PDP stalwarts from Vwang District, Jos South LGA have passed a Vote of Confidence and endorsed Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, Member Representing Jos South/ Jos East federal constituency for a second term in office.

The stalwarts who came in their numbers to visit the member at the Constituency Office located at Bukuru Express, Jos South LGA, appreciated the member for representing them at the National Assembly with not only sterling performances but with quality representation.


Leading the delegation, the
PDP stakeholders Chairman, Da Dauda Vwangdung, and other PDP Ward leaders of the district, took turns at commending the Member for his achievements so far.

They eulogized the member; and his team members for providing people oriented leadership. They thanked the member and prayed that he’d achieve greater heights and exploits in his future endeavors, continuing with the 2023 mandate.

Responding, Rep. Bagos thanked the PDP Stakeholders and ward leaders for reposing the confidence in him and promised not to betray the mandate graciously given to him.


Bagos who also hails from Vwang District, however, urged the leaders to pray and support him in discharging his duties with dexterity, morality, transparency and accountability.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Late CP JD Gomwalk
The first military Governor of Benue-Plateau State Late Commissioner of Police, Joseph Deshi Gomwalk is to be granted State pardon before the end of 2021. This was revealed to Journalists on Saturday in Gindiri by Governor Simon Lalong on the occasion of 70th anniversary of Boys Secondary school (BSS) Gindiri Organized by the Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA).

African Drum reports that Governor Lalong alongside his counterpart from Taraba State, Darius Ishaku commissioned series’of projects built by the Old Students Association of the school in continuation of the week long activities marking the event. As part of his responses to questions by journalists, Lalong highly commended mission schools for the role they have played over the years in keeping the standard of education high which he said had led to producing qualitative graduates who have made remarkable things and equally left indelible marks on the sands of time. Continuing, Gov. Lalong said, “Let me also tell you that the first Governor of Benue-Plateau State, Late JD Gomwalk who left invaluable and outstanding marks in the state, graduated from this Institution.

“I didn’t want to break the news that I have made a request and the President granted it and before the end of this year, JD Gomwalk would be granted State pardon and that pardon would be celebrated in this school.

“He was not only a student but an exceptional one because I understand he left the school as the overall best student.

“That also became a motivation to other students who came to the school after him because when you notice the record that he left, you would be prompted to strive to beat the record and that’s what I have noticed in Gindiri”.

Lalong Posited that in view of the economic crunch, if at all there was anything that could be done to assist mission schools was to give them grants so as to motivate them to continue to produce qualitative graduates. The Governor further hinted that it was as a result of the remarkable impact of mission schools in the State that led to the establishment of Legacy projects by his administration. “What we have done in Plateau State is to lay the legacy projects and by the time we complete these projects, you would appreciate what I am saying because we have copied everything from the mission schools and transformed it to public schools for the benefits of those that cannot afford to go to mission schools”, he said.


Gov. Lalong speaking to Journalists after commissioning of projects at BSS Gindiri on Saturday in continuation of the week long activities marking the 70 anniversary of the Institution. By his left is his counterpart from Taraba State Darius Ishaku and to his left is his Deputy, Prof. SG Tyoden.

Late JD Gomwalk (April 13, 1935 – May 25, 1976) was a Nigerian Police Commissioner and the first military Governor of Benue-Plateau after it was formed from part of Northern Region. He was executed due to his alleged connection to Bukar Sukar Dimka’s attempted C’oup against Murtala Mohammed’s Government.
Late Gomwalk, an Ngas by tribe, from Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State attended the BSS Gindiri where he graduated with distinctions in both academics and sports. He proceeded to the premier University of Ibadan and graduated with a degree in Zoology. He was Governor from 1967 until 1975 when the military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s regime was toppled in a C’oup d’etat. A visionary and pragmatic leader, Gomwalk started the Nigeria Standard Newspaper in 1972 which later turned out to be a voice not only for the State but the entire Middle Belt and also

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE EMIR OF ARGUNGU ON 25TH ANNIVERSARY ON THRONE

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera on his 25th Anniversary on the throne.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message of felicitation described the silver jubilee of the Royal Father as eventful and fruitful.

He said the Royal Father has shown tremendous passion for the development of his people particularly in the areas of education, health and economic prosperity through agriculture and entrepreneurship.

He commended him for working with the State Government on reviving the Argungu Fishing Festival which has brought back the historic culture of the Emirate.

Lalong said Alhaji Muhammad Mera since ascending the throne, has walked in the footsteps of his late father, the late Muhammad Mera who ruled for 36 years by doing justice to all manner of people and encouraging peaceful coexistence of people within his domain irrespective of their different backgrounds.

