Press Release: The Leader of the DVD Movement in Plateau State, Nde Victor David Dimka fsi (rtd), has called on all eligible voters and patriotic members of the ruling All Progressive Congress ( APC) across the entire State to come out in their numbers and register on Monday, January 25, 2021. In a press statement issued in Jos today, the former Controller of Customs said the call by the ruling party presents a window of opportunity for those yet to be registered and those that may have relocated from other places to validate their membership of the party in readiness for future elections. According to him, duly registered members of any political party all over the world are the custodians and legitimate owners of the mandates that all elected officials hold, adding that, the only way citizens could hold their elected officials accountable was through the ballot boxes. He therefore urged members of the party to mobilize their people at the State, local government and ward levels to come out and register as directed by the leadership of the party. Nde Victor, while acknowledging the undying support given to the ruling party in the State over the years, expressed confidence that the party will continue to provide the desired services that would improve the livelihood of the citizens of the State. He therefore appreciated the efforts of the State government and leadership of the party for holding in trust the mandate given to them to serve by the people of the State. Sign: DVD Media Team
2023: THE GAGDI PAKSHIN/KANKE/KANAM CONSTITUENTS CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS
By Kankimes Alghazali Moh’d
How a party fares at any election does not only depend on its size, but equally on the choice of its candidates.
When a candidate is accepted by the people, the party penetrates their decisions and victory is guaranteed.
Accordingly, in selecting candidates, past experiences, state of minds, public perceptions, integrity, competency, leadership prowess and general acceptability of prospective candidates should be considered.
The choice becomes very tough when a party is faced with two comparatively acceptable candidates, and it’s easy when the candidates are objectively far apart.
In assessing the suitability of choice, PKK’s current and past political demands need to be equally considered. At the moment, PKK constituents have a young leader, evidently competent, technically versatile, convincingly detribalised, extremely visionary, and practically free from corruption.
Barring any change, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi(Danmalikin Kanam and Danmajen Jhar) will throw his hat in the ring as the 2023 general election draws closer. The recent pronouncement by his aides has indicated that Gagdi will contest the 2023 election if his party (APC) fields him.
Rt. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi needs no introduction in Nigerian politics. His political sojourn started from PDP to APC. In all these parties, his name rings a bell. His contribution to the return and development of Plateau state cannot be overemphasized. He was one of the brain behind the dorminancy of the then ruling party(PDP) from 2010-2016 before he decamped into the All Progressive Congress (APC). .
On competence, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has distinguished himself in various phases of leadership and professional achievements.
After many years of remarkable state legislative productivity, he moved on to become a Federal legislator, providing him with a rich reality of experiences, while his earliest career as an economist has groomed him with a working experience on the mechanics of development interplays.
In this period, he’s known by many as an icon of hardwork, integrity peace and unity.
Evidently, he united the 24 members of the State Assembly while championing for life-changing and revolutionary laws.
Although, there was a strained relationship between Gagdi and the Governor then, but Gagdi never faltered in maintaining his cordial relationship with his immediate constituents and Nigerians at large. Gagdi contested for State Assembly member and was defeated. His failure to become the Assembly member in 2011 has never deterred him from actively engaging in politics.
Gagdi is believed to have contributed immensely to Hon Timothy Golu election in 2015. He was a member of the PDP. Gagdi and his associates entered into alliance with other like-minded political bigwigs in Kanam and supported Hon. Timothy Golu to help Kanke complete their roundup of second zoning arrangement. When Golu emerged in 2015 as the PDP aspirant for the house of representatives, Gagdi, who was also an aspirant for state Assembly, coalesced his campaign structures and donated to Golu campaign organisation.
He recontested for the seat of State Assembly in 2015 and was the only elected office holder in Kanam under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP). While serving Kantana constituents, Gagdi displayed mastery of representation with dogged and unprecedented achievements. He left the PDP when he felt the policy of the party is not longer convenient and serving the interest of his people. People were contented with his track records and was called to represent the good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal constituency in 2019.
Yusuf Gagdi contested the 2019 election for the seat of the House Representative on the platform of APC and won in the keenly contested election. His rich campaign documents which provided a road map for economic recovery, jobs and wealth creation endeared him to many PKK people and the business community. Yes, the Gagdi campaign document is intended to lift thousands of constituents out of poverty within his first term in office. Being a successful entrepreneur who carved a niche for himself in many business climes, his statement is not doubtful.
