Makaman Langai, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan Mourns Demise of Sum Langai, Mallam Inusa Yaktor Dajar
31st January, 2021.
I received the news of the eternal call to glory of our King, and Royal Father, His Royal Highness, Mallam Inusa Yaktor Dajar, the Sum Langai of Langai District, Pyam Chiefdom with shock and deep sense of personal loss.
In my years of relationship with the respected monarch as the Makaman Langai, I found him to be forthright, visionary and versatile. His words of counsel and insights have helped me at different times.
His Royal Highness was a distinguished traditional ruler who dedicated his royal duties towards building a united community. He was also a unique bridge builder across tribes and religions contributing to peaceful co-existence and the socio-economic development of his domain.
His demise at this time is indeed a great loss not only to to his subjects but to Pyam Chiefdom, Mangu Local Government Area, and the people and government of Plateau state as well as Nigeria at large.
I offer condolence on behalf of my family, friends and associates to his immediate and extended family, and the entire Pyam Chiefdom over the irreperable loss of the Royal Father, praying Almighty God to grant him eternal rest.
GAGDI COMMISERATES WITH KANKE PEOPLE OVER COUNCILOR’S DEMISE
The member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has commiserated with the family of the deceased councilor representing Amper Central Ward, the Kanke Legislative Council and the entire people of the local government area over the lawmaker’s demise.
Hon. Gagdi describes the late Hon. Gaklime Yohanna Goshit as an astute politician and a staunch APC stalwart who has paid his dues in entrenching strong democratic tenets at the grassroots.
Gagdi prayed God to grant the immediate family, the people of Kanke local government area as well as the entire APC family in PKK the fortitude to bear the irreparable lost.
The parliamentarian posits that every living soul most taste death; hence encourages the family to be strong and put their trust in God alone as their comforter and provider.
In my Phase 1 of this write up, I used Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s submission on governance where he defined it as all about the welfare of the governed which includes: security, health, education and job creation. I will use the above yardstick to analyze the All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration on the Plateau to see how bad or good the administration has been. It is worthy to note that the party is in its sixth year in power, unlike the PDP which governed for sixteen years. When the APC came on board as a government, it found only N93m in all the coffers of government, inherited 7 months of salary arrears of civil servants, more than a year pension arrears of pensioners, six months of salary arrears of security operatives allowances, skirmishes between the Fulani and the Berom in some parts of Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom, refugees in some parts of Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom, uncompleted gigantic road project from Secretariat Junction to Mararaban Jama’a, uncompleted Secretariat Junction Fly Over, uncompleted roads in other parts of the state like Mangu to Gindiri road, comatose Plateau State University, abandoned fertilizer blending plant in Bokkos, abandoned hospitals started by the Dariye administration, eight years of unemployment into Plateau Civil Service, dark state capital with scanty street lights and lots of others. The APC administration cleared all the salary and pension arrears including the No Work, No Pay, mantra of the PDP administration and remained consistent in the payments of salaries such that the civil servants nicknamed Governor Lalong, Governor alert. On the issue of peace, the APC administration set up a peace and reconciliation committee headed by Chief John Gobak, which waded into the skirmishes between the warring factions and to a large extend drastically reduced tension and restored normalcy. The efforts of the administration yielded results such that there was peace in the first three years of the government. This infuriated the PDP which fumed at the accolades being showered on the Lalong administration, and could no longer hold it, but vented it in its Democracy Day Speech of May 29, 2017, saying there was no peace in Plateau instead the state was sitting on a keg of gun powder; and boom! In April 2018, crises broke out in some parts of Barkin Ladi between Fulani and the Berom where there was a road blockade from Barkin Ladi to Jos South by irate youths. While the fight was ongoing, Sheik Abubakar, a Fulani Koranic scholar saved 263 Christians from his irate kinsmen on slaughtering spree in Garshish. In October 2018, some unrests brewed again at Gada Biu where some irate youths attacked STF over an uncleared allegation as smokescreen which pundits opined was politically motivated because it came at a period the APC and the PDP were carrying out their party primaries. The unrest spread to Tina Junction axis, and then senator representing the Northern Zone, Jonah David Jang, went on air trying to escalate