He said the Northern Governors Forum has benefited immensely from the wisdom and counsel of the Royal Father who has supported the Governors in working with the traditional institution to find solutions to the challenges bothering the region and the nation at large.

He wished him more years on the throne and prayed God to give him good health, wisdom and prosperity.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
6th November 2021.

SPEAKER GBAJABIAMILA CELEBRATES GAGDI @ 41, DESCRIBES THE LAWMAKER AS QUINTESSENTIAL REPRESENTATIVE

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, today 5th November, 2021 led 28 other mebers of the House of Representatives to the residence of the member representing PKK, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, to celebrate him on his 41st birthday anniversary.

The Speaker described Hon. Gagdi as a quintessential representative who has been relentlessly vocal in his representation of the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, adding inestimable value to the business of legislation in the green chamber.

Showering encomium on Gagdi for his sterling qualities that stands him out amongst his colleagues, the speaker prayed for longevity for the lawmaker and the enablement to continue to shoulder the ever growing needs of his electorates.

While appreciating the speaker and 28 lawmakers who showed up at his residence to identify with his family on the occasion of his birthday celebration, Gagdi said the love being showered on him by the speaker since he came to the House of Representatives in 2019, has transcended the bounds of a mere colleague and first among equals, but a bond has been established of a father and son relationship.

Gagdi was particularly grateful to the speaker for never failing to celebrate him on his birthday since there paths crossed in 2019. He said the speaker was in his office on 5th November, 2019 and 5th November, 2020 with beautiful birthday cakes to celebrate him, and today he led a delegation of colleagues to his residence to identify with his family; which fact has overwhelmed him.

Signed:
Gagdi Media Team

GOVERNOR LALONG LEADS 40 FORMER SPEAKERS TO HONOUR LATE FORMER CROSS RIVER SPEAKER, RT. HON. MIKE OGAR; REFUTES ALLEGATIONS OF ROLE IN PLATEAU ASSEMBLY CRISIS.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong who is the Chairman of Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly (COFSSHA) has led over 40 former Speakers from across the country to Calabar, the Cross River State capital to honour their late colleague, Rt. Hon. Mike Ogar who presided over the Cross River State Assembly between 2000-2003.

Among those in attendance were former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transport Rt. Hon. Rotimi Ameachi, Former Governor of Cross River Donald Duke, and current Governor Ben Ayade, some National Assembly members among others.

Governor Lalong while paying tribute to the former Speaker described him as a man of peace and a political colossus who contributed immensely to the development of his State and the nation at large.

He said as a legislator, the deceased fought hard for the independence of the legislature and did a lot to initiate and consistently advocate for the autonomy that has today come into reality.

He said during the struggle for Autonomy, many of the former Speakers lost their seats and suffered personal damages and prosecution with others including himself unjustly detained on various occasions.

He said today, the labour of people like the late Mike Ogar have yielded fruits as Autonomy has finally become a reality in the country, especially after some of them emerged as Governors as well as other leaders at various levels of the nation’s political echelon to finish the process.

He used the opportunity to clear the air on happenings at the Plateau State House of Assembly which he said is a purely a legislative matter that should not be put on his neck or the Executive by politicians who want to benefit from the situation by associating with it at all costs.

He said “what is happening in the Plateau State House of Assembly is the dividends of autonomy in action where members are fully in charge of their affairs. Being one of those who struggled for autonomy and had the privilege of implementing it as the first Governor in Nigeria, I dont have the capacity to interfere with the House. To do so will amount to violating the law we have fought hard to bring to reality. However, the members have the right to hold their leadership accountable and demand for transparency. They can even change their leadership if they deem fit. That is what the members of the Plateau House demanded from the former Speaker Rt. Hon. Nuhu Abok who instead of providing answers of the huge monies collected by the legislature in the past six months since autonomy started, decided to start running helter-skelter recruiting sympathizers from ethnic, religious, political and civil society groups. This is a wrong thing to do because every problem of the House gets resolved on the floor of the House by the members especially now that they have full autonomy. No one should be blackmailed, including me”.

Lalong reiterated that autonomy is for the growth of the legislative institution and democracy, not for the presiding officers to corner resources for themselves. He warned that the Assemblies which have already started enjoying it must operate within the law so as to encourage other States who are yet to implement the law to do so.

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State said the former Speaker Mike Ogar was a man of immense humility and patience who never took his represention in Government for granted. He took very seriously the mandate of his people and served them with honesty, diligence and integrity.

While urging family, constituents, and the entire people of Cross River to be comforted by the testimony of the late Mike Ogar, he urged them to work hard and sustain his legacies which remain very visible and strong.

Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi also spoke glowingly about the deceased who he said was dogged intelligent and refined in his conduct both in and out of the chambers. He did a lot to stabilise the Legislative arm of Government and give it credibility.

