealing with trouble makers. But he(Oshiomole) warned saying, “We’ll meet violence with violence”
Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki had on Sunday warned of stiff penalties against perpetrators of violence ahead of the poll and condemned the July 25 display by thugs at the gate of the Palace of the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.
Obaseki warned those intent on disrupting public peace stating that he is determined to carry out his primary responsibility of maintaining order and protecting lives and property as the Chief Security Officer of the state.
Reacting to Obaseki’s threat, Oshiomhole said: ‘’if they want violence, we will give them violence.’’
The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun appears to have bowed to pressure as he stopped the payment of N25,000 by students of private boarding schools for COVID-19 and malaria tests.
Abiodun came under heavy criticisms parents of SS3 students in private boarding schools were made to realize on Sunday that they must pay a sum of N25,000 to get their children tested.
Making a u-turn on Monday evening, the governor said,
“After reviewing these developments, I have today immediately directed that the government laboratories carry out test for all returning SS3 boarding students at no cost.
“I have also directed that all those who have paid for tests be refunded.”
A statement personally signed by Gov Abiodun reads:
“In line with the Federal Ministry of Education recommendation and WASSCE timetable, we decided to open our schools on the 4th August 2020 for SS3 students only. We put in place guidelines that would ensure that our students resume in a safe environment.
“In our pre-opening engagements with stakeholders, opening of boarding houses was discussed. Our State has one of the largest population of boarding students in the country, coming from all over the Country. After consultations with health professionals, we concluded that testing the children for COVID-19 before admittance will reduce the risk of community transmission. This is to reassure parents and even teachers of the safety of everybody concerned.
“The State planned and provided testing, free of charge, for boarding students in our public schools and allowed for the management and parents of private schools to make their arrangements to get COVID-19 tests. The two Ogun State-run laboratories have a capacity for about 500 tests a day and conduct free tests for traced contacts or symptomatic patients. To meet the additional demand for the expected number of boarding students, the statement from the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology listed some private test centers which set up sampling points in some of our Health facilities.
“These private laboratories have been accredited by NCDC and Lagos State Government for walk-in tests and charge N50,400 per test but I understand that the Ministries of Health and Education negotiated this to N25,000 for boarding students in private schools that may wish to use them. There is no financial benefit to the State Government.
“After reviewing these developments, I have today immediately directed that the Government Laboratories carry out test for all returning SS3 boarding students at no cost. I have also directed that all those who have paid for tests be refunded.
“The health of our children remains our utmost priority, however in view of the total number of boarding students to be tested (5,340 private and 500 public), and bearing in mind the limitation of our installed testing capacity of 500 tests per day, it may not be feasible for all boarding students to get tested and get their results prior to resumption or even exams which commence on 17th August 2020.
“Consequently the State Government has, therefore, stepped down the COVID-19 test as a mandatory requirement for returning students in our exit classes. We, therefore, enjoin Private School owners to exercise their duty of care to their pupils. The admittance of students into boarding house in private secondary schools will be at the discretion of the management and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of such private schools.
“Ogun State Government recommends that students who do not have to stay in the boarding house should attend school from home, especially those with underlying health conditions.
“I have also directed the provision of face masks to all students in both private and public schools.
“The inconvenience and confusion experienced yesterday is highly regrettable and my sincere apologies to the parents and students so affected.
“The quality and standard of education and well being of our children are issues that are very dear to my heart.
“I appreciate the cooperation, support, resilience and understanding of all the people of Ogun State towards flattening the curve of COVID-19 in Ogun State. It is my prayer that this phase will end soonest.”
Recalled that, parents of pupils in private secondary schools in Ogun State had carried out protest on Sunday to kick against the request of N25,000 COVID-19 test fee by the government.
Many of the parents, who were said to have took their demonstrations to the streets, faulted the decision of the government to ask them to pay N25,000 on each pupil before they would be allowed to resume.
The state government on its part had said no boarding school pupil would be allowed to resume without a valid negative COVID-19 test certificate.
While the government also asked the parents to take their wards to designated places for the test between Friday and Monday.
It was also gathered that, the dissatisfied parents on Sunday thronged the MTR 250 bed specialist hospital, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the designated place for the pupils in Abeokuta.
It was also reported that attempts by the parents to get their children tested for free failed as they were asked to pay N25,000 for each child.
Bulus Sanda has described the abandoned Rock International Hotel Jos, “as a replica of the famous Sheraton Hotel in the FCT”.
In a write-up posted on his verified Facebook handle titled “An abandoned towering structure in Jos”
Sanda who expressed concern over the development said, the hotel which is located at Shere hills around Lamingo in Jos North Local Government Area of the State, “is yet to see better days. Standing alone in front of a large lake but surrounded by captivating and beautiful rock formations”
According t him, “ Roc international Hotel is unarguably the best that Jos is yet to have”
Recalled that, the hotel was a part of Development initiative brought about by the late Solomon Lar’s government which awarded the contract of the hotel in 1981 to the Flemingdon Dev. (Nig) Limited with the aim of building a five Star hotel.
The five star Hotel has design with 318 rooms on completion which has the capability to draw investors and burst the revenue stand of plateau but However, 35 years down the line, with now 280 rooms constructed, the hotel has seen 12 different governors attempting to complete it without success.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has advised religious leaders to consider holding services in open spaces and well-ventilated areas “as circumstances of faith and tradition permit” as worship centres are about to be reopened.
Sanwo-Olu who announced the plans to reopen worship centres at a briefing on Saturday, said, “Places of worship in Lagos will now be opened from Friday, the 7th of August for our Muslim worshippers, and on Sunday, the 9th of August for our Christian worshippers.
The Governor explained that, “it is mandatory to provide handwashing facilities and hand sanitisers at the various worship places. Handshakes, hugs, high-fives are not permitted during gatherings and should be emphasised and displayed at the various places of worship,” he added
According to him, “it is mandatory to provide handwashing facilities and hand sanitisers at the various worship places. Handshakes, hugs, high-fives are not permitted during gatherings and should be emphasised and displayed at the various places of worship”.
