RE: GUNMEN ASK TROOPS TO VACATE PLATEAU COMMUNITY AHEAD OF PLANNED ATTACK
Operation SAFE HAVEN has noted an online report in circulation on social media since 28 October 2021 authored by one Mr Femi Owolabi, where he alleged that gunmen asked troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN deployed in an unspecified village in Bassa to vacate the community ahead of planned attacks. It was also alleged that the troops went on to negotiate with the gunmen to avert attacks on the said village.
While OPSH would not want to join issues with this merchant of falsehood, it is however instructive to state that the report is unsubstantiated, laced with falsehood and fictitious imagination of the author. To put the record straight, troops do not negotiate with gunmen, we rather deal with them decisively.
Additionally, troops deployed to various villages and communities have stepped-up their early response to distress calls and will not hesitate to come heavy on anybody planning an attack or harbouring criminals in their communities.
OPSH therefore appeals to journalists especially those writing from outside the state to make effort to confirm their report before going to press. Also, crisis merchants who fan embers of violence and panic must be guided on the kind of narrative they churn out to the public. The armchair writers submission in the report remains an elusive figment intended to cause panic and mischief among the law abiding people of Plateau state, hence it should be disregarded in its entirety.
We also urge members of the public to be wary of such mischief makers who are frustrated with the gradual return of the state to its glory. The Operation is on cause and would not be distracted by the antics of vicious mischief makers whose stock in trade is to peddle unfounded rumors and cause panic.
While appreciating the good people of the state for providing timely information to the security agents, the Commander OPSH Major General Ibrahim Ali call on all stakeholders to continue to be ambassadors of peace until the state is returned to the path of peace.
ISHAKU TAKWA Major Military Information Officer 29 October 2021
Youths in their hundred , on Friday staged a peaceful procession in support of the new Speaker in Plateau state Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda outside the state house of assembly .
The procession is coming a day after the former speaker of the state House of Assembly Abok Ayuba ,was impeached by 16 lawmakers of the Plateau assembly.
The rally drew youths from the Seventeen Local government council of the state.
Speaking to newsmen at the occasion , one ofthe youth leader, Prince Rotdunna Sekat said the Youths of the state are behind the new Speaker Hon Sanda.
Sekat who is also the Chairman of Rescue Youths Vanguard,called on the people of the state to unite and work with the new Speaker Hon Yakubu Sanda.
He berate YOUWICAN for saying that the removal of Abok is anti-christianity, “that Plateau State House of Assembly consist of Muslims, Christians and Traditional worshipers therefore, YOUWICAN should stop heating the polity in the state.
Prince Sekat further opine that ” Legislative work must commence in the state assembly.
“I call for peace , the state is bigger than any individual , Plateau must always come first , he added.
” This rally was staged to express the support of the people to the leadership of the new speaker Hon Sanda .
According to him, the turnout of youths has proven that the people of Plateau are with the new Speaker Hon Sanda .
Comrade Pius Tongman , another Youth who spoke at the occasion said that Hon Abok is not the first speaker to be impeached by members of the state house of assembly.
In his words ” What happened in the house of assembly was a legislative issue and Abok should respect and get use to it . The Executive arm has nothing to do with the impeachment of Abok.
Tongman said he is confident the New Speaker would act and ensure that all pending bills which have suffered undue delays in the House during the former Speaker will receive proper legislative action as the State needs to make progress and deliver the dividends of democracy to the electorate.
Out correspondent reports that the Youths carried placard with inscription, Plateau Youths stand with Hon Sanda ”, “We support Hon Sanda to stay in office
GOVERNOR LALONG RECIEVES NEW PLATEAU HOUSE SPEAKER; PROMISES COLLABORATION AND SYNERGY
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has recieved in audience the new Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly who led a delegation to formally inform him about the change of leadership in the House.
Majority leader of the House Hon. Daniel Naanlong told the Governor that the House decided to change its leadership in order to save the institution and democracy from further damage on the account of the misconduct and violation of due process and high handedness of the former Speaker Nuhu Abok Ayuba.
He said after following due process and complying with the laid down procedures, 16 members signed for the removal of Abok who was subsequently impeached by the required 2/3rd of the members including some PDP members who do not want to be mentioned for now.
In his place, the Member representing Pengana Constituency in Bassa LGA, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda was duely elected as Speaker to replace the former Speaker Abok Ayuba.
