Former Field Commander of ECOMOG, General Joshua Nimyel Dogonyaro, is dead.

Family sources revealed to Freelance Reporters that he died in Jos, Thursday morning.

Details later.

LT COL. SAMUEL GULONG FWANJE JOINS THE MUSLIM UMMA. ON THE CELEBRATION OF EID- EL FITR.

To the glory of God, every activity,deep out of faith is eternally appealing that the people of God live.

In the spirit of eid-ell fitr, LT COL. SAMUEL GULONG FWANJE SGF ( RETIRED) Prays along with the Muslim UMMA that ‘the teachings in faith breeding morals and norms be more uplifted to the glory of a greater, peaceful and working Nigeria that the citizens longed for.’
May the grace of God be with us all amidst the sallah celebration

ALHAMDULLA!

HAPPY SALLAH!

SGFMEDIA
#ANEWVISION4PLATEAUCENTRAL2023

Dead has occurred of General Dogonyaro, former Chief of Defence staff and pioneer ECOMOG Commander..

Details soon…

EID-IL-FITR: HON. KOMSOL FELICITATES WITH MUSLIM CONSTITUENTS – CALLS FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

May 12th, 2021.

Federal House of Representatives Member, Representing Mikang/Qua’anpan/Shendam Federal Constituency, Hon. Komsol Alphonsus Longgap, on behalf of his Family and the entire good and loving people of his Constituency, felicitates with the Muslim faithfuls on the occasion of Eid-Il-Fitr celebration, which marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan.

In a Sallah goodwill message, endorsed by the Federal Lawmaker, Komsol believes that meaningful development cannot thrive in an unstable environment, urging all his Constituents to be law- abiding and embrace the spirit of togetherness, peace, discipline, kindness, forgiveness and tolerance as demonstrated by the teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace be unto Him).

He also called on all the Muslim Constituents celebrating Sallah ceremony to remain calm and patriotic, in other to support the Federal Government fight against insecurity, banditry, kidnappings and other crime related activities.

While praying for God Almighty to accord Muslims with the blessings of the outgoing Holy month of Ramadan, Hon. Komsol wishes all his Muslim Constituents, Plateau state and Nigeria as a whole a happy and blissful Eid-Il-Fitr celebration.

KOMSOL MEDIA TEAM

BARKA DA SALLAH

As we draw the curtain on the holy month of Ramadan to usher in the month of Shawwal, it is my sincere prayer that our Ramadan fast and the attendent ibadat embedded therein shall be acceptable unto Allah, while the blessings of the holy month remains with us all through the year.

I enjoin the Ummah to sustain the serenity and teachings of the preceeding month in all our deeds, so as to reflect the life of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) in all spheres of our undertakings.

As Nigerians pass through the turbulent vices of insecurity and squalor, may our prayers for tranquility and good governance be acceptable unto Allah.

I call on the people of my constituency to continue to pray for Allah’s divine intervention in all areas of our existence, as we wriggle through the dark moments.

On behalf of my family and the good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, I wish all Muslims around the world a joyous Eid-El-Fitr celebration.

Once again, Barka Da Sallah!

Signed:
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi,
(Dan Malikin Kanam),
Member Representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Navy.

GOVERNOR LALONG GREETS MUSLIMS AT SALLAH

As the Muslim community in Plateau State joins the rest of the world to mark the Eid-el-ftr, marking the end of the Ramadan fast, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked them to continue to live up to the tenets of their faith and allow the benefits of the just concluded fasting reflect in their character and actions.

Governor Lalong while congratulating them for a successful ramadan fast, said the current challenges Nigeria is witnessing particularly insecurity require not only prayers, but commitment from all citizens to change the tide.

Lalong acknowledges that although the Government has the major responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the citizens, said such duty only succeeds when the people give the government the necessary support.

He praised the people of Plateau State for supporting his administration in working for the return of peace in the State which is bringing tremendous development whereby many investors are coming in to establish businesses or take advantage of the wonderful weather to engage in tourism, conferences and social events.

