Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has commenced exercise “Camp Highland” for its cadets 67th Regular Course and Short Service Course 46th.
The exercise, holding at the Leadership Centre, Shere Hills, Jos, had 630 cadets from the NDA as participants.
Declaring the exercise open on Tuesday, Maj.-Gen Jamil Sarham, the Commandant of the Academy, said the exercise would last for three weeks
Sarham explained that the exercise aimed at ascertaining the level of preparedness of cadets, as they would soon be commissioned into the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The aim of this exercise is to ascertain the level of preparation of the final year students of the NDA who are getting ready to be commissioned into the armed forces.
“It is to ascertain their military competencies, leadership command and control.
“It also an avenue to test their ability to work as a team at all times,” he said.
The commandant added that the exercise would enable the cadets to be agile, adding that it would also strengthen their decision making capabilities in tough times.
The cadets would pass through drills, such as, wall and beam climbing, rafting and watermanship, among others.
The Plateau State Covid-19 research team led by Prof. Noel Wannang who were inaugurated by Governor Simon Bako Lalong to source for the cure for the dreaded pandemic called COVID-19 using Plateau local herbs said they are ready to test run their medicine on patients soon.
Prof. Noel Wannang who is the leader of the research team drop the cheering news this evening using his WhatsApp page and seen by Prince Sekat said:
“These are our drugs ready for drug treatment trials on covid 19. Plateau research team on covid 19”
If during the clinical trials Covid-19 patients got healed, Nigeria will be second after Madagascar 🇲🇬 to have found cure for the dreaded pandemic and the credit will go to Plateau State.
During an appraisal meeting in Jos at the weekend, the Senator representing Plateau Central, Senator Hezekiah A Dimka said he is aware of insinuations about a perceived ambition; and which has been a subject of debate in the public domain for and against about 2023.
Let me quickly add that several things were discussed at the meeting which was widely attended by some major political players in the zone in company of his senior aides which lasted for several hours.
What the Senator said in response to several remarks, but on the ambition was instructive. In his words: “I have not said that. It is the people who are saying so. We will remain focused (on representation) to deliver on the mandate people gave us in 2019.”
However, the screamer that was published the following day by a news blogg was misleading and at best; the figment of the Reporter’s imagination, which misrepresented the Senator’s remarks on the issue in the following words: “Senator Hezekiah Dimka has come out to deny rumors making the rounds that he has no ambition of contesting for Governor in 2023″.”
Truly so, he has remained resolute insisting the welfare and judicious representation of the people are primarily his major plan of concern in the National Assembly.
Apart from what the amiable Senator has continued to do, on focusing to change the political landscape of the state through credible representation through a roadmap he recently released for the state; but particularly for Plateau Central, he cannot be dissuaded on this cause.
For now, he calls on all men and women of goodwill to join hands with him to address some of the challenges that daily face the zone. He strongly believes that when there is a river to be crossed at the end of the road, God shall surely make a way for it.
ND SHEHU KANAM, Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to Senator Hezekiah A Dimka, Chairman, Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics
GOVERNOR WITNESSES ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE OF REV. YAKUBU PAM AS NEW ES, NIGERIAN CHRISTIAN PILGRIMS COMMISSION
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State on Tuesday 7th July 2020 witnessed the official assumption of office of Rev. Yakubu Pam as the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC).
Lalong congratulated Rev. Pam on his appointment and urged him do all that is possible in delivering on his mandate in service to the country.
Lalong said “this is a national assignment that requires you to be broad- minded, courageous and honest. The President has confidence in you, I have confidence in you and the people of Plateau State know your antecedents as a man of God and committed peace maker. This is the time for you to show the light in you and make the body of Christ proud. I appeal to you not to discriminate or be selective. Nigerian Christians are looking up to you to give them the pilgrimage experience that brings them closer to God and boosts their faith”.
Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers Jacob Gyang Buba, said the people of Plateau State and all Christians will support him with prayers and counsel to ensure that he succeeds.
President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle represented by ECWA President Rev. Panya Baba said the appointment of Rev. Pam is well recieved as he has a rich pedigree of promoting the gospel and promoting peaceful coexistence among different people and faiths.
Rev. Pam said he was humbled by the show of love and encouragement by all Nigerians particularly eminent sons and daughters of Plateau who have expressed tremendous support and goodwill since his appointment was announced.
He thanked Governor Lalong for standing by him and President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve the nation and pledged to do his best in the service of God.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 7th July 2020.
Beautiful Gate Centre Jos Donate Fertilizers to Displaced Widows in Daffo, Bokkos LGA
Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre today put smiles on the face of widows whose bread winners were killed and displaced in some communities in Daffo District Bokkos LGA, Plateau State.