Amaechi said the demise of the late Speaker creates a vacuum in the political scene in Cross River State and the nation as a whole. The onus according to the former Rivers Speaker and first  Chairman of the Conference of Former Speakers, lies with the members still living to do their best to improve democracy in the country

Former Governor of Cross River House of  Assembly Donald Duke said the late Mike Ogar was a team player who assisted in resolving many issues of governance in the legislature, and ensured that there was less friction between the arms of Government. Many bills were also passed while reforms were initiated to strengthen the institution.

Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly Rt. Hon. William Eteng who presided over the valedictory session said the  Cross River House of Assembly was honoured to have the former Speakers, Governors and legislators to pay last respects to their senior colleague.

The former Speakers from Plateau State who accompanied Governor Lalong to the event include Isa Chungwom Song, George Daika, Emmanuel Goar, Istifanus Mwansat, Mike Dapianlong, John Clark Dabwan, Titus Alams, Peter Azi and Joshua Madaki.

After the valedictory session, the former Speakers paid a courtesy visit on Governor of Cross River State Ben Ayade at the Government House Calabar.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
5th November 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG LEADS FORMER SPEAKERS
TO CALABAR TO HONOUR LATE RT. HON. MIKE OGAR

The Conference of former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly led by its Chairman Governor Simon Lalong is in Calabar to pay last respects to former Speaker of the  Cross River State House of Assembly, late Rt. Hon. Mike Idoko Ogar.

Governor Lalong arrived Calabar in company of eight former Speakers of the Plateau State House of Assembly which include include Isa Chingwom Song, George Daika, Michael Dapianlong and Istifanus Mwansat. Others are John Clark Dabwan, Titus Alams, Peter Azi and Joshua Madaki.

On arrival in Calabar, Governor Simon Lalong and his delegation were welcomed by the Governor of Cross River State Ben Ayade at the Government House.

Governor Lalong recalled with nostalgia the commitment of the late former Speaker to the stability of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.

He said the late Mike Ogar was one of those who championed the struggle for the autonomy of State legistures shortly after the begining of fourth republic in 1999. The struggle to ensure Independence of the legislature according to him was one of the major reasons the late law marker was impeached as Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

He said they came to celebrate the worthy  legacies of the deceased, pray and condole with condole his loved ones and entire people of the State.

Responding, Governor Ben Ayade said he had leveraged on the experience of the late former Speaker in providing quality leadership for his people, since he took over power in 2015.

Governor Ayade said the late Mike Ogar was one of those who advised him to join the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
4th November 2021.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Plateau state Slyvanus Namang, has said the former Speaker of the Plateau state House of Assembly, Mr Abok Ayuba is under investigation.

Mr Namang exclusively told Freelance Reporters correspondent in Jos via a telephone interview on Wednesday, when we sought to know development on the impeachment saga surrounding the state legislature.

According to the APC spokesperson, the new speaker of the Plateau state House of Assembly, Mr Sanda Yakubu resumed office and has set-up two committees to investigate Mr Abok Ayuba on financial embezzlement and illegal possession of the legislature’s mace, which represents authority of the parliament.

Mr Namang refuted claims that Plateau state House of Assembly has two Speakers. “There are no two speakers at the state Assembly, we only recognize Rt Hon Sanda Yakubu as the Speaker of the Plateau state House of Assembly. All we know is that the former Speaker, Hon Nuhu Abok Ayuba has been impeached, and he remains impeached,” he stated.

Reacting on the factional APC Secretariat in Jos, Namang revealed that the said members who claimed to have been running a parallel secretariat of the party have been shown the way out of APC.

He described the group as detractors saying, “they are only out to destabilize our party (APC) we know where they belong, They should go there.”

He insisted that there was no factional APC secretariat in Plateau state.

According to the Plateau APC spokesman, the said factional office is a fiction, it dose not exist. “They have no fixed address as an office, they exist only in the media, it’s a mobile office,” he said.

Freelance Reporters can report that the factional APC secretariat was located at Kalwa House, but security operatives were sent to shutdown the office and remove the party flags.

The APC Publicity Secretary, authoritatively noted that the six persons who claimed to have created factional APC secretariat in the state have been suspended from the party by their ward chairmen.

“As far as we are concerned, the Ishaya Itse led group have been suspended from our party right from the ward level by their ward chairmen,” he noted.

Commenting on the recent five man APC Appeal Panel visit who were in Jos to access and receive possible complaints from aggrieved members of the party, following disputes that arose from the APC State Congresses, Mr Namang said that the committee had concluded its assignment in the state and returned to the national Secretariat, though the out come of their findings haven’t been made public.

Rejoinder; Hon Abok demanded N200million bribe to allow Gov. Lalong , present budget on the floor of the House

By Abok support group.