He called for more Synergy, dialogue and engagement between people of different faiths, cultural, ethnic and political backgrounds in order to consolidate on the peace that has been fostered in the State.

He wishes all the Muslim ummah and other Nigerians a wonderful celebration and asks them to be security conscious and remain vigilant to report a suspicious activity to the security agencies.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
13th May 2021

PRESS RELEASE.

PLATEAU UNITED REJOICES WITH MUSLIM UMMAH ON THE OCCASION OF EID-EL-FITR.

The management of Plateau United Football Club of Jos is rejoicing with its supporters both at home and both at home and in the diaspora on the occasion of eid-el-fitr popularly referred to as Sallah day.

According to a statement signed by the Media Officer of the club, Albert Dakup, urged the Muslim Ummah to use the occasion and pray for the Peace and unity of Nigeria as the nation is facing serious threats by the activities of insurgents , bandits and other criminal elements.

The statement reminded adherents of the Islamic religion to use the purity obtained during the ramadan fast to pray for the cooperate existence of Nigeria as a single entity where peace and love shall reign forever.

The statement further appealed to the club supporters to collaborate with government and relevant agencies at all levels to proffer lasting solution to the myraids of challenges threatening the cooperate existence of the country.

While wishing all its supporters a happy and peaceful celebration, the club equally called on its teeming fans to pray for the success of the team especially in this second round of the Nigeria Professional Football League to enable it achieve its target this season.

Happy Sallah to all our Supporters.

Signed:

Albert Dakup .

Media Officer,

Plateau United Football Club, Jos.

Truth about Buhari’s Government’s involvement in selecting new Vice Chancellor for University of Jos

By Masara Kim

University of Jos students protest external interference in VC selection
There is currently an unprecedented political interest in the selection of a new Vice Chancellor for the University of Jos, as the current VC’s tenure elapses this June. This University has an interesting history of having been founded by a Southwestern University located over 800kms away, under the carefree watch of many Plateau neighbors.

What became the University of Jos was established in November 1971 from the satellite campus of the University of Ibadan. This was after the then Head of State, Yakubu Gowon failed in his bid for the creation of a satellite campus for Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in Jos.

The first students of the University were admitted in 1972 as pre-degree students and the first Bachelor of Arts degree program begun in October the 1973. By October 1975, the then military government under General Murtala Mohammed, with an indigene of Plateau, Joseph Gomwalk as Administrator of the State, established what is now called the University of Jos as an institution.

Classes began at the newly reorganized University of Jos in October 1976 with 575 students spreading over the existing four faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Education, Natural Sciences and Medical Sciences. Post-graduate programs were added one year after. By 1978, Faculties of Law and Environmental Sciences were established and the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences were separated.

Less than 50 years later, the University has expanded to over 15 faculties with over 14,000 students, operating in three campuses, producing some of the world’s leading Professionals. Little wonder, some two decades ago, the Carnegie Corporation of New York gave Unijos a $2 million grant to upscale its operations. Dozens of related interventions have also come to the institution, making it a favourite destination for many who desire quality University education.

However, determined to truncate this massive progress, including an unprecedented infrastructural growth currently ongoing in the University, individuals with yet to be determined motives increasingly create obstacles, mostly with grave implications for peace.

In 2020, precisely April, the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character accused management of the university of violating Federal Character policy on employment and admission. But aside from denying the University the right to fair hearing, the committee ignored Federal University, Dutsinma in Katsina State, where the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, Abubakar Kusada comes from, which has its Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and Librarian all from Katsina State.

Similarly, in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, where Honourable Samaila Suleiman, the lead accuser of Unijos management comes from, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, the DVC Admin, the Bursar and the Librarian were all from Kano State. Meanwhile in University of Jos where the Committee for whatever reasons refused to acknowledge that aside from the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, all other principal officers are from different regions, reflecting the needed Federal Character. Interestingly, the University has also had dozens of Vice Chancellors from other States and has trained all categories of people, including foreigners.

