Twenty-nine army generals have been forced to retire from service following the appointment of Farouk Yahaya as the chief of army staff.

The forceful retirement of the generals contradicts the claim by the Defence Headquarters last week that none of its personnel had been retired following the appointment of Mr Yahaya, who belonged to Regular Course 37.

Mr Yahaya, a major general, from Sokoto State, was named the army chief by President Muhammadu Buhari on May 27.

He succeeded Ibrahim Attahiru, a lieutenant general, who died on May 21 in a plane crash alongside 10 other military personnel while on official assignment to Zaria, Kaduna State.

Shortly after the appointment of the new COAS, there were speculations that between 30 and 45 generals, who are his seniors, may be asked to go home.

The senior generals belong to Regular Courses 35 and 36.

Traditional move

It is a tradition in the military that when a junior is appointed as a service chief, senior officers, who are ahead of him or her, would proceed on retirement.

The understanding is that senior military officers are unlikely to take orders from their juniors.

Denial

The Defence Headquarters, however, dismissed the speculations of massive retirement, saying the retirement of senior officers from the military was always ‘voluntary’.

It said the military high command had yet to authorise the retirement of any officer.

The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Bernard Onyeuko, a brigadier general, who briefed journalists on the matter last week, said retirement of senior officers from the military was always voluntary.

“At this point, you are all aware of the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya,” Mr Onyeuko said.

“This has stirred up a lot of rumours in the media about mass retirements in the military.

“I wish to use this medium to dispel such unfounded rumours as retirement is only on a voluntary basis for senior officers who desire to do so.

“At this point, no retirements have been authorised by the military high command.”

Generals retired

A memo sighted by our correspondent indicates that a total of 29 Army major generals have been approved to proceed on terminal leave, paving way for their eventual retirement.

Their retirement comes less than two weeks after the appointment of Mr Yahaya as the COAS.null

According to the memo, the 29 generals, from regular course 36 have been approved to proceed on terminal leave.ADVERTISEMENT

Among the generals are J.B Olawumi, J.O. Akomolafe, C.O. Ude, G. Oyefesobi, M.O. Uzoh, C.C. Okonkwo and M.S.A. Aliyu.

Others are U.M. Mohammed, B.M. Ashafa, N.E. Angbazo, Y.P. Auta and S.A. Yaro. (See the full list below).

Their leave was approved with effect from June 1, 2021.

The memo was, however, silent on major generals from the regular course 35, who are also Mr Yahaya seniors.

Below is the full list of generals proceeding on retirement:

1. JB Olawumi

2. JO Akomolafe

3. CO Ude

4. G Oyefesobi

5. MO Uzohnull

6. CC Okonkwo

7. MSA Aliyu

8. UM Mohammed

9. BM Shafa

10. NE Angbazo

11. YP Auta

12. SA Yaro

13. J Sarham

14. HE Ayamasoawei

15. OF Azinta

16. BA Akinroluyo

17. KAY Isiyaku

18. AT Hamman

19. AM Aliyu

20. HPZ Vintienagba

21. HR Momoh

22. JR Unuigbe

23. AA Jidda

24. OI Uzomere

25. MH Magaji

26. LA Adegboye

27. MA Masanawa

28. OA Akinyemi

29. AM Dauda

Hon. Sati Shuwa Picks PDP Chairmanship Form for Riyom, Optimistic of Victory

As the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) released the timetable for the conduct of Local Government Polls in the State in October, 2021, preparations are on top gears by political parties in the State with interested persons procuring Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms for the Councillorship and Chairmanship positions across the 17 Local Government Areas and 325 Wards in the State.

Citizens from the Gateway Local Government, Riyom are not exception in terms of participation in the electoral processes in the quest to have democratically elected officials at the 3rd-tier of government.

The person behind the household name in Riyom LGA, “Sati Shuwa” or “Leader” as he is fondly christened having served as the Leader of the Legislative arm of Riyom Local Government Council has expressed readiness and made his intention known to contest for the number one position of the area under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This he has done by obtaining the Nomination Form at the State Secretariat of the Party along Yakubu Gowon Way Jos.

Addressing Newsmen shortly after procuring the form, Rt. Hon. Sati Bature Shuwa disclosed that he is contesting to bring succour to the people of the Area who have been without democratically elected structures for 6 years now and to provide them with credible and result oriented leadership.


“I am well experienced having served as Councillor and Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Council, I am very aware of the challenges confronting the Area and I intend to work with the legislative Arm as well as the people to overcome the numerous problems militating against the growth and development of Riyom LGA”

“I am equipped and readily available to serve the people wholeheartedly and with diligence” he stated.

Rt. Hon. Sati Shuwa said his focus will be on peace & security, agriculture, economic reformation, Health, education, youth and women development through strategic human capital development. He promised to provide good governance at the Local Government level.

