The Plateau Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has made a significant breakthrough in combating vandalism as it apprehended seven suspects for their alleged involvement in vandalizing railway tracks and slippers in the state. Alexander Barunde, the Commandant of the Corps in Plateau State, disclosed this while parading the suspects in Jos. According to Barunde, the arrests were made in Kwakwi community, located in Riyom Local Government Area, following a tip-off from vigilant members of the community.
Barunde detailed the items seized from the suspected vandals, which included sixty pieces of railway tracks, thirty slippers, and various other materials. He stated that the suspects had loaded these items onto two trucks and were en route to an undisclosed destination when they were intercepted by NSCDC operatives.
He affirmed, “My men apprehended and brought them here for interrogation. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
One of the suspects, identified as Ahmed Mohammed, denied any involvement in the vandalism, claiming that they were merely contracted to transport the items.
This development occurs as the state government prepares to revive rail mass transit within the Jos and Bukuru metropolis, according to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The successful arrest of these suspects underscores the commitment of security agencies in Plateau State to combatting crime and safeguarding critical infrastructure. The NSCDC’s swift action serves as a warning to potential vandals and reinforces the importance of community collaboration in maintaining law and order.
In a momentous occasion for the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA), two of its esteemed members, Lillian Madaki and Alex Yibekas Sankara, have been appointed as Principal Special Assistants on Media to the Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr Caleb Mutfwang. PLABOMA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Lillian Madaki and Alex Yibekas Sankara on their well-deserved appointments.
Lillian Madaki, a seasoned media practitioner known for her insightful reporting and dedication to promoting transparency and accountability, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Lillian has consistently contributed to the advancement of media professionalism in Plateau State. Her appointment as Principal Special Assistant on Media is a testament to her exceptional skills and commitment to excellence.
Similarly, Alex Yibekas Sankara, a dynamic and innovative media practitioner, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to digital media and communication. Through his work, Alex has demonstrated a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape and a knack for engaging audiences through compelling content. His appointment as Principal Special Assistant on Media underscores his invaluable expertise and leadership in the field of online media.
As members of PLABOMA, Lillian Madaki and Alex Yibekas Sankara have been instrumental in fostering collaboration and networking within the media community in Plateau State. Their dedication to promoting ethical journalism practices and amplifying diverse voices has significantly contributed to the growth and development of the media industry in the region.
In their new roles, Lillian Madaki and Alex Yibekas Sankara are poised to make significant contributions to the media landscape of Plateau State and support the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang in effectively communicating its policies and initiatives to the public.
PLABOMA congratulates Lillian Madaki and Alex Yibekas Sankara on their appointments and wishes them success as they embark on this new chapter of their careers. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring media professionals across Plateau State, and their continued dedication to excellence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the media landscape of the region.
Signed,
Friday Bako Chairman, Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA)
Leader of the APC in Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Bako Lalong has expressed shock and condemnation over the gruesome murder of the Plateau State APC Publicity Secretary Mr. Sylvanus Namang who was killed by yet to be identified gunmen in Pankshin shortly after arriving from Mangu where he had attended a funeral event.
Lalong said he was devastated by the news of the barbaric killing of the APC spokesperson who was an accomplished journalist, politician and community leader.
He described the act as unfortunate and condemnable, urging the security agencies to swing into action and ensure that the killers of Mr. Namang are fished out and brought to justice.
He said although it is too early to conclude on motives behind the assassination of the Plateau APC spokesperson, his death is certainly a big loss to his immediate family and the APC in the State and nation at large.
The Senator said the late Sylvanus Namang was an accomplished journalist and media manager who rose to the peak of his career and retired successfully before taking part in active politics where he gave the APC sound visibility upon taking over as State Publicity Secretary.
The former Governor commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed God to comfort them at this difficult time, assuring them that the APC family will do everything possible to unearth those behind his gruesome murder and ensure they face justice.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Special Adviser (Media) to Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Plateau South Senatorial District. 18th February 2024.
Tragedy struck in Plateau State as gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, claimed the lives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Spokesperson, Honorable Sylvanus Namang, and businessman Sunny Best in a fatal attack in Pankshin Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, left Honorable Namang fatally wounded, succumbing to his injuries shortly thereafter. As the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Plateau State, Namang’s untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the political community.