the unrest with the assertion that Plateau Citizens should come out and protect themselves saying the Buhari administration cannot protect them. The peace witnessed under the APC is much better than the one under the PDP. The Lalong administration has returned all refugees to their ancestral homes, enacted a law against land grabbing, set up a mobile police barrack around Kurra Falls, set up Mobile Police Barrack in Shendam, Air Force base in Kerang, Mangu LGC, and Security Watch Tower at Dutse Uku in Jos, all in his efforts to bring lasting peace on the Plateau. Unlike the PDP that attacked and refused to complete the projects inherited from the Dariye administration, the APC led administration proved that governance is continuum. It has completed the highway which the PDP started in 2012 but could not execute one-tenth. It also completed the Fly Over Secretariat Bridge. It has revived Plateau State University Bokkos, and had its first convocation in 2017. Today the graduates of the institution have gone for youth service, and the school has become a pride of the state. Lalong administration has also completed the roads in some parts of the state like from Mangu – Gindiri. The hospital started by Dariye in Riyom and the fertilizer blending plant in Bokkos were all completed. Massive employment into the Plateau Civil Service, was carried out by the Lalong administration. He reconstructed the road from Miango Junction to Dong and linked it up with the road to Bassa. He constructed the round about at State Low Cost and Domkat Bali Road and others within Bukuru and Jos Metropolis. His zero pothole policy has reconstructed many roads in Jos and Bukuru Metropolises. The entire state capital glows with lights beautifully at night with the solar lights mounted by his administration. In carrying communities along, the administration has promoted some traditional institutions to First, Second and third class. The Afizere got their paramount chief denied them by the PDP administration, likewise the Anaguta of Jos North. Lalong has improved civil servants minimum wage. His legacy projects in all the seventeen local government areas are ongoing. Unlike the PDP administration which got N778bn from the federation account outside IGR, had no project worth N100bn for its eight years in power, the Lalong administration came at the period of economic recession and Covid-19 pandemic. Loans were collected from bailouts and inherited over N222bn debt from the last administration. As the administration pays back the loans, it is confronted with the challenges of bettering the welfare of the citizens and infrastructural development with meagre resources.
In politics, opposition is a vital ingredient depending on how it plays the game. An opposition which constructively criticizes the incumbent is doing a great service to the country, but one which does not, instead uses vulgar and insults without facts, is nothing but a braying ass. There are so many innuendos propagated against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the Plateau in attempts to demonize the party and all those that support it, but the question here is how bad is the APC? Is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) better in terms of governance? Let’s go memory lane to see, before coming to analyze the APC. Chief of Obafemi Awolowo said, “Leadership is all about the welfare of the people.” Welfare encompasses security of lives and properties, job creation, education and health. Let’s take security. Since after the Emergency Rule slammed on the state by the Olusegun Obasanjo led Presidency on May 28, 2004 to October 28 of the same year, ethno-religious crises ended on the Plateau. But after the palace coup the chased the Dariye led PDP out of the party, and the Jonah Jang/Ibrahim Mantu faction formed government in the state, it ushered in a terrible divisive administration that has set the state on ethno-religous crises since October 2008 to 2015 when it abated. What led to the crises were the undemocratic party primaries conducted in 2008 by the Jang administration where he imposed his candidate for Jos North Local Government chairmanship election, Timothy Buba. Jang was advised by stakeholders and DSS against conducting the elections in Jos North due to the rising tension, but blatantly refused until he rigged the elections, and the local government went on flames and the crises spread to some parts of Jos South leading to so many deaths. The following year, that was 2009, witnessed terrible attacks on villages in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South, where citizens were made refugees in their local governments. The attacks continued into the second term of Jonah Jang, where Goodluck Ebele Jonathan slammed emergency rule without suspending democratic structures on Six Local Governments of the Northern Zone, for six months but to no avail. In 2012, a peace parley was held at Hill Station Conference Hall where Jang was advised to hold a meeting with religious leaders and stakeholders in Jos North and South to douse the incessant crises, but he replied saying the Gbong Gwom can do that, as for him, he will not. And that when the Operation Rainbow