His actions and deeds in government in just less than two years and practical unbroken connection to his root clearly describe his quality of leadership never witnessed before and little wonder even people from other climes are yearning for continuity of the unprecedented leadership. I can hear the stomach of intending aspirant in PKK running, their hearts beating fast in fear of contesting against a monumental achiever, detrabilised leader and enigma among his peers.
Gagdi is an embodiment of cerebral articulation, the essence of unparalleled philanthropy, the epitome of intellection and breathtaking simplicity, the personification of undiluted humanness, the perfect example of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the soul of humanity, the heart of warrior, the perfect gentleman.
According to Ronald Osborne “The people who succeeds are those that have the self-discipline to develop themselves”. Successful leaders never plateau; they never become static. Yusuf Adamu is a great man, a philanthropist, a motivator, and a political colossus who has channelled his political power positively to help inspire others.
Love or loathe him, Gagdi today is a factor in Plateau’s political circle. All those who knew and work close with him will attest to the fact that politics and leadership were woven into his DNA.
Gagdi is scoring high goals as a Federal legislator in manners that even his fiercest detractors and critics cannot wish away.
With Yusuf Adamu Gagdi indicating interest to contest the 2023 election, good people of PKK should not afford to miss him. The Danmalikin Kanam is an embodiment of democracy. He is imbued with leadership qualities such as tact, honesty and experience.
Our people can’t afford to let continuity of Federal appointments, construction of schools, palaces of traditional rulers, empowerment to the women and youths, support to the People Living With Disability (PLWD), unity among our diverse tribes, development of infrastructures and many more dividends of democracy slip off their hands.
Giving Gagdi second mandate in 2023 will make PKK constituents see his very best and rise to more prominency like Hon. Ahmad Idris Wase and Hon Beni Lar. His monumental achievements will continue to reach the doorsteps of many households. We shall be greater together with Gagdi 2023 and in God we shall continue to trust.
Kankimes Alghazali Mohd writes from Kanam LGA(Princekam75@gmail.com)
GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS FRENCH AMBASSADOR, DISCUSSES INVESTMENT IN MINERAL DEVELOPMENT, AGRICULTURE AND EDUCATION
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was at the Embassy of France to Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday Tuesday 19th January 2021 to hold discussions with the Ambassador Jérôme Pasquier on the development of the mineral sector in Plateau State and other areas 9f investment.
Governor Lalong who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Mineral Development Jude Elias Dakur said he was at the French embassy to discuss the economic potentials of the State and explore areas of collaboration for investment and exchanges that will benefit people on both sides.
He said “Plateau State is famous for a variety of minerals which gave our State the name “Tin City” during the colonial days. Even though some of these minerals were taken away without tangible benefits to our people, a lot of these endowments are still available with many yet to be exploited. Some of the potentials of the State include metallic minerals namely: Tin, Columbite, Lead and Zinc; Non-metallic ones include Kaolin, Dimension stones and Granites, Gemstones like garnet, aqua marine among others. We also have mineral fuels like natural gas and coal”.
Lalong explained that his major concern since coming into office in 2015 has been to see how to utilize these potentials to improve the living standards of the people. This he explained is why he was seeking collaboration with the French Government towards the development, exploitation and beneficiation of the State’s abundant mineral endowments to bridge the supply-demand gap, transfer of technology, diversification of the State income, job creation and poverty alleviation, as well as the reclamation of already devastated arable lands as a result of previous mining activities.
In specific terms, he sought support of the French Ambassador in facilitating grants, intervention funds, technical partnerships and investment linkages for the following minerals for which Plateau State is highly endowed. i. Tin, Columbite and associated minerals ii. Cutting and polishing of granites iii. Lead and zinc beneficiation iv. Copper and associated minerals.
Other areas of collaboration he said include education, culture and tourism, renewable energy, rural water supply, agriculture and much more, assuring that the State has various incentives that are attractive for business.
Ambassador Jerome Pasquier expressed delight on the Governor’s visit saying he had visited Plateau State last year where he held discussions with some State officials on various areas.
