NORTHERN GOVERNORS REJOICE WITH MUSLIMS AT EID-EL-MAULUD, CALL FOR LOVE AND TOLERANCE.
The Northern Governors Forum has rejoiced with Muslims in Nigeria as they join others all over the world to mark the Eid-el-Maulud.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement called on all muslims to use the occasion and reflect on the virtues of love, tolerance and compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet.
Lalong also asked for sober reflection among Nigerians saying the current situation in the country calls for patience, understanding, honesty, sincerity, kindness and collaboration in overcoming various challenges.
He said the Forum continues to crave the prayers of all Nigerians for wisdom and guidance to enable them serve the people with the best intentions and visionary programmes that will alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of the people.
The Governor called for calm from events of recent past, assuring that the Government is doing all that is necessary to address the issues raised by Nigerian youths. He appealed to the youths to resist the temptation of engaging in destruction properties which only retards development.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum. October 29, 2020
DIALOGUE IS THE MOST POTENT TOOL FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION…MHISHIP NATION.
Dialogue has been identified as a very viable tool towards amicable resolution of conflicts within the society.
National President, Mhiship Community And Cultural Development Association, MCCDA, Comrade JMB Khirims stated this in a statement on behalf of the Mhiship Nation in Jos over the recent protests which rocked the country including Plateau State.
He said dialogue has brought about level playing grounds for the resolution of conflicts of heavy magnitude and applauded youths for agreeing to use that at moment to drive down their demands as put forward by Government.
The statement which was signed by National National Secretary of MCCDA, Data Jonah Shamut further described the Mhiship man as a man of peace, love, and respect to constituted authority while also reminded them not to join any movement that will be to the detriment of the society like they have been known for.
The statement recognized the recent genuine agitations in the country by youths including Plateau State but condemned enemies of peaceful coexistence who hijacked the peaceful protests and inflicted pains on the people by attacking private and public places.
While commending actions of the Government in Plateau State, it has called on the Mhiship Nation to continue to live in Peace with one another and offer whatever necessary support it can to Government as the state remains ours to build.
LETEP DABANG, BAGS,”POLITICAL QUINTESSENCE AWARD “
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State, Chief Letep Dabang has been bestowed a POLITICAL QUINTESSENCE AWARD for maintaining a winning streak in the last six years in the state.
The Award courtesy the Center For Political Awareness And Reorientation was done in conjunction with Cruise Point Publishers.
Presenting the award in Jos,the Director of the Center,Mr Daniel Isoro, added that with this feat,Letep remains a Political Pathfinder which has been seen in his leadership style that have contributed in the sustained winning by his party the APC.
He said the Center located in Imo State,Eastern Nigeria has bestowed such awards but to only those who have proven to be sources of energy and strength to the people which Letep falls among the only three in the country for now.
Receiving the award,Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State, Chief Letep Dabang dedicated the Award to the National Chairman of the Party,His Excellency Mai Mala Buni,The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong, the APC State Exco,party faithful and indeed Plateau people for their prayers and support thus far.
He said the moment came with great nostalgia considering the current challenges the nation is going through promising to continue to put in his best for the continuous development of the Party and State.
Letep then commended Governor Simon Bako Lalong for his wisdom in addressing recent agitations across the country Plateau inclusive saying the Governor’s approach brought about the needed calm we are witnessing while further gates of genuine dialogue are explored.
GAGDI URGES SOBER REFLECTIONS DURING MAULUD CELEBRATION
As Muslims in Nigeria join others all over the world to mark the Eid-el-Maulud, Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Navy has called on his constituents and Nigerians at large to take advantage of the Celebration for sober reflections and prayers for the nation in view of recent skirmishes across the country.
He urged all Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the virtues of the Holy Prophet by showing love and understanding towards each other while exhibiting patience, honesty, sincerity, kindness and generosity in all their undertakings.
Gagdi urged the Muslim faithfuls to exemplify the virtues of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and asked his constituents to use Eid-el-Maulud to seek divine wisdom for the leaders and unity among the people as the nation navigates the process of birthing necessary reforms.