Confirming the devastating news, APC Plateau State Chairman, Honorable Rufus Bature, expressed his condolences to the press in Jos. The loss of Namang, a dedicated party member, has left a void in the political landscape of the state.
Reports indicate that the attack took place at a provision store in Pankshin, where both Namang and businessman Sunny Best fell victim to the assailants’ violence. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation as authorities work to apprehend those responsible. Namang, a former director at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), served as the General Manager of Lafia FM Radio for four years before assuming the role of APC Spokesperson in Plateau State. Additionally, he served as the Chief Press Secretary to the late Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, showcasing his dedication to public service throughout his career.
The loss of Namang and Mr. Best has left the community reeling, as friends, colleagues, and loved ones mourn their untimely passing. As investigations into the attack continue, the Plateau State community remains united in condemning such senseless acts of violence and calling for justice to be served.
Comrade Luka Pampe, an academician and a Peace Advocate pointed to economic factors as the primary driver of conflict and attacks in Plateau State. Delivering a keynote speech at the Plateau Youth Council (PYC) Summit on Peace and Security, he emphasized the historical richness of the state in mineral resources and agriculture.
The PYC Summit, held on Saturday at Azi Nyako Youth Center in Jos, focused on redefining Plateau youth’s role in addressing community attacks and implementing effective surveillance strategies.
Comrade Pampe acknowledged the commendable effort of the youth council in convening the timely meeting and stressed the need to question the motives behind continuous attacks and the speculation of displacing locals.
Delving into Plateau State’s history, Comrade Pampe highlighted the significant role of mining dating back to 1815 and 1849 when iron ore extraction began. He noted the discovery of various solid minerals, leading to conflicts around mining areas and local marginalization.
The early development of Jos, known as “gwash and jot,” involved the extraction and transportation of minerals, creating disputes over land ownership. Comrade Pampe underscored the economic roots of the crisis, pointing out that the Plateau communities with rich mining and agricultural resources have become targets.
Comrade Pampe outlined how the politics of the region has complicated efforts to unite Plateau people against continuous attacks. He emphasized the necessity of a unified approach to tackle security issues, calling for a sense of purpose and collaboration among the states.
In addressing the security challenges, Comrade Pampe proposed comprehensive surveillance strategies, including covered intelligence, aerial surveillance, and human intelligence. Covered intelligence involves deploying secret agents to gather insights on potential attacks, while aerial surveillance provides control over airspace for swift responses. Human intelligence surveillance was also highlighted as a crucial aspect.
Hon Dewan Gabriel, Speaker of the House of Assembly, led a delegation to the summit and urged unity among the youth while seeking continuous prayers for the leaders. He emphasized the belief that every problem has a solution.
Cmr. Walshak Kumwen, Publicity Secretary, PYC, explained that the summit aimed to unravel security challenges and bring together youth leaders from diverse backgrounds to discuss and implement practical solutions. He assured that the youth council would work on actionable points raised during the summit to address the ongoing attacks in Plateau State.
The PYC remains committed to achieving stable peace in the state through collaborative efforts and the implementation of effective strategies identified during the summit.
NSCDC RECEIVES COMMUNICATION GADGETS TO ENHANCE SURVEILLANCE
As part of measures to ensure safety, security of lives and property as well as surveillance of critical national assets and infrastructure, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has received three drones and 100 high profiled self configured gadgets from international partners.
Commandant General Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni, OFR who received the gadgets on behalf of the Corps in his office, thanked Equipping the Needy Initiative (ETNI) and its partner for the kind gesture.
The Commandant General further reiterated that ETNI has demonstrated through their donation that security is a collaborative effort.
Our partners in their previous visit promised partnership and true to their words, they have come to fulfill that promise today, it shows that they just don’t do the talk they work the talk, the CG added.
Dr Audi also gave the assurance that the gadgets donated will be optimally utilized, “anything being given has been given as a trust and the communication centre so promised will serve as a command and control center where we will harness our national operations. The Corps is in charge of liberated areas and provides safety and security to IDP camps.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Equipping the Needy Initiative, Dr Benedict Aliku in company of some passionate citizens of the United States who are also security experts and consultants, in his address said that their donation is a testament of their commitment to supporting the NSCDC, with the firm belief that security is a collective responsibility and their resolve to play their part effectively.