comes in place, peace will be restored. In the same 2012, most elder statesmen from the Central and Southern Zones agitated for the creation of South Plateau State because of the oppressive policies meted to them by the Jang administration. The same administration brought out a policy of forcing all local government employees to go back to their state of origin and work but could not implement it before the expiration of his tenure. All communities which were given new districts, local government development areas and promoted traditional institutions by the Dariye administration, were deprived off the dividends by the PDP administration, when Jang dissolved them. That compounded anger and bitterness in the mind of the affected indigenes of the communities. The same Jang who made bogus claims that his Military experience will restore peace in Plateau, lamented in 2014 that he did not know why God made him governor, as he woke up every morning to the news of the attack on his people. On May 27, 2013, at Faithway Chapel in Jos, Jang said If you rig elections and succeed, God approves it. It was rigging that plunged the bloodbath in Plateau in 2008. The PDP failed in tackling insecurity because of its style of leadership. Gov Lalong inherited it, and drastically reduced it. EDUCATION The PDP administration did not value education if not, why did Jang close down Plateau State University Bokkos, until he was defeated in court by Professor John Wade and was forced to reopen it? How many schools did Jang construct? How many teachers did he employ for his eight years in power? Teachers in the primary schools went on strike for three solid months. There was no improvement on the schools he met on ground aside repainting few of them without equipping their laboratories. HEALTH The PDP has no record of constructing and completing hospitals under Jang. The one he tried was that of Barkin Ladi. During the Ebola saga, he was foot dragging until it was over without making preparation eventually it reaches Plateau. EMPLOYMENT Over 1500 youths lost their job at MTN when their station in Jos was closed as a result of Jang’s policies. Many companies left Jos and closed due to the incessant crises under Jang, thus making a lot of people to lose their job. No ministry or local government made employment under Jang except silent replacements. JIB was not totally grounded when Jang came to power, but he left it dead. The PDP left seven months salary arrears of civil servants, three months of no work, no pay, six months of security operatives allowances and over year arrears of pensioners. These are just a few of the anti people led administration of the PDP on the Plateau. TO BE CONTINUED
SENATOR HEZEKIAH DIMKA MOURNS THE PASSAGE OF NDE DAVID DESHI DIMKA
The death of Nde David Deshi Dimka on Friday, January 29, 2021 hit Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial Zone and Chairman Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Hezekiah Ayuba Dimka like a thunderbolt.
He was the patriarch of the Dimka family and uncle to Senator Hezekiah Ayuba Dimka.
That much is how painful it can be. But even more so as a Ngas leader and first Executive Chairman of Kanke LGA in 1997. These and many other reasons have made his transition a painful one to contemplate.
Early in life, he chose the path of service to his fatherland starting as a teacher in 1952 before his election as member of Parliament Lagos in 1959, later as member, Federal House of Representatives serving as (Shadow Minister, Ministry of Mines and Power 1965-1966).
During his active days in life, he availed his services to the corporate world serving as first Chairman, Benue-Plateau Television (Now NTA Jos) 1974-1975, Chairman, Board of Directors, Plateau Publishing Company Ltd, Jos 1979-84.
While praying for comfort for the family, Ngas nation, the Church of Christ in Nations which he served in various capacities, the vacuum created by the death of Nde David Deshi Dimka is painful and a void difficult to fill.
The Lord will comfort the family and give you the peace to accept his irreplaceable death.
*HON BARJI DAVID BITRUS SYMPATHIZE WITH DIMKA FAMILY AND NGAS NATION, SAYS A COLOSSUS NDE DD DIMKA HAS GONE TO REST.*
*Hon Barji David Bitrus* , has sympathize with the immediate family of late *Hon Nde DD Dimka* former and first Executive chairman of kanke LGA. In a condolence message to the family, Ngas nation and plateau state at large , *Hon Barji David* described the demise of the late Elder and father which sad event occurred on *Friday 29-01-2021* as a *colossal loss*, saying he left when his wise counsel is needed much ,as from him many has derived *mentorship, courage and wise counsel*. While extolling the good virtues of the late icon, He said we are consoled by the fact that he lives a fulfilled life having serves as *a teacher, administrator and a politician with good records* *particularly, the good foundation he laid in kanke LGA as the first Executive chairman of the council*. He therefore sympathise with *compt Nde Victor Dimka fsi and the entire family* on behalf of his friends,family and political associates as he prayed God to give Baba an eternal Rest and comfort the family.