He assured that he will do his best to see that the necessary connection is created to assist Plateau State develop its mining potentials for the benefit of its citizens.
He assured the Governor that he was willing to not only involve Plateau State in many of his country’s development assistance programs, but will also facilitate investment connections and collaboration with investors who are willing to do business in Plateau State.
He said the French government is happy to support other peace initiatives such as the one being pursued by Governor Simon Lalong. Such determination he said will further entrench the fight against terrorism and criminality which is not just a Nigerian situation but a global concern.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 19th January 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG INSPECTS PROJECTS AT PLATEAU STATE UNIVERSITY BOKKOS, URGES ASUU TO CALL OFF STRIKE.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Plateau State University Chapter to rescind its decision to embark on strike as the Government is working to address their grievances.
Governor Lalong who is Visitor to the University stated this on Monday 18th January 2021 when he visited the University to inspect various projects being implemented at the school.
Lalong said the University which has been closed following the COVID-19 pandemic was ready to re-open before the threat of strike by the local chapter of ASUU.
Projects inspected include the new Senate Building, Faculties of Law, Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences, Social sciences, Advancement and Linkages building, Staff offices and classrooms complex, E-Library and assorted volumes of books in the central library building, 600- capacity Lecture theatre, School of postgraduate Studies building complex, University Health Centre building and medical equipment, Street light project, Wire fencing of female hostel and PLASU Security System/ CCTV cameras project, sports complex among others.
Some of the projects have been completed and handed over while others are at various stages of completion.
The Governor who expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of the projects debunked the insinuation that the projects were all implemented by Tetfund with the State Government not doing anything.
He said “it is very unfortunate for people to play politics with everything including education. How can you say that the proprietor of a University has no projects in it? I was part of the founding of this institution when I was Speaker. People will remember that when I came into office, the University was shut down. We did everything possible to reopen it and today, it has blossomed and is fast growing. It is therefore very sad and untrue for this insinuation to come from people who should know better. This is nothing but pure mischief”.
Lalong said apart from investing huge sums of money to develop infrastructure in the University, his administration remains grateful to President Buhari who through Tetfund has also intervened by approving other projects that are very critical to the development of the school. The State he said has been greatly favoured to benefit from the number of projects being carried out beacuse it met the criteria for drawing from the fund. He said the funds from Tetfund are monies belonging to all States which have been pooled through sources allowed by the law for the benefit of the educational system and as such it was within the right of the Plateau State University to benefit.
Governor Lalong also assured that the new Governing Council of the University will soon be announced even as he appealed to the lecturers to call of their strike in the interest of students and their parents who have suffered the long closure of schools.
He challenged the University management, staff and students to do everything possible to make the environment compliant to COVID-19 protocols as the perpetual closure of the school will not augur well for the development of the State.
Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Yohanna D. Izam who took the Visitor round the projects appreciated the efforts of the Lalong administration in reviving the institution which he said has accredited many courses and established three new faculties with many students successfully graduating.
He said some of the landmark projects and achievements of the University could not be unveiled during the last convocation which could not take place physically beacuse of COVID-19.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 18th January 2021
Security Operatives Kill Two Notorious Kidnappers in Plateau State Men of the Police’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Plateau State on Sunday 17th January, 2021 gunned down the two notorious kidnappers along Jos-Mangu Road following intelligence reports gathered about the nefarious activities of the kidnappers.
There was intense gun battle between the security operatives of the Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team and the criminal elements in which two of the kidnappers were neutralized.
Guns and ammunitions were recovered from the kidnappers killed.
Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr Edward Chuka Egbuka since assumption of duty in the State has promised to bring an end to insecurity and other criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, banditry etc.
He has severally said there will be no hiding place for criminal elements.
Plateau State has witnessed numerous cases of kidnapping and other cult related activities.
Operation Safe Haven, Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies have made several arrests in the past after raiding criminal hideouts in their operations.
GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS SECRETARIES TO GOVERNMENTS OF 19 NORTHERN STATES.
Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum on Monday 18th January 2021 received Secretaries to Governments of the 19 Northern States who paid him a courtesy visit at the new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.
Secretary to the Government of Kaduna State Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal who led the delegation said they were in the State for a meeting to review some of the pending issues of the Northern Governors Forum including reports that have been pending for many years.