The Centre today gave 35 Widows a bag of fertilizer each to assist them in the farming season.
Delivering the farm input, the Director of the Centre, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan said fertilizer was decided upon since the affected communities are agrarian.
He urged the people to leave the ugly past behind them, trust in God and forge ahead.
He said the Centre having assisted people living with disabilities with food items as palliatives, deemed it imperative to assist widows and other vulnerable in communities that have suffered violent crisis. He said the essence of the gesture is to increase food productivity and yield.
He said in whatever situation we found ourselves, we should thank God. He admonished the widows to trust in God and remain prayerful. He prayed for the restoration of peace and urged them to stick to all COVID-19 Protocols.
Hon. Akullung Zakka John, Councillor Daffo Ward and Acting Chairman Daffo Ward lauded the humanitarian gesture of the Centre. He said Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre has done a lot in terms of value addition to humanity and transforming the society positively.
Chief Moses Kuchak representative of the District Head of Daffo commended the Centre and urged government and others to come to the aid of the Communities.
Rev. Gideon Jugu CAN Chairman Daffo District and Principal COCIN Bible School Daffo prayed for the input, the widows and the donors.
One of the Widow after appreciating the centre said prayer is key to success and admonished all widows present to live decent, responsible and godly lives.
The event took place at COCIN Bible School Daffo, Bokkos LGA.
It will be recalled that the Centre has done similar gesture to Displaced Widows in Mangu and Bassa LGAs.
President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, the BBC Hausa Service reports, quoting an unnamed presidency source. Mr Magu allegedly spent last night in police cell at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters in Area 10, Garki, Abuja, after he was quizzed on Monday for about six hours by a Presidential panel, chaired by a former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami.
PDP asks Buhari to allow Magu’s investigation Monitor constituency projects, Magu tells Nigerians It was gathered that Magu was detained at the FCID after the panel grilled him. The media aide of the anti-graft boss, Tony Amokedo, told the Daily Trust that he is not aware of the suspension of his boss.
The panel was constituted by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe various allegations levelled against Magu following a petition by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the Department of State Service (DSS). Malami’s memo allegedly accused Magu of diversion of recovered loot. The memo was said to contain 22 allegations against the embattled EFCC chairman. But Malami through his spokesman, Dr Umar Gwandu, said he had no knowledge of Magu’s arrest. “You are just informing me now,” Gwandu said when told that Malami had reportedly written a memo in June, 2020, which indicted Magu. “I am also not aware of any memo written to the president on the EFCC chairman,” he said.
How Magu was interrogated One of our sources said the Salami panel had “quizzed Magu” who has been the acting chairman of the EFCC since when he was first nominated for the job by President Buhari in 2015. “I am sure Justice Salami was selected to chair the panel because he will not compromise. “This is a serious setback for the administration’s anti-corruption war. “As it is now, Magu is a loner. “He may be asked to handover to the most senior officer in the commission while the investigation continued. “I don’t see him surviving this,” the source told one of our correspondents. Another source told the Daily Trust that “it took a long time before President Buhari gave the green light for Magu to be interrogated.”
According to the source, “What happened yesterday was a tough decision…It was at the instance of the president and he (Buhari) agreed that Magu should be asked questions. “This was based on the petitions and facts made available to him. “Magu is the face of the anti-corruption war of the president but the allegations are heavy. “So, I can assure you that it was a tough decision taken by the president in order to save his image and that of his administration,” he said. It was not clear last night whether Magu was allowed to go home after he faced the panel or the DSS took him into custody.
Why Magu was invited – Presidency The Presidency yesterday said Magu was not arrested but rather invited so that he can respond to issues as they arise. Senior Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a text message in response to Daily Trust enquiries, said Magu’s attention was “immediately” needed as the presidential panel investigating the disposal of recovered assets began its sitting. Garba, while reacting to a text message that sought to know the feeling of the presidency to the DSS’s decision to invite Magu, said: “There is a presidential panel that has begun sitting, investigating the disposal of recovered assets and the EFCC chairman is responding to their questions. “I will not call it arrest per se, as many have suggested, but they need him to be immediately available to them so that he can respond to issues as they arise,” he said.
Ibrahim Magu could not be reached for comments last night as his mobile phone was switched off. But his media aide, Tony Amokedo, told the Daily Trust that Magu was not arrested as reported by a section of the media. He said the EFCC boss was invited by a presidential panel investigating allegations of corruption against him and he complied. He also said he hasn’t seen the memo purportedly written by Malami against Magu. Journalists barred from covering proceedings Journalists were yesterday barred from the sitting of the panel set up to probe alleged violations against Magu.