In Particular the Legislator urged our Teeming and hard working youth to shun all negative tendencies capable of inciting tensions, misunderstanding and public disturbance.
He further admonished all stakeholders on the Plateau to work towards restoring lasting peace following the disruptions that followed the recent protests across the land,while sympathizing with individual s , corporate organisations and indeed the Plateau Government and it’s people who lost dear ones and properties during the recent unrest.
Dan Maliki Kanam at the end admonished all to continually observe the COVID-19 protocols of social distancing, wearing of face masks and washing of hands.
BAUCHI GOVERNOR INAUGURATES JUDICIAL PANEL ON HUMAN RIGHT ABUSES IN BAUCHI
“Pledges full support to the panel
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State on Wednesday morning inaugurated a 17 member Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate human right abuses in the State by the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Governor while inaugurating the panel at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi said the constitution of the panel was in compliance with the federal government’s directive on Governors to compliment its efforts in investigating human right abuses by the disbanded SARS.
He said their terms of reference is to recommend measures to be taken by the Government to forestall future re-occurrence of violent protests, recommend appropriate compensation to be paid to the victims and to submit progress report to the Government on monthly basis
Others terms of reference of the judicial panel according to the Governor is to recieve written or oral evidence of SARS brutality by victims within Bauchi State, determine those responsible for the abuse of victims and recommend them for prosecution and to summon witnesses where necessary.
“It could be recalled that on 5th of October, 2020, many Nigerians took to the streets protesting against high-handedness by the Special Anti Robbery Squad. The protest was initially a peaceful one calling for disbanding of the squad and initiating a reform in the Police operation in the country.
Governor Bala Mohammed regretted that, inspite of the positive response of President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue especially announcing the disbanding of the squad, the protest was now hijacked by the hoodlums thus it escalated and metamorphosed into violence.
“Subsequently, unsuspecting members of the public were attacked, shops were looted and public property vandalised. It is against this backdrop that Mr President constituted a Commission of Inquiry to investigate all cases of human right abuses by the Police and to advise the Government on how to introduce reforms into the Police Force.
The Governor tasked members of the panel to discharge the assignment with all sense of dedication, commitment, justice, fairness and patriotism in order to facilitate ushering in the needed reforms into Police force as aspired by the Nigerians.
Governor Bala Mohammed who said the panel is to submit its report within six months pledged to give them necessary support and cooperation for the successful execution of the assignment.
Responding, the Chairman of the Judicial Panel, Retired Justice Habibu Idris Shall expressed gratitude to the Governor for finding them worthy of the assignment and pledged to discharge it diligently and to the best of their ability.
Muktar Gidado Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor 28th/October /2020 .
GAGDI WILL NEVER SURRENDER SERVING PKK TO NOISY NEGATIVES By Kankimes Alghazali Moh’d
According to the famous America Author John Mason “Nobody can ever make you feel average without your permission. Ingratitude and criticism are going to come; they are part of the price you pay for leaping past Mediocrity”.
If you move with God, you will be critiqued. The only way to avoid criticism is to do nothing and be nothing. Those who do things inevitably stir up criticism.
Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi right from his early crusade into politics had been a constant subject of unjust criticism. He was berated and insulted. He was denounced and lampooned as a yellow dog, a snake, skunk, 49er, ritualist, religious bigot and every combination of unprintable cuss words in the English language.
When he contested 2011 election and lost, naysayers and critics said he is finished politically. Criticism came roaring down up this “man wonder” like a rock slide. He was this and he was that too young, arrogant, inexperienced, his educational ideas were cockeyed.
It is often said that an unjust criticism is often a disguised compliment. Gagdi didn’t take the little jibes and javelins that hurled at him too serious. Despite Gagdi being lied about, ridiculed, double crossed, knifed in the back and sold down the river, the man came back stronger in 2015 and eventually won election. Proving his critics wrong for attacking a child of great destiny.
John Mason described a critic as a man who knows the way but can’t drive the car. Vulgar people were surprised the way Gagdi name keep becoming a household name in Kanam and beyond. His achievements in State assembly made progressive groups within Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Local Governments called on him to contest for the seat of the constituency. He was written off by the same calibre of people more strongly this time.