According to him, the Secretaries who are meeting at the instance of the Governors will during the meeting look at reports on security, economic development,education, health, investment, youth employment and others which are critical to the progress of the region.
He said the issue of a Commercial Bank with controlling shares from the region which has been on table for a long time despite financial commitments by some member States needs to be resolved as soon as possible to ginger economic revival of the region.
He commended Governor Lalong for his proactive leadership style which has focused on key issues bothering the region.
Responding, Governor Lalong appreciated the support of the Secretaries to the various Northern States for their service and sacrifices to the growth of the region.
He said the Forum was looking forward to the outcome of the meeting which will form its agenda for the next meeting scheduled for the first quarter of this year.
On the fortunes of the New Nigerian Newspapers, the Governor disclosed that the Federal Government has finally approved the payment of all outstanding salaries of all the workers. This he said will enable a final decision to be taken on the future of one of the oldest newspaper in the country.
Lalong said “As Governors of the region, we are well aware of the challenges we face related to security, economy, education, health, agriculture, employment and infrastructure among others. While we individually address these challenges within our various States, we also realise that working together will give us faster and better results. If we do not work in synergy and collaboration with one another, it will be difficult to tackle issues of insecurity which manifest in insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, violent clashes and attacks of innocent persons”.
The Governor also asked them to look into the issue of the almajiri phenomenon which the Forum has resolved to address once and for all.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 18th January 2020.
I venture to pen my thoughts on an issue knowing fully well that I am speaking not just for myself but for the majority of the good people of Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency that Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Babayo) has performed excellently in representing the interest of our people in the green chambers.
He has done so well, I don’t think people should hesitate to support his coming back as our Member. He has done so well from Human Capital development, infrastructure, to support to young graduates in areas of employment, support to farmers and small businesses, education and many more .
He is a vocal voice in the present Assembly and has earned the respect and admiration of the Speaker and his fellow colleagues. He has presented Bills that have huge impact not just to the people of PKK but Nigeria as a whole. For these reasons and more, I join many in endorsing him for another term in 2023.
I just want our people to understand and also to encourage us that have started as a support group not because we are his close associates but for his selfless service to our people. We believe that with another four years, Gagdi would make PKK more proud of his good representation and I am very proud to be part of this.
We have made up our mind that we are going to work tirelessly; we would do everything that is possible in terms of supporting and campaigning to let the good people of PKK understand that there are two parallel lines between what Gagdi stands to offer which is growth and prosperity for our people and what others are trying to come and re-engineer to take us back to the debris of the past that we don’t want to ever go back to.
GAGDI ATTENDS THE BURIAL RITES OF LATE ALH MUHAMMAD MADUGU DANKWANA, WAS AT THE INTERMENT AT NARGUTA CEMETERY JOS.
The member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam federal constituency, RT Hon Yusus Adamu Gagdi received with deep shock the death of an elder and a community leader from kanam LGA, late Alh Muhammad Madugu, which the sad event occurred today in Jos.
Hon Gagdi immediately rushed to join family, relatives and other associates to observe the funeral prayers for the deceased and his interment at Naraguta burial ground.
He joined to pray for the soul of the deceased, seeking for God’s mercy and forgiveness for his soul. While the pains of his departure is deep; as he left at the time when his fatherly advice and counsel will be dearly needed, but got consoled by the fact that the deceased lived a pious life.
Gagdi condoled with the immediate family, the Namaran traditional ruling house, the Kanam emirate and all the people of Kanam LGA.
PKK AND THE QUESTION OF ZONING OR POWER ROTATION IN 2023
By Kankimes Alghazali Moh’d
With election of Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi for the first term, it seems the door to 2023 election campaigns has been opened. Although, there were rumours that Gagdi would seek a second term, the legislator is yet to deny or debunk the rumours.
In the build up to 2019 election, the then ruling PDP was enmeshed in power rotation crisis.The predecessor of Gagdi, was believed to have breached the power zoning arrangement perfected and entrenched.The inability of the party to resolve the crisis contributed greatly towards its woeful performance and ultimate defeat. Now, that is history.
The 2023 election is still far away. However, those who have been watching or monitoring the political development in the constituency may rightly or wrongly say that the re-alignment of political forces have begun in earnest. It appears the ruling party is in the state of dilemma on the issue of power rotation. People are firing the salvo.