He emphasized the need for citizens to still ensure that face masks policy are maintained throughout the duration of the services while regular cleaning and disinfection of the facilities are to be carried out to maintain clean and hygiene environment before, during and after the services.
He assured citizens of government’s commitment to monitoring the practices for the next couple of weeks and see how compliance gets as they move along as he encouraged worship centres to hold multiple services on those days but they should restrict it to those designated days of worship as only 50% gathering of their maximum capacities, either at the church or at the mosque will be allowed at a go.
This includes Churches who have a Saturday worship day to also be allowed hold worship.
Recalled that, worship centres had been shut in the state since March as part of measures to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus disease.
Members of defunct C.P.C who are still a legitimate members of APC Plateau State chapter, have written a letter of request for consideration of their members for a political recognition at the national.
The members in a statement signed PODAR JOHNSON, who was the FORMER PIONEER SECRETARY and GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE of the DEFUNCT C.P.C in the STATE during 2011, and his colleague, ENGR. SHEHU MUHAMMED BELLO who was also FORMER PIONEER CARETAKER CHAIRMAN/SECURITY ADVISER of the DEFUNCT C.P.C of PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER said they have not been recognized by the state chapter in Plateau state, since inception.
According to the statement, APC leadership in Plateau State were a pressure grouy known as “ MOVEMENT FOR A BETTER PLATEAU” and not from any of those defunct Parties that coaliated into APC that’s thats “ACN, ANPP, APGA or CPC which place them in a very difficult awkward position to implement the template of the merger. Since they were coming from a pressured group”
The statement reads;
9th July, 2020 President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR President and Commander In Chief Of the Armed forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria Aso Rock Villa Abuja
Dear Sir,
PASSIONATE APPEAL FOR CONSIDERATION FOR A POLITICAL RECOGNITION/MOMMENT OF TRUTH BY MEMBERS OF FORMER DIE HARD OF DEFUND CONGRESS FOR PROGRESSIVE CHANGE (C.P.C) PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER. On behalf of the members of defund C.P.C (and still a legitimate members of APC Plateau State chapter, we first and foremost want to congratulate you for your leadership quality for immediately sitting in a place a presidential task force on the most dangerous invisible enemy of mankind the COVID-19 and your immediate directives of total lock down in the country which has grossly reduce the mortality rate in the country we are proud to be identified with your leadership quality. A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. It is in that regard that we want to sincerely appreciate you for the declaration of state of emergency on agriculture, if not for your early intervention in agriculture in Nigeria from inception, we would have been a laughing stock in this pandemic because the country would have been suffering from food shortage because of the pandemic. We also want to felicitate with you for your timely intervention during the challenges that our party was facing from national to state level in which you immediately weigh in to safe the party from been pull down by selfish politicians with the successful resolution of constituting a caretaker working committee under the able leadership of his Excellency Governor, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State. We wish to comment your fatherly role in uniting the party and we pray that the caretaker committee will respect the template of the merger to give room for free fair and just participation. 2. Mr. President Sir, the Defund C.P.C members are people that share in yours believe that our politics is broken. Our nation urgently needs fundamental governance to make it more transparent and accountable which was our philosophy and our prayers answered in 2015 to rescue Nigeria for equity, peace and prosperity. 3. We hereby forward our passionate request for consideration of our members for a political recognition since we have not been recognized by the state chapter in Plateau state, since inception. We are stuck where we are now because we live in a materialistic world where all attention is only given to men with deep pockets while we ignore men with deep thoughts that is our case on the Plateau. 4. That the former Defund CPC members who work for the party were neither recognized nor considered for any political appointment in the state by the present administrations, in which the Governor of the state is considered to be one of your confident but for those of us that believe in you have been relegated to backbenchers. We make bold to say that all the appointments made by the state governor are members of movement for a better Plateau but not on party basis because the merger principle has been sacrificed by this present leadership and the records are there for you to make reference. 5. Most of the members of the present executive council championed the persecution of C.P.C loyalist in 2011, when the President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR was campaigning for Presidency as our presidential candidate in which we were arrested, detained and remanded in court for no any special crime apart from being a member of the defund C.P.C in Plateau, see attached copy of ruling in respect of same. 6. It should be noted that the present administration a child of necessity, was not from ACN, ANPP, APGA or CPC this place them in a very difficult awkward position to implement the template of the merger. Since they were coming from a pressured group known as MOVEMENT FOR A BETTER PLATEAU which is a pressure group. See attached letter of their request for special consideration for the MOVEMENT FOR A BETTER PLATEAU to join the merger with a letter dated 13th May 2013 address to the chairman technical committee of mergers at the National in their very words. “We want to assure the technical committee that the movement is not in any way attempting to undermine or take over the existing party structures of the various parties in the state.” Which is false, the structure have been high jacked by this Movement For A Better Plateau. To mention a few out of the list, the Governor, his Excellency Dr. Barr Simon Bako Lalong, the A.P.C State Chairman, the Secretary to the State Government, The Chief of Staff, the Party State Secretary etc all are from Movement For A Better Plateau which clearly shows that the merger principle and the templates were not followed. For the fact that the Governor is not only the Governor of Plateau state but the chairman of Northern Governors forum, he should have followed your footsteps when you said in your acceptance speech that you belong to everybody and belong to nobody. We expected him as a leader of Northern Governors forum to follow your steps but reverse is the case because his appointment is based on Movement for A Better Plateau which is a pressure group, based on friendship, classmates and southern senatorial basis. 7. The Defund C.P.C which is an active member that sacrifice her certificate to get a purposeful leadership that is given a global recognition and restoring integrity to our nation, the Plateau state chapter is still based on sentiments and relationship. 8. Also attached is a letter from Plateau Rescue front with the title: Governor Lalong is de-marketing the APC in Plateau State addressed to the Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. This is to further emphasize that something is fundamentally wrong with the Pressure groups that are in control in the state. 