Religious bigotry, anti-party plots and propaganda characterized the most dramatic election held in 2019. Gagdi was announced the winner of the election. The announcement was received with jubilation by his supporters, but to some it was the saddest news they could ever received in life. The election was challenged at the tribunal and Court of appeal but Gagdi was re-affirmed winner. He is destined to win.
God cannot be resisted. He sees the heart of men and makes His choices accordingly. And neither is He a liar. Once He has spoken His word stands and it cannot be altered, resisted or aborted.
Evil prophesies, wishes and prayers were said by critics and oppositions wishing failure to this great compatriot and dogged leader.
One thing I like about Gagdi is that he never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that he is persecuted whenever he is contradicted.
Gagdi surprised everyone with unprecedented achievements in one and a half year as a member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal constituency. He displayed mastery of the subject of legislation and came up with a new style and pattern of leadership applauded by majority of his constituents.
Most recently, Gagdi lend his voice on the Endsars protest in Jay FM Jos and all hell broke loose online, with people mouthing maledictions and curses against him. Well, such things have ways of returning to the sender, so it didn’t bother him. A curse shall not alight without a cause, says the Bible.
It’s now very clear that most people who rain abuses and criticism against Gagdi are doing so out of envy. Envy consumes them. Why should he be a Federal Legislator, and I can’t be? Does he have two heads? Why should he be earning that fat pay (lol, very fat, indeed, as fat as Super Dee of Africa) and I am not the one earning it? Why should he live in government quarters, ride official cars fueled and serviced by government (how I wish it happens), and generally be impervious to the hardship in town? Envy turns to malice, and they get consumed by ill will.
Secondly, most people are after Gagdi because of their evil hearts. The heart of man is evil, and desperately wicked. If you are in any form of elevated position, they would love to see you fall. Man is in a fallen state, and the more they see you bite the dust, the happier they are.
Zig Ziglar must have Gagdi in mind when he said “don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember, the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you.”
The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment.” Elbert Hubbard. Criticism is making Gagdi better daily and he is too focused on his goals and not fear. He is too focused like a laser beam on his goals to be distracted by the noisy negatives.
Always remember, He who throws dirt always loses ground. The dread of criticism is the death of genius.” –William Gilmore Simms
Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots. Salvaging the PKK is a task that must be accomplished at all course.
Kankimes Alghazali Mind write from Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State(Princekam75@gmail.com).
Based on the assessment of the security situation in Plateau State and upon the recommendation of the Plateau State Security Council, the Executive Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong has approved the relaxation of the curfew imposed in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas with effect from Wednesday 28th October 2020.
By this directive, the curfew is hereby relaxed to commence from 6am to 12 midnight beginning from Wednesday 28th October untill further notice. No movement will be allowed between the hours if 12 midnight to 6am.
Citizens are advised to go about their lawful businesses without any fear as security agencies have been directed to ensure effective patrols and surveillance to protect lives and property.
They have equally been directed to identify and arrest any individual or group of persons that engage in any acts of criminality including looting, arson, vandalism and threat to lives and property in the State.
The Governor after going round areas affected by the recent wanton acts of vandalism, arson and destruction in company of the Plateau State National Assembly Caucus, expresses deep sadness over the level of destruction of both public and private properties and the magnitude of loss recorded.
While appealing to the youths to desist from such disgraceful acts, he warns that those cought engaging in such activities will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 27th October 2020.
The Voice of Special People which is a disability advocacy group have observed with dismay the recent avoidable ugly happenings in the country with particular reference to Plateau state.
The group is afraid that a protest which had a good intention of restructuring the civil security arrangement became hijacked by hoodlums. These hoodlums started by mesmerising the genuine and honest intentions of the protesters by blocking roads, later chanting political party tunes and finally becoming violent.
The violence led to unfortunate loss of lives and properties of innocent law abiding citizens.
The Voice of Special People watched with consternation how its people have been battling with survival only to wake up to see the youths parking grains which should have been shared to citizens especially their members who are persons with disabilities and embroid with divers challenges especially that of food, but kept away for reasons only known to the authorities concern.