In his remarks, the new Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said he was humbled by the confidence that 16 of his colleagues including some PDP members reposed in him to lead them at this auspicious time promising to be fair, just and patriotic.
He assured the Governor that the House will collaborate with the Executive and the legislature to serve the people of Plateau by ensuring that there is good governance, security, peace and infrastructural development among others.
Sanda also said that all pending bills which have suffered undue delays in the House during the former Speaker will recieve proper legislative action as the State needs to make progress and deliver the dividends of democracy to the electorate.
While receiving the new Speaker, Governor Lalong said the House is totally autonomous and capable of determining its leadership at any time without any external interference.
He expressed confidence that their decision is the best for the State because they have clearly shown that they are on the side of the people and will not sacrifice legislative duties for which they have taken an oath to perform, on the altar of political ambitions.
The Governor said ” as a House, you are the ones who know why you had to change your leadership at this moment. However, this kind of event is not new to the Plateau House of Assembly where leaderships have been changed in the past. Nobody comes to the House as a Speaker, but the members donate such privilege to one of them as first among equals. That is why those who have such privilege should do their best to carry their colleagues along and work for the benefit of the people and the legislature”.
The Governor advised the new Speaker to be focussed and humble in discharging his duties with utmost diligence and respect for all members as well as a commitment to work for the success of the Government.
He assured the new House leadership that he will support them and continue to work for their success being a former Speaker and one who has championed the autonomy of the legislature by being the first to implement it in the country.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 29th October 2021.
NEW PLATEAU SPEAKER RT. HON. YAKUBU SANDA VISITS GOVERNMENT HOUSE; ASSURES OF SYNERGY WITH OTHER ARMS OF GOVERNMENT.
The new Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda has led Principal officers and some members of the House to the Government House to assure the Executive arm of its collaboration and cooperation in running the affairs of the State.
The new Speaker was recieved at the Government House by Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu on behalf of the Governor.
Speaking during the visit, the Majority leader of the House Hon. Naanlong Daniel said they were at the Government House in line with the tradition of the House to introduce the new leadership of the House whenever there is a change.
He said the new Speaker emerged after 16 of the 23 Members of the House signed the petition to impeach the former Speaker Rt. Hon. Nuhu Ayuba Abok over series of allegations.
The new Speaker Hon. Yakubu Sanda said the new leadership of the House will work in synergy with the Executive and Judiciary for the peace, progress and development of Plateau State.
He said the House which now enjoys full autonomy will use its legislative powers to ensure that Government programs and projects impact the people at the grassroots level.
Responding on behalf of the Governor, Secretary to the Government of Plateau State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu said Governor Lalong and the entire Executive arm was surprised with the development, but nevertheless respects the decision of the House which is an autonomous organ that has powers to manage its internal affairs.
He assured the House that the doors of the Executive will always remain open for collaboration and cooperation with the legislature in delivering good governance and actualising the Rescue Agenda.
The Speaker was accompanied on the courtesy visit by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Shehu Sale Yipmong, Majority leader and ten other members.
The new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda represents Pengana Constituency of Bassa LGA while the former Speaker Rt. Hon. Nuhu Ayuba Abok represents Jos East Constituency.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 28th October 2021.
DAYYABU GARGA AT THE PALACE OF RA’AN JHAR OF JHAR CHIEFDOM
Alh.Hon.(Dr). Dayyabu Yusuf Garga (Walin Garga), Kanam Local Government Council Chairman visited Jhar Chiefdom where he paid Royal Homage at the Palace of Ra’an Jhar, HRH, Alh. Mahmud Maikano II.
While at the Palace, the Council Chairman commended the Ra’an for his firm commitment towards peace and unity of his people which forms part of his core ideals.
He also reiterated his devotion for a secured, productive and progressive Jhar Chiefdom in particular, and Kanam Local Government Area in general.
The Ra’an Jhar appreciated the Chairman’s visit, showered Royal blessings on him, lauded his leadership style and assured him of the support of his people.
Responding, the Chairman who couldn’t hide his joy over the warm reception, eulogies, love and support of the people of Jhar Chiefdom at the headquarter of Jhar in Dogon Ruwa, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to serve them better.