9. We suffered while you were struggling for the post of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and now that you have gotten the mandate, we cannot remain silent we need to let you know that we have not been carried along right from inception till now. 10. Mr. President Sir, the constitution of our great party dwells on the aims and objectives of the party clearly states that the party is expected to consciously pursue the implementation of policies and programmes of the party, through those of its members that are appointed or elected into government, legislatives house and Board throughout the federation, but reverse is the case on the Plateau because its aims and objectives is based on a Movement for a Better Plateau but not of a party’s constitution. No wonder the office of APC on the Plateau is under lock and key, you hardly meet any functional activities to prove that it is a party that is in control. Muhammad Sanusi former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria said “The worst form of corruption we have in this country is nepotism, when people get into position by virtue of personal loyalty, friendship and who they know, rather than what they can actually deliver by virtue of their competence for that office”. 11. Based on the above reason we are appealing for your kind consideration to intervene in this matter. This will go a long way to re-strengthening the confidence that our teaming supporters have in our party and the president Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. Because we want the party to go beyond the tenure of the President and to give a purposeful leadership. It is a well-established facts that the state chairman is coming from a Movement For A Better Plateau, and he is not from the legacy party we call upon the National caretaker committee to immediately constitute a caretaker committee in Plateau state for proper handling of party affair’s any shortfall of that is the betrayal of the merger policies. We are law abiding citizen so we will not take the law into our hands knowing fully that our President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR is a complete believer of law and order and he is completely against impunity to crown it all the chairman was not elected he was imposed base on the movement for a better Plateau. 12. Refusing to recognize us in the state politically is a technical way of reducing our strength and making us helpless knowing fully our vote in the last election before the merger we pulled 37% in 2011 for Mr. President despite all odds against us and we can do more come 2023 if been recognized politically by the Federal Government. 13. We strongly advise that names forwarded by the A.P.C State Chairman to National headquarters of the party for consideration for appointment are mostly members of Movement for a Better Plateau, henceforth, the National caretaker committeeshould disregard any communication in respect of our party from the State Chairman since he is not representing the interest of the party but that of a pressure group.We strongly recommend that before the extraordinary convention the caretaker committee should look into issues in various states and resolve before the extraordinary convention because since some states do not implement the merger and the template policies and with total disregard to the constitution of the party. The national caretaker committee should note that the tsunami of 2015 for the election of Mr. President was because he was generally an accepted candidate with over 12.5million followers that has been following him from ANPP to CPC so if the proper thing is not done, reverse will be the case in 2023 which we don’t want to be like that. Our lives began to end the day we became silent about things that matter. There is an adage which says that a sting in time saves nine. We also want to use this medium to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for his well-deserved victory at the polls, and his re-election goes to show that Nigerians have continued to keep faith with Mr. President in his three focal points by fulfilling his campaign promises, by sustaining security, fighting corruption and re-structuring the economy. We also want assure you that we support this administration in totality. While anticipating your kind responds, please your excellency accept the assurances of our high regards and esteem consideration. Yours sincerely,
EVS PODAR JOHNSON MSC, FIMC, ANIVS, RSV, CMC FORMER PIONEER SECRETARY/GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE’S 2011 DEFUND CPC PLATEAU STATECHAPTER AND LEGITIMATE ACP CHIFTAIN PLATEAU STATE 08037032754
ENGR SHEHU MUHAMMED BELLO FORMER PIONEER CARETAKER CHAIRMAN/SECURITY ADVISER DEFUND C.P.C PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER 08035882224
CC: APC CARETAKER COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN HIS EXCELLENCY MAI, MALA BUNI EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF YOBE STATE HIS EXCELLENCY NASIRU EL-RUFAI EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KADUNA STATE HIS EXCELLENCY SENATOR SIRIKA HADI HON MINISTER OF AVIATION FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ALH NAIM ALIYU PATRON DEFUND C.P.C PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER CAPT DIN RTD CHAIRMAN PLATEAU STATE ELDER FORUM SADIYA UMAR FAROUQ MINISTER FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
Okonjo-Iweala affirms what credentials WTO needs in its search for a new DG.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former coordinating minister of the economy and one of the frontline contestants for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has highlighted the kind of attributes the global trading body needs to lead it going forward.
Speaking in an interview with BBC’s Zeinab Badawi on BBC HardTalk, Dr Okonjo-Iweala avers that WTO does not need another negotiator or someone with technical expertise to lead it, as there are enough such skilled people in its ranks already. She affirms that what the apex trading organization needs to move it forward is something different; a reformer and someone with fresh ideas to complement what the WTO already has in its system.
Kaduna based lawyer Haro Gandu who is said to be working with the Kaduna state ministry of justice, has been killed while his wife and son were abducted.
This unfurtunate incident said to have occurred on Sunday night when his residence at Tollgate area, along Abuja Road, Kaduna, was invaded.
Report has it that, the attackers gained access to the house by breaking the window when the bandits shot the deceased on the shoulder as he was attempting to escape.
The narrative of criminality everywhere, bandits invading communities and breaking into homes, killing and abducting people, remained the same everywhere.
As at the of filing in this report, effect to get Mohammed Jalige, spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, proved unsuccessful.
The famous constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, who some considered to be, voice of the voiceless, has vowed to take legal action against the publishers of online news platform, Sahara Reporters over defamatory publications made against him.
Ozekhome who gave a 7-day Ultimatum to the Sahara Reporters demanding an immediate retraction of their (Sahara Reporters) publication titled ,, “WHY OZEKHOME WANTS MAGU DEAD! BY ISREAL OLAYIWOLA” also sought an open apology to him (Ozekhome) for what he described as“false, baseless, unfounded, malicious, mendacious, vindictive and done in utmost bad faith and grand apostasy is the said write up in its entirety”
In a letter made available to Sawabiya as signed by, one of Chief Ozekhome’s Solicitors and partners, Benson A. Igbanoi, Esq, who said they are acting on the Senior Advocate of Nigeria’s firm instructions we write you the letter, the human rights activist (Ozekhome) the publication by Sahara Reporters, has subjected him to considerable distress, psychological trauma, anxiety and greatly injured his character and reputation, which is capable of lowering his estimation in the eyes of right-thinking persons in society.
