Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi has declared that the utterances attributed to the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami has great security consequences to Nigeria


Featuring on a special programme of the House of Representatives Press Corps called “Hot Seat”, Gagdi who fielded questions from Journalists said that Pantami’s sympathy to Boko Haram in the past would seriously undermine the present security commitment of the country.

The lawmaker who was also the immediate Deputy Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly exonerated the National Assembly particularly the Senate and the Department of State Service, DSS from the blames, saying their successful screening of the minister for his present office was based on the level of information before them.


He said it was not possible to have all the information on an individual, noting that Nigerians would have also raised an alarm on the person of Pantami before his screening by the Senate.

Gagdi however said it was the prerogative of President Muhammadu Buhari to either sack or keep the minister.

Pantami’s sympathy to Boko Haram has great security consequences


He said: “I would not say that DSS and the National Assembly acted in error. The NASS and DSS are not God. You will never get every information about every individual during confirmation. Because the NSS is not God. You don’t have the capacity to know everything about me.

“So, it is when the DSS knows that they recommended. And it is equally what the NASS saw that they recommended. And if you want to hold DSS and NASS responsible, what of you as an individual? Over 180 Nigerians, you were unable to.


“The announcement was made, the man was presented to the floor of the senate. He was screened and no individual out of over 180 Nigerians was able to remember that comment made to write a petition to the NASS for them to act or not to act.

“So, if NASS should be held responsible, or the DSS, the people of this country should equally be held responsible, because they were unable to do their job by bringing the information to the NASS.


“Until and unless you bring the petition that this man has done and that in the past because of the incapacity of both DSS and NASS to know everything about everybody. If there was an issue prior to the screening and the NASS did not act on that information, then you will hold them responsible. But because there was nothing, you assume the man is innocent. Now the issue has come to public glare. Is it the responsibility of the NASS to act based on the information that is given about the Minister? It is not the responsibility of the parliament to say remove the Minister or not to remove the Minister.

“The prerogative of appointment and removal is vested solely on Mr President. So, it is left for the executive arm of government. The information has come. I learnt also that the man has apologized. If it is true that the information is there and the man apologized, it is not within my own power as a parliament to say go or not go. The president has the red biro or green biro to tell him to stop, stay there, this is the last of your time as far as my cabinet is concerned. He equally has the prerogative of mercy to say since you have shown remorse, everybody could make mistake in the past, continue but make sure you do that again. I think these are the things I can say about the issue of the Minister.


“What is more important is what value is he adding to the Nigerian economy. What value is Pantami adding to curtailing the issue of insecurity in Nigeria? Every politician has his own enemy and every politician has his own past.

“I could remember when Isa Pantami made comments about Boko Haram. The people sent in videos insulting him and trying to declare him wanted. How can you place that? Juxtapose that with his present position. The man that made a statement in past against or supporting some certain security situation which is…if that statement is true then he did not do well at all. Then after his appointment as a minister, he has confronted Boko Haram about SIM card registration in such a way that the man was declared one of their major targets. I think his life has put him in a very critical position that he is neither here nor there because if they see him, they will not leave him.


“So, it has great consequences, to be fair, in terms of the security of this country for a Minister of Digital Economy to have made a statement in the past that seems to undermine the present security commitment. It has great security consequences on the security perception of this country. That I can tell you without mincing words. But again juxtapose that equally with his commitment as a Minister. What are his efforts? Has he made any compromising commitment towards those people or he has made a commitment that those people equally see him as an enemy? That would help you to equally strike a balance in the course of that. But I have to tell you, it has consequences. His statement has great implication for the security situation of this country

GAGDI’S BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH NIGERIAN MARITIME SECURITY TRUST FUND PASSES SECOND READING.

The Bill for an Act to establish Nigerian Maritime Security Trust Fund and other matters related thereto (2020), has passed second reading today on the floor of the House of Representatives, after which it was referred to the relevant committee for final legislative inputs.