The Chairman charged them to continue to cherish peaceful coexistence, education and farming which they are known for over the years. He assured them of his untiring pursuit for security, empowerment and provision of essential support with a view to enhancing agriculture.
The New Speaker and Principal officers of the Plateau state house of Assembly visited the executive arm of Government to intimate them on the new change of gaurd at the legislative arm.
The Majority leader Hon Daniel na’anlong while addressing the Governor who was able represented by the SGG Prof Danladi Abok Atu relayed the proceedings of the house.
” At about 8 o’clock this morning we were at the chambers To seat and legislative over affairs of Plateau State,in the Process the house established enough reasons to impeach the Speaker Rt Hon Ayuba Abok and it is with the Constitutional requirements of 2/3 majority” Naanlong stated.
A new speaker emerged and was immediately sworn in.
It is theTradition of the house to come to the seat of power to introduce the new speaker of PLHA,That is why we are here your Excellency Hon Naanlong reiterated.
Hon Daniel Naanlong gave two two reasons for the impeachment of the erthswhile Speaker.
Gross incompetence
Financial misappropriation.
Naanlong further explained that Details will be given for press to investigate as part of their responsibility to ascertain the veracity of the conduct of the former speaker.
The SGS on behalf of executive Governor Congratulated the new speaker On behalf of Government and people of Plateau state For accepting Leadership bestowed by hid colleagues in and entire legislative business of the house.
He promised collaborations between all arms of Government as they are open to work for the good of Plateau and to promote the ideals of Government
The New speaker Hon Yakubu SANDA gave the Vote of thanks on behalf of all the principal officers
“We want to appreciate God for making another history in the house and I want to sincerely thank my colleagues for challenging me to lead them,We will collaborate with the executive to give good governance to the people”.
While responding to questions by journalist the Majority leader cleared the air on members present at the house during the impeachment.
” We have both PDP and APC members present,It is on tape 16 members signed the impeachment to meet up the 2/3 majority as a requirement by Constitution submitted to the clerk for confirmation.” Naanlong reechoed.
A group under the aegis of Youths Rights Against Corruption (YRAC) has submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba.
The group accused the Speaker of several allegations including abuse of office and financial misappropriation.
The group also demanded that the Speaker immediately steps down from his position pending the completion of investigation.
Executive Director, Youths Rights Against Corruption (YRAC), Comrade Abednego Musa, signed the petition titled “Petition Against Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker, Nuhu Abok Ayuba, On Gross Financial Misconduct, Criminal Breach Of Public Trust And Abuse Of Office”.
In the petition addressed to the Chairman of the anti-graft commission, the group said it was necessitated by popular demand and to avert continuous bleeding of public treasury.
“Further to a popular demand by some members of the public to our office, this petition is written to acquaint your agency with the gross financial misconduct and the abuse of office being perpetrated by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba, for a thorough investigation so as to avert a further bleeding of the public treasury under his care and restore sanity in the functioning of the state’s legislative establishment.
“The Speaker’s desecration of his office for which a probe of his activities becomes necessary is in twofold: one, his financial recklessness and cornering of public funds through illegitimate means; and two, the corruption and compromise of laid down procedures and rules deliberately foisted on the workforce of the Assembly”.
The Rights group further stated that the Speaker is perfecting his schemes by abusing the autonomy granted the House of Assembly.
According to the group, some of the cases for which it is seeking the enquiry of the anti-graft commission includes:
“Use of fictitious companies as fronts for cornering supply of 50 trucks of Fertilizer contracts and fleecing of N375m (Three Hundred and seventy Five Million naira) public funds . A probe of the businesses of the House since his leadership should reveal how notoriously Abok has been breaching public trust by diverting contracts and projects into companies of his interest with the active connivance of the clerk of the House.
“Purchase of a bulletproof car at a market value of less than N100 Million (One Hundred Million Naira), and the inflation of its price to N300m.
“Apart from being inflated by a whooping 200%, the purchase of the vehicle was done in a questionable manner contrary to procurement acts. This constitutes a flagrant abuse of office and the exercise of privilege with impunity in a country where majority of the citizens live on less than a dollar a day.
“Payment of humongous allowances of N150m as Basic Travelling Allowances (BTA) for members of the Assembly with neither prior discussion with members nor official approval by the House. We have it on good authority that the members did not undertake such trips, which had no destination.