According to the letter, Ozekhome also denied every allegation of fact as contained in the said write-up, and as highlighted by Sahara Reporters in their news publication against him.
He also, termed the , said alligations as“ falsebaseless, reckless, unfounded, fallacious, malicious, ill-motivated, spiteful, cruel, malevolent, bitter and deliberately calculated to damage (and did actually damage) his hard-earned image, reputation and integrity built up over the years”.
Recalled, on July 18th, 2020, Sahara Reporters’ ISRAEL OLAYIWOLA had made a publication titled “why Ozekhome Wants Magu Dead”! Claiming that, “Nigerians deserve to know that Chief Ozekhome lacks the moral right to condemn any person accused of corruption because he himself is corruption personified”
Although Sahara’s SRAEL OLAYIWOLA having alleged in his write-up that, Ozekhome “wants Magu dead” and added that, ozekhome “lacks the moral right to condemn any person accused of corruption because he himself is corruption personified”. Sahara also said, the human rights lwayer was a member of 7-man panel of inquiry instituted by the Abacha regime “to probe, restructure and reorganise the Nigerian Customs”, but that the “panel was disbanded due to allegations that the members engaged in high level corruption”. “Under the current civilian administration, Chief Ozekhome has been involved in serious electoral malpractice” and that in “2007 general election, he was arrested with other armed thugs while snatching ballot boxes in Edo State.
Part of what Sahara alleged in their write up is that, “ The senior lawyer was paraded by the Police to the embarrassment of the Nigerian Bar Association”.
But on this note, Chief Ozekhome noted that, an earlier Sahara Reporters’ edition of April 14, 2007, which he was never aware of at that material time (but is now fully aware of, based on Sahara’s recent publication now complained about, saying, “thus making your new publication intentional, deliberate and aggravating)”
Full letter reads;
A 7-DAY ULTIMATUM TO WITHDRAW AND PUBLICLY APOLOGISE TO CHIEF MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN, ON YOUR WRITE-UP TITLED, “WHY OZEKHOME WANTS MAGU DEAD! BY ISREAL OLAYIWOLA”.
INTRODUCTION
We are Solicitors to Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, OFR, LL.M, Ph.D, FCIArb, LL.D (“our client”), on whose firm instructions we write you this letter. Our client has informed us of your highly defamatory write-up of and concerning him, which you published and circulated globally on your verified website page and your other social media page and handles (with links to other numerous online and social media platforms across the world, and the print and electronic media). In your said vile write up, you wrote, published and circulated, extremely defamatory and damaging materials against the person, character and status of our client. The said write up in its entirety, is false, baseless, unfounded, malicious, mendacious, vindictive and done in utmost bad faith and grand apostasy.
YOUR MALICIOUS AND FALSE ALLEGATIONS
In the said write-up, you falsely, recklessly and maliciously stated that:
Our client “wants Magu dead”. Our client “lacks the moral right to condemn any person accused of corruption because he himself is corruption personified”. Our client was a member of 7-man panel of inquiry instituted by the Abacha regime “to probe, restructure and reorganise the Nigerian Customs”, but that the “panel was disbanded due to allegations that the members engaged in high level corruption”. “Under the current civilian administration, Chief Ozekhome has been involved in serious electoral malpractice” and that in “2007 general election, he was arrested with other armed thugs while snatching ballot boxes in Edo State. The senior lawyer was paraded by the Police to the embarrassment of the Nigerian Bar Association”. You even referred to an earlier Sahara Reporters’ edition of April 14, 2007, which our client was never aware of at that material time (but is now fully aware of, based on your recent publication now complained about, thus making your new publication intentional, deliberate and aggravating). Our client “was caught and arrested while rigging for PDP”. Our client, an “ex-election rigger, has been commenting on the failure of Independent National Electoral Commission to hold credible elections”. “Another reason why Chief Ozekhome, SAN, wants Magu dead is that he was indicted for collecting N75 million from Mr Ayo Fayose as legal fees which turned out to be from the proceed of crime of money laundering”. Our client “ran to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, SAN, for protection”. Our client “twisted his story on Magu to say that he reported allegations against Mr Magu to the Vice President”. Our client “claims that he had submitted evidence of corrupt practices committed by Mr Magu”. Our client “committed serious electoral offences and money laundering, and (since there is) no stature of limitation against criminal offences, he should be charged to court as nobody is above the law”. Our client is “a garrulous fellow” and he “should stop insulting the Nigerian people”.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR FALSE PUBLICATIONS
Our client clearly and unambiguously denies each and every allegation of fact as contained in your said vile write-up, and as highlighted above, as same are utterly false, baseless, reckless, unfounded, fallacious, malicious, ill-motivated, spiteful, cruel, malevolent, bitter and deliberately calculated to damage (and did actually damage) our client’s hard-earned image, reputation and integrity built up over the years. Our client has thereby suffered huge damage, public ridicule, odium, obloquy, derision, opprobrium, vilification, mental agony and psychological trauma.
WHO OUR CLIENT IS
Our client, inter alia, is a renowned constitutional, lawyer, leading Human Rights Activist, Notary Public, pro-Democracy campaigner, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM), Voice of the People (VOP), Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Author, Bencher, Member of the NBA National Executive Committee, Multi-Columnist, Motivational Speaker, Public Affairs Analyst and Knight of the Order of St Mulumba (KSM), in the Catholic Church. Our client, a dedicated family man, Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and Pan-Nigerian patriot, who co-founded the first Human Rights Organisation in Nigeria in 1987, called the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), and other rights organisations, has participated in many constitutional conferences aimed at re-engineering the Nigerian nation. These are the 2005 National Political Reform Conference, Vision 2020 of 2009 and the 2014 National Conference.
Our client has a Ph.D (by thesis), over 7 Doctorate Degrees (hororis causa) and over 14 Fellowships from across the globe. Our client who has handled some jurisprudentially defining law cases in Nigeria, is a Counsel at the International Criminal Court at The Hague, and operates a Foundation (Mike Ozekhome Foundation, MOC), that has impacted positively on the most vulnerable members of the society. Our client has been celebrated globally with hundreds of national and international awards, honours and chieftaincy titles. He belongs to many professional and community-based organisations and Associations.
