RE: Deputy Governor’s PYC Endorsement in Mangu.

Disgruntled by rumours making the rounds on a preposterous claim, alluding an instruction by the office of the Deputy Governor through His cheif of staff to extirpate traditions and impose a PYC Chairman on the youths of Mangu LGA, it has become highly germane for us to debunk this hideous deceit, throw clarity, affirm our stand and put the records straight as the case may be.
Notwithstanding, we’re not unwitting of the fact that this move is only orchestrated by desperate individuals, coveting to use and reduce the office of the Deputy and the office of deputy chief of staff to mere tools of intimidation and confusion in the land.

It would be recalled that a meeting held at the people’s house ably chaired by CMR. YIRVOMS, under the joint leadership of the outgoing LG PYC exco, the immediate past MYM exco and the entire LG veterans sat and unanimously zoned the PYC LG Chairmanship seat to Tim zone, where it was instantaneously on same day re-zoned to Ampang zone by a collective voice from Tim.
In wisdom, compliance with the principle of equal representation of the council and taking cognizance of the fact that Ampang as a district has zones within as well, the stakeholders and Congress sat and zoned all positions allocated to Ampang zone, from the State, LG and District; there again, the LG seat was micro zoned to Pishik, reasons being that Pishik occupied the least position in the outgoing leadership while Bwonpe occupied the highest positions which includes, the seats of the current District Chairman and the State CWC.
The zoning process was credibly conducted based on the existing PYC template for rotation within zones or units which clearly mandates that the previous least occupants of possitions takes the big seat while the previous big seat occupants takes the least, thence the decision in Ampang was affirmed.
And thank God for the resilience of the likes of CMR. GAIUS, HON. PWASPO and some other reasonable Veterans in Ampang who saw the need to broker peace between the two aspirants from Pishik zone, which now leaves one consensus candidate from there as it is.
This is not just commendable but worthy of emulation even amongst our elders.

Be that as it may, we wish to stake our confidence on the wisdom of the Deputy Governor and the commissioner, trusting they’ll not condescend to allowing themselves to be used as straitjackets to cause dishamony amongst the youths by political jobbers.
And incase the perpetrators of this confusion are acting only in ignorance and are totally oblivious of the aforementioned facts or traditions of the Council, we make bold to state to whom it may concern in unambiguous terms that, ZONING IS SACROSANCT IN PYC; this arrangements and understandings only goes to promote cohabitation, opportunities for equal participation and leadership development cut across all sub-units and sub-zones of the entire State.

It is indeed very worrisome and abhorrent that for the Mangu man, who’s biggest albatross in times of any contest (even as seen in the 2023 Gubernatorial race) is reaching an in-house consensus, we thought by now, we would begin to educate the Youths and Elders on the need to uphold processes that will enhancing more cohesion rather than acting as seeds of discords or agents of deeper confusion but the reverse seems to be the unfortunate case.
So, how do we intend to lead the State in little Rayfield if we can’t even reach simple consensus on very piffling issues as this?
Why should anyone put his or her interest above the interests of the common good of the land?
Honestly, this nonsense ‘tsoghot’nder’pal’ must be discouraged and heavily resisted by all.
This calls for deep and personal introspection and re-evaluation of our devotion to Unity and the progress of our dear land.

Finally, we call on the attention of the office of the Deputy Governor and the Hon. Commissioner on this matter and advise that, they as in the interest of Unity issue out strong warnings refuting such costly rumours which possess as greater threat to the Unity of our people.
We call on the general public to be weary of mischievous elements who’s stock-in-trade is causing disharmony and promoting hate amongst the citizenry.
We must know that the Mangu house does not have the leverage of engaging itself in needless fights against each other when the task ahead is clearly more rigorous and enormous.
May God expose and disgrace the agents of separatism in Mangu Land.

We remain faithfully committed to the Mangu project and to all that concerns Unity and Progress.