Benedict maintained that the organization will explore other areas for more collaboration, hence the intention to leverage on the NSCDC Act for future endeavors.
“One such initiative as we leverage on the NSCDC Act 2003 as ammended 2007 is to embark on IDP shelter projects for the Needy in five states of Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa, and will be managed by the NSCDC” he said.
He also added the construction of a communication Command Center that will be domiciled at the National Headquarters that will coordinate surveillance across the nation.
Another high point was the presentation of award to the Commandant General in recognition of his unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of the people of Nigeria.
The Commandant in charge of Counter Terrorism Unit CC Edike Akpan, thanked the Commandant General and partners of the Corps for beefing up the unit to meet international best practices and assured of the unit’s readiness to utilize the facility well.
The passionate United States citizens present were Judd Saul, International Dirctor ETNI, Steve Fisher- US Adversary Board, Doug Bouton- US journalist and Mark Danner- Security consultant.
The delegation later moved to the proposed site for the construction of the Counter terrorism Response and Communication Centre.
Signed: CSC Babawale Zaid Afolabi National PRO NSCDC NHQ Abuja
In the wake of the unfortunate attacks in several rural communities in Plateau State, especially in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs which claimed hundreds of lives, government at all levels as well as security agencies have intensified effort in order to stemm the tide.
In order to contribute significantly to the sustainable peace in Plateau State, the Plateau State Youth Council, under the Office of the Public Relations Office, Comrade Walshak Kumwen, is set to host a Peace and Security Summit in order to find answers to the security challenges in the State. The one-day summit on Peace and Security is expected to bring together, Youth leaders across ethic and religious interests, as well as key players leading in the facilitation of Peace and Security in Plateau State, in order to discuss extensively and chant a practical wayfoward.
This all important summit with the theme ‘Redefining Plateau Youths in Stemming the Tide of Community Attacks in Local Governments and Surveillance Strategies is expected to hold this Saturday 20th January, 2024 at the Azi Nyako Youth Center, Dadin Kowa Jos.
Guest Speakers at the event include Dr Chris Kwaja and Luka Pampe, while Guest Discussants include the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven Major General A. E Abubakar and the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Ephraim Usman.
A call was made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow a sigh of relief and a breath of fresh air on the Nigerian Paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior.
A statement by an Integrity group who are said to be the watchdog of society and advocate for good governance said agencies like Immigration, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the Civil Servants, and other security agencies are being suffocated under the present administration which promised a renewed hope to all Nigerians.
The group secretary general, Mustapha Aliyu Usman appended his signature and made it available to our correspondent worried that the embattled Minister of Humanitarian, Dr Betta Edu was lavishing Nigerian money in hard currency but agencies protecting the corporate image of the country are suffering in paupers amount as salaries and allowances.
The statement read that if Betta Edu was found dashing her workers five hundred US dollars (500) for lunch as a Minister, a beneficiary in bewilderment was heard saying that the amount was too much for a lunch it shows Paramilitary must feel the same breath to survive.
The group recalled how the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari approved rent subsidies and peculiar allowances since June, 202 for immigration and NSCDC alleged that the Finance Minister and Accountant General refused to act on the directives to this moment.
The statement continued to read that President Tinubu a few weeks ago, ordered the payment of three Months’ Wage Award arrears but the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant General sat on the directive with no compliance for the implementation
While alleging that Ministers under the Ministry of Finance and Interior are compliances with the non-payment approved of allowances to Immigration, Civil Servants, and NSCDC by the Interior ministry. The group begged President Tinubu for immediate intervention.
On a lamentable note, the statement further read that the Finance Ministry went on selective payments, and agencies like Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) got the Three Months’ Wage award as well as their Peculiar Allowances in arrears while other agencies under the same government are suffocating in suffering gasping to breath fresh air of a renewed hope assurance.
While passing a vote of confidence on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the integrity group believed that the leadership of Tinubu could not be equated with the passed administration that anyone disobeying Presidential order to pay wage award allowances, rent Subsidy, and Peculiar allowances to the affected Paramilitaries will face the full blown wrath of the law.
“Betta Edu, NSIPA coordinator, and the entire Ministry of Interior are better examples of no sacred cow under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We hope those sitting on the payment and non-implementation of wage award allowances of some paramilitary agencies will be brought to book.” The statement read
Efforts to reach officials of ministry of finance, interior was not possible as their lines dialled is on constant “busy”
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Plateau State gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged the Supreme Court, to dismiss Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s averment that the Court of Appeal has denied him fair hearing.
