The wife of Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe (J.T.U.) Aguiyi-Ironsi, Nigeria’s first military head of state, Chief Mrs. Victoria Nwanyiocha Aguiyi-Ironsi, is dead. She died in the early hours of Monday, aged 97.
Born on November 21, 1923, she was the second First Lady of Nigeria from January 16, 1966, to July 29, 1996, when her husband was assassinated in a counter military coup carried out by Nigerian military officers of Northern extraction.
Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed in Ibadan in the countercoup led by Murtala Muhammed and which led to the installation of Yakubu Gowon as head of state.
Reflecting on her life after the gruesome murder of her husband in an interview with The Guardian newspaper on June 3, 2016, she said.
“The truth is that 29th of July this year will be 50 years since my husband was killed. By then, I had eight children. I have seen hell and at the same time, I have seen heaven.”
PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT REFUTES NBA JOS BRANCH ALLEGATION ON ALLEGED BAIL DENIAL DIRECTIVE BY GOVERNOR LALONG
The Plateau State Government is constrained to refute and correct the misconception and misinformation contained in a press statement issued by the Nigerian Bar Association, Jos Branch, issued by its Chairman, Yakubu S. Bawa, Esq. on 20th August, wherein several issues (albeit incorrectly) were raised against the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG.
This clarification would not have been necessary, but for the fact that the weighty allegations are coming from a professional body like the NBA of which the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG is a proud member, one-time official and serious stakeholder, having earned his place in the noble profession.
Secondly, the matters raised in the press statement if left un-countered, could condense in the minds of right-thinking Nigerians and probably be considered factual with the tendency to cast the Governor in bad light, thereby injuring both his hard-earned reputation and the credibility of his Administration.
The summary of the 3-paged press statement centres on concerns raised by the NBA Jos Branch to what it alleged to be Media Reports credited to the Governor, to the effect that “His Excellency has issued a firm instruction to concerned authorities to decline the grant of bail to those arrested in connection to the mob action meted on the Bauchi – Ondo bound commuters, enroute Rukuba Road Jos North LGA, Plateau State. In the same vein, the statement categorically gave a marching order to security operatives to arrest any person that seeks to secure the release of such suspects on bail”.
For the avoidance of doubt and for the benefit of those who were not present at the High Level Stakeholders Meeting held at the Victoria Gowon Hall of the Government House Rayfield, the Governor gave an opening address during which he highlighted a number of issues relating to the resurgence of attacks particularly in Bassa, Jos North, Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South Local Government Areas.
One of them was his frustration over what he described as the unfortunate report from the Security Agencies which indicated that some suspects earlier arrested in connection with various Capital Offenses (preceding the Bassa and Rukuba Road incidents), were granted Bail only to be fingered as having a hand in most recent attacks.
This much was confirmed to journalists by the Plateau State Commissioner Edward Egbuka after the security meeting of 3rd August 2021 in which he said, “There are records of leaders that are on bail temporarily, and some of them have been fingered in this present attacks. Nobody will be spared”.
What the Governor clearly expressed was a frustration with this development. His warning was to those who stand Surety for such suspects to realise the danger of the fact that some of the persons for whom they stand Surety without necessary background checks, turn out to be fingered in other crimes while on bail. In fact, the Governor shared his frustration with the Chief Judge of the State Hon. Justice Yakubu Gyang Dakwak who was also present at the event. He neither directed the denial of bail to suspects indicted in the Rukuba Road incident, nor ordered the arrest of those who attempt to seek their bail.
Against the foregoing background, to therefore suggest that his Excellency ordered bail to be denied deserving suspects or that those who come to seek bail for others be arrested, is completely incorrect. This is clearly a interpretation of his intervention that was clearly taken out of context and garnished with innuendos to suit certain preconceived narratives. The said allegations attributed to the Governor are therefore not true and should be discountenanced by the public.
The Governor being a Member of the Legal Profession will not associate himself with any pronouncement that is against the tenets of the Constitution or at variance with the Fundamental Human Rights of the Citizens that he has sworn to protect. Besides, he has no intention to arrogate to himself any powers that he does not possess such as deciding who gets or is denied Bail.
With this hindsight and the avalanche of information available to the Governor as the “Chief Security Officer” of the State, his frustration as elucidated earlier stands to be clearly understood by right thinking members of society without the risk of any embellishment and out-of-context interpretation. We take this opportunity to assure the NBA Jos Branch that the Governor remains a defender of the Constitution and of Human Rights, having assumed this responsibility by the Oath he took as Governor of Plateau State and by the virtue of his status as a former law maker and one that has his roots in the legal profession.
Had the NBA Jos Branch sought clarification and exercised restraint, their Press Statement would have been unnecessary. We appeal to the Members of the Learned Profession to endeavour to fact-check issues in order to avoid being drawn into matters that may not be helpful at times like this.
We hope this explanation sets His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, Executive Governor Of Plateau State and by the grace of God, Chairman, Northern Governors Forum on the same page with the NBA, Jos Branch and beyond.
Hon. Dan Manjang Commissioner for Information & Communication, Plateau State. 22nd August 2021
Man heading to Plateau arrested with 320 bullets, magazines, others
By Prince Sekat, Jos
An arms smuggler, Likita Abubakar, 35 years old, has been apprehended in Nasarawa State.
Abubakar was caught with 53 magazines, over 260 live ammunition, one motorcycle and N38,500.
A joint team of the Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) apprehended him at Alushi junction in Akwanga.
His colleagues are on their way on motorcycles to Jos in Plateau State, Likita reportedly disclosed.
The suspect is being detained at Akwanga Police Divisional headquarters.
A statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Ramhan Nansel said the arrest followed intelligence.
Commissioner of Police, Adesina Soyemi has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, CID, in Lafia for a thorough investigation. Nansel confirmed that Abubakar had been on the wanted list of the Police “for offences ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping”.
The figure in the headline was increased to 320 from 260 after police confirmation
The interception and arrest of Likita Abubakar a Fulani man in Akwanga, on Saturday 21st August, 2021 by the Join Task Force of Police and Federal Road Safety Commission in Nasarawa State while transporting ammunitions to Jos, Plateau State is a clear evidence that war has been declared by terror herdsmen against the good people of Plateau.
I strongly want to call on Plateau State Government and the security agencies to rise to their responsibility of protecting lives and properties and ensure the arrest of the remaining six Gangs and friends of Likita Abubakar a Fulani man who was arrested in Akwanga Saturday the 21st of August, 2021 on his way to Jos with fully loaded arms.
I want to also call on all Plateau State people, especially youth to be united and ensure they are not taken unawares, they should protect their communities by preventing any further attacks.
Section 33 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that persons living in Nigeria, shall have a right to life and no one shall be deprived intentionally, of his life unless in execution of the sentence of a court of criminal office of which he has been found guilty.
This aspect of the constitution has been forgotten, there is killing everywhere. terror herdsmen are above the law. They seems untouchable and seemingly protected.If there activities remain unchecked, another civil war may erupt or the taliban Afghanistan experience.
It is very sad that in the past few weeks Plateau Villages have suffered several attacks and hundreds of innocent souls lost, but this didn’t attract the necessary required attention, rather grazing routes are been reviewed instead of approval of encouraging private ranches.
I call on the security agencies in Plateau State to take action like their colleagues in Nasarawa state to arrest the remaining six gangs who were on their way with loaded Arms to Plateau State for another round deadly of attacks
Enough is enough, we will resist any attempt to continuously disrupt peace on the Plateau by forcefully taken over our ancestral farm lands in what soever form. Government should ensure the return of citizens that has been chased out of there communities
Rep. Dachung Musa Bagos Member Representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency House of Reps Abuja.
ALH ATTAH MUHAMMED BESTOWED WITH A CHIEFTANCY TITLE AS IYAN JIBAN (KUKA ) BY LONG JIBAN MISKOOM ALI ZEMLONG YENRIEM.
on behalf of all Plateau youths in the seventeen local government areas of Plateau state congratulates you sir,on your recent honour bestowed on you as the IYAN JIBAN, KUKA.
We’re not surprised owing to the magnitude of goodwill and contacts at your disposal with which you have piloted the affairs of your immediate community.
We are aware that all these honours and goodwill emanated from your unrivalled generosity that cannot be compared to the those before you.
Your discipline, knowledge, skills, and indeed your very essence, have garnered you all these Congratulations! It’s a well-earned reward for all that you do to your community.
You’re the kind of person who is never afraid to take the plunge. That’s why you so deeply deserve this new challenge and insha Allah you will succeed. Congratulations, I know that this fabulous appointment will be a springboard to even more triumphs.
We will continue to place you on a very high premium and pedestal and pray God to continue to strengthen you as you move from Glory to Glory!
ONDO FULANI PREACH FORGIVENESS AS PLATEAU DEPUTY GOVERNOR LEADS DELEGATION TO ONDO; DELIVERS SURVIVORS OF RUKUBA ROAD ATTACK & CONDOLES GOVERNMENT.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on on Friday 20th August 2021 sent a high powered delegation led by Deputy Governor Prof. Sonny Gwanle Tyoden to Ondo State State to formally deliver the survivors of the unfortunate attack in Rukuba road Jos and convey condolences and apologies of the Government and people of Plateau State to their families as well as the entire people of the State.
The Deputy Governor who was accompanied by Emir of Wase HRH Mohammed Sambo Haruna; Yoruba Community Leader, Plateau State, Chief Jide Olagbemiro; Chairman MACBAN, Plateau State, Alh. Nura Mohammad; Alh. Sani Mudi, JNI; and Prof. John W. Wade, mni, D.G. Research & Documentation Government House, asked the people of Ondo to forgive the people of Plateau for the actions of the few misguided criminals who he said acted on their own as they did not represent any religious, ethnic or social interest in the condemnable act.
He said Governor Lalong has been distressed by this development which is an attempt to jeopardize the hard earned peace that has been substantially restored in the last 6 years since his coming office. He assured of Government commitment to protecting lives and properties of all Nigerians and reiterated that the culprits involved would be brought to book as many arrests have been made. He said Plateau State remains a home for all as the melting pot of the nation.
Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa said immediately reports of the incident were recieved, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu reached out to Governor Lalong and got the full picture of the tragic event. The Governor immediately went to the cattle market to sympathise with the leadership of the Fulani brethen and reiterated that his Government is concerned about the welfare of all citizens irrespective of their backgrounds.
He praised Governor Lalong for his quick intervention and other proactive measures to contain the situation and prevent it from getting out of hand. He also appreciated the sending of such a high level delegation to accompany their people back home as well as commiserate with the Government and people of Ondo State.
The leader of the Fulani in the South west, Alh. Kabiru Mohammed assured that they have forgiven all in the interest of the peace and stability of Nigeria. He promised that there will be no reprisals as they were happy to see their brothers back in their midst. He said Nigeria is greater than any individual or interest groups.
Emir of Wase HRH Dr. Muhammad Sambo Haruna, in his remarks asked the victims and their families to see the whole act as destiny from Allah and as human beings all have different ways of transiting to eternity as destined by God. He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and prayed God to grant quick healing to the injured.
A similar delegation will soon visit Bauchi to pay formal visit to the Government and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 21st August 2021.
The Local Administration in Jos North has sealed AY Shafa filling station around Dariye motor park along Bauchi Junction – Farin Gada road, Jos pending the investigation on the whereabout of the suspect or suspects.
This was in reaction to the recent killing of of a student of the university of Jos at the filling station on Thursday this week.
Management Committee Chairman of Jos North Local Government Shehu Usman had on Thursday this week released an official statement pledging to go after any person or persons who attack innocent citizens and fish them out to face the full wrath of the law. He had also warned that in the event any suspect or suspects escape, his administration would be left with no choice than to arrest residents of the area where the act took place for appropriate sanction.
To match word with action, Management Committee Chairman of Jos North Shehu Usman had matched word with action by sealing the A Y filling station, scene of the crime near Dariye motor park
Usman stressed that investigation has since commenced on the killing of the student and other innocent soul which was taken by the miscreant.
Usman called on citizens in the area and the entire local government to be be more vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities around them.
Still in Jos North, the Management Committee Chairman of Jos the Local Government Shehu Usman has expressed optimism that his administration will take data of tricycles in the area in order to reduce crime and criminality in the locality.
Usman was speaking while in an engagement meeting with officials of tricycle ridders union Association in his office. Usman while expressing concern with the increasing number of Trycircles coming to Jos without registration plate number cautioned that his administration would never tolerate any act of indicipline.
On his part Chairman tricycle union of Jos North Dahiru Hassan promised to collaborate with the council to fetch out bad eggs among their members.
Meantime, Angwan Rimi community has begun the search to fetch out suspected criminals who attempted to burn the Redemed Christian church of God
Reacting to the development Management Committee Chairman of Jos North Local Government Shehu Bala Usman said there is no hiding place for criminals in Jos North Local Government
Philip Eplong Senior Information Officer Jos North Local Government
*PLANNED PROTEST BY MEMBERS OF ISLAMIC MOVEMENT OF NIGERIA* Intelligence report available to Operation SAFE HAVEN indicates a planned protest by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shiites. The protest which is planned to hold nationwide including Plateau State is scheduled for Friday 20 August 2021. The protest, according to the report is due to the health challenges of its leader Sheik Ibrahim El Zakzaki. While acknowledging the rights of individuals and groups to hold peaceful protests or processions. It is however instructive to note that the fragile security situation on the Plateau is currently not conducive for such activities. Besides, the intelligence reports available further reveals plans by hoodlums and miscreants to hijack the protest and cause mayhem in Jos Metropolis and its environs. In view of the above, Operation SAFE HAVEN hereby calling on members of IMN to shelve their planned protest in the state. Already, the Commander has ordered troops to ensure that the planned protest by members of IMN or any other group does not take place on the Plateau until full security is guaranteed. Operation SAFE HAVEN is therefore committed to the total restoration of peace on the Plateau and is working closely with the State Government, critical stakeholders such as traditional, religious leaders and law abiding citizens to achieve this mandate. Kndly disseminate to the public through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation. *ISHAKU TAKWA* Major Military Information Officer 19 August 2021
GOVERNOR LALONG LEADS PLATEAU DELEGATION TO 3RD DAY PRAYER FOR LATE SENATOR MANTU
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described the late Deputy Senate President Senator Nasiru Mantu as one of Nigerian’s most pragmatic and peace loving politicians who used his influence to bring people together and promote the good of the society.
Governor Lalong was speaking at the third day prayer for the late politician held at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja where he led the political class in Plateau State comprising of former Governor David Jang, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase, past and serving members of the National Assembly, Minister of Women Affairs Paullen Tallen and others former Ministers, as well as other political office holders.
Lalong said “we have lost a gaint in the political arena of Nigeria as the late Senator Mantu was a mentor, proactive and versatile politician who embraced people from all backgrounds and touched their lives positively. Many politicians around the country benefited from his magnanimity and also learnt from his courage to fight for his people and also stand by the truth at all times. He forgave people and was always willing to reconcile with those who had grievances with him”.
The Governor while condoling with his wife Barrister Zuwaira and children said Plateau State will greatly miss his good counsel and wisdom which he offered without any hesitation. He urged the family to take solace in the fact that he left a great legacy which will continue to be a reference point for them going forward.
Former Senate Presidents Anyim Pius Anyim, David Mark and Bukola Saraki all spoke glowingly about the contributions of the late Senator to the National Assembly and the Nigerian legislature where he did not only show patriotism and political sagacity, but also insisted on passing legislations that had direct impact on the ordinary people.
In his response, son of the deceased Alhaji Musa Mantu described his father as a man with a large heart whose generosity, compassion and industry was very evident and still speaks for him even in his absence today.
He said the family was consoled by the outpouring of love and words of comfort from the Government and people of Plateau State and from all over the world where people have called or visited to honour the late Senator.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 19th August 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG RELAXES CURFEW IN JOS NORTH; ORDERS SECURITY FORCES TO BE TOUGH ON TROUBLE MAKERS
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Jos North Local Government on Sunday to its earlier status.
Under the new arrangement, the curfew will be observed from 6pm to 6am daily beginning from Thursday 19th August 2021. This will also apply to Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas untill further notice.
The decision was reached after the State Security Council meeting held at the Government House Rayfield on Wednesday, 18th August 2021 where the Governor received briefings from the heads of security agencies and also reviewed the situation.
In relaxing the curfew, Governor Simon Lalong warned trouble makers to desist from threatening lives and properties of citizens or be ready for a showdown with security forces who have been directed to be tough with anyone causing a breach of the peace.
He expressed outrage over what he called the desperation of criminals bent on causing mayhem in the State, as there were isolated attacks which led to loss of lives and destruction of properties in some areas of Jos North and Bassa LGAs during the curfew.
While the curfew is relaxed in Jos North, security agencies will mount permanent checkpoints in high vulnerable areas; deploy more uniform and plain clothes personnel; and also observe the conduct of citizens round the clock.
The Governor also reiterated that the prohibition on processions was still in force and anyone found violating the order will be dealt with according to the law.
The Governor appreciated the cooperation of law abiding citizens and urged them to continue to support Government to deal with the situation and restore normalcy to the affected areas and the State at large.
He urged parents and community leaders to prevail on their wards to maintain pecae as the Government does not want to be forced to always resort to curfews which affect the economy and freedom of the people and the State as a whole.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 18th August 2021.
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