AMPANG UNITY LEAGUE.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS SHOCKED OVER DEATH OF FORMER KADUNA DEPUTY GOVERNOR, BALA BANTEX

The Northern State’s Governors’ Forum has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Deputy Governor of Kaduna State Architect Barnabas Yusuf Bala fondly referred to as Bantex.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement commiserated with his immediate family, the Governor and people of Kaduna State over the sad incident.

Lalong described the late Deputy Governor as an accomplished professional Architect, politician of high repute and integrity, who served his community, State and Nigeria with passion, honesty and patriotism.

He said “our brother and friend was a man whose primary concern was on how to ensure that justice, peace and progress prevails among people of various religious and ethnic backgrounds as well as build common ground for peaceful coexistence. This was clearly demonstrated in the way he conducted himself as pioneer Secretary General of the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU); Chairman, Kaura Local Government; Member Representing Kaura Federal Constituency at the National Assembly; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2019; as well as several other responsibilities he was assigned throughout his life time”.

Lalong said apart from his passion for the development of the country, the late Bantex was always desirous of the rapid development and unity of the North as he worked with the Forum vigorously towards adressing insecurity, poverty, disease, illiteracy and misunderstandings exacerbated by ethno-religious sentiments.

While praying God to grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family, Governor Lalong said his legacies will continue to be remembered for a very long time.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
11th July 2021.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Former deputy governor of kaduna State, architect Barnabas Bala Bantex is Dead.

The cause of his demise is still sketchy as at the time of filling this report.

More details shortly……

AUTONOMY: “MANY STATES ARE NOW UNDERSTUDYING PLATEAU STATE”- GOVERNOR LALONG
Two months into the implementation of full autonomy for the Legislature and Judiciary in Plateau State, heads of the three Arms of Government have vowed to continue to work together in the interest of citizens of the State.
This is even as Governor Simon Bako Lalong has disclosed that Plateau has become a model for other States who have sent teams to understudy its operations in order to fine-tune their modalities for implementing autonomy in their States.
Governor Lalong was speaking when he received the report of the State Accounts Allocation Committee (SAAC) which provided the framework and final negotiations that led to the adoption of the modalities for implementing autonomy in Plateau State.
Governor Lalong said the implementation of full autonomy for all arms of Government is a clear indication that his Rescue Administration believes in the growth and stability of institutions that are necessary for building democracy and allowing the people to benefit more from good governance.
He said “right from the onset, we were committed to implementing autonomy because we were never afraid. From the benefit of my experience as a lawyer, legislator and now Governor, I clearly understood that autonomy is a win-win situation for the arms of Government and the people. It will definitely increase accountability and transparency as well as frugal management of resources. Because we were sincere and honest, we had no difficulty in confronting tough hurdles towards reaching a compromise on various issues. Today, many States are coming to learn from us. At the moment, Niger, Adamawa and Nasarawa States have sent their people to come and study what we have done”.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba expressed the appreciation of the House to Governor Lalong for his personal commitment and openness which made him to be the first Governor to implement full autonomy even when many States are yet to fully embrace and implement the idea. He said Governor Lalong has written his name in gold and will remain a shining example for democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Chief Judge of Plateau State Justice Yakubu Gyang Dakwak also appreciated the efforts of the Governor who did not only adhere to legal requirements, but also facilitated political solutions to deal with grey areas that stood in the way of implementing the autonomy in a way to satisfy all the arms of Government.
He maintained that the implementation of Autonomy is by no means a divorce among the three arms of Government, but an arrangement to enhance effectiveness of the arms in serving the people. He emphasised that the concept of one Government is superior to that of independence, hence the need for more synergy in the new dispensation.
Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu who chaired the Committee said the members who were drawn from the various arms worked assiduously to reach an amicable resolution and will continue to work together as the implementation continues, in order to eliminate any challenge that may arise.
The Governor will also sign the Funds Management Law which has been passed and is a key component of implementing autonomy as it will guide the management of all funds accruing to the various tiers of Government.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
7th July 2021