While it is clear that the University’s antagonists failed in their attempt to distract management and/or push for their removal from office, likely to institute their own persons of interest and achieve their hidden goals, last February’s passing away of the Chairman of the University’s Governing Board, Prince Tony Momoh appears to have created a perfect opportunity to resume their schemes.

Prince Momoh initiated the process for the selection of a new Vice Chancellor , six months to the expiration of the current VC’s tenure, via an advert on 23rd December, 2020, to be concluded in April 2021 before the expiration of the Council’s tenure in May 2021. Precedent to this was the constitution of a Search Team.

The Governing Council first met and took the report of the Search Team, after which Council elected her own representatives on the Selection Board (Interview Panel). This was followed by a Senate Emergency Meeting which elected two members of the Selection Board. The Selection Board met and shortlisted candidates from the list of applicants and scheduled an interview for 20th – 22nd April. All these were done in compliance with the Universities Act. Council proposed a meeting to take the report of the Selection Board for Friday 23rd April where a VC would emerge.

However, the entire selection process was abruptly disrupted and the Council Members summoned by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) on 22nd April 2021, contrary to the powers and functions of the Commission.

Part of the claims being publicized for this action is the supposed absence of a substantive Chairman of Governing Council. But the University of Jos Act Cap U8 LFN 2004, Third Schedule, Article 1(7) states, “if the Pro-Chancellor is not present at a meeting of the Council, such other member of the Council present at the meeting as the Council may appoint as respects that meeting shall be the Chairman at that meeting, and subject to Sec 4 of the Act and the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, the Council may regulate its own procedure.”

The University of Jos Governing Council Standing Orders Article 9 further supports stating that, “if the Chairman is not present at a meeting of the Council, such other members of the Council present at the meeting as the Council may appoint in respect of that meeting shall be the Chairman at that meeting.”

In compliance with the above provisions, which are recognized by the University Autonomy Act, subsisting Council Members through due process elected Dr. (Mrs.) Philomena Mutbam to preside over the Governing Council’s meetings. Dr. Philomena Mutbam as acting Chairman of the Governor Council superintendended over all Official duties with respect to the Office of the Pro-chancellor or Chairman of Council without objection from any authority. Such functions include approval of promotions, Finance and General Purpose Meetings including procurements which were all accepted by the Supervising Federal Ministry of Education.

Unless Nigeria is an animal kingdom where some animals are more equal than others, in University of Benin, a former Chairman of Governing Council once resigned and contested an election without being replaced. Council members of the same University sat and elected an acting Chairman who presided over a process that saw to the emergence of the present Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lilian Salami.

There was no interference from the NUC or any other body. The NUC by the way, was established to carry out regulatory, supervisory and accreditation roles only. One wonders where the body got its powers to suspend a legitimate process.

The NUC Act (1974) specifies the functions of the NUC to include: advising the President and State Governors, through the Minister, on the creation of new universities and other degree-awarding institutions in Nigeria; preparing, after consultation with the State Governments, the universities, the national manpower Board and such other bodies as it considers appropriate, periodic (physical) master plans for the balanced and co-coordinated (infrastructural) development of all universities in Nigeria; laying down Minimum Academic Standards in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and accrediting their degrees and other academic awards.

The NUC is also empowered to ensure that quality is maintained within the academic programmes of the Nigerian University System. It might carry out other investigations as provided in the Act, on any other matter relating to “Higher Education” (academic affairs), but not Administrative structures.

According to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment) Act 2003 Section (1), “The Governing Council of a university shall be free in the discharge of its functions and exercise of its responsibilities for the good management, growth and development of the university.” These functions and responsibilities according to the Act include the appointment and/or removal of a Vice Chancellor in accordance with the Act. Not even the President has powers to appoint or sack a Vice Chancellor except through the Governing Board.