OUR CLIENT’S SPECIFIC DENIAL
Specifically, our client:
Has never wanted Magu dead. He does not have any reason or cause for this puerile, infantile and false allegation. Has strenuously, over the years, spoken against corruption, its ills and how to curb and kill it. Has never for once been arraigned, tried or convicted of any known criminal offence, whether in Nigeria, or outside Nigeria, or anywhere in the world, relating to corruption, electoral offences, or any other offence(s) howsoever. Has never received, nor been indicted for receiving any proceed of crime as professional fees, nor ever run to, or ever approached the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo, SAN, “for protection”, or for any other reason howsoever or whatsoever. 5. Has never been involved in any election rigging, electoral malpractice, ballot boxes or ballot papers-snatching, nor ever been “paraded by the Police to the embarrassment of the Nigerian Bar Association”.
6. Never participated in any 7-man panel to probe, restructure or reorganise the Nigerian Customs, which panel was allegedly “disbanded due to allegations that the members had engaged in high level corruption”.
OUR MODEST DEMANDS
We have our client’s instructions to demand and we hereby demand for the following: That you publish or cause to be published, a full retraction of the above utterly false, reckless and defamatory write-up complained about. That you tender an unreserved public apology to our client on your same official social media platforms and all other channels, platforms or links through which the highly libellous and malicious publications were published and circulated.
TAKE NOTICE that if you fail, refuse and or/neglect to carry out the above modest and very friendlydemands within 7 days from the date of this letter, we shall, without any further correspondence from us, institute legal proceedings against you, Sahara Reporters and those perennially egging it on, in its long-time mission of unprovoked vendetta to destroy our client’s person, honour, integrity, character, social status, profession and attributes, which he has taken decades of sweat, pains and pangs from lowly beginnings to build up.
FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that in the event that our client is thus compelled to approach the court for redress, we shall be claiming from you and the above mentioned entity and persons, reliefs that will, in addition to the above accommodating demands, include aggravated, punitive and exemplary damages in the sum of N5 billion
This letter is a clear warning letter to give you an opportunity to accept the olive branch extended to you by our client, whose feelings, name, character, dignity andreputation have been gravely and deeply injured by your reckless and ill-intentioned publications. A word is enough for the wise. To say more at this stage will be otiose.
The House of Representatives on Thursday, took a decision to drag Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, before a Court of law, for making indicting comment against its members.
Akpabio, on Monday told the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) probing alleged financial recklessness when he appeared before it that about 60% of total contracts at the NDDC were awarded to members of the National Assembly, NASS.
Irked by the comment, the lawmakers passed a resolution the next day and gave the Minister, 48 hours to make public the names and details of the lawmakers, who he alleged were beneficiaries of the contacts.
At the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum on Thursday, Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, in his opening speech at the plenary ordered that the Minister be sued for making such “indicting” comment, which he had failed to substantiate.
Meanwhile, Akpabio on his part had denied accusing Reps of taking 60 percent contracts from commission.
Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday denied accusing members of the National Assembly of collecting 60 percent of the contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in a message contained in a letter which was read on the floor of the House of Representatives during plenary by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.
According to the letter, the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs said, the only reference he made to 60 percent during his presentation before the NDDC committee a few days ago was in response to a question by a member of the committee.
The Minister further explained in the letter that, “the member had sought to know whether a Medical Director can serve as an Executive Director, Project”
Akpabio maintained that, his response was that since 50 to 60 percent of NDDC contracts were medical-related, there was nothing wrong in a Medical Director serving in that capacity.
A former ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, Buba Galadima has said the removal of Ibrahim Magu, suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is a mere propaganda.
According to the report, Galadima said Magu’s replacement is simply a case of “use and dump”.
He alleged that Magu had been doing the bidding of some powerful elements in the incumbent administration but had stepped on some toes which led to his suspension.
“His suspension was long overdue. Magu should have been long suspended from office but why it took Buhari’s administration five years to remove him may be a surprise to many Nigerians, but for me, it is not,” he said.
“Magu remained that long in office because he has been doing the bidding of some powerful elements in Buhari’s administration.
“But obviously he had stepped on some toes, and that’s why they’ve now decided to do away with him.”
He said the ongoing probe is a propaganda, alleging that nothing fruitful will come out of it.
“I believe Magu has offended a powerful cabal in Buhari’s administration, and that’s why they decided to remove him,” he said.
“I am not trying to defend Magu, I have never been his admirer but Nigerians should not be deceived that Magu was sacked because of Buhari’s administration’s commitment to the anti-corruption war. Magu is just being made a scapegoat to create the impression that Buhari is fighting corruption.
“Go and mark my words, nothing will come out of Magu’s case. It’s just like they want to entertain us, it is all part of propaganda to create impression that this administration is fighting corruption.” Galadima explained.
Meanwhile, Nuniel has Revealed how Akpabio wanted her to award contracts for things available in store as Akpabio Revealed how most contracts in NDDC were been awarded to NASS members.
While Ag. NDDC MD, Pondei, dramatically Slumped during Reps Committee interrogation and Gbajabiamila (National Assembly) on it’s part announced that, the Slumped NDDC’s MD, Pondei Will Not Appear Again Before Panel.
The Minister of Niger Delta affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has revealed how most of the contracts in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, were being awarded to the members of the National Assembly.
The minister who made this revelation on Monday in Abuja while addressing the House of Representatives Committee investigating the missing N40 billion from the NDDC said, “Who are even the greatest beneficiary of the contracts? It’s you people at the national assembly”.
Akpabio also disassociates himself from comments on NASS investigation of N40bn alleged fraud
Although a female lawmaker had interrupted him saying: “Can I ask you a question? What is the benefit that the national assembly is benefiting from NDDC?”
But Akpabio insisted that, “I just told you that we have records to show that most of the contracts in NDDC are given out to members of the national assembly but you don’t know about it, the two chairmen can explain to you. I was a member of the NDDC committee so I know about it.”
