“BE PATRIOTIC ON ISSUES OF NATIONAL SECURITY” – COAS URGES NIGERIAN MEDIA

The need for media and information experts to be responsive and patriotic on issues relating to national security has been re-echoed as a catalyst for a united, secured and peaceful Nigeria.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya affirmed this on Monday 30 May 2022, while declaring open the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Media Workshop 2022, at the Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. The COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, pointed out the need for the media to be responsive and patriotic on issues relating to national security to promote national cohesion and stability.

Speaking on the theme: “Conflict Sensitive Communication, Patriotism and Positive Media Reportage in a joint Environment” the COAS stated that the workshop was timely and necessary in view of the security challenges facing the country.

General Yahaya averred that the media is a critical stakeholder in surmounting the security challenges bedeviling the nation, hence the need for thought provoking deliberations to profer solutions.

In his keynote address, a former Director Defence Information, Maj Gen Chris Olukolade (rtd) observed that global technological advancement has necessitated a paradigm shift in information management, where battles are fought in the media domain. He urged the media to shun sensationalism and fake news, adding that they could jeopardize national security.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu stated that the workshop will be anchored on issues that will foster mutual trust and understanding between the Nigerian Army , the media and the rest of the society. He emphasised that this is geared towards enhancing the capacity and proficiency of Nigerian Army personnel, the media and other stakeholders.

He commended the developmental strides of the Chief of Army Staff and the approval of ongoing Social Media Sensitization Workshop for officers and soldiers of the Nigeria Army. He enjoined the participants to take advantage of the media workshop to enhance their capacity in information management.

The workshop had in attendance, former Directors of Defence Information, Maj Gen Chris Olukolade (rtd), Maj Gen Rabe Abubarkar, former Director Army Public Relations Brig Gen Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), Directors of Public Relations of sister services, staff officers of 3 Division Headquarters, senior officers, members of the media and information management experts, as well as spokespersons of security agencies.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
30 May 2022

DG NIPSS COMMENDS NIGERIAN ARMY FOR MANPOWER AND LOGISTICS SUPPORT

The Director General,(DG), National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Professor Ayo Omotayo has commended the Nigerian Army (NA) for her support to the institute, especially in areas of staffing and logistics.

Professor Omotayo gave the commendation today Tuesday 31 May 2022, during a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya at the Army Headquarters Abuja.

The DG stated that the NA has been dauntless in protecting lives and property of Nigerians in the face of the security challenges bedeviling the nation. He noted that the NA has been forthcoming in providing logistics support to facilitate the operations of the institute.

He lauded the NA on the achievements so far recorded in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country, urging the troops not to relent until the adversaries are defeated.

In his response, the COAS Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya congratulated the DG on his appointment and appreciated the institute for the qualitative human development of the Army’s future leaders.

Gen Yahaya assured that the NA will continue to support the institute to promote national development. The COAS donated a utility vehicle to the institution in appreciation of her contribution to capacity development of NA officers.

Present at the visit were Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters and Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Management and Directing Staff of the institute, amongst others.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
31 May 2022

GOVERNOR LALONG CLINCHES APC SENATE TICKET

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has clinched the APC ticket to run for Plateau South Senatorial District Seat in the 2023 general elections.

At the primary elections held in Shendam, the Zonal Headquarters of the Senatorial District, the delegates unanimously elected the Governor who was unopposed as the standard bearer of the APC. As the sole candidate, the Governor was elected through affirmation.

Zlonal Chairman of the APC in Plateau Southern Senatorial Zone, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi Nyalum said members of the party in the zone resolved to give Governor Lalong their mandate to represent them in the Red Chambers because of his experience and performance as Governor of the State.

Chairman of the election panel from the APC National Headquarters Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni said although the Governor was the sole candidate for the elections, the process of voting would still be done in line with the guidelines of the party.

Thereafter, delegates from Wase, Mikang, Langtang South, Langtang North, Quan, Pan, and Shendam Local Government Areas took turns to cast their votes.

At the end of the voting, Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni announced that Governor Lalong polled 335 out of the 340 votes (with 5 invalid) affirming him as the APC standard bearer for the Plateau South Senatorial District Seat in the forthcoming general elections.

In his acceptance speech after the elections, Governor Lalong thanked members of the APC in the zone for giving him their mandate, promising not to disappoint them.

He said he will use his experience as former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Governor and lawyer amongst others to ensure that he attracts development to the Zone and the entire State.