… as IGP Alkali seeks better welfare for officers

Prince Sekat, Jos

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc has reassured Police Officers and Nigerians that recruitment into the Nigeria Police will resume soon. He stated this in Jos during his working visit to Plateau state Police Command. IGP Alkali disclosed that the Force and the Police Service Commission are working closely to achieve many things. He  added that recruitment will commence soon. He lamented the loss of gallant police officers while appreciating the sacrifice of fallen heroes. IGP Alkali said eligible children of fallen heroes of the force would be considered during the recruitment process.
Meanwhile, IGP Alkali has restated the commitment of his administration to improve the welfare and working conditions of police officers to enable them do more exploits for the Nigeria Police and the country at large. While interacting with personnel of the command, the Police helmsman who said that he is determined to reposition the force also stressed the need for attitudinal change by members of the force as he will not hesitate to give as good as he gets to redeem the trust and confidence of the citizenry.
He further implored police officers to exorcise the impression that they are in the worst profession, prioritize the job, do their work diligently, and should be optimistic that they can succeed economically and socially in the police if they work with the fear of God.
He also expressed his profound gratitude to police officers across the country for their hard work and sacrifice which sometimes lead to the loss of lives. He described these as uncommon devotion to the service of their fatherland.
The IGP is travelling across the country to restore confidence and hope to police officers as they battle law and order, public safety and security challenges in the wake of an anti-police militancy in some parts of the country while the country battles an insurgency and a spike in violent crime.
Until Operation Restore Peace and the IGP’s shuttle diplomacy, the police was at the forefront of combating violent crime and attacks on its stations and government facilities in many cities in the South-south and South-east of the country. Activities of a separatist movement had lent additional challenges to the fight.
Moreover, Operation Restore Peace
is succeeding with massive reduction in attacks on the police, other agencies and violent crime. The renewed vigour and confidence with which police officers carry out anti-crime operations and general law and order activities is salutary as IGP Alkali’s pursuit of a positive connection with police publics and expanded service delivery despite the Nigeria Police Force’s own challenges.

The Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), and Boko Haram terrorist group led by a new leader identified as Abu Mus’ab Al-Barnawiy, has appointed new Commanders and other key officers after the demise of some of its Commanders.

Also, Freelance Reporters gathered that the terrorists group imposed new taxes and levies in the areas controlled by ISWAP-Boko Haram, to regulate trades and agricultural activities.

According to PRNigeria, after the death of key leaders in the group, it was learnt that the Interim Council held an emergency meeting which was attended by Wali (Leaders), Qa’ids (Chiefs), Commanders and all other structures of both ISWAP and Boko Haram.

One of the appointments was that of Abbah Gana aka Ba-Lawan. He was reappointed as the new Leader of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP).

According to the Council, Ba-Lawan was reappointed to lead the ISIS Islamic Caliphate of Africa (Wilaya of Africa), covering parts of Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Malam Bako was appointed Deputy (Na’ib) to Command the ISIS Caliphate Command of Nigeria, (Wilaya of Nigeria), recently established at Tumbuktu Triangle in Southern Borno.

Ibn Umar is now Chief Prosecutor, Abu Umama becomes Amir of Tudun Wulgo, while Muhammed Maina is the Commander of Sabon Tumbu, among others.

Other new appointments include Abba-Kaka as Governor of Tumbumma, Commanding Marte, Abadam, Kukawa, Magumeri and other parts of the Lake Chad; and Abubakar Dan-Buduma as the Operation Commander, Timbuktu Triangle.

In an attempt to harmonize their activities under the leadership of ISIS, the terrorists group created mobile courts and several policies, which is meant to keep them in check.

Also, the terrorists sect imposed new taxes after Military attacks on their secret hideouts. According to reports, the members of the terrorists group will collect the sum of 5,000 naira from each Traders in the area, while the sum of 2,000 will be collected from Fishermen per bag of fish among other levies. The monies are to be collected every month.

Meanwhile, an intelligence officer with Operation Hadin Kai, reacting to the appointments of the terrorist sect, maintained that it doesn’t change anything. He said that the Military will still carry out its onslaught against them.

The Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), and Boko Haram terrorist group led by a new leader identified as Abu Mus’ab Al-Barnawiy, has appointed new Commanders and other key officers after the demise of some of its Commanders.