The minister also disclosed reasons behind sacking Dr. Joi Nunieh as the acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
Concerning Ms Nunieh was sacked, the minister explained that, it was following a letter from the late Chief of Staff Abba Kyari which claimed that the former NDDC boss does not have an NYSC certificate citing insubordination and her refusal to attend a meeting of the Federal Executive Council to offer explanation on certain actions of the Commission, as another reason leading to her been sacked.
Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Prof Keme Pondei slumped as the House of Representatives committee on NDDC questioned him on Monday at the venue of the NDDC investigative hearing.
Just as Court restrains police, others from arresting the immediate past Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Joy Nuniel, Nuniel has reveale how pressure was mounted on her to give out Christmas palliatives last year to the tune of N10 billion.
Had she yielded, each of the states under the operations of the commission would have collected a minimum of N1 billion.
Her refusal to play ball, she told the House of Representatives on Niger Delta, was one of the ‘sins’ that cost her the appointment.
The committee is investigating financial dealings of the commission.
For the umpteenth time, Nunieh accused Niger Delta Affairs Minister Godswill Akpabio of upsetting a lot of things at the commission.
The House Committee summoned the minister to appear before it on Monday to come and respond to the allegations against him.
Akpabio himself threatened to sue Nunieh for defamation after the former NDDC boss alleged that the minister made sexual overtures to her which she rejected.
Akpabio said: “There is no scintilla of truth in all the allegations peddled around by Ms. Nunieh. They are simply false!”
Ruling on Friday on an ex parte application filed by Nunieh, a Rivers State High Court granted an interim injunction restraining the police from inviting or arresting her, pending the determination of the substantive case before the court.
The ruling came a few hours after the police in the state said that the deployment of policemen to Nunieh’s Port Harcourt residence on Thursday was official and was known to the Inspector General .
They asked Governor Nyesom Wike who ‘rescued’ her from the police on the day to release her ostensibly for interrogation.
Testifying before the House of Reps on the Zoom platform on Friday, Nunieh said all the talk about forensic audit in the NDDC was false as no such audit has started despite alleged huge payments made for the purpose.
She said: “Two days after our inauguration, at the same Le Meridien Hotel (Port Harcourt), that was his first meeting with the IMC (Interim Management Committee), namely Dr. Cairo Ojougboh; the late EDFA, which I will not be talking about much, let me respect his soul, and the only other staff of the NDDC that was there, one Mr. Etiebet, who later became the head of the procurement unit.
“At that meeting, he (Akpabio) reminded me about the dollars. Secondly, he told me that he wanted me to send some staff away; that they were the ones that spoilt Mrs Akwagaga (Enyia) who refused to sign and make certain payments and that he did not want them to spoil me.
“He said the first thing I would do was to write a letter to him – he gave me the draft; that I should put it on my letterhead. In that letter, I was supposed to write that Senator (Peter) Nwaboshi owned the 98 companies. I never ever told the world that Senator Nwaboshi was the senator that was collecting the N1 billion.
“The issue of the N1 billion was different. I said how can an individual be collecting N1 billion every month? The case of Senator Nwaboshi is the case of the 98 companies which I was supposed to write about.
“The other thing was for employment. Of course, he had collected CVs from all gangs of godfathers. I also said I’m from the Niger Delta, and before I came, there was the issue of employment. The Federal Character Commission was giving NDDC the approval for employment, but that was stopped because of the scandal. I want to tell the world that I never did any employment. I never gave out a single contract from NDDC.”
On allegations of corruption against her, she said: “I am not corrupt. No contractor can sit anywhere and say they gave me N10. And I can say before the world that I’m the most unpopular MD ever that came to NDDC.
“The money of the people of Niger Delta is blood money; I refused to touch it. Even when my friends were contractors, even when they claimed that they were owed monies, my instruction was that everybody should go and finish their jobs.
“Everybody saw contractors go back to sites when I was MD. I was privileged to see all the videos. For one job, five people would send me videos of completion – the same job, the same video – and I would just laugh.”
The former NDDC boss blamed the problems in the NDDC on three groups.
Her words: “One group is the management, which is the IMC, and everybody is against the IMC. The second group is the staff of NDDC. And the third group, which I will start with, is the people of Niger Delta.
“This story that we are all calling embarrassing stories cannot be complete without saying that the people of the Niger Delta region are responsible for what has happened – the frauds and corruption that have taken place in the NDDC. I’m speaking from personal experience.
Read Also: NDDC probe: PDP demands Akpabio’s suspension, disbandment of IMC “As soon as an MD is appointed, people begin to rejoice and celebrate, not because they want you to do the right thing; not because they are interested in the development of the Niger Delta; but because they believe that it is now their turn to eat of the national cake.
“They are not interested in anything. All they want is like palliatives. That is why for those who did not harden their heart like me, they fell for this palliative matter and they started giving out.
“But because I was strong; because I always remembered the case of Gani Fawehinmi. Fawehinmi fought for the masses of this country. When he said he wanted to contest an election, they were not there. I remember that I needed to stand properly.
“The second class is the staff. The staff of NDDC are from the Niger Delta region. The contracts that have been awarded are for their communities.
“When I was appointed, I went from office to office; I sat in their offices and I told them, ‘You people are responsible for what has gone wrong in the zone.’
“All the staff have in their wards or local government areas projects. If every staff of NDDC takes up a project in their local government area and ensures that they are well done, we will not have these issues.
“Thirdly, the IMC. For the first time in the history of NDDC, no palliatives were given. I did not give out Christmas palliatives. I was under pressure to bring N10bn – N1bn per state – but I refused. The youths were complaining that things were difficult and I said ‘the day I give you this money, you know I have started collecting your money.’
“I never gave any Christmas bonus or palliative during my time. For the first time in the history of NDDC, NDDC worked throughout December. There was no break except on public holidays.”
When asked to speak on the forensic audit by the Chairman of the Committee, for which the IMC was constituted, Nunieh said: “What I met was not exactly what is going on. Akpabio insisted that he would supervise the forensic audit.