Lalong who also thanked the people for purchasing the form for him to contest, urged the members to remain steadfast ahead of the general elections where the party is hopeful of winning not only the Senate seat, but all other offices to be contested.

He assured the people of Plateau State that the APC will continue to work for the progress of Plateau State just it has done in the past 7 years.

The Governor also used the opportunity to commend the APC family in Plateau State for conducting all primary elections for the various offices peacefully and without any rancour.

Officials of INEC from Plateau State and the National Headquarters monitored the exercise.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
28th May 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG CELEBRATES CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI AT 57

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sent warm felicitations to former Minister of Transport and frontline Presidential Aspirant of the APC Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the occasion of his 57th birthday.

Governor Lalong while congratulating the former Minister commended him for devoting his life to the service of the nation over the years and contributing to nation building in various ways.

He said Rt. Hon. Amaechi who is currently seeking to be President of Nigeria eminently qualified because he has shown capacity, confidence and commitment in all assignments he has handled including being Speaker, Governor and Minister.

The Governor also acknowledged the passion of Rotimi Amaechi towards promoting peace, justice and fairness as well as supporting and protecting the interests of the ordinary people.

While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings and divine protection, Lalong prayed God to grant the former Minister his heart desires and give him more opportunities for service to Nigeria and humanity.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th May 2022.

DR. NENTAWE YILWATDA DECLARED PLATEAU APC FLAG BEARER FOR THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTION.



By Prince Sekat, Jos

Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda has been declared winner of the just concluded All Progressive Congress (APC) Primary Election held at Langsfield, Rayfield Jos on Friday having scored 803 votes to beat three other aspirants.

After an intensive yet unfair election to most aspirants, a walkout of disagreement to an unjust election took place. Unhappy aspirants with no comment staged a walkout on the electoral process with some withdrawals to participate in what was seen as a “Rigged” electioneering process.

According to the Chairman of the Electoral Committee Hon. Habu Ajiya, Nine Aspirants were in the race but five Aspirants later sent their letters of withdrawal from the contest. They are; Sunday Garba Biggs, Dr. Sarpiya Danyaro, Sen. Hezekiah Dimka, and Dr. Patrick Dakum. Surv. Fitika who seemed joyous rather than dreadful took to stage and gave his unflinching support on behalf of the Ngas nation. Surv. Fitka was the only aspirant who stepped down in the race giving Hon. Nentawe the APC gubernatorial candidate his full support and Allegiance.

According to Ajiya, Four of the Aspirants participated in the election and they are, Garba Pwul SAN, Prof. Sunny Tyoden, Dr. Nentanwe Yilwatda and Hon. Victor David Dimka.

Final results of the primaries is as follows:

Dr. Nentawe Yilwada – 803

David Victor Dimka – 7

Hezekiah Dimka – 6

Garba Pwul SAN – 2

Sonni Tyoden – 25

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES PLATEAU APC GUBERNOTORIAL/HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY STANDARD BEARERS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe for emerging as APC Standard Bearer in the Gubernotorial Primaries conducted at the Langfield Resort and Event Centre Jos.

Governor Lalong while congratulating the winner of the keenly contested election described it as a victory for the Plateau APC family which has again demonstrated its capacity to work together for the good of the party and the State as a whole.

Lalong said the outcome of the elections should be seen as a collective mandate which will bring members of the party together for the overall success of the APC in the general elections in 2023.

He admonished the standard bearer and other aspirants that were not successful to see it as victory for all as there are no winners or loosers in the exercise which is basically a family affair.

Lalong also extended his felicitations to various winners of the APC State House of Assembly primary elections also conducted throughout the State yesterday.

He commended the party officials, delegates, security agencies, media, INEC and all stakeholders for thier roles in ensuring that the process went smoothly.

The Governor urged them to sustain this tempo in the other elections for House of Representatives and Senate holding Friday 27th and Saturday 28th May.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th May 2022.

Plateau North Serving Senator ID Gyang has lost his Peoples Democratic Party PDP primary elections and may not be returning as Senator for the 10th Assembly.



Senator ID Gyang was unseated in what was a keenly contested Primary Elections by Two-term member House of Representatives representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency at National Assembly, Honorable Simon Mwadkwon PhD

The Upset in Plateau North PDP Senate Primary Elections as Honorable Simon Mwadkwon unseats Serving Senator, ID Gyang.