Reporters that arrived at the venue to cover the event at about 3:20pm were denied access by security personnel. “They said you people should excuse the use of this place for today,” a security official detailed to the venue, politely told reporters. How DSS operatives intercepted Magu Magu was reportedly stopped by DSS operatives while moving out of the Wuse II Annex of the EFCC in Abuja. He was intercepted while his convoy was driving out of the premises. A source described what happened as a sting operation, saying Magu might not have honoured an invitation if extended to him by the DSS, which necessitated his arrest.
Another source said the DSS wanted to arrest the EFCC boss last week but could not because of some reasons. However, the DSS said its operatives did not arrest Magu, saying he was only given an invitation letter. In a statement yesterday, its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, said: “DSS wishes to inform the public that it did not arrest Ibrahim Magu, acting EFCC chairman as has been reported by sections of the media. “The service has been inundated with enquiries over the alleged arrest,” he said. Also yesterday, the EFCC said Magu had honoured an invitation by a presidential panel reviewing the activities of the EFCC, saying he met members of the panel at the Banquet Hall wing of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. A statement from EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale said Magu was served the invitation to the panel while on his way to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for a meeting. He said the EFCC’s boss was neither arrested nor forced to honour the invitation, adding that a member of a legal team from the EFCC was also with him on the panel. Malami had reportedly filed a petition to President Buhari demanding the removal of Magu over alleged diversion of recovered loot, insubordination and misconduct.
Daily Trust recalled that trouble started for Magu immediately after his appointment by President Buhari to head the commission. The Senate under Senator Bukola Saraki had refused to confirm his appointment, citing a 2016 report by the DSS. The DSS in a 2016 report said Magu was not fit to serve as EFCC chairman. Among other allegations, the secret agency in the report also said the Police Service Commission (PSC) had in December 2010, found Magu guilty of action prejudicial to state security – withholding of EFCC files, sabotage, unauthorised removal of EFCC files and acts unbecoming of a police officer, and awarded him severe reprimand as punishment. On his part, Magu has been complaining about the danger of fighting corruption, often being quoted in the media telling reporters that corruption fights back. Magu, like his predecessors, is facing his own problems. His predecessor Lamorde was removed by President Buhari in a shroud of corruption allegations.
Also, Lamorde succeeded Farida Waziri whose sack was announced on a Twitter handle on November 23, 2011 during the time of President Goodluck Jonathan. Her removal followed allegations that the commission was selective in its investigations, especially as many members of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), were being prosecuted. PACAC reacts A member of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Femi Odekunle, said Monday that the interrogation of Magu was part of the power play at the Presidential Villa. Odekunle said in a statement: “Of course, the real information reaching us is that he (Magu) was only invited to appear before a panel set up not long ago concerning some alleged memo by Malami, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, regarding some alleged malfeasance by Magu, along with nominations for his replacement. “It was just that those sent to invite him for whatever reasons best known to them invited some press along and made it look an arrest. “That mischief has been confirmed by some apparent afterthought denial by the DSS that it was not an arrest. “While PACAC has not had a formal meeting on this development, I have discussed with the chairman and some other members and the following can be considered as PACAC’s preliminary reaction to this development: “The alleged originating Malami memo, up to the current “arrest “ seems an outcome of power-play by power blocs in the corridors of power in which Malami appears to be an arrow-head or major agent of a power bloc that is not really interested in, or in support of, Buhari’s anti-corruption fight. “One can recall the earlier non-confirmation experience of Magu by the 8th Assembly, orchestrated by a power bloc and supported by the DSS ‘Security’ reports. “One can also note the non-resubmission of Magu for confirmation since May, 2019 despite the apparent willingness of the 9th Assembly to consider it this time around.
“Furthermore, one must take cognisance of the alleged memo referred to earlier i.e by Malami concerning alleged corrupt practices by Magu, along with his own nominations for Magu’s replacement. “Again, we cannot forget Malami’s demand of certain high profile case files from Magu which the latter has been resisting. “The position of PACAC is that while Magu, or any official of whatever status, must be nailed if found to be corrupt, the president must be careful not to shoot his anti-corruption fight /modest achievements in the foot, and not to forget that EFCC under Magu has been the administration’s anti-corruption poster-face. “It may not be contestable that Malami has been exploiting his alleged loyalty and closeness to the president for his personal /power bloc agenda. “For, to the best of PACAC’s knowledge and observations, Malami has not manifested any genuine commitment to the anti-corruption fight,” he said.