Also, it was gathered that the terrorists group imposed new taxes and levies in the areas controlled by ISWAP-Boko Haram, to regulate trades and agricultural activities.

According to PRNigeria, after the death of key leaders in the group, Freelance Reporters learnt that the Interim Council held an emergency meeting which was attended by Wali (Leaders), Qa’ids (Chiefs), Commanders and all other structures of both ISWAP and Boko Haram.

One of the appointments was that of Abbah Gana aka Ba-Lawan. He was reappointed as the new Leader of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP).

According to the Council, Ba-Lawan was reappointed to lead the ISIS Islamic Caliphate of Africa (Wilaya of Africa), covering parts of Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Malam Bako was appointed Deputy (Na’ib) to Command the ISIS Caliphate Command of Nigeria, (Wilaya of Nigeria), recently established at Tumbuktu Triangle in Southern Borno.

Ibn Umar is now Chief Prosecutor, Abu Umama becomes Amir of Tudun Wulgo, while Muhammed Maina is the Commander of Sabon Tumbu, among others.

Other new appointments include Abba-Kaka as Governor of Tumbumma, Commanding Marte, Abadam, Kukawa, Magumeri and other parts of the Lake Chad; and Abubakar Dan-Buduma as the Operation Commander, Timbuktu Triangle.

In an attempt to harmonize their activities under the leadership of ISIS, the terrorists group created mobile courts and several policies, which is meant to keep them in check.

Also, the terrorists sect imposed new taxes after military attacks on their secret hideouts. According to reports, the members of the terrorists group will collect the sum of 5,000 naira from each Traders in the area, while the sum of 2,000 will be collected from Fishermen per bag of fish among other levies. The monies are to be collected every month.

Meanwhile, an intelligence officer with Operation Hadin Kai, reacting to the appointments of the terrorist sect, maintained that it doesn’t change anything. He said that the Military will still carry out its onslaught against them.

As part of efforts to address the challenges often faced by firefighters across the country, the Federal Government has said that it would create an arm bearing unit to be referred to as Fire Police, which will be saddled with the responsibility of providing protection for Fire fighters as well as their equipment during operations.

Freelance Reporters gathered that the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola disclosed this during the opening Ceremony of the National Council on Fire, held in Jos, Plateau State.



Aregbesola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, said that the Ministry would initiate the process of repealing the 1963 obsolete Fire Service Act and enactment of a new contemporary, vibrant, and enforceable law, through the instrument of an Executive Bill to be forwarded to the National Assembly for deliberation and eventual passage into law.



The Minister stressed that Fire Safety Management is an Imperative for National Security, he also argued that fire safety management can and should become a tool for not only National Security but also National Development.

He said, “When critical national assets are adequately protected against consequences of huge losses due to fire incidents, these assets are saved; the economy is further protected, because the very lean resources that would have otherwise been used to rehabilitate or reconstruct such affected infrastructure would be channeled to other areas of our National Development. Our national Archives and very sensitive information would be preserved.”



He noted that the Federal Fire Service would continue to have the full support of the Mohammadu Buhari administration.



He assured the Ministry would continue to find innovative ways and means to empower the Fire service to provide timely and world class services to Nigerians.

Political Parties under the auspices of the Inter Party Advisory Council,IPAC,Plateau State says suspended Chairman of the APC,Hon Letep Dabang remains a force to be reckoned with in Plateau’s political space and Nigeria.

They said the decision by his party asking him to step aside should not dampen his morale towards a politically strong and virile state.

Chairman of IPAC in Plateau State,Alhaji Abubakar Dogara state this when he lead leaders of the various political parties under the group to visit Letep Dabang at his residence over the weekend.

He said the group enjoyed the leadership of Letep Dabang when he held sway twice as its Chairman thereby seeing to a well coordinated body of political activities in the state.

He said,as one of their own,they have come to encourage him to see this temporary setback as one of those sacrifices a leader would make at some point in time for the development of the polity.

