The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has issued a stern warning to the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, PLASIEC, to include it in the Saturday Local Government Elections, or the elections will not hold.
In a statement signed by Kefas Sumdi on behalf of the PDP chairman, Chris Hassan which a copy was forwarded to Freelance Reporters, stated that the party chairman gave the warning in Langtang North at the unveiling of Hon. Beni Lar, member representing Langtang North/Langtang South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives as an Amazon of women by the Mega Voice of Women. According to the statement, Hassan said the PDP is doing its best to make sure it participates in the October 9th election or no election will hold.
He accused PLASIEC of connivance with the State Government of giving the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, undue advantage to subdue the opposition party. And that the commission should come clean in its responsibility to give PDP forms or there will be no election on Saturday.
He said, “The era of Political victimization of opposition is over as the party will use all its might to fight injustice.”
Furthermore he alleged that the APC is afraid of the PDP, adding that the ruling party should not use PLASIEC as an underdog to deny PDP in the forth coming LG election.
The State Chairman claimed optimism that his party will win all the LGs when election is conducted.
On how he intends to stop the elections, a phone call was put to him by 4:19 pm Sunday, but he couldn’t pick and did not called back up to the time of filing this report. Earlier, a call was made to John Akans the Publicity Secretary of the PDP at the same time, but didn’t pick or called back at the time of filing this report. Thus; it could not be ascertained whether the PDP intends to use violence, or the courts to stop the elections. However, some stalwarts of the party have the record of making inflammatory statements when it comes to elections.
It would be recalled that in 2002 Damishi Sango issued a stern warning while talking to News Watch, magazine that his boys will go to polling booths with petrol to set ablaze anyone that rigged the elections. In 2018 during the skirmishes in some parts of Jos North, Jonah David Jang, made a call that everyone should take up arms to defend themselves saying that President Buhari will not be able to defend them. And that President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Lalong should be impeached.
Also in 2017 during their press briefing on May 29, the party Chairman, Damishi Sango made caricature of the two years of peace being enjoyed in the state, and instead of encouraging peace he said the state was sitting on a keg of gun powder. These they said aside their support for the violent and illegal impeachment of then Governor Joshua Dariye in 2006 to clinch to power.
Pundits opined that they are watching to see how they will stop the elections, whether through court injunctions or the use of thugs.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya has reaffirmed his commitment to
the provision of welfare, adequate operational platforms and logistics as catalyst to boost the fighting spirit of NA personnel.

The COAS disclosed this during his maiden working visit to 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) in Jos, the Plateau State capital. He emphasized that the welfare of troops is a top priority of his administration.

While addressing officers and soldiers of the Division, the COAS noted that through persistent demonstration of professionalism in all assigned tasks, the current security challenges could be surmounted.

He charged the personnel of the Division to consistently demonstrate high level of professionalism in the discharge of their assigned duties. He assured of his commitment to their welfare, provision of equipment and infrastructure within available resources to enable them succeed in their various tasks.

During the visit, the General Officer Commamding 3 Division, who also doubles as the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Maj Gen I Ali briefed the COAS on the operational activities, achievements, successes and challenges of the Division.

The COAS commended the Division for living up to its responsibilities and urged them not to rest on their oars until peace is restored in their Area of Responsibility, particularly in the Plateau. He assured the Division of his continued support to enhance their operational engagements.

While speaking to journalists, the COAS noted that his visit to 3 Division was to interact with the troops, as well as encourage and assure them of his support in the discharge of their duties. He however stressed that security is everybody’s business and urged all agencies of government, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, professionals, as well as, all citizens to work in togetherness for peace and security of the country.

During the visit, the COAS presented a Toyota Hilux Vehicle to the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the Division, in fulfilment of his pledge to revitalize the position of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) as custodians of tradition, ethos and regimentation in the NA. He added that empowering the RSMs will give them the necessary enablement to discharge their duties effectively.

*ONYEMA NWACHUKWU*
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
30 September 2021

SPECIAL PRESS STATEMENT:

It has come to the notice of the Plateau State Government that there are rumours of a planned protest tomorrow Friday, 1st October, 2021.

While Government acknowledges and respects the right of citizens to peaceful protest, it however reminds the general public that the ban on public procession by whatever guise and name is still in force.

Government therefore warns the organisers of the purported protest to drop the idea in the interest of peace and security.

Security agents have been placed on red alert to rise up to the challenge by arresting anyone who violates this directive.