However, in the case of University of Jos, not even a Minister, but a Head of an agency is stripping a constitutional Governing Board of its powers and independence, making it useless. By this act, the NUC boss has taken upon himself the fate of an entire University and by extension, the future of the over 14,000 students currently undergoing different programs therein. This is because by suspending the VC selection process a day to the final step of its last duties before its tenure expires, the NUC has created a vacuum that might take half a year to fill.

The Universities Act allows the appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor to serve for six months in the case of the removal or expiration of tenure of an incumbent. The present UJ VC’s tenure expires in June, but the University’s Governing Board’s tenure expired last weekend. This ultimately means taking another series of months to constitute a new council, which might take another several months to start sitting and eventually complete process for the selection of a new Vice Chancellor.

By implication, the next student results and convocation might be delayed, likewise other Administrative duties that require substantive Officers. In addition, candidates vying for the Vice Chancellor position who might have been cleared might be caught up by age limit and ultimately disenfranchised.

This appears to be the exact plot of the University’s enemies – to disrupt smooth running of its affairs and bring in their own interests. Whether academic or political, this interest is already showing signs of disrupting peace in Plateau State.

Already, protests have started manifesting, which if not quickly addressed through adopting the right practices in the appointment of the VC might snowball into full-blown conflicts. Findings already suggest brewing agitations amongst indigenous youths who might stage violent reactions if the ongoing illegality continues.

But what do merchants of war care as long as it creates room for them to ship their interests into the State, which has been a key target since the 70s when the famous Mohammed Marwa aka Maitasine began his violent uprisings?

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State who is also Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum has a huge work to do here. He is reputed as a peace builder and should deploy that integrity to avert a huge disaster for the State and nation, because whatever affects Plateau affects everyone in it, including foreign Nationals.

President Muhammadu Buhari who is the Visitor of the University also needs to act before his selfish lieutenants bring his name to disrepute. Buhari was GOC 3rd Armoured Division Jos before he became Head of State in 1983. He is aware of the conflict dynamics of Plateau, particularly as it affects University of Jos, which has long been encroached upon, causing security threats to students.

People of goodwill, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora should also intervene through all legal means to see that this impending crisis is averted. This is because if it succeeds in Plateau, there is no guarantee it will not be replicated elsewhere.

Prof. Attahiru Jega, a reputed scholar and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been appointed as the University’s new Pro-chancellor/Governing Board Chairman. A perfect choice at a perfect time. Jega did extremely well while holding similar position in Plateau State University Bokkos. However, one of the contestants for the Vice Chancellor position is from same state with him, which somewhat disqualifies him from presiding over the selection process.

According to the Code of Conduct for Nigerian Judicial Officers, a Judicial Officer should disqualify himself in a proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including but not limited to:

(a) he has personal bias or prejudice concerning a party or personal knowledge of facts in dispute;
(b) he served as a legal practitioner in the matter in controversy, or a legal practitioner concerning with whom he previously practiced law served during such association as a legal practitioner concerning the matter or the judicial Officer or such legal practitioner has been a material witness in the matter;
(c) he knows that he individually or as a judicial Officer or his spouse or child has a financial or any other interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding;
(d) he or his spouse or a person related to either of them or the spouse of such person
(i) is a party to the proceedings, or an officer, director or trustee of a party
(ii) is acting as a legal practitioner in the proceedings
(iii) is known by the judicial Officer to have an interest which could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceedings.

Nigerians are keenly watching to see how this matter goes – whether the concerned parties will tow the path of honor and withdraw their steps or damn the consequences, posing even greater danger to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress.

University of Jos VC Selection: Power, Politics and Intimidation in the Selection Process

The selection of a New Principal Academic and administrative Officer for the Prestigious University of Jos, Plateau State which could have been concluded in April, 2021 in line with the intention of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board is still lingering without any definite position.

The transparent process of selection started on 23rd December, 2020 through an advert by the Chairman of the Council, a process which was expected to be completed in April, 2021.