Adieu Nde DD
Message from.. Hon Barji David PKK Advocacy centre 30-01-2021
GAGDI COMMISERATES WITH DIMKA’S FAMILY AND THE NGAS NATION OVER THE PASSING AWAY OF NDE DAVID DESHI DIMKA
The member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Navy Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has commiserated with immediate family of the first and former Executive Chairman of Kanke Local Government, Dimka’s family, friends, associates and the entire Ngas nation over the home calling of Nde David Deshi Dimka on Friday 29th January, 2021.
In a statement, Gagdi said he was distressed over the demise of Nde Deshi who died when he was most needed by his family and the entire Ngas nation at large.
While commiserating, the member urged them to be strong at this difficult time and take solace in the fact that he lived an exemplinary and productive live and served with transparency, love and humility.
As the former executive chairman goes home, the rep member affirms that he left a bold footprint on Plateau’s democracy, and his role in promoting good governance, unity and development will always be remembered and appreciated by posterity.
The Danmalikin Kanam prays that the Almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort his family, relatives, friends and associates.
HON MANJI GONTORI,THE RESTORATION CAPTAIN MOURNS THE EXIT OF HON NDE DAVID DIMKA.
JANUARY 30TH,2021.
The Restoration captain”Sarkin yakin Jir-Dawaki”,Hon Manji Gontori mourns the exit of an octogenarian,late Hon nde David Deshi Dimka of Kabwir district,Kanke LGA. Gontori in a condolence message to the immediate family of the deceased elder statesman ,Kabwir district ,Kanke LGA and the entire ngas nation describe the passing away of Baba as a monumental lost especially to the younger generation who should benefit from his wealth of experience. Gontori pray that God will comfort them and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Hon nde DD Dimka was one time member of parliament ,Lagos Nigeria between 1959-1964. He was also the first executive chairman of Kanke LGA between 1997-1999. He is from Kabwir district of Kanke LGA of plateau state. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
DVD MOVEMENT MOURNS THE PASSING ON OF NDE DAVID DESHI DIMKA
The DVD movement regrets to announce the sudden demise of the father of its leader, Nde Victor David Dimka who passed on on Friday, January 29,2021. Born on Sept. 1932, the late Nde David Deshi Dimka was a teacher between 1952-1958 before he was elected as Member of Parliament Lagos from 1959-1964 and later become a Member Federal House Of Representatives (Shadow Minister, Ministry of Mines and Power 1965-1966), First Chairman, Benue-Plateau Television (Now NTA Jos) 1974-1975
Until his demise, Nde David Deshi Dimka was the first Executive Chairman, Kanke LGA between 1997-1999.
While commiserating with its leader, Nde Victor David Dimka and members of the Dimka family, The DVD movement said it will miss the wise counsel and fatherly advice of Baba, Nde David Deshi Dimka.
The movement therefore wish its leader, Nde Victor David Dimka and members of the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Sign: Mr Boniface Kassam, Head Of Media, DVD Movement
Boss mustapha PTF Chairman and secretary to the Government of the federation.
PTF Is Thinking Of Imposing Lockdown In Lagos, Abuja, And Plateau Over COVID-19 Second Wave
Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha
According to a report by The PTF, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 is considering targeted lockdown in some pars of the country.
The PTF is considering lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; as well as Lagos and Plateau States.
PTF National Incident Manager, Mukhtar Muhammed, who stated this on Friday, described as alarming, the rising cases of Covid infections recorded in the three urban areas.
Muhammed said data showed that urban local governments in the affected places recorded the highest cases of Covid amid the second wave of the pandemic in Nigeria. According to data by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Lagos (46,935 cases), Abuja (16,470 cases), Plateau (7,801) have recorded the highest number of Covid infections and fatalities in Nigeria in the last eleven months.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme monitored by Sourcenews.24, the PTF official said the Federal Government wants economic activities to continue but these activities must be in a regulated fashion.
When asked of the possibility of a targeted lockdown and not a total lockdown based on data of hotspot areas, Muhammed said,“That is exactly what we did, we have been analysing the data and we have been looking at the geographical areas that have been most affected and the different age groups.”
“Certainly, even if we are going to have a lockdown, it is not going to be a total lockdown. A couple of weeks back, we analysed the data and we identