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.

Following days of deadlock in the just concluded Local Government Primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across majority of the seventeen (17) LGAs, the nine (9) aspirants in Kanke LGA have reportedly reached a consensus by electing one of them as the candidate for the forthcoming October 2021 Local Government Elections.

Details shortly.

NDE VICTOR DAVID DIMKA fsi MOURNS THE DEMISE OF GENERAL RAPHAEL ISA rtd..

Nde Victor David Dimka fsi has sympathised with the immediate family, Ngas nation and Plateau State Government over the demise of one time Director of Information, and Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Major General Raphael Isa rtd.

In a statement issued in Jos, the leader of the DVD Movement in Plateau State said, “Major General Raphael Isa was one of those Ngas sons that served this country meritoriously, and left an indelible mark while in service as a military officer”.

He described the deceased as a thoroughbred gentleman and professional military officer who contributed immensely towards ensuring that Nigeria remains a united, sovereign nation.

“The Ngas nation and Plateau State has lost one of the finest career military officers who served this country with all his heart”, he added.

While commiserating with the people of Kanke LGA and Plateau State as a whole, Nde Victor David Dimka prayed God to grant him eternal rest in perfect peace.

#DVD Media Team

PLATEAU APC SETS UP APPEAL COMMITTEE TO ACCOMODATE COMPLAINS ON THE AFTERMATH OF THE PARTY PRIMARIES

The All Progressives Congress in Plateau state has set up a four man committee to accomodate all complains rising from the conduct of it primaries across the 17 local government areas of the state.

In a media parley with journalists at the party secretariat,The acting Chairman Mr Fanmak Enoch said this became necessary as APC is a party that accomodate all without fear or favour.

Mr Enoch reiterated “all party men who have complains can come from 8-4pm daily,
all party men should be calm as we are working on how to make the party accomodating and United for all as a progressive unit”.

when asked about the outcome of the primaries and the announcement of the results,He said ” The party has recieved all results collated by the local government returning officers and the party is working on the results collected and will soon make it known to the public”.

The work of the committee starts immediately even as the party is yet to decide the time frame of the committee work.

The members or the committee are as follows;
Mr Kevin Kwaplong Chairman
Steven T Abar
Agatha Arin
Dauda I Lamba

There has been some level of outcry by some party faithfuls in some local government about the conduct of the primaries of the APC held on 23rd June,2021 and the results are yet to be known almost five fourdays after the exercise.

GOVERNOR LALONG HARPS ON INTEGRITY AS ANOTHER PLATEAU JUDGE RISES TO THE COURT OF APPEAL

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advised newly sworn in Justices of the Court of Appeal to continue to uphold justice and avoid any act that can tarnish their image and that of the Judiciary.

Governor Lalong was speaking shortly after witnessing the swearing in of Judges of the Court of Appeal at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja.

Lalong expressed delight on the appointment and swearing in of the Justices of the Court of Appeal including a Judge of Plateau State High Court Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Sirajo.

Governor Lalong described the elevation of Justice Sirajo as well deserved because he has distinguished himself in the Judiciary over the years.

He said having risen from through the ranks to be called to serve at the second highest court in the land, Justice Sirajo sustained his profile as a firm, fair, fearless and honest Judge who has dispensed justice to all manner of people according to the law and good conscience.

Lalong also said the reform of the Judiciary will continue to demand serious engagement and action between members of the Bar and Bench as well as other Nigerians who must submit to the rule of law and democratic tenets.

The Governor advised younger lawyers to adhere to the to the ethics of the profession at all times.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
28th June 2021

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NEW SHIPPERS COUNCIL BOSS, RT. HON. EMMANUEL JIME; CHARGES HIM ON ACTUALISING MARITIME RESOURCE CENTRE JOS & HEIPANG CONTAINER TERMINAL

Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong, has congratulated Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Lyambee Jime over his appointment as the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council by His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Governor Lalong in a massage of felicitation said it is a well-deserved appointment considering Rt. Hon. Jime’s pedigree and achievements as a Legislator, Lawyer and Administrator who has served the nation with integrity in various capacities.

Lalong said as a Former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly; Two-Term Member of the House of Representatives; Former Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) among others, Jime is eminently suitable for the appointment and he has no doubt that he will give your best in this new assignment.

The Governor asked him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in taking the Nigerian Shippers Council to greater heights by vigorously pursuing the development of the Inland Port Terminals across the country.

He said, “for us in Plateau State, we assure you of our support and collaboration towards your success in office, and will be counting on your goodwill in continuing the projects initiated by your predecessor such as the Maritime Resource Centre cited at the North Central Coordinating Office in Jos, which is expected to impact the lives of the people and the economy of the State positively. We are also looking forward to the commencement of operations at the Inland Container Terminal at Heipang which will again provide jobs and generate employment for our people”.