“I reminded and showed him the letter that the President had written, and told him that there was no way we could spend the money that was in our budget.
“In his memo to the President, he requested that the money for the funding of the forensic audit be gotten from the Service Wide Vote. Mr. President, in his wisdom, refused that request and in writing said that it should be from NDDC’s appropriation, making NDDC the producing entity.
“When I was there, I was the one who prepared all the documents for the forensic audit and sent in the applications.
“The first thing was for us to go through the procurement of the lead consultant. Many people have clearly misunderstood the procurement of the lead consultant.
“But because I did not want any illegality and the forensic audit to be discredited, I, with the help of big consultants, came up with the terms of reference for these auditors. The lead consultant that everyone is talking about is not the forensic auditor.
“When all the forensic auditors have gotten all the data and reports from fields, they will put them together and give to the lead consultant who will put them together in a report. That is just his role. He is not the one to carry out any forensic audit.”
She claimed that none of the nine companies touted as having been saddled with carrying out the forensic audit has any such experience.
She said what should have been done was to write to the office of the Auditor General of the Federation to furnish the commission with a list of registered and reputable auditing firms that have carried out forensic audit in the country before.
She said that the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs misled Nigerians when he said that the National Assembly prompted her to move the forensic audit.
She denied reports that N642 million was paid by the IMC for media support for the forensic audit, saying while there as the MD, the only payment she made was directly to the media houses.
She claimed that she never paid any money for forensic audit since there was none going on and since the auditors had not been appointed because the appropriation for the audit had not been passed.
She also alleged that Senator Akpabio wanted her to award contracts for the supply of medical equipment which the commission already had in its store but she refused to oblige him, rather requesting him to pass on the instruction in writing.
On the way forward, she asked that the NDDC be taken away from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and put under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Scholarship budget diverted into private accounts of NDDC officials – Witness
Also testifying before the committee yesterday, the Head of Research at the Act for Positive Transformation Initiative (APTI), Johnson Kolawole, alleged that some NDDC officials diverted monies meant for students under scholarship into their personal accounts.
”They (students) kept crying that their dues are not being paid and they are being locked out by their schools,” Kolawole said.
He claimed that while the students were complaining of the non-payment of the scholarship monies, “the NDDC team were busy paying themselves monies meant for students.”
He said some of the affected students had reached out to him to complain about their plight.
He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to come to the aid of the students “as fast as possible, even if it means bending the rules.”
He also said that the IMC had expended over N80 billion between January 2020 and May 2020 as against the N22 billion repeatedly portrayed by the IMC.
He said that the 2019 Appropriation Act as passed by the National Assembly provided for some emergency projects across the state in the region with an additional N800 million as emergency contingency sum.
According to him, the IMC has spent N20 billion on emergency road repairs; there are fraudulent cases of contract inflation and non-implementation.
“How would they explain the payment of N13.6 million for consultancy on the construction of ‘infant Jesus’?
He said: “On May 19, 2020, the IMC paid a firm N39.375 million as consultancy fee for rebuttal. What a waste!
“The company had earlier received 34 million naira into its account for ‘consultancy on reputation management for NDDC’.
“Same day, when businesses and countries were closing their doors, the same company was paid N34 million for ‘Niger Delta Development Forum in Washington DC, USA’ and another N32.9 million for ‘Summit on NDDC and Investment Opportunities in Dorchester, London’, same day.
“There was no evidence of implementation of above contracts. Money paid went to private individuals; this ad hoc committee can call for the account statements of the firm to verify this.
“Same company received into same account a sum of 536 Million Naira for “campaign to save lives” in the Niger Delta on April 23, 2020.
“The payment was broken into 16 units to divert attention. Again, the money went into private pockets. Some staffs of the commission were beneficiaries.
“May 22nd, another N641 million was paid to same company for media support for forensic audit as though forensic audit was meant to be a media affair.”
The Committee summoned the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs to appear before it by 11am on Monday to respond to the issues raised by Nunieh.
It also directed the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC to also appear unfailingly with the Minister.
Notice of the summons is to be made through the electronic media or any other medium.
Akpabio denies Nunieh allegations, threatens to sue for defamation
Akpabio, in a statement on Friday through his Special Assistant on Media, Anietie Ekong, said he had instructed his lawyers to seek redress in court over alleged defamatory statements made by the former NDDC boss.
Ms Nunieh had accused the minister of making sexual overtures to her.
In the statement, Ekong described Nunieh’s allegations as “cornucopia of false, malicious and libelous.”
He said: “The Honourable Minister’s initial attitude was to allow his lawyers and the judicial system vindicate him of the false allegations against him, but he is compelled to react to some of the wayward allegations leveled against his person by Ms. Nunieh, especially the one bordering on sexual harassment.
“To start with, let it be known that there is no scintilla of truth in all the allegations peddled around by Ms. Nunieh. They are simply false!
“The Honourable Minister did not at any time, place or circumstance make any form of sexual advances to Ms. Nunieh, not even to put himself in a position or posture suggestive of sexual advances towards Ms. Nunieh, or any female staff of his Ministry or the NDDC.
“For the records, the Honourable Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON is happily married and contented with his wife. Together they are blessed with children, four of whom are young women.
“The Honourable Minister is an avid believer of the Affirmative Action and that was visible in the appointments he made as a two (2) term Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015. Under his watch, he appointed several women into various high level positions as chairpersons of Local Government Councils, Magistrates, Judges, Heads of Parastatals, Directors, Permanent Secretaries, and Commissioners.
“The Honourable Minister has never hidden his admiration and respect for his wife, Mrs. Ekaete Akpabio, children and sisters. He therefore felt compelled to react to the malicious attack on his person by Ms. Nunieh bordering on allegations of sexual harassment.
“The Honourable Minister therefore finds the said allegation nauseating and a very cheap blackmail, for Ms. Nunieh to suggest or insinuate that he sexually harassed her while she was the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC.
“The Honourable Minister has taken steps to instruct his lawyers to seek necessary redress in a court of competent jurisdiction on his behalf over the defamatory statements made by Ms. Nunieh.