Leading debate on the second reading, which received unanimous endorsement of the lawmakers present, sponsor of the Bill, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, who Chairs the House Committee on Navy, said the general principle of the bill was to provide for the establishment of a special fund for training and retraining of naval personnel for optimum productivity, as well as funding for equipment and machineries that will aid the seamless protection of our waterways by the Nigerian Navy, thereby guaranteeing a robust economic development of the country.

Gagdi maintained that since the mainstay of Nigerian economy (oil) is majorly sourced and moved through the waterways, while the largest chunk of our import and export of other goods are carried out through the seas, it was imperative that the Nigerian Navy is sufficiently equipped and routinely trained to curb the excesses of pirates, oil bunkerers and other illegal activities on our waterways that hamper our economic development.

Noting the importance of the Bill, all contributors to the debate lend their voices to the establishment of the fund, and urge the House to pass the bill into law without any delay.

The bill was first read on 15th March, 2021 and seeks to exist for 8 years from the commencement date of the Act, (when finally passed by the National Assembly and assented to by Mr President), unless it is further extended by an Act of the National Assembly.

The glowing contributions to the debate by the rep members underscores the importance of the bill to the economic development of Nigeria and our national security.

The Chairman House Committee on Navy was later on National Assembly Media call Hotspot Program, where committee chairpersons were invited to answer questions from different angles.

Gagdi Media Team (GMT)

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES ECWA PRESIDENT ON RE-ELECTION/58TH BIRTHDAY.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated ECWA President, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya over his re-election for another term as well as his appointment as the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Bingham University.

Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described the re-election of Rev. Panya as well deserved, considering the purposeful leadership he has offered which enabled the Church to make more impact in the lives of its members and the society.

Lalong said the ECWA President’s passion for revival has manifested in enhanced mission work leading to the winning of more souls, Church planting and expansion, entrepreneurship development and empowerment, as well as investments in health and education.

While urging him to consolidate on the achievements of the Church over the years, Governor assured him of the support and collaboration of the Plateau State Government towards the progress of the Church.

Similarly, the Governor has felicitated with the ECWA President on the occasion of his 58th birthday. He commended him for devoting his life to the service of humanity and mentoring the youth, praying God to continue to grant him good health, wisdom and protection.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
21st April 2021.

Senator representing Plateau South at the National Assembly, Professor Nora Ladi Dadu’ut , on Tuesday April 20th 2021 again moved a motion on the Floor of the National Assembly urging the the Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other agencies to support victims of the fire incident that engulfed the popular Namu Central Yam Market in Qua’an Pan Local government Area, Plateau State.





Her motion was seconded by Senator Barau Jibrin who represents Kano North Senatorial District.



Namu Yam Market which is the largest farm produce market in the state was engulfed by fire recently which led to the loss of food items and other valuables worth over N1billion.







Jibrin who seconded Senator Dadu’ut’s motion said: “The proper thing is to have fire stations around markets and other important places.



In his words ” I think the proper thing to do is to assist the traders because allowing them to remain after this event without their means of livelihood will not augur well for their families and those relying on them.”



Our correspondent reports that the Senate there after urged the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs; NEMA and other relevant government agencies to immediately provide relief materials to the traders as well as respond to the huge financial losses resulting from the fire outbreak, to provide succor to all those affected; and called on the Federal Government to carry out any other immediate action which will improve the condition of living of the affected community, resulting from the fire outbreak.



Senator Dadu’ut who is the first female senator in the history of Plateau State vowed to always put her constituents first in all her dealings .



She said i would continue to work and ensure that our Zone gets better and more developed .

GOVERNOR LALONG PRAISED FOR PEACE BUILDING IN PLATEAU

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has been commended for his peace efforts that have restored confidence and mitigated human disasters associated with violence and conflicts in Plateau State.

Speakers at a the launch of a book on Disaster and Conflict in Abuja described the Governor as a peacemaker who has become a shining example for de-escalating violence and creating sustainable platform for mutual understanding and dialogue.

The Book facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties examined the challenges of disasters that are generated from conflicts in Nigeria and how to mitigate them.

Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties Sen. George Akume said Nigerians need to continue to foster peaceful coexistence as a way of preventing disasters that end up hurting development. He said Governor Lalong has proven to be one of the examples of leaders who can be relied upon to galvanise people to do the right thing by embracing one another.