The Government also enjoins all law abiding citizens to go about their normal duties without any fear of molestation or intimidation.

Parents are also advised to rein in their wards and continue to support the Government in working for the restoration of total normalcy to the State.
Happy 61st Independence Celebration.

ALWAYS THINK PLATEAU AND ACT PLATEAU.

Dan Manjang,
Honourable Commissioner,
Information and Communication,
Plateau State.
Thursday 30th September, 2021.

With recent developments, there are strong indications that, there might not be a Chairmanship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State in the forthcoming, Plateau State Local Government Elections, as a Plateau State High Court has granted Orders of Interlocutory Injunctions, restraining the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) from giving effect to the alleged unconstitutional primary election of the APC in Pankshin Local Government Area.

The Plateau State High Court, Pankshin Division, presided over by, Hon. Justice, B. S. Ngyou, upon hearing a Motion on Notice brought by Abafaras Gabriel Ngolong and Rotshak G. Yokden(Plaintiffs/Applicants) pursuant to Orders 42 and 43 of the High Court of Plateau State (Civil Procedure) rules 2020, has granted an Order of Interlocutory Injunction, restraining the APC, being the 1st Defendant, in suit No. PLD/P27CV/M2/2021, whether by itself, its agents, privies of assigns or any other person acting through it, or however, from recognizing or further recognizing, Hon. Audu Kak’mena (2nd Defendant), as the nominated candidate from the primary election purportedly held on the 24th of June, 2021, and/or presenting or submitting his name to PLASIEC (3rd Defendant), as the nominated candidate of the APC for the Chairmanship position of Pankshin LGA of Plateau State in the forthcoming Plateau State Local Government Councils elections, pending the determination of the Plaintiffs/Applicants substantive suit.

The Court also granted an Order of Interlocutory Injunction, restraining PLASIEC (3rd Defendant) from giving effect to the purported primary election of the APC of Pankshin LGA, pending the determination of the Plaintiffs/Applicants’ Substantive suit.

From the face of the Orders of the Court, the 2nd Defendant, Hon. Audu Kak’mena has been also restrained from parading himself or acting or presenting himself as the candidate of the APC for the Chairmanship position of Pankshin LGA in any manner whatsoever, pending the determination of the suit.

“And after hearing, M. A. Abdullahi (Esq) with J. E. Okpe for the Plaintiffs/Applicants, it is hereby ordered that: parties in the suit are directed to maintain the Status Quo Ante, pending the final determination of the substantive suit”. The Court Order further stated.

The case was adjourned to the 16th of November for hearing.

The Plateau Chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP has expressed disappointment over the Plateau High Court Ruling by His Lordship Justice Ibrahim Kunda which dismissed the petition filed by the Party challenging its exclusion from the forthcoming Local Government Polls slated for 9th October, 2021 by the State Electoral umpire, Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC).

In a statement signed by the Party State Publicity Secretary, Hon. John Akans ksm, the party said the judgment exposed the true self as enemy of the people. It said it is shameful that a judge could go down to such despicable levels to show his contempt for the people of Plateau State by shocking attempt to demonize the cries of the people against injustice while seeking for justice.

“This judgment can only be celebrated by those whose consciences are dead to the plight of the people and marooned in government house at the feet of the oppressors of their people in quest to please ‘oga at the top’ for their personal gain”

“We therefore call on our members across the state to remain calm as arrangement has been made for an appeal to be filed immediately, which our legal team has commenced the process” the statement said.

According to him, the PDP will never allow anti democratic forces in an open confrontation with norms and values of democracy, and at this time the people will not be the victims of those forces.

The full statement reads;

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY(PDP) PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER, 20/22 YAKUBU GOWON WAY OPP NTA JOS

29TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2021

PRESS STATEMENT

It was disappointing as we watched justice kunda delivered most ridiculous judgment in the history of the Nigerian judiciary.

It is obvious that this judgment has unveiled the government’s true self as enemy of the people. It is indeed shameful that a judge could go down to such despicable levels to show his contempt for the people of Plateau State by shocking attempt to demonize the cries of the people against injustice while seeking for justice.

In his judgment, the judge claimed that our case was based on the interpretation of a judgment of a court of coordinate jurisdiction and thus robbed him of jurisdiction to review or try. Notwithstanding he went ahead to wholesomely interpret and review, and also claimed that he could enforce the judgment by making far reaching orders which none of the parties asked for, one of which is the order of justice Gang in kaze’s case and the parties were not even invited by kunda to address him on those issues.