The Results had Sen. ID Gyang scoring 99 votes while Hon. Simon Mwadkwon Ph.D had 119 to be declared winner in the early hours of Monday 23rd May 2022 with the PDP primary elections holding at Langfield center in Jos Plateau State.

By Prince Sekat

INSECURITY: GOVERNOR LALONG TASKS SECURITY FORCES TO CONFISCATE ILLEGAL WEAPONS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has decried the wide proliferation of weapons in the hands of non-State actors which is fuelling insecurity and heightening crime in the country.

Speaking at the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) 2022 held at the 3rd Armoured Division Small Arms Range, Miango, Bassa Local Government Area, Lalong said the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in curbing crime are being jeopardised by the prevalence of small and light weapons in the hands of non-State actors who have continued to threaten national security.

He said without doubt, the Nigerian Army boasts of great men and women who possess skills and potentials that are essential in enhancing the national security architecture. They have demonstrated this over and over again by addressing several cases of insecurity where lives and properties are threatened.

He said “Let me also use this opportunity to request that the Nigerian Army and indeed the security agencies in the country do more to ensure that arms are taken away from non-state actors. The level at which un-permitted persons get access to arms and ammunition in the country is very worrying. This has increased the cases of kidnapping, violent crimes and terrorism across the nation. While I urge you to continue in this regard, I wish to also emphasise the need for synergy among security agencies for better results. In a society where criminals are becoming more sophisticated, we need to close ranks and ensure that no one is left behind. This includes the civilian population which also has the duty to provide necessary and timely information to security agencies”.

Lalong said his administration has done a lot to build the capacity of community and traditional systems as well as vigilante watch groups to serve as a support system to the conventional security apparatus at the grassroots. This he said has proven very effective as there is constant information on the criminals, leading to their dislodgement.

He expressed hope that the competition will present a veritable avenue for the participating teams to discover their potentials and sharpen the skills required to enhance kinetic operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces, urging them to bring to fore team work, discipline, commitment and professionalism in the cause of the exercise.

GOC 3rd Armoured Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali said the exercise is a bi-annual event which brings together competitors from various formations of the Nigerian Army who compete for various categories in marksmanship and handling of small weapons.

He thanked the Chief of Army Staff Gen. Farouk Yahaya for approving the hosting of the 2022 NASAC by the 3rd Armoured Division and also making funds available for the event to be organised.

Representative of the Chief of Army Staff Major General Stephen Olabamji in an interview with newsmen said the exercise was part of the overall programmes of the Nigerian Army towards ensuring that officers and men are equipped with the right skills in weapon handling that will enable them continue to perform their task of protecting the nation.

The Governor later flagged off the exercise by participating in the ceremonial firing.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor of Plateau State.
23rd May 2022.

APC Releases revised timetable for Election of party candidates at all Levels

The Ruling All Progressives Congress has released a revised timetable of activities leading up to the election of the candidates to fly the Party’s flag during the 2023 Election.
This was contained in a Press Release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Felix Morka, in Abuja.

Below is the full Statement:

ABUJA, FCT

MAY 23, 2022

PRESS STATEMENT

REVISED APC TIMETABLE FOR 2023 PRIMARY ELECTIONS

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 23rd of May, 2022, approved a revised Timetable/Schedule of Activities for the Governorship, State House of Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives Primary Elections as follows:

***Thursday, 26th of May, 2022
Governorship – (State Delegates)
State House of Assembly – (LGA Delegates)

***Friday, 27th of May, 2022
Senate – (LGA Delegates)

***Saturday, 28th of May, 2022
House of Representatives – (LGA Delegates)

Please Note that the Special Convention for the Presidential Primary will be held as scheduled on Sunday, 29th – Monday, 30th of May, 2022.

SIGNED
Barr. Felix Morka
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

Nigeria’s retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.

Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of “Tim Shani.”

It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.

Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.

Former Head of State, Sani Abacha
Former Head of State, Sani Abacha
In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.

Two of the assets identified in the probe report – Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada – have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.

In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni – who was then known to the bank as “Tim Shani” – that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.

Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as “Mr Shani” and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.

After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Useni’s lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.

While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for “security” because of the instability in Nigeria.

The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.

He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent “Tim Shani” to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a “coded password name”

Jersey’s Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.

“The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office,” Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jersey’s Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.

“The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.”


Mr Useni’s Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.

The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.


“The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property,” the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.

Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million – stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu – was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.

However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.

Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.