The group thought that citizens were going there to pick up food because they are hungry only to hear that the youths were using cars to park the grains which to us the packing spree seem not prompted by hunger but pure stealing. That act of stealing never ended in packing grains for keen and sane watchers to call you it hunger, rather office equipments including roofing sheets, Windows and louvres were heard carted away by those youths and/or miscreants.
More so, the looting spree extended to personal properties with the guise of It’s politicians houses and/or properties and it was at this point that the group decipher the anarchy and state of brutality that looms.
Our fear is that if this behavior is not nipped quickly in the bud, life may become a survival of the fittest (the strong and mighty) and our community of persons with disabilities and our families will not be able to survive.
It’s on this premise that Voice of Special People called on:
1. Government to deal decisively with perpetrators to serve as deterrent to others who may want to take that shameful path.
2. Government should be fair and just to its citizens by giving them what is due them as the holy book says “give to Ceazer what is Ceazer’s.
When citizens especially the youths see sincerity from those running government business, majority will have reason to defend its acts. The trust of the people can only be won by judicious and fair utilisation and distribution of government resources by those saddled with such responsibilities.
3. Government should create jobs for the teaming youths that are roaming the streets looking for survival. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
The embargo placed on the public and civil service in Plateau state since 2007 should be lifted with the necessary alacrity it requires. If the youths are employed, the multiplier effect would be great as their families and dependants shall also benefit from his pay.
4. Youths should be deliberately hired into governance and decision making of the state and the country.
5. All citizens must condemn and caution youths against vandalization of public or private properties in the name of looking for palliatives. Those interpreting these obnoxious acts as against government and politicians should be guided better else the same act may later extend to those who legitimately made their resources/wealth through hard work and ingenuity and finally it’s the strong that will be able to survive as the looting spree may spare no one. But rather snowball into a state of anarchy and ‘criminality’.
6. The youths engaging in this shameful acts of carting away public or private properties should please desist forthwith because it can only end in solving their short term needs and jeopardizing their lives which can be terminated in the process and also the bad name which may be attributed to same perpetrators who may be napped and prosecuted.
7. Government should prepare a special package of employment and empowerment for *persons with disabilities* and also involve us in all facets of governance and decision making so that our peculiar issues can be presented by us and looked into dispassionately. The Commission of Inquiry set up to take complaints on SARS activities should also have at least one person with disability as member, please.
9. In addition, we are calling on all citizens especially the youths to live in peace and let love guide our conducts even as we legitimately press/place demands for our rights from government to be given us.
In conclusion, we need to unite regardless of religion, tribe and political party affiliations, we can only be strong and listened to by the elites if we unite. But if we unfortunately trampled upon when divided along that lines of divisions as above. Again, persons with disabilities are humans like anyone, many were like you until fate made us what we are today, tomorrow you may join us God forbid. Therefore, stop the segregation and discrimination and make policies and programs that will make life better for these special set of people who became so by sickness, accidents, crisis, old age etc and are facing challenges that can be overcome by the positive push and practical show of love by all members of society.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Long live Plateau state! God bless the youths! God lift all the Special People!
Makop Masok Dan Coordinator Voice of Special People and Musa Yusuf Abdullahi Secretary.
PLATEAU STATE SECURITY COUNCIL MEETS OVER LOOTING AND CURFEW.