You will quite agree with me, each of the three Local Government Areas is blessed with people of timber and calibre.These people have excelled in various fields of human development and could hold any position if given the opportunities. No Local Government Area has the monopoly of competent hands.
It is obvious power rotation has helped tremendously towards promoting unity in diversity. It has adressed the problems of power domination by certain Local Government Area in the constituency.
However, what has continued to baffle or puzzle many PKK constituents is the question of whether the incumbent will seek reelection. And if he will aspire in 2023, whether his aspiration will breach controversial zoning arrangement or not?
The answer to this question is NO. When one go down deep to history, it would be fathomable for everyone to concur with my submission.
Kanke held the office from 1999 to 2003, Kanam from 2003 to 2007, Pankshin from 20007 to 2011.
Pankshin was last in the first roundup and started first in the second roundup from 2011-2015, Kanke took over from 2015 to 2019 and Kanam 2019-2023.
It will not be anti-zoning if Kanam starts in the third roundup, same way Pankshin did, in the second roundup. But that hasn’t stopped the cacophony of noises for power movement away from Kanam.
To clear more doubting minds in respect of intra-zoning or power rotation gentleman arrangement, let me dig down deep into history once again:
In 1999, the seat of House of Representatives was won by Kanke without any agreement of which local government was to contest first before others. Hon Josiah Gobum was elected to the National Assembly under PDP.
In strengthening the political calculation of 2003, the ruling party’s stakeholders considered the voting strength of Kanam and zoned the seat of House of Representatives to Kanam.
Hon Rev. Musa Labar Wuyep was elected to represent the Federal Constituency in the National Assembly under the PDP.
In 2007, late Usman Zumunta Musa contested for the seat and he was not allowed, the same Rev Musa Labar Wuyep was endorsed by the ACN elders of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam for continuity based on the political calculation, but was defeated by a PDP Leonard Dilkon, from Pankshin LGA. In 2011, another Pankshin man, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Go’ar of the PDP emerged.
In 2015, a Kanke man, Hon. Timothy Golu of PDP emerged after defeating men of Kanam LGA at the primaries and general elections.
In 2019, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, a Jhar of APC, contested with Kanam men at the primaries, and with an Ngas man of Kanke, Hon.Timothy Golu of the PDP. It is worthy of note that Hon.Timothy Golu defeated Kanam men at the primaries.
It’s also worthy to note that despite the gentleman arrangement of power rotation, the predecessors of Gagdi with the exception of Emmanuel Goar who opted for the Senatorial seat seeked re-election and were rejected due to incompetency not zoning arrangement and must of the advocates of the zoning arrangement now supported them. Timothy Golu was rejected because Kanke will have move for third roundup when Kanam was still in first roundup.
The bottom line is that when people begin to throw up issues in the course of a competition, definitely people will look for sentiments and variables that will be conducive to them. For me, striving to kick against Kanam candidate aspiration on the ground of zoning is actually a campaign tool by those who will contest and feel that they will not match the strength of the incumbent.
I understand the clamor for rotation by some sections in the constituency. The issue is a matter of life and death to some unscrupulous politicians and their uninitiated followers. It is borne out of the mutual mistrust, fear and suspicion of each other among the three Local Government Areas, religion and sections. If we as PKK constituents believe that we are one people in which we have a sense of belonging, it wouldn’t matter who becomes the Federal representative as long as that person is competent.
When political elites are exhausted of ideology then definitely they will implore issues such as power rotation formula, ethnicity and religious considerations in order to dominate the polity. Thus, the issue of power rotation in 2023 is not more than a means of consolidating the hegemonic class in another way.
I need speak no more. Kankimes Alghazali writes from Kanam L.G.A(Princekam75@gmail com)
To God be the glory, Plateau Youth activist Comrade Pius Hoomen who tested positive to COVID 19 on the 19th December 2020 has recovered and has tested negative to the Virus .
His second test result returned negative on the 14th January 2021 after being in isolation since 19th December, 2020.
Hoomen thanked God for the development saying prayers by friends and well wishers made it possible.
He further appreciated all those who prayed and sent him messages when he was down with the virus .
He then prayed God to continually guide Plateau people and Nigerians in battling the scourge.
Freelance Reporters 