Dr. Nentawe also averred that his contention was about “qualification/sponsorship,” of Gov Mutfwang, and urged the Supreme Court to so hold that the PDP lacked the capacity to sponsor any candidate to contest the 2023 general election.
Dr. Yilwatda made the urge in his response to the grounds of appeal by Mutfwang, billed for adoption before the Supreme Court, Tuesday.
The Court of Appeal, Abuja division had in November, 2023, sacked Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on ground of non qualification to contest the March 2023, general election, it also declared Dr. Nantawe Yilwatda Goshwe, as the valid winner of the election.
However, dissatisfied with the Court of Appeal judgement, Mutfwang filed appeal before the Supreme Court.
In his response to Mutfwang’s averment, the APC candidate, Yilwatda, through his six-man SANs, lead by Prof. Kayode Olatoke SAN, said the Court of Appeal, has discharged it’s duties, where it held that it had, “…very carefully considered the processes filed for and against the objection and motion by the parties and carefully read their submissions,” before arriving at its judgement.
“Submit that the above finding is clear and succinct enough to know that the lower court considered the processes and the arguments of the parties before reaching the inevitable conclusion dismissing the objections.
“Submit that the issue of denial or violation of the Appellant’s right to fair hearing does not arise,” Nentawe averred.
He reminded the Apex court, on it’s various decisions by their lordships: Chukuma-Eneh, JSC and Per Nweze, JSC, on fair hearing, respectively.
Dr. Nentawe further told the Apex court, that it’s different judgements, had ruled that the issue of, “qualification of a candidate is both pre-election and post election matter which both the high courts and the relevant election tribunals have jurisdiction to hear and determine.”
“My lords, it must be carefully noted that the provision of section 134 (1) (a) and (3) of the Electoral Act, 2022 is im pari materia with the provisions of section 138 (1)(a) of Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) which was construed in the above cited judicial authorities.
“The lower court cannot therefore be faulted in concluding that the Honourable Tribunal has the requisite jurisdiction to determine the ground that the Appellant was at the time of the Election not qualified to contest the Election given the fact that he was not sponsored by any political party in breach of section 177 (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“It is our humble contention that Appellant totally missed the point in arguing this issue. The petition was properly constituted and the tribunal was statutorily and constitutionally imbued with jurisdiction to entertain the claim grounded on non qualification. Allegation that 4 Respondent did not comply with the mandatory provisions of section 177 (c) of the constitution to sponsor a candidate by reason of flagrant non-compliance with valid court order was well made and sustained in the entire circumstance of this appeal.
“This has laid the 4 Respondent bare without a valid structure of the party in place in accordance with the provisions of section 223(1) (a) and (2)(a) of the Constitution…,” Nentawe averred.
He further urged that Supreme Court, should not allow the appeal, in other not to set a precedence of violating court orders, Nentawe also urged the apex court to resolve all issues in his favour, and to uphold the judgement of the law court, that declared him valid winner of Governorship Election in Plateau State.
Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Bako Lalong has expressed shock over the death of immediate past Head of Service, Plateau State Engr. Sunday Chong Hyat, mni.
Lalong expresses deep regrets over the demise of Engr. Hyat who he described as a consumate professional with many records of achievement.
He said “I was devastated to hear of the death of Engr. Hyat who worked closely with me as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Later Head of Service of Plateau State during my tenure as Governor. He was a competent, reliable and passionate professional who did a lot to actualise many of our physical projects across the State. He was a man that stood for quality, excellence, produnce and accountability”.
The former Plateau State Governor also recalled how as Head of the Civil Service, Engr Hyat spearheaded reforms that repositioned the service towards higher efficiency, productivity, industrial harmony and delivery of Government programmes and projects.
Lalong says the late Engr Hyat will be greatly missed by not only his family, but the entire people of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
He sends his condolences to his wife and children, HRH Atar Aten of Ganawuri, Riyom Local Government, the Gindiri Old Students Association (where he was President), the Nigeria Society of Engineers as well as his friends, associates and colleagues.
He prays God to comfort the family and grant his soul eternal rest.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Special Adviser (Media) to Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment. 9th December 2023.
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