This is to select a substantive Vice-Chancellor before the expiration of the tenure of the Council on the 8th of May, 2021 as well as ensure that vacancy does not exist as the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sebastine Seddi Maimako comes to an end on 23rd June, 2021.

The Council after the advertisement for the position of the Vice-Chancellor took another bold and honest step of constituting a Search Team with the mandate to search for an eligible candidate for the post of the Vice Chancellor of the Institution.

The then Chairman of the Council and Pro-Chancellor of the University, Prince Tony Momoh died in February, 2021 while the processes were ongoing which led to the emergence of Dr. (Mrs.) Philomena Mutbam who was duly elected by the subsisting Council Members to preside over the Governing Council’s meeting for the day in full compliance with the provision of the University of Jos Act Cap U8 LFN 2004, Third Schedule, Article 1(7) which states that, “if the Pro-Chancellor is not present at a meeting of the Council, such other Member of the Council present at the meeting as the Council may appoint as respects that meeting shall be the Chairman at that meeting, and subject to Section 4 of the Act and the forgoing provision of this paragraph, the Council may regulate its own procedure.”

The University of Jos Governing Council Standing Order Article 9 Further supports the above stating that, “if the Chairman is not present at the meeting as the Council may appoint as respects that meeting shall be the Chairman of that meeting.”

Going by an investigation, Council had met and taken the Search Team report and also went further to elect those to represent it on the Selection Board (Interview Panel).
The Senate also elected two Members of the Selection Board in an emergency meeting it held on the 8th of March, 2021

It was also gathered that the Selection Board swung into action and had commenced work in earnest to ensure a Substantive Vice-Chancellor is selected. This could be seen when it met and shortlisted Candidates from those who applied for the position.

On continuation of the process, the Selection Board had scheduled an interview for 20th to 22nd April, 2021 and the Council Meeting to receive report of the Selection Board on Friday 23rd April, 2021 which will culminate in the emergence of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.

As the process congressed, a letter dated 16th April, 2021 addressed to the Members of the Council emanated from the Registrar of the University, Mr. Monday M. Danjem who doubles as the Secretary of the Council with the title “Suspension of the Processes for the Appointment of a New Vice-Chancellor for the University of Jos” which was a directive from the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Abdulrasheed.

Interestingly, Dr. Philomena Mutbam who was the acting Chairman of the Governing Council following her election by Members carried out activities of such office such as approval of promotions, Finance & General Purpose Meetings, procurements etc which were never considered illegal by the Supervising Ministry (Federal Ministry of Education).

The stalling of the almost concluded selection processes came with mixed reactions and feelings that there is undue interference and influence which has undermined the work of the Selection Board.

What is more disturbing is the fact that the directive by the Executive Secretary NUC to Members of the Council to discontinue the selection processes which had gone deep into its conclusion.

Except for such directive, the selection of a substantive Vice-Chancellor for the University will have been completed and announced.

The Executive Secretary of NUC reserves no power to direct the suspension of the selection process and cannot interfere on same.

The NUC which was established in 1974 has the mandates to carry out regulatory, supervisory and accreditation roles only. These roles do not include Administrative supervision.

The NUC Act (1974) specifies the functions of the NUC to include: advising the President and State Governors, through the Minister, on the creation of new universities and other degree-awarding institutions in Nigeria; preparing, after consultation with the State Governments, the universities, the national manpower Board and such other bodies as it considers appropriate, periodic (physical) master plans for the balanced and co-coordinated (infrastructural) development of all universities in Nigeria; laying down Minimum Academic Standards in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and accrediting their degrees and other academic awards. The NUC is also empowered to ensure that quality is maintained within the academic programmes of the Nigerian University System. It might carry out other investigations as provided in the Act, on any other matter relating to “Higher Education” (academic affairs), but not Administrative structures.

According to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment) Act 2003 Section (1), “The Governing Council of a university shall be free in the discharge of its functions and exercise of its responsibilities for the good management, growth and development of the university.” These functions and responsibilities according to the Act include the appointment and/or removal of a Vice Chancellor in accordance with the Act. Not even the President has powers to appoint or sack a Vice Chancellor except through the Governing Board.

But as we speak, the tenure of the Governing Council elapsed on the 8th of May, 2021 and in the wake of the suspension of the selection processes, a New Pro-Chancellor was appointed for the University in person of Prof. Attahiru Jega.

While no one is casting aspersion on the competence and/or person of Prof. Jega who has a track record of integrity and probity in addition to being the immediate past Pro-Chancellor of the Plateau State University Bokkos, many see his emergence as ploy to enthrone the candidate of the power that be.

The question now us who are the people to complete the stalled selection processes since the tenure of the Governing Council has expired?

Are they trying to start the processes all over from the scratch or will they call back the Dr. Philomena Mutbam-led Selection Board to complete what it had started earlier so the University will have a substantive Vice-Chancellor before the expiration of the tenure of the present Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sebastine Seddi Maimako on 23rd June, 2021?

In all honesty, can Prof. Jega preside over this selection process where his Brother is one of the 13 Candidates vying for this Office without bias? As in the celebrated case of Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa JSC as she then was, where she recused herself from the 2019 Presidential Election Tribunal due to the APC Membership of her husband.

Why are other persons having interest on what should have been a seamless and transparent selection ritual?

Worthy of note is the contradiction where a similar process in the University of Benin when the Chairman of the Council resigned to contest an election in 2019. Other members of Council met and elected an acting Chairman who all through the remaining selection process presided over the process that saw the emergence of the current Vice-Chancellor of that Institution, Prof. Lilian Salami without any form of acrimony and was endorsed by the supervising Ministry while that of of University of Jos was considered an aberration and the process halted.

This is quite appalling and ridiculous as well as a display of impunity and total abuse of the extant Laws of the University of Jos since the processes had already started and reached advanced stage.

It is disheartening to start the process afresh or where applicants who hitherto were not part of the process to be included while others are barred due to age or other circumstances due to the elongation of the process or to favor someone who wouldn’t had made it to the choice of the Selection Board if it allowed to continue unabated.

This show of shame as displayed by NUC has the propensity of truncating the fragile peace in the State as the bubble of rage may burst puncturing the hard earned peace being enjoyed in the State at the moment.

There is need for all patriotic Nigerians to rise up and challenge anything short of a transparent selection process.
Anything short of what the Selection Board was doing will mar the integrity and jeopardize the processes which may affect the choice of a more credible, competent and visionary Academic and Administrative Head for the University.

It will be good if due process which has started is adhered and external influence discarded to give our educational system the best hand to manage both the human and material resources for a more prosperous and productive Nation.

It is now the duty of the Minister of Education to ensure that the selection process for the emergence of a New Vice Chancellor is completed.

From interactions with various youth groups and opinion leaders in the State, anything short of due process in the selection of a New Vice-Chancellor for the University will be vehemently resisted and may throw the peaceful academic transition in the University into jeopardy as was seen in the last peaceful protest.

EID-EL-FTR: NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE MUSLIMS, CALL FOR PRAYERS AND UNITY

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with the Muslim ummah as they mark this year’s Eid-el-ftr, calling for more prayers for the unity, peace and progress of the nation.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a message said although Nigeria is going through troubling times, hope must not be lost because hard times do not last forever.

He urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to demonstrate faith in the prayers which were offered especially during the Ramadan fast, saying that God did not make a mistake by creating Nigeria with all its diversities and will therefore not allow evil to prevail or destroy the country.

Lalong said the current security situation demands more action from both the Government and citizens who must work together to isolate bad elements that are desperate to make Nigeria an unstable entity.

Lalong also urged Nigerians, particularly political and religious leaders to avoid rhetoric that further inflames passions and further divides the nation along religious, ethnic and parochial sentiments.

He wished Nigerians a happy festive period praying that it will be spent in peace and love.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum.
12th May 2021.