“Being a former legislator at the Local Government level, we will work in synergy and assiduously with the legislative Arm to enact laws that will better the lives of the people, address the challenges confronting our cherished Local Government and enhance greater growth and development if elected”

“Riyom Local Government Area needs someone with better understanding of the problems bedevilling it and a very credible person at that who will dispense visionary and purposeful leadership”

“I am optimistic of emerging victorious not only at the Primaries but also the main election considering my popularity and huge followers across the the Local Government” he concluded.


A cross section of persons in Riyom Local Government Area expressed satisfaction with the Aspirant and pledged their full support to ensure he emerged victorious.

To Seleh Bulus, “Hon. Sati is the voice of the masses and he need the support to get things working for us. His acceptability is awesome and unbeatable”
“I am glad that he has listened to the call by the people to serve them selflessly” he said.

“DESPITE CHALLENGES, NIGERIA WILL ATTAIN GREATNESS” GOVERNOR LALONG

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong is asking Nigerians to rally together and defend the nation’s democracy from forces that seek to create instability and chaos by putting national interest above personal or group interests.

The Governor was speaking at an Inter-denominational Church Service to mark the 2021 Democracy Day held at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield Jos.

Governor Lalong admitted that the democratic journey particularly since the return to civilian rule 22 years ago has not been easy, but there is hope that the nation will overcome its current challenges.

He said “this special day reminds us that it is an occasion we should cherish and also use to rebuild our confidence and patriotism in Nigeria. The task of building the nation is a collective one which all of us must partake in. There is no doubt that Nigeria is facing many challenges today ranging from insecurity, unemployment, poverty and unity. These are not problems that began yesterday but an accumulation of our journey to nationhood. We should never give up on our nation or make negative confessions about its destiny”.

Lalong further said that despite the seemingly overwhelming difficulties of today, Nigerians must rise to the occasion both as leaders and citizens to advance practicable solutions and play active roles in resolving the dark cloud of uncertainty. He said this was not the time to sit and throw blames at one another, but be focused on the task of building a stronger, united and virile Nigeria.

Guest preacher and Executive Secretary Christian Pilgrims Commission Rev. Yakubu Pam reading from Mathew 26:36-46, spoke on “Grace” where he said Nigeria will continue to experience divine protection and deliverance through its most difficult challenges.

He referred to the pain and trauma that Jesus faced on his way to the cross of calvary to redeem mankind from sin, saying such fear did not stop him from fulfilling his mission. Nigerians according to him should follow the example of Christ and not lose hope in the face of today’s difficulties.

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Plateau State, Rev. Fr. Polycarb Lubo in a goodwill message said the 22 years of unbroken democracy has brought about many opportunities for popular participation and contribution to good governance over the years.

While appreciating Governor Lalong for working tirelessly for sustainable peace in Plateau State, he however asked for more efforts to address issues of poverty, inequality, insecurity and lack of employment which is making governance more challenging.

APC State Caretaker Committee Chairman Mr. Letep Dabang, representatives of the Judiciary, House of Assembly, Security Agencies, and Traditional Council all expressed hope that contrary to the fears expressed by many, Nigeria will turn around and fulfill its purpose.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State,
6th June 2021.

By Prince Sekat

Telecommunications companies in Nigeria including MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile have started blocking access to the microblogging site, Twitter.

The telcos said they received a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission to block access to Twitter in the country following the suspension by the Federal Government on Friday.

The Nigerian Twitterati woke up on Saturday encountering difficulty in accessing their Twitter handles while some navigated the hurdle using virtual private networks.

Mobile network operators in the country under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, however, made it clear that they have started blocking access to Twitter in a statement issued on Saturday.

The statement which was obtained was titled, ‘Order to Suspend access to Twitter’. It was jointly signed by ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo; and ALTON Executive Secretary, Gbolahan Awonuga.

It read, “We, The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria wish to confirm that our members have received formal instructions from the Nigerian Communications Commission, the industry regulator to suspend access to Twitter.

“ALTON has conducted a robust assessment of the directive in accordance with internationally accepted principles.

FG to reverse suspension
“Based on national interest provisions in the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and within the licence terms under which the industry operates; our members have acted in compliance with the directives of the Nigerian Communications Commission, the industry regulator.

“We will continue to engage all the relevant authorities and stakeholders and will act as may be further directed by the NCC. We remain committed to supporting the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and upholding the rights of citizens.

“As an industry, we endorse the position of the United Nations that the rights held by people offline must also be protected online. This includes respecting and protecting the rights of all people to communicate, to share information freely and responsibly, and to enjoy privacy and security regarding their data and their use of digital communications.”

Aside from MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile, some of the Internet Service Providers in Nigeria include Spectranet, ipNX Nigeria Limited, Swift Networks Ltd., Vezeti Service LTD, Cyberspace Network Limited, Mobitel Limited, Smile Nigeria, ITClick Solutions Limited, and Netcom Africa.