“Compromise of operational procedures, creation of an extra-legal hierarchy and privileging cronies at the expense of the system. This is by far the greatest calamity to befall the Plateau State House of Assembly under Abok’s watch. Regulatory procedures have been in most cases set aside with the connivance of the Clerk of the House with the ill-intent of carrying out governmental business for private gains and as a private concern.
The Speaker was also accused of collecting N500m laundered funds through a suspended Chairman of APC to recruit innocent House members to destabilise the State and make the state ungovernable through induced crisis. This explains why he is always rushing to the media to discredit the efforts of the State government in restoring peace for selfish gains. Little wonder he disappears when National leadership of CAN, JNI and the SGF including security chiefs visited the state.”
The Group said it would amount to breach of public trust if the allegations against the Plateau Speaker, is not investigated, adding that “such a man of questionable character cannot continue to act as Speaker to the Plateau State House of Assembly.”
However the Speaker described the allegations as false, describing it as the handiwork of mischief makers.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Bulus Atang, the Speaker said he would respond at the appropriate time to the allegations contained in the petition.
GOVERNOR LALONG ADDRESSES NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT GROUP ON SECURITY
Governor Simon Bako has told the Nigerian Economic Summit Group that Plateau State remains a very suitable business and investment hub because the government has vigorously addressed some of the major security challenges by tackling their root causes.
Governor Lalong who spoke at a panel discussion on “Securing our Future: An Urgency for Now” at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, said though the security challenges in Plateau State have not been completely eradicated, there is substantial peace which has been nurtured through the Peace Building Agency and the Inter-Religous Council in the last six years.
Lalong said most of the negative narratives about insecurity is exaggerated and also instigated by people from outside the State in collaboration with those within the State who want to make economic or political gains through violence.
He said the State has addressed major issues that border on religion, injustice and ethnicity which are usually the triggers or faultlines exploited during any misunderstanding by groups or individuals. This he said has been done through dialogue, consultation and collaboration where threats to security are addressed before they reach violent dimensions.
In addition, Governor Lalong said the State has faced headlong acts of criminality through support to security agencies with equipment and other logistics for better response to security demands. He said the Operation Rainbow has also stepped in to work with vigilante and other community watch groups deal with the situation which has greatly improved.
He also advocated for a review of the revenue sharing formula and State police which must accommodate adequate funding, checks and balances and a very strong mechanism against abuse. This he said will enable the States properly respond to security challenges as and when due.
The Governor cited the recently organised Local Government elections conducted peacefully in Plateau State as an example of the dividends of peace and security which is being consolidated upon.
Lalong advised other States to replicate the Peace Building Agency which has proven to be very useful in addressing conflicts because it is backed by law.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 26th October 2021.
PLATEAU COUNCIL POLLS 2021: THAT MY SILENCE MAY NOT BE MISCONTRUED
Following the decisions of the courts that led to the exclusion of PDP in the Oct 2021 Council Polls in Plateau State, the propaganda was amplified that, “Bitrus Kaze have written the commission [PLASIEC] that they should not recognized the (Sen Ogbeha-led State) CTC, that they should not participate or observed the PDP primary election and that they should not issue nomination forms to the PDP candidates.” Without producing the letter, the State Legal Adviser Barr Bincen Jantur issued a public statement on 25th Oct 2021 stating that; “the pains PDP members are passing through emanated from the controversial deal between PLASIEC and Bitrus Kaze’ s letter.” My attention has just been drawn to another post this morning from Barr Jantur who is now saying it is a “lawyer that wrote to PLASIEC on behalf of Bitrus Kaze.” I could ignore the e-rats but when within a week, the State Legal Adviser repeatedly approaches the public space “on behalf of the party” with falsehood to smear me, then I should be able to say something.
The PDP Congresses 2020 in Plateau State were characterized by impunity; to eliminate opponents, nomination forms were purchased in bulk, carted away from the PDP State Secretariat and shared to cronies; other interested aspirants had to run to Abuja for the forms but some were still disqualified for not showing receipts for administrative charges which they were denied despite their willingness to pay; the individual who hijacked the forms became the Chairman State Congress Planning Committee, his members included the Campaign DG of his appointers who were also contestants; the 21st March 2020 LGA Congresses was postponed but hurriedly staged on 23rd March 2020 without the 21 days mandatory notice to INEC; party EXCOs emerged in many places where congresses never held; the LGA Congress Report and Congress Appeal Panel Report were forged; the Hon Choco-led CTC being contestants arrogated to themselves the powers of the Screening Committee/Screening Appeal Panel, the screening result was neither announced nor displayed in grave violation the 2020 Guidelines.