This judgment can only be celebrated by those whose consciences are dead to the plight of the people and marooned in government house at the feet of the oppressors of their people in quest to please ‘oga at the top’ for their personal gain.

We therefore call on our members across the state to remain calm as arrangement has been made for an appeal to be filed immediately, which our legal team has commenced the process.

The PDP will never allow anti democratic forces in an open confrontation with norms and values of democracy, and at this time the people will not be the victims of those forces.

We will not allow this merchants of retrogression succeed, as they only think of themselves and not the people.

Justice Kunda has clearly descended into the arena of the absurd and inflicted us with grave travesty of justice.

The people have rejected the APC and its agents and so it stands, so no amount of intimidation can change the peoples stand.

Election remains the only democratically available means of transition and changing an under performing administration such as what we have on the plateau under Lalong.

Long live the PDP!
Long live Plateau State!!

Signed..

John T Akans ksm FICA JP.
State Publicity Secretary (PDP)

Plateau state information and communication technology development Agency PICTDA Supported by GiZ, yesterday Organized a workshop for the validation of the ICT Value chain Gap Analysis and review of the Plateau State ICT Policy and Implementation Strategies.




The DG PICTDA Mr. David Daser made this known on his Facebook page. According to DG “the Plateau State ICT Development agency had a policy dialogue with various stakeholders within the Plateau State ICT sector.“

“It was a workshop for the validation of the Plateau State ICT Value Chain Gap Analysis and review of the Plateau State ICT Policy and implementation Strategies.”

David Daser also said “Plateau State ICT Value Chain Gap Analysis is a research sponsored by GiZ and carried out by nHub to analyse the gap in the Plateau State ICT value chain for the purpose of possible intervention.”




“The Policy dialogue that ensued was for the purpose of assaying possible grey areas of the policy vis-a-vis the research findings of the value chain gap analysis to answer the question of if a possible review of the policy was necessary at this time or not.”

“And yes, there is a need for a review.
Thanks to GiZ for the wonderful support and partnership.”

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON NIGERIA’S 61ST INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

As Nigeria counts down to its 61st Independence Anniversary, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, on behalf of himself, family and the good people of Plateau State, hereby felicitates with His Excellency, the President and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria on this forthcoming special event.

The celebration started with a Church service last Sunday 26th September, 2021 at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield at 10.00 a.m prompt. There will also be a Juma’at prayer tomorrow Friday, 1st October, 2021 at the Jos Central Mosque at 1.30 p.m.
At the same time there will be a march past and funfare by selected primary and secondary schools, and full parade by the security agencies at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium at 10.00 a.m.
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, Executive Governor of Plateau State will take the salute.
You are all invited to attend.

Happy 61st Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Dan Manjang,
Honourable Commissioner of Information and Communication,
Plateau State.
30/10/2021.

Hon.LilianMadaki-Dyel has called on People’s Democratic Party (PDP) newly elected State Executive Council to unite and ensure all hands are on deck for progress of Plateau bearing on minds how necessary and crucial political moment Nigeria is in currently.


In a statement of appreciation to supporters despite loosing the position she aspired for, Madaki said, “In the spirit of sportsmanship, and in my sincere heart of acknowledging the fact that, “a team is like a toolset, hence, not one tool can do all the jobs, but together it can” And therefore, the need and call for all hands been on deck for progress is necessary at this crucial political moment”.



Raising concern over the state of the Country’s affair, Lilian who is a former Councillor in Bokkos LGA, is a known female vibrant politician and an online media practitioner E.D Sawabiya, reiterate the need for PDP to work towards progress.

“Considering this fact, may I use this opportunity to also plea that, the newly sworn in EXCO should as a matter of urgency, identify areas of weaknesses and work on it towards gaining strength, and ensure that, hope is prefare over fear, unity over division, and reality over mire dreams. “Do not impose candidates in 2023 and the sky shall be our stepping stone” said Madaki.

The former Councillor thanked supporters for the overwhelmed support received.

“I Hon. Lilian Madaki Dyel ( SAWABIYA), from the bottom of my heart, wish to immensely express gratitute to you all my family, friends,supporters, community, and well washers for the kind prayers, support and unwavering wishes shown to us during the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Plateau State’s Congress which I aspired for the position of State Assistant Youth Leader (Central Zone Youth Leader)” the female politician maintained.


The statement reads:

Appreciation!

