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.

Senate Passes Law Abolishing Discrimination Against HND Holders
It was serious joy and jubilation as Senate Passes Law Abolishing Discrimination Against HND Holders

The Senate on Wednesday passed into law a bill abolishing discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders for the purposes of employment and promotion, into law.

The decision followed the consideration and adoption of a report on the Bill presented by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, at plenary.

The 9th Senate recently moved to address the existing discrimination between Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in employment and promotion in Nigeria.

During a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to abolish and prohibit discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) for the purpose of employment and other matters connected therewith”, organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, stakeholders took turns to vent their anger on the discrimination that has gone on for a long time.

The Chairman of the Committee, Ahmad Babba Kaita described their effort as the third time such a bill would come to the Senate.

He added that none had reached public hearing.

Kaita said the bill is not controversial as the Committee received “no single memorandum opposing it”

The bill which is sponsored by Senator Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central) is seeking to address the dichotomy that exists between B.Sc and HND that has affected a significant number of people in a way considered undesirable.

RT HON. WASE @ 57: CELEBRATING A GEM AND LEGISLATOR PER EXCELLENCE.

Today marks the 57th birthday anniversary of a rare gem, a colossus of inestimable value whose story typifies the rise from grass to grace through dedication and honesty.

As a younger colleague who is learning the rope of people oriented representation from your reservoir of wisdom, I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating you today, as always.

Your guidance and wise counsel has impacted positively in my legislative prowess, and I remain indebted for your kind gestures.

On behalf of myself, family and the entire good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, I wish you heaven’s choicest blessings, sound health and more boisterous years ahead.

Once again, Happy birthday!

Signed:
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi,
(Dan Malikin Kanam),
Chairman House Committee on Navy.

Plateau Govt Sacks 532 Workers Over Falsification of Records
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong has vowed to continue to rid the civil service of staff who have questionable records or are found to have tampered with their records. This is even as 532 staff with questionable records have so far been removed from the State payroll after an investigation using the BVN system.

Governor Lalong who disclosed this during a policy retreat for Permanent Secretaries held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS Kuru said the exercise will continue as those found culpable will face disciplinary proceedings.


He said “I am aware of the huge manpower gaps that exist in the Plateau State civil service because of years of unemployment. With the setting up of the Nde John Gobak Committee on the Verification and Audit of Staff strength, we will address these issues once the committee completes its assignment and submits its report. Already, about 532 names have been removed from Government payroll after an investigation using the BVN system revealed inconsistencies in their records. Some had falsified their ages or tampered with their records. Others could not appear to answer queries on such records”

Lalong told the Permanent Secretaries that the State is today facing continuous decline in revenues from FAAC which makes it very necessary to generate more revenue internally to meet the yearnings of the people. This he said necessitated priority spending on areas that will yield revenues in all MDAs as well as the blocking of leakages in the system.

He also reminded the Permanent Secretaries that Government business in Plateau State is now driven by ICT and as such, they must not only be proficient, but also mentor all civil servants in utilizing ICT for carrying out their day-to-day schedules.

Head of Service Plateau State, Engr.
Sunday Chong Hyat said the Policy Retreat became necessary because of the appointment of 14 new Permanent Secretaries and the fact that the last exercise was held in 2015.

He said as accounting officers of various MDAs, the Permanent Secretaries have been equipped with relevant knowledge to enforce discipline and good conduct in line with extant rules and regulations of the civil service.

Lead consultant, Mr. Ezekiel Gomos and the Head of Component, Policy and Strategy GIZ/SEDIN Mr. Akin Omoware said the retreat provided a very strategic opportunity for Government to build the capacity of the top echelon of its workforce who will drive the reforms in the State and lead in programme implementation and project execution.

They advocated for more of such trainings to build workers capacity and enable the Government deliver on its mandate to the people.