These acts of gross impunity triggered a plethora of complaints, which were ignored again in breach of the PDP constitution (Section 58(1.m) makes it an offence to neglect to treat such petitions). Amidst all these, Hon Choco, then the PDP State Chairman roared; “Anybody who does not accept the party decision should feel free to challenge the national body in court” (The Sun, 10th May 2020). On his part, Barr Jantur the State Legal Adviser urged aspirants to “wait for the outcome of their suit before plethora of courts” (Reality newspaper 6th Oct 2020).
The party ignored genuine complaints and asked its faithful to proceed to court. Going to court is not a crime indeed thugs don’t go to court; when the Prof Shown-led State EXCO was arbitrarily dissolved in 2009, the State Chapter of the party took the Prince Ogbulafor-led NWC to court and secured judgment at the trial and appellate courts. When President Yar’adua empanelled Gen Abisoye et al over the Jos Crises of 2008, the PDP-led State government took the PDP-led FGN to court. The court is the only reason why the PDP is currently in power in L/North LGA.
Following plans to conduct the 29th Aug PDP State Congress, the State Legal Adviser wrote an undertaking before Justice Ngyou of the State High Court Pankshin pledging that the PDP will maintain the status quo pending the determination of the matter. However, the party went ahead to conduct the State Congress, hence the Court issued an Order on Nov 23rd 2020; “declaring null and void, the State PDP Congress conducted on the 29th day of August 2020 by the PDP during the pendency of this suit…” The post 29th August 2020 State EXCO led by Hon Chris Hassan ought to have vacated office but the Court Order was ignored.
In a judgment on 26th November 2020, Justice Gang ordered the PDP to, “Conduct election for the PDP EXCO for Plateau State.” The PDP issued a public statement on 28th Nov 2020 promising to abide by this judgment. The Judgment Enrolment Orders was served inter alia on the PDP/INEC since 4th Dec 2020. Again, the Chris Hassan contraption ignored the court judgment. Although the PDP marked their State EXCO as “Court Invalidated” and blocked them from voting in the April 2021 Zonal Congresses in Makurdi, the party did not sack them until 10th June 2021 after PLASIEC announced the council polls. The Chris Hassan-led illegal EXCO issued a timetable for PDP primaries, sold nomination forms and attended a function related to the council polls at PLASIEC on 17th May 2021 in clear contempt of court. PLASIEC reportedly exhibited before the court the timetable, the forms and evidence of his attendance.
About the validity of LGA Congresses of 23rd March 2020, Justice Bakfur in his judgment on 27th Jan 2021 confirmed that PDP Plateau State “had Prof Maxwell Gidado as chairman and four others as members of Electoral Committee… There is no record of their supervision of that election as they had suspended the exercise.” Justice Ashom in his judgment on 24th June 2021 declared, “…as invalid, null and void the purported PDP LGA Congresses conducted by the PDP on the 23rd March, 2020 in Jos East LGA, Plateau State, having been done without serving the requisite statutory notice on INEC.” Information filtered that on account of these judgments, the PDP National Headquarters ordered the conduct of affirmative congresses in all the 17 LGAs. Rather than comply 12 LGA EXCOs were barred from participating in the State Congress of 25th Sept 2021.
If scapegoating Bitrus Kaze as Barr Jantur profusely seeks to do could assuage the potency of valid court decisions, the PDP would have participated in the 10th October LGA polls. As a lawyer, he knows that better. Bluntly put, impunity and total disregard of valid pronouncements by courts of competent jurisdictions did PDP incalculable damage. The PDP ignored our complaints and advised us to go court, conscious that we were in court the party enjoined us to wait for judgment and aware that we secured judgment the party publicly pledged to abide by the court judgment which it reluctantly did 8 months after damage had been done. The PDP may ignore its own members and get away with it but repeated disregard for the courts certainly has consequences. Unfortunately, innocent candidates of the PDP in the council polls, party faithful and indeed the wider Plateau electorates all suffered an absolutely avoidable electoral monologue.
Freelance Reporters 