PDP asks Buhari to allow Magu’s investigation The PDP Monday asked President Buhari to show the genuineness of his war against corruption by allowing unhindered investigation of Magu. The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Nigerians were already aware that Magu had been pulled in for questioning, adding that Buhari should allow the law to take its course. “The PDP holds that the development around the EFCC acting chairman as well as the desperate attempt by the Commission to cover or wave off his investigation, only raise more integrity questions regarding Magu’s activities in the EFCC. “Only last month, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, released a memo in which he indicted Magu of alleged diversion of recovered funds and fraudulent sale of assets seized by the EFCC. “Our party, Nigerians and indeed, the international community are keenly monitoring the development and expect the Buhari Presidency to muster the courage to carry out a comprehensive investigation and make its findings available to the public. “Now that Magu has been pulled in for investigation, the federal government should preserve the integrity of the office of the chairman of the EFCC by ordering him to step aside while investigators take charge of every activities of the office to forestall destruction of evidence as well as unnecessary interferences in the matter,” the party said.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN FORMER APC VICE CHAIRMAN, INUWA ABDULKADIR
The Northern Governors Forum says it is saddened by the death of former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir who was a former member of the APC National Working Committee, and served as Vice Chairman, North West.
Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in statement commiserated with family, friends and political associates of late Alhaji Inuwa, who served the nation with diligence, commitment and patriotism.
Lalong said ” The late Alhaji Inuwa was a dependable and reliable politician who put the interests of the people above his personal pleasure. When he served the country as Minister of Sports and Youth Development, he did a lot to create opportunities for youth empowerment and development of sports particularly at the grassroots level. Indeed he contributed immensely to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria”.
Governor Lalong also praised Alhaji Abdulkadir’s service to humanity and the demonstration of zeal for the development of the Northern Region through education, agriculture and the provision of social amenities.
He prays that almighty God will give his family the fortitude to bear this great loss and grant him eternal rest.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. July 7, 2020
Beautiful Gate Donate Fertilizers to Miango Group Farmers in Crisis Ridden Communities
Today, Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre Jos, Plateau State donated fertilizers to a group of farmers consisting mostly of Youths who are carrying out farming activities in sacked communities in Miango Bassa LGA, Plateau State.
The presentation of the 30 bags of fertilizer was done at the farmland in Kpachudu Village Miango District Bassa LGA where over 2,000 able bodied persons went to cultivate farmlands in communities sacked by suspected herdsmen.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan the Executive Director of Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre lauded the unity of purpose and communal efforts/spirit being exhibited by the Irigwe Nation and called on other ethnic groups who are going through similar fate to borrow a leaf from them especially the communal farming model.
He expressed joy seeing the strong supporting the poor and weak ones through communal efforts and described the model as commendable and worthy of emulation to discourage any form of land grabbing.
He admonished the youths present to take their education seriously saying it is the best form of self development. He said the Centre distributed food Palliatives to people with disabilities in all the Local Governments in the State and realized fertilizer is best considering the enthusiasm of the people to farming and prayed God to bless their efforts. He said he us sure the assistance will boost food production and reduce hunger and poverty.
In his remark, Prof. Danny McCain, a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Centre said though Beautiful Gate core mandate is alleviating the plights of people living with disabilities, it deemed it fit to reach out to the area which he described as a handicapped community on account of violent crisis.
He charged them to forgive the aggressors, trauma and focus on the future with greater hope for their families to grow and for them to celebrate the love of God even though he is aware that it will be hard to forget the atrocities and hostilities meted on them and having lost loved ones, productivity, means of livelihood, Churches and schools but said God will restore them beyond their imagination.
He encouraged them by sharing Biblical Message from Mark 4 & Luke 8 after which he prayed for the fertilizers, the land and people.
In his remark, the Chairman Miango Youth Development Association, Nuhu Nkeli expressed delight and appreciated the Centre for identifying with them and assisting them with the most important farm input (fertilizers) and said it will help improve productivity and bumper harvest. He said the Centre has done a lot in diverse ways to the area and prayed God to open more doors so they can reach out and impact more communities within and outside the State with humanitarian gestures.
Representative of the District Head of Miango, Chief Isaiah Nkie lauded the Centre for the humanitarian intervention to the people and urged others to emulate the kind gesture.
Chief Ayuba Burki was later given an Irigwe name/title called “Kwe-Tingwe” owing to his contributions to the area.