“On a final note, while encouraging all Nigerians to hold their leaders to account, he urges them to take their time to sift between the chaff and the substance before embarking on far reaching allegations, opinions and views.”
Court restrains Police, NDDC, others from arresting Joi Nunieh
A River State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Friday granted Nunieh an order of injunction restraining the police from inviting or arresting her pending the determination of the substantive case before the court.
The order came moments after the State Commissioner of Police (CP), Joseph Mukan, asked Governor Nyesom Wike to hand Nunieh over to the police for questioning and protection.
Mukan made the call following a failed attempt by officers of the Inspector General of Police (IG) Monitoring Unit to arrest the former MD at her Port Harcourt residence on Thursday morning.
Wike had said he rescued Nunieh from the police and took her to the Government House where she is being shielded from “abduction” by the police.
The governor described the police siege on Nunieh’s residence as illegal since they could not produce a warrant for her arrest.
He also claimed that the police commissioner appeared not to know anything about the operation.
He called on the IGP to investigate the operation properly to ascertain that the officers are really men of the Nigerian Police Force.
But the CP on Friday confirmed that the operation was legal.
Mukan said: “Nobody says Governor Wike should not protect his citizens, but everything should be done within the confines of the law.
“The IGP Monitoring Unit of the command yesterday (Thursday) came in with their investigation activities which we endorsed.
“It was never an illegal duty; it was a legitimate duty of the unit. We were aware of their presence there.
“I am the chief law enforcement officer of the command. If you rescue your citizen, we expect you to turn her over to the police, who are in a better position to protect her.”
The CP expressed the hope that Governor Wike would do the needful by turning Ms Nunieh over, insisting that the IGP’s visit to her residence was simply to arrest her and not for abduction, and it was a legitimate exercise.
He added: “I have personally got in touch with him (Wike) and have advised him to turn her over to the police because the exercise was legitimate and within the confines of the law.”
On claims that the said arresting officers had no arrest warrant, he said arrests could be made with or without warrant, but that the important thing is that warrant must be prepared after the arrest.
“What people need to understand is that it is not in every situation that warrant of arrest must be produced before arrest is made. There are situations where arrests can be made before warrant of arrest is produced.
The Federal Government has given school owners till July, 29 to meet specific guidelines for the safe reopening of schools. It said schools are expected to undertake self-assessment and send feedback to State Ministries of Education, not later than 29th July 2020. The government said an official date for safe reopening of schools will be announced once these guidelines are in place. Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, stated these on Friday in Abuja. Nwajiuba said the Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE), having consulted widely, has in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Education in Emergencies Working Group, developed and circulated guidelines for the reopening of schools. In a statement on Friday by the Director of Information, FMoE, Ben Goong, the minister said school owners are expected to prepare and comply with the guidelines. “Thereafter, consultations with relevant stakeholders will be held to review the situation and decide on a specific date for reopening or otherwise. “Furthermore, the Minister said, having taken the painful but necessary decision not to reopen schools without necessary preparations to ensure the safety of students and teachers, the Federal Ministry of Education has continued consultations with stakeholders, and a mechanism to assess and monitor compliance shall be put in place,” the statement said.
The minister said the ministry has consulted with
Commissioners of Education in the 36 states, the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria,(APSON), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools,(NAPPS), Provosts of Colleges of Education, Rectors of Polytechnics, Vice-Chancellors of Universities, some State Governors and development partners since Tuesday last week. On WAEC, Nwajuiba said: “We met with WAEC on Monday and have agreed to further consult with four other countries on new examination date.
Adamu Adamu, minister of education
“We appreciate the concern shown by all stakeholders and note the divergent views expressed on the matter. “Parents should be rest assured that the safety of our students and teachers is paramount as we work assiduously towards speedy reopening of our schools for the exit classes to take external examinations.
Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kemebradikumo Pondei, has revealed that, the commission spent a whopping sum of N1.5 billion for staff as COVID-19 palliatives.
The NDDC Managing Director made this revelation. has at the investigative hearing on the N40 billion corruption allegations levelled against the commission.
Recall that the Senate had on May 5, set up a seven-man ad-hoc committee to investigate the “financial recklessness” of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NDDC
.According to the lawmakers, the Commission had within the last three months spent over N40 billion of the commission’s fund ”without recourse to established processes of funds disbursement, which has opened up further suspicion among stakeholders of the Niger Delta Region.”
The Committee equally faulted the IMC’s ”arbitrary use of executive power in an alleged wrongful sacking of management staff without recourse to established civil service rules and practices with the aim of allegedly concealing the fraudulent financial recklessness they have committed.”
Chairman of the Committee, Olubunmi Adetumbi in reading the audit report said N3.1 billion was spent as COVID-19 funds between October 2019 and May 2020.
“N10 million was paid to one person, N7 million to two people, N5 million to three people, 148 people took N3 million each, 157 people got N1.5 million each, 497 people got N1 million each and 464 people were paid N600,000 each.”
He further revealed that another sum of N475 million was given to the police to purchase face masks and hand sanitisers.
However, in his response to the allegations concerning COVID-19, the NDDC staff said “only N1.5 billion was used to take care of staff” not minding that government was still paying their salaries.
He equally claimed that part of the fund was for the youth of Niger Delta.
“The youth were given palliatives to help cushion the effect of the pandemic on the people. The youth were idle and to avoid violence, they were paid,” he said.
“Five million for youths and five million for women and five million for people living with disabilities in each senatorial district,” he stated.
According to him, the remaining fund was spent on staff of the commission.
“We used it to take care of ourselves. We are NDDC, we need to take care of ourselves too,” he said.
NDDC Headquarters, Port Harcourt, Rivers state When asked why the police was given N475 million, Mr Pondei said a request was made from”the high command of police and the management took a look at it and approved it.”
Meanwhile, members of the Senate Committee set up by the red Chambers were stunned on Thursday when the acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kemebradikumo Pondei, admitted that the commission spent a whopping sum of N1.5 billion for staff as COVID-19 palliatives.
The investigative hearing is expected to continue today (Friday).
SAWABIYANews 
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