The Plateau State Security Council has again met to deliberate on the security situation following the massive looting that has been perpetrated across the State in the last two days. Briefing newsmen after the meeting held at Government House Rayfield Jos, Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu said so far, the situation is calm but still fluid as there are still threats to attack other public and private businesses as well as individuals. He said the Council agreed to further fortify all check-points in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas to give effect to the curfew imposed in order to restore peace that will determine the next line of action. He also said that security agencies have been mandated to embark on massive manhunt for the arrest of looters and ensure materials are recovered while the culprits are prosecuted. Prof. Atu said so far, 7 courts have been designated for the prosecution of the 307 suspects so far arrested at various locations where the looting took place. The Council warned members of the public from consuming some of the looted food items because they are dangerous for human consumption as they have been chemically treated for preservation. Members of the public were further advised to be aware of these dangers and not to patronize the product of these looters. The Council also encouraged the sustenance of all channels of engagement and dialogue with youth groups, community leaders, professional bodies, associations and traditional rulers to foster more understanding that will lead to a de-escalation of the current situation. Members of the security forces were commended for their efforts so far and encouraged to continue to work in restoring and maintaining peace in the State. The Government has also promised to look into their challenges with a view to addressing them and making them more effective. The Government again restated that there was no hoarding of palliatives as the looted items were delivered to the State by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development just before the #ENDSARS protests began which made it difficult for the distribution to commence before the sad looting and destruction of the warehouses. The council advised members of the public to be wary of propaganda and disinformation that is perpetrated through the social media to incite the people against government and encourage chaos, saying no society can exist without law and order. Council notes that up till now, some political leaders and traditional rulers have not engaged their people as resolved with at the stakeholders meeting with the Governor. They are being called upon to do so and submit reports to government immediately. As at 26th October 2020, some of the looted and vandalized properties include: SEMA Warehouse (Old Nitel Bukuru), PRUWASSA, PADP (Dogon Dutse Jos), Mineral Museum (Angul D, Bukuru), ASTC Vom, Plateau Publishing Company, SUBEB (Dogon Dutse), Government Technical College Bukuru, Ryom Local Government Secretariat, School of Home Economics Vom, Jos foods, Jos Trade Fair (Polo), Private Residence of former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara. Others such as Grand Cereals Bukuru, State and Federal Secretariats and Private residences of some individuals have also been threatened.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 26th October 2020.
PALLIATIVES: MISCHIEF/BLACKMAIL & THREAT TO LIFE BY ONE JONATHAN YAKUBU MADAKI TARGETED AT PLATEAU GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
It has come to the knowledge of the Plateau State Government about news making the rounds in the social media particularly Facebook and posted on the site of Movement for the Protection of Plateau Heritage (MOPPLAH) by one Jonathan Yakubu Madaki that palliatives are being hoarded by the Honorable Commissioner of Information and Communication, Secretary to the Government of the State and at the Speaker OF THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AT HIS house IN Lamingo, urging LOOTERS AND VANDALS to move there. THE POST BY THE SAID Jonathan Yakubu Madaki WRITTEN ON 26TH OCOTBER 2020 STATED THUS: “Next palliatives to check is at Commissioner of Information house, SGS, and Speaker house at Lamingo. Please move there now.”
In as much as Government does not want to hold brief for the persons so mentioned by Jonathan Yakubu Madaki, IT HAS BECOME IMPARATIVE to warn that Mr. Madaki SHOULD PREPARE TO PROVE HIS ALLEGATIONS AND BE READY TO bear the consequences of his MISCHIEF AND MOBILIZATION OF LOOTING should investigation prove to the contrary.
Furthermore, the public is hereby warned to desist from spreading falsehood with the aim of causing harm to one another. Government hereby also advises the administrators of Social Media platforms and groups to screen AND VERIFY WHATEVER THEIR members post on their sites to avoid being caught in the web OF COLLATARAL DAMAGE in an event that such posts turn out to be false AND LEAD TO UNDESIRABLE CONSEQUENCES.
Therefore, Jonathan Yakubu Madaki is hereby warned that he should be ready to bear the consequences of his post AS SECURITY AGENCIES ARE ALREADY INVESTIGATING HIS CLAIM AND FOLLOWING UP ON HIS MOBILIZATION OF LOOTERS TO ATTACK THE HOMES OF THESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. HE SHOULD ALSO TAKE INTO COGNISANCE THAT HE WILL BE PERSONALLY HELD LIABLE FOR ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO THE RT. HON. SPEAKER, SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE, AND THE HON, COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION AND THEIR FAMILIES. The public is hereby advised not to take the laws in their hand by invading the premises of the personalities so mentioned AS THEIR HOUSES ARE NEITHER WAREHOUSES NOR STORAGE HOUSES. HOWEVER, THEY ARE FREE TO USE ANY civilized and legitimate means of INVESTIGATING THE CLAIM instead of taking the laws into their hands.
Dan Manjang, Honourable Commissioner, Information and Communication, Plateau State. 27th October, 2020.
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