*CONGRATULATIONS TO A DISTINGUISHED* *PUBLIC SERVANT WITH THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE.NDE.VICTOR DIMKA.fsi.* *ON YOUR SUCCESSFUL RETIREMENT FROM THE NIGERIA CUSTOM SERVICE.*
….Great leaders are most wanted. They are most wanted for what they do with their gifts and talents. Their dreams are so unique in such a way that their presence becomes a source of hope and courage for others to thread on along. Why won’t they look for them? Israelmore Ayivor.
BY THE SPECIAL GRACE OF GOD,this is the beginning of a Special God Guidance journey towards a Democratic responsibility for the good and Development of Plateau State.
Sir,With your Competence, experienced in public Service,disciplined,focus,strength of character in service,& your fairness in dealings with people equally irrespective of social status,faiths or ethnicity,and equally sir, with your unique preparedness for Service at any given opportunity;I,strongly believe that,there is no doubts that you will bring the indigenes of PLATEAU STATE who are expert,and specialist in the areas of Education, healthcare,social welfare, Peace&Security, Agriculture&Food Security, Land reform administration,Science &Tech,Job Creation,Infrastructure,Law Reform and Sound Policies together for the Development of Plateau State,when the time is Right For God.
To God Be The Glory. The future is in the hands of God. Congratulations! once again Sir.
The Inspector General of Police, National Force Headquarters, Luis Edet House, Garki-Abuja.
Sir, RE: PUBLICATION OF MALICIUOS FALSEHOOD, DEFAMATORY STATEMENTS, INCITEFUL COMMENTS & CHARACTER ASSASINATION AGAINTS RT.HON YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI IN RE: THREAT TO PUBLIC PEACE.
I write to draw your attention to the aforementioned subject matter which impugns against the reputation of my person, the dignity of my office as a member of the Federal House of Representative and above all a threat to the peace of my constituency and the entire state being perpetrated by one Emmanuel Zopmal who is said to be a non-academic staff of the University of Jos in Plateau State.
This petition is compelling in the circumstance of publication of falsehood against my person which has remained unabated and consistent since 2015 when I served as the Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and has remained so up to my emergence as the current member of the Federal House of Representative. It is instructive to note that these series of falsehood published by the said Emmanuel Zopmal has not only assassinated and tarnished my hard earned reputation but has evoked passions, enraged my constituents and provoked public peace.
I report that the said Emmanuel Zopmal has severally sought to provoke public peace, defame and assassinate my character when he published and circulated through various social media handles with wide public access including Facebook and Whatzapp that I am a Jihadist sponsored by the Caliphate and the Muslim Governors of the North to achieve the “Islamization” of politics on the Plateau.
The criminal publications also made direct allusions to me as being “ the biggest fool”, “pathological liar satan has ever given birth to”, owner of a “stolen mandate” belonging to “Babylonian Temple”, “irresponsible idiot” with “ irresponsible lifestyle”. In addition, I have been accused by the offensive publications as a “pig”, a “dupe”, owner of “filthy money” a facilitator of election rigging and a dubious and immoral character. The publisher also crossed the threshold of decency when he accused my father of being a “magician”.
The combined import of these offensive publications which has circulated widely in the social media space is to incite my constituents and the entire state against a non-existing islamization agenda, infuse mutual suspicion amongst citizens and denigrate the dignity of my person and office.
If these false publications are handled with levity, they are capable of negative consequences considering the volatile nature of Plateau State which has become vulnerable, to political and ethno-religious sentiments in recent past. False publications supposedly intending to discredit my electoral victory in 2019 which has been adjudged and upheld in the election tribunals have a high propensity to evoke tensions, incite passions, spark political, religious and ethnic disharmony between my supporters and those of my opponents. The resultant effect of which is a possible breach of the peace.
As a responsible legislator that I am, I invite the urgent intervention of your good office in order to restrain, the continuous publications of falsehood which are capable of resulting into serious negative consequences because series of overtures made to impress on the said Emmanuel Zopmal to recant these falsehood have been outrightly rebuffed.
I am left with the lone option of seeking redress according to law which your good office is well positioned to achieve. I am well informed that the Penal Code Law contains copious provisions in anticipation of offences such as this and therefore request in line with the law that this facts be thoroughly investigated with a view to a possible prosecution.
For ease of reference, I attach herewith printed copies of some of the offensive publications.
I undertake to fully cooperate with the process of investigation as may be directed by your good office.
I anxiously await and anticipate your action on this matter.
Kindly accept my compliments and the assurance of my highest regards for your esteemed office.
YOURS FAITHFULLY,
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Dan Malikin Kanam & Dan Majen Jahr) Member representing Pankshin/ Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Navy.
Freelance Reporters 