03.01.2021

We the support group of RT. HON ABOK NUHU AYUBA on Wednesday write to debunk the allegation on the speaker demanding 200million to allow Governor Simon Lalong present the 2022 budget to the house.

The statement signed by one comrade Iliya Mark JP has no truth in it and we want to challenge the group to bring out prove or evidence to back up there allegation because we take such fictitious allegations on the Speaker Plateau State house of assembly serious.

It is on record that the Speaker Rt Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba reconvene the house just so that the 2022 budget will be presented. This clearly shows that the speaker puts plateau first in every decision made by him and other like mind Honourable Members.

We want to throw these to the court of public opinion

-Was the 2022 budget not presented at the floor of the house and presided over by Rt. Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba on 21th October 2021?

-Just because the speaker and like mind Honourable members question the means by which the budget will be founded. Which include taking a loan that will be due for repayment after two years of collection. Does that make them an enemy of the state?

Just because the speaker and like mind Honourable members question the 18billion allocated to the construction of British American flyover which was duplicated, does that make him and like mind members enemy of the state?

Just because the speaker gave the Governor Simon Lalong 2weeks ultimatum to visit yelwan Zangam and irigwe rukuba which were attacked by unknown gun men and was unanimously agreed by all the members of the state house of assembly. Does that make him/them an enemy of the state?

Just because the speaker called for compensation to those affect by the numerous attacks in the state. Does that make him an enemy of the state?

Just because the speaker call for justice for the killing of student of the Plateau State Polytechnic. Does that make him an enemy of the state?

We want to call on the good people of plateau state and the supporters of Mr Speaker Rt Hon Abok Nuhu Ayuba to disregard allegations from some desperate baby groups.

The Speaker still remain firm against any policy that will inflict pain on the good people of Plateau State. 

God bless the GOOD and LOVING people of Plateau state

God bless Plateau state

Rt Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba

Support group!

Thousand of commuyers plying the Abuja-Keffi Expressway were on Wednesday left stranded after military officers barricaded the highway to conduct a stop-and-search operation on vehicles entering the nation’s capital.

Witnesses says the soldiers barricaded the road at the Kugbo section of the highway which is also under construction as early as 5:00 a.m. The blockade remained as of 1:00 p.m., Peoples Gazette learnt.

Security agencies did not give any prior warning before to the blockade that has caused a gridlock extending as far as Masaka, in neighbouring Nasarawa State.

Thousands of civil servants and traders who work in the Federal Capital Territory live outside the Abuja city centre in places such as Nyanya, Karu, Maraba and Masaka. Many of them have been forced to return home after hours of standstill.

The road is also an essential gateway to northern parts of the country, especially the North-East.

There has been growing concerns about the porosity of the FCT with reports of infiltration by terrorists, bandits and other criminals fleeing their bases as the military ramps up operations to flush them out of their hideouts.

On Tuesday, The Gazette reported that kidnappers invaded the University of Abuja staff quarters where they abducted an Economics Professor, Obansa Joseph, alongside two of his children at gunpoint. Some yet-to-be named staff members were also captured by the bandits.

The school in its official statement on Tuesday said it was yet to be contacted by the kidnappers who are yet to demand a ransom.



Efforts to reach the army and police spokespersons regarding Wednesday’s blockade of Abuja-Keffi highway have proved abortive as their phone lines did not immediately connect.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

#www.freelancereporters

After the tussle on the leadership of Plateau State House of Assembly on Monday 1st of November, 2021 The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has ordered the immediate posting of CP Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka to Plateau State Command as the new Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the State. The posting follows the redeployment of CP Edward Ebuka to the Force Headquarters for other national engagements.

The new Commissioner of Police, CP Onyeka, hails from Nkume, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State. He holds a B.A (Hons) in Public Administration and a Masters Degree in Defence Studies from Punjab University, India. He has attended several tactical and leadership courses within and outside Nigeria including Strategic Leadership and Command Course (SLCC), Police Staff College, Jos; Financial Malpractices Investigation Course; and Armed Conflict Management Course, Command Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State. He has served in various operational, investigative, and administrative capacities in Bauchi, Imo, Abia, Zamfara State Commands and Zone 1 Headquarters, Kano.





The IGP, while assuring the people of Plateau State of the unrelenting commitment of the Police leadership to containing prevailing and emerging crimes in the State, charged the new Commissioner of Police to deploy his community building experience in ensuring improved public safety and security of lives and property of the citizenry in the State. He enjoined the people of Plateau State to continuously work with the Police for effective policing of their communities.



The IGP announced that the posting should be with immediate effect.





Credit: Frank Mba (PRO)

NPF Headquarters, Abuja.