Recall Twitter deleted a post by the Nigerian President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Tuesday.

Consequently, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who had accused Twitter of double standards, announced the suspension of the microblogging site on Friday, citing the “persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence”.

Nigeria had about 33 million active social media users as of January 2021. WhatsApp is the most popular platform used in the country, with over 90 million users according to Statista. According to Statista, about 61.4 per cent of Nigerian social media users use Twitter, 86.2 per cent use Facebook, 81.6 per cent use YouTube, 73.1 per cent use Instagram, and 67.2 per cent use Facebook Messenger.

Leadership of the Joint Campus Committee(JCC) of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Plateau State Chapter at the weekend frowned at the highest level of disrespect and arrogance exhibited by the Members of the plateau state house of Assembly to the Government and good people of the state by boycotting the public hearing on the amendment of the constitution by the federal house of representatives

A statement signed by Comrade Mattew Jerry NANS JCC Chairman
Plateau State and made available to newsmen in Jos reads that This singular act is the most unfortunate thing that has ever happened in our entire history.

It reads that “As Students and leaders of tomorrow, we wonder the kind of lessons they are trying to teach the younger generation.”
“Most annoying is the fact that Mr Governor being a former speaker and member of the Assembly has been very supportive in the activities of this current assembly right from it inception. “

The statement further reads that Without Missing words we are calling on the members to immediately tender an apology to the Governor or face the wrap of Nigerian Students here on the plateau.
We will not hesitate to start mobilizing our constituency in collaboration with other youths groups to commence their recall.

The group thanked his excellency for his maturity and fatherly dispositions in the handling the affairs of the State

BUHARI, GOWON, LALONG, PAY GLOWING TRIBUTE AT FUNERAL OF LT. GEN. DOGONYARO

President Muhammadu Buhari, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Former Head of State Gen. Gowon were among mourners that paid glowing tribute to former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.
Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro, describing him as a patriotic, brave and disciplined officer who gave his all to serve Nigeria.

President Buhari was represented by Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) who said the late General Dogonyaro was a thoroughbred officer whose antecedents in the Nigerian Army remain a reference point and motivation to younger officers.

He said Nigeria remains grateful to late General Dogonyaro for his gallantry, patriotism and diligence in service to the nation particularly during his command of ECOMOG troops in Liberia.

Buhari condoled with the family of the deceased, the people and Government of Plateau State over the loss of the General asking them to take solace in his good legacies.

Governor Lalong in his tribute said Plateau State is not grieving over the loss but celebrating a worthy son who made Nigeria and Africa proud throughout his military career.

He said “Late General Dogonyaro left his footprints in the sands of time. The challenge before us today is to ensure that the sacrifices he and other gallant soldiers made in uniting and keeping Nigeria safe does not go in vain. We must unite to defeat the forces of evil that are threatening the security and wellbeing of Nigeria. That is the best way we can honour the memory of the late General”.

Former Head of State General Yakubu who sent in a message through Gen. Jon Temlong affirmed the testimony of gallantry and selflessness by the late Dogonyaro whom he said showed early signs of greatness shortly after being commissioned into the Army.

Representative of the Liberian President George Weah said the Government and people of Liberia remain eternally grateful to Nigeria and in particular General Dogonyaro and soldiers for the role they played in restoring peace to their country.

COCIN Vice President Rev. Dr. Amos Mhozo said the testimony of the deceased who was a committed member of the COCIN Headquarters Compound Church shows that God can use people no matter their backgrounds to achieve his purpose and propagate his word.

He said the Church will continue to pray for the government to rise up to the challenge of stopping the killing of innocent people across the nation by criminals as well as providing better infrastructure for the ease and comfort of the citizens.

Wife of the late General Mrs. Dogonyaro spoke passionately about the faith of her husband and said he gave his best to the nation just as he did to the service of God, saying the family is happy that he was saved and played active role in evangelism before his demise.

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

Civil Servant Caught Collecting Salaries of 800 Ghost Workers, Monthly!

June 4,2021

Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Dan Manjang, has revealed that a civil servant in the state has been caught collecting salaries of 800 ghost workers, monthly. 

Hon. Dan Manjang disclosed this to a Correspondent of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Hausa Version in Jos. Mr. Dan said the civil servant, whose names and identity were yet to be unveiled, will face panel with fair hearing. The Commissioner reiterated that the suspect will not go unpunished. 

Recently, about 500 civil servants in the state were sacked for declarations of false certificate and retirement age.

During the reign of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Federal Government of Nigeria introduced Treasury Single Account (TSA) at the federal level. TSA has blocked government wastages and channels through which public fund are being diverted.

Many state governments have emulated the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and it has helped them to uncover various channels through which state resources are being stolen.

Purported Turbaning of Sarkin Dadin Kowa Misleading and baseless – BECO, BYM Says
The Berom Educational & Cultural Organization (BECO) and Berom Youth Moulders (BYM) Za’ang, Vyara-Diye, Giring and Dashonong of Za’ang District Jos South LGA, Plateau State said it has uncovered plans by some unscrupulous elements who are bent on creating a unrest and cause a threat to the peace and security of Twafwa (Dadin Kowa), Jos South LGA and the State at large by carrying out an illegal turbaning of one Alh. Ismai’il Muhammad Sani as the “Sarkin Dadin Kowa” (Community Leader).

The organizations described the publication through an invitation that has gone viral on social media platforms as misleading and urged the general public to ignore the same.

In a statement signed by Rwas Onesimus Datuhung, Rwas Emmanuel Dung Davou, Emmanuel Davou and Anthony Pam Philip, the group disclosed that Zawan ‘B’ where the area falls under has an existing Community leader in person of Rwas Joseph Stephen Rin.

The full text reads;

ATTENTION!

MISINFORMATION IN REFERENCE TO THE TURBANING CEREMONY OF ALH. ISMAI’IL MUHAMMAD SANI, AS COMMUNITY LEADER (SARKIN DADIN KOWA), JOS SOUTH L. G. A.

The attention of the BECO, BYM (Za’ang, Vyara-Diye, Giring and Dashonong, ZA’ANG District has been drawn to a purported invitation of a Turbaning ceremony of Alh. Isma’il Muhammad Sani on the 5th June, 2021 which has gone viral, thereby portraying a state of unrest, as the caption is misleading to the General public.

It is on this note that the above body wish to debunk such invitation.

For the avoidance of doubt, Dadin Kowa, which is also known as Twafwa is in Zawan B’ has a Community leader in person of Rwas Joseph Stephen Rin.

However, if a particular tribe deems it fit to have a tribal community leader, such a tribe can only follow due processes and consultations with the entire Traditional Council of that community (Zawan B’).

It became pertinent to note, that the Purported Invitation Ceremony of Sarkin Dadin Kowa is not only misleading, but one which can disrupt the fragile peaceful Coexistence of the people of Zawan Community, and Jos South as a whole, as a community can only
permit a Tribal Leader, just like any other tribal leader in a community, but not a Traditional Leader.

We therefore call on the General public to dismiss such invitation, as it is misleading and misinforming.

Thank you and God bless.

Sign: BECO,BYM, (ZAWAN, DIYE, DASHONG and GIRING)

Rwas Onesimus Datuhung, Rwas Emmanuel Dung Davou, Emmanuel Davou and Anthony Pam Philip in that order

GOVERNOR LALONG FUMES OVER KILLING OF RETIRED AIG DEGA, DIRECTS ARREST OF KILLERS

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has expressed outrage over the killing of a Senior Special Assistant to Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom on Security AIG Christopher Dega (retd.) by unidentified armed men.

Governor Lalong in a reaction to the incident described it as unfortunate and totally appalling. He said the murder of the retired senior police officer who was reportedly shot dead by yet to be identified gunmen in Bukuru is condemnable and will not go unpunished.

Lalong said the incident though isolated, is another handiwork of crises merchants who want to rupture the substantial peace of Plateau State and create fear in the minds of the people.

He said “my heart goes out to the family of the deceased and to the Government and people of Benue State over this sad development. I have been in touch with the police and other security agencies in the State with a clear directive to swiftly arrest the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring them to justice”.

Governor Lalong said the confirmation of arrest of some suspects by the Plateau State Police Command is an encouraging step, but more investigation must be carried out to get to the root of the matter by unraveling those behind this dastardly act, their motives and prevent future occurrence.

Lalong again appealed to the citizens of Plateau State to do more in being security conscious, gathering and passing relevant information to the security agencies as well as using the informal security architecture for necessary action in crime prevention and immediate response.

Governor Lalong sends his heartfelt condolences to his colleague Governor Samuel Ortom over the sad loss.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
2nd June 2021.

Police in Central Nigeria say they are investigating the murder of a senior security advisor in the State of Benue, Christopher Dega on Sunday.

Dega, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) was “trailed” and shot in an “isolated” restaurant in Jos, at about 8:30pm, Plateau Police Spokesperson, Gabriel Uba said.

“Three yet to be identified persons” killed Mr. Dega, a senior security advisor to Benue’s Governor Samuel Ortom, Mr. Uba said, Tuesday in a text message.

“On 31/05/2021 at about 2030hrs, AIG Christopher Dega (Rtd) was shot dead by three yet to be identified gunmen in an isolated restaurant at Bukuru, Jos.

“From the investigation so far, it appeared that he was trailed and shot. He arrived at Jos from Makurdi on the same date at about 1930hrs,” says Uba’s text.