Alhaji Abubakar Dogara who doubles as Chairman of the Social Democratic Party in the state told Letep Dabang to continuously embrace peaceful coexistence which had been one of his guiding principles as a leader.

Responding,Hon Letep Dabang thanked the Inter Party Advisory Council for such a visit saying the present challenges are a process towards strengthening democracy and he remains committed to the ideals of the APC in the state.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working for the party dispelling rumors that he was leaving the party saying “We brought the party and we are willing to ensure it stands.The party will continue to have my support as I remain a very strong member who will give in his all in all always”

Letep with nostalgia reminded IPAC when Fifty Two of its members openly declared support to support Governor Lalong at the 2019 general elections saying that remained a solid decision that was taken in the interest of the state and remains commendable.

He assured that his doors remain open for advice as the journey continues into a more prosperous future for the state and country.

Leaders of other political parties showered encomiums of Hon Letep with encouragement to stand firm in his believe and leadership decisions.

On the visit were also leaders of the ADC,AAC,AC,AA,LP,NRN,APGA,APM,GP,DP,YYP,NNDP AND ZLP.

CONGRATULATIONS TO HON. DAYYABU GARGA AND HON. BALA HARUNA AS THE CONFIRMED APC CHAIRMANSHIP TICKET FOR KANAM LGA

As the clock ticks towards the October 2021 Local Government Polls in Plateau State, I heartily congratulate the APC Chairmanship ticket of Kanam LGA, and pray for their success in at polls.

God gives power to whom he desires at the time He wishes without consulting any mortal being. Whatever happens under the sun is divinely designed; hence I salute the wisdom of the APC Appeal Committee for coming up with the vibrant APC ticket in Kanam LGA comprising Hon. Dayyabu Garga and Hon. Bala Haruna as Chairman and Deputy, respectively. This is a no-Victor-no-vanquished scenario, and we submit to the supremacy of the party, as exhibited by the Appeal Committee.

By virtue of my position as the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and political leader of the APC in Kanam LGA, I enjoin all party faithful to sheath their swords and work in unison for the success of the party at the polls, as we look forward to reaffirming APC as the party with the landslide majority in Plateau State and Nigeria.
Once again, congratulations!

Signed:
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi,
(Dan Malikin Kanam)
Member Representing PKK, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Navy and Political Leader of Kanam LGA.

GOVERNOR LALONG ORDERS APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS BEHIND RECENT KILLINGS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed security agencies to go after criminals behind recent isolated killings in Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas.

Governor Lalong who expressed outrage over the incidences recorded in Chol, Vwang District of Jos South; and Tamborong, Ganawuri District in Riyom Local Government Areas, said the recurring incidences of such isolated attacks are unacceptable and totally condemnable.

He said such occurrences reoccur partly because some of the persons behind such attacks are yet to be arrested and brought to justice. During both attacks in the two areas , lives were lost, animals killed and crops destroyed.

Lalong who said there is no justification for the killings as no one is permitted to take the law into his hands. He therefore ordered the security agencies to do everything possible and arrest the perpetrators as well as go to the root of the criminal conduct which is clearly meant to resuscitate violence in the State and thwart the peace currently prevailing.

Lalong said “recently we acquired and launched 50 patrol vehicles and 200 motorcycles for use by our security agencies. Our expectation is that these attacks will not only be prevented, but wherever any is recorded, the perpetrators will be swiftly arrested and brought to justice. I expect to see a drastic change from now onwards on how we respond to these unfortunate acts. Our people deserve to live in peace and pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without fear of being attacked or killed”.

The Governor urged the citizens to assist the security agencies and relevant Government bodies with the necessary intelligence to enable them arrest the fleeing attackers and also get to the root cause of the recurring incidences.

Meanwhile, the Governor has commended community leaders within the communities where the killings occured for making efforts to calm nerves and also supporting Government efforts to restore normalcy and build confidence.

He directed the Peace Building Agency and the Plateau Inter-Religous Council to intensify their mediation efforts across the State especially in areas where there are disagreements that are capable of causing a breach of the peace.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
3rd July 2021.