We won, but TECHNICALITIES couldn’t allow delegates votes count.

I am still in PDP and I remain PDP head to toe.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, and in my sincere heart of acknowledging the fact that, “a team is like a toolset, hence, not one tool can do all the jobs, but together it can” And therefore, the need and call for all hands been on deck for progress is necessary at this crucial political moment.

I Hon. Lilian Madaki Dyel ( SAWABIYA), from the bottom of my heart, wish to immensely express gratitute to you all my family, friends,supporters, community, and well washers for the kind prayers, support and unwavering wishes shown to us during the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Plateau State’s Congress which I aspired for the position of State Assistant Youth Leader (Central Zone Youth Leader).

Special thanks goes to the delegates who gave me their votes massively though technicalities couldn’t allow it count(invalid votes).

Let me use this opportunity to join Hon. Bitrus Kaze in also congratulating not only congratulating Hon. Chris Hassan for winning the chairmanship but the whole of those who were declared winners for various positions.

Special appreciation goes to all PDP members and the various unique women groups who rose up in support of my aspirations, God bless you richly, I sincerely appreciate the massive support across lines.

You made me felt most qualified!

On this note, i call on all my supporters to remain in PDP as 2023 is around the corner, and PDP is the only credible alternative for the restoration of Plateau known dignity.

Considering this fact, may I use this opportunity to also plea that, the newly sworn in EXCO should as a matter of urgency, identify areas of weaknesses and work on it towards gaining strength, and ensure that, hope is prefare over fear, unity over division, and reality over mire dreams. “Do not impose candidates in 2023 and the sky shall be our stepping stone”

Note: “It is only PDP itself that has the capacity to tear PDP apart” therefore, the need for collaborative support to salvage Plateau current situation becomes imperative and the ball is in PDP’s coat.

Our turn to either serve or return the ball to…..

United we stand.



LilianMadaki-Dyel

ARMY CHIEF FAROUK YAHAYA VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya has visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Rayfield, assuring that the Nigerian Army will continue to work with the State in restoring peace and security to Plateau State.

General Yahaya said the efforts of the Governor in promoting peace in the State through non-kinetic means has been very valuable and key to engendering peaceful coexistence.

He also said the Army through Operation Safe Haven and the 3rd Armoured Division will not relent in its operational duties of dealing with criminal elements who are working against the peace of the State and country at large.

Farouk sympathised with the State over the recent attacks and assured that the military would not allow such occurrences again, saying the people need to continue to support the security agencies.

He thanked the Governor for supporting the Army structure in the State and also at the level of the Northern Governors Forum towards overcoming security challenges.

General Yahaya said the security challenges in the country will definitely be overcome with the support and collaboration of all citizens.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the Army Chief to Plateau State said he was delighted by the visit which is an opportunity for the Government to appreciate the efforts of the armed forces in tackling insecurity in the State especially in recent months.

He said though the challenges are yet to be overcome, the Army has made enermous progress in various parts of the country where bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other enemies of State have been dealt a heavy blow.

Lalong assured the Army Chief of the continued support of the Plateau State Government and the Northern Governors Forum to the army and other law enforcement agencies in addressing insecurity.

The Governor maintained that his Administration will continue to utilise the Peace Building Agency and other structures towards addressing conflicts and preventing violence.

A one minute silence was observed for late Gen. Abraham Luka Dusu, a course mate of the COAS who died recently.

The Chief of Army Staff had delivered a lecture at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th September 2021.

Breaking: A Jos High Court dismisses suit filed by PDP against PLASIEC, awards N2.5million against PDP.

September 29, 2021

Justice Yakubu Kunda of High Court 5 sitting in Jos has dismissed a suit filed before him by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the decision of the Plateau Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to exclude it from participating in the scheduled October 9, 2021 local government council polls.

Delivering his judgement, Justice Kunda held that PLASIEC was legally right to have refused PDP nomination and expression of interest forms for the said election adding that the PDP instead of abiding by the judgement of SP Gang of November 20, 2020 to conduct state Congress, the party went ahead to evoke sections of its constitution to dissolved the state EXCO and constituted a caretaker committee which conducted its primaries that produced the candidates which PLASIEC refused to issue forms.

In the circumstances, the judge further held that all the steps and actions taken by the caretaker committee including the conduct of the said primary elections was null and void.
“The entire claims in the submission the claimant is hereby, dismissed”, said the judge.

The sum N2.5million damages awarded against the PDP

Details of the judgement later. Copied