Former Deputy Senate President Nasiru Mantu also said the search for peace in Nigeria cannot succeed without people respecting one another and realising that God is the creator of all while differences in tribe, religion, geography and even orientations are matters that cannot be blamed on humanity as people never chose where to be born or the families to be born in.

He said this is why people must be able to accept one another as human beings and stop fighting. He said Governor Lalong has been able to achieve this by enabling people of various backgrounds to have a sense of belonging which has doused tensions and made peace possible in Plateau State.

Governor Lalong who praised the author of the book for conducting the research said peace remains his cardinal objective and as such, he will not relent in making sure that people work together to engender good relations.

He urged all Nigerians to support peaceful coexistence as conflicts do not only cause disasters, but leave a huge burden on development.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th April 2021.

By Editor-in-chief


President Idris Derby of Chad is dead.

Details of his death are still sketchy but the army authorities said he died from injuries sustained on the war front.

The Chadian army is currently combating rebel forces who have launched an assault on the capital, N’Djamena.

He was reelected for a sixth term on April 11 and was expected to be sworn in.

Details later…

OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR SIMON LALONG ON THE NEED  TO ESTABLISH PLATEAU STATE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AGENCY ( PLASTMA).


Your Excellency, I must commend your efforts in completing the Dogon Karfe to secretariat junction road. It is my earnest prayers that you will continue with the original plan of dualizing the road down to Bauchi road with a flyover bridge at the British/ American junction.


Your Excellency sir, please permit me to bring to your attention the shameful & selective activities of men of the Nigeria Road Safty core in the city of jos.


Sir, I understand policies & rules of government are meant to be binding on all citizens wherever they may be.

However, I am deeply saddened by the corrupt activities of Road safety officers who select very peculiar neighborhoods to mount checkpoints. These officers are making good business collecting money from traffic offenders & diverting the same to their pockets ( i was once a victim). It’s disheartening how hard-hearted some of them have become turning deaf ears to pleas from even citizens with honest excuse & forcing them to part with some money or risk having their vehicles impounded.



Sir the road safety officers are notorious for mounting morning & evening checkpoints around the new dogon Karfe roundabout to the former civil defense office at Millionaire’s quarters down to lamingo junction near the NIMC office Rikkos to Stanel service station.

Other roads include fwavwei junction Rayfield, Yingi, Hwolshe down to the State Headquarters of the Nigeria police through to polo roundabout, just to mention a few.


Whereas, areas like Gangare, Dilimi, ungwan Rogo & Zololo junctions are completely left out of Road Safety officer’s route checks. This leaves some of us wondering if these are the only areas with traffic offenders.


Sir it will interest you to know that these are the same areas with the highest number of motorcycle operators still conducting business even with the ban on motorcycle operations still in force.


Sir gave this, I strongly advise that the Plateau State Government should create a Plateau State Traffic Management Agency  ( PLASTMA) to take charge of roads within the state including Jos & Bukuru Metropolis. PLASTMA among others should be charged with the responsibility of checking vehicle papers as well as drivers’ licenses & defaulters should be charged with payments of fines which will help boost revenue generation to the State Government coffers as well as help create employment for the state unemployed youths.


Sir, may I bring to your remembrance that states like Lagos, Enugu & recently Kaduna have all created such agencies & revenues generated are sent straight to the state government accounts while officers of said agencies are recruited from the states.


Sir, I pray this gets to you for possible consideration.



Dogo Nanzing

( Sarkin Yakin Plateau).

By Editor-in-chief

Staff and students of the University Of Jos, Unijos were left stranded outside the main Campus gate and the permanent site gate as a result of an ongoing protest, which started in the early hours of Monday .



Our correspondent reports that all gates were locked, with students holding various placards with inscription “Say no to external interference”.



It was also gathered that the protests is purported to be about an alleged plan to bring in an Executive Secretary after the expiration of the tenure of the Vice Chancellor, Pending the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor.