He assured the new Shippers Council Boss that the Northern Governors Forum will also support him particularly on the development of Inland Port Terminals in the Region which are essential in the utilization of the rail infrastructure which is being resuscitated by the Buhari administration.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham,
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor, Plateau
27th June, 2021.

The Executive Governor,
Plateau State,
His Excellency Rt. Hon, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong,
(APC Leader Plateau State)

Through:

The Divisional Police Officer,
Pankshin Division.

Sir,
LETTER OF COMPLAINT ON THE FRAUDULENT CONDUCT OF APC – CHAIRMANSHIP PRIMARIES IN PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
You can recall that the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) rolled out time table for the conduct of Local Government elections in Plateau State and directed all political parties to conduct primary elections and submit names of chairmanship and councillorship candidates within the time so stipulated in the guidelines.
The APC first scheduled the primary elections for chairmanship and councillorship candidates on the 23rd of June, 2021 but later reschedule the elections to the 24th of June, 2021.
Our candidate Mr. Rotshak Gideon Yokdan bought the nomination form from the APC party secretariat with a few other contestants interested in contesting for the chairmanship of Pankshin Local Government Area. We and our Aspirant campaigned and conducted rallies across the 20 electoral wards in Pankshin Local Government Area and also make contact with various interest groups, community development associations, women groups, youth groups, religions group’s etc. Our effort’s and the personality of our candidate (Mr. Rotshak Gideon Yokdan) make’s us extremely popular in all the 20 electoral wards in Pankshin Local Government Area. But we are all surprise on the day of elections by the unruly conduct of electoral officers sent to conduct elections in Pankshin L.G.A
Sir, we wish to draw your attention to the following irregularities perpetuated in Pankshin by the electoral officer’s, which we see as an act of injustice to the peace loving people of Pankshin L.G.A.

1. Electoral materials for some electoral wards in Pankshin such as Longbam, Wuchunbe, Wokkos, Wuseli, Mukang/Nyelleng, Chip central Belning, where not distributed and those who collected the materials, were nowhere to be found.
2. The head of the electoral team in Pankshin Mr. Idi Bamaiyi, also confirm this at Longbam ward, when he went to supervise the election, and he told the crowd at Longbam that the electoral officer for Longbam ward one Mr. Ezekiel Dama is the one with the electoral materials and is nowhere to be found, as he is not on ground at the venue of the election.
3. In Jiblik ward, there was crisis and no election was conducted. The person in charge of the election, in the ward, ran away with the electoral materials and is nowhere to be found, the party chairman in the ward and other stakeholders have to write a petition to the local government about the fraudulent behavior of the officer.
4. In the electoral ward of our candidate (Wuchembe ward) electoral materials were not even brought to the venue of elections.
5. In Belning, Chip central, Tal A. Tal B, Kangshu, Kadung, Mukang, Nyalleng, Wuseli, fier and Wuchambe electorates waited for the electoral officers but to no avail.
6. In Pankshin central ward and Kasgong ward, which are among the strong hold of our candidate, election started but when the discovered that our candidate Mr. Rotshak Gideon Yokden was leading, they destabilized the electoral process and abandoned the elections just for us to hear that they have allocated scores to the candidates which is a contravention of the electoral act and the guidelines released.
7. In the wards where elections where conducted, electoral officers were not on ground to collate election results. We don’t know if the electoral officers at the local government level abandoned their duty post and disappear, as our agents did not meet any of them at the collation centre.
8. Our agents at the ward level and those at the local government collation centre waited for election results but all the electoral officers disappeared and our agents did not even know where the results of the elections where collated.
9. Prior to the conduct of the primaries, there was rumor going that the father in law to the Governor had scheme to install his relation as the Council Chairman against the wishes of the populace, we were also reliably informed that the said aspirant is about to be announce despite the failed primaries. It is in this premise that we appeal to the Governor and the party to act fast to ensure such is not done to clear people doubt on believing the above allegations.
   In view of the above issues, we wish to state.
   a. That you use your good office as the Executive Governor of Plateau State to correct the abnormalities in the fraudulent elections conducted in Pankshin Local Government Area.
   b. That our stolen mandate should be returned to us and our candidate in the spirit of fairness and justice to all.
   c. That for the APC in Pankshin LGA to wax stronger, something should be done about the elections in Pankshin LGA.
   d. That we have calmed our people and supporters to remain peaceful but in the event where fairness is thrown to the winds, we cannot guarantee to keep the aggrieved electorates under control.
   e. In the ward’s where electoral materials where not brought to the electoral wards for election to be conducted, we advise that you use your good office as the Executive Governor of Plateau State and the leader of the APC on the Plateau to order the rerun of the elections in Pankshin L.G.A.

Yours faithfully,

Hon. Tangsan Paksohot __
Longji Ephraim ___
Pandang Rumji ___

Cc:
DSS Pankshin
Chairman Pankshin LGA
APC Chairman Pankshin LGA
Civil Defense Pankshin LGA
APC Plateau State