However the Students Union Government SUG have called for calm in an earlier press release in which it said “the Students Union Government is not calling for any protest but is only attending a press conference today, as such every call for a protest from whatever angle should be disregarded”.



As of the time of filling this report, no one is being allowed to go into the school premises as Security Men are saying “Go Back home, till further notice”.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT COMMENCES ROLL OUT OF NIN REGISTRATION CENTRES
Following the approval by the Federal Government for Plateau State to participate in the ongoing National Identity Management System (NIMS) which is implemented by the National Identity Management Commission under the Digital Identity Ecosystem project, the State Government has rolled out its first NIN Registration Centre in Jos.

The NIN Data Registration Centre located at the JD Gomwalk Secretariat Jos is the first of the State’s intervention to ensure that indigenes and residents of the State are enrolled into the National Identity Data Base (NIDB) for the issuance of the National Identity Number (NIN) with ease.

The roll out which is expected to gradually be extended to the 17 Local Governments, is being coordinated by the Plateau State Information, Communication and Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) and the Ministry of Science and Technology, who were directed by Governor Simon Bako Lalong to serve as implementing partners after the approval was secured.

Already, the agency with the collaboration of the NIMC has trained enrollment officers across the State to operate the enrollment exercise. NIMC officials are also providing support throughout the process of registration and roll out of Centres to ensure the exercise is smooth.

Citizens and residents are therefore advised to approach the Plateau State Secretariat Enrollment Centre situated at the Maintenance Building after the main entrance to the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat with relevant documents to be captured.

Supporting document for Enrolment include:
1. Birth Certificate
2. International Passport
3. Driver’s license
4. Voters card
5. Private/governmental ID Card.
6. Indigene certificate.

The Plateau State Government is hopeful that the roll out of the Registration Centres will further enhance service delivery in payroll and tax verifications, payments, scholarship awards, enrolment in schools, provision of health care especially as related to the PLASCHEMA, land administration, agricultural support and other related services performed by the different Ministries Departments and Agencies in the State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
19th April 2021

The Federal Government has approved the issuance and registration of new SIMs from Monday.

Other suspended activities like old SIM replacement will also resume on the same date, as long as verification is done and the guidelines are fully adhered to, the federal government said.

A statement by a technical assistant to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Femi Adeluyi, on Thursday, said the minister, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, said the activation of a new SIM registration with National Identity Number (NIN) process which gives provision for ‘Telecoms Master’ for phone numbers belonging to corporate companies had also been approved.

“An earlier policy was approved on the 4th of February 2020, while the Revised Policy was developed in early March 2021.

“The final amendments to the revised policy based on the directives of Mr President to make the use of NIN mandatory for all SIM registration were completed yesterday, 14th of April, 2021,” Adeluyi said in the statement.

According to him, the implementation of the policy will commence on Monday, 19th of April 2021.

The issuance of new SIMs and other suspended activities will also resume on the same date, as long as verification is done and the guidelines are fully adhered to, he said.

He said the key aspects of the draft policy had been presented to the stakeholders at the 4th Review Meeting of the Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on the NIN-SIM registration which held on Friday, 26th of February, 2021.

He said: “The Policy includes Guidelines on New SIM Acquisition and Activation, SIM Replacement, New SIM Activation for Corporates and Internet-of-Things/Machine-to-Machine (IoT/M2M), amongst others.

“The possession of a National Identity Number will be a prerequisite for each of these categories.

“For the Corporate registration, institutions will be required to appoint a Telecoms Master (at the minimum of an Executive Management level) to provide the operational Primary NIN representation.

“The Telecoms Master will also be responsible for ensuring that the users provide their NINs to serve as a Secondary NIN.”

For IoT/M2M activations, SIM security protocols would be implemented on the SIM profile to ensure that SIMs can only be used for point to point data services specific to the URL they are working with.

All other services will be barred, he said.

In the event that a data-only service is particular to individual use (eg home car tracking, WiFi, MiFi services, etc), the standard NIN registration process will be followed.

A Telecoms Master will also be required for Corporates requiring IoT/M2M activations.

According to the FG, the full details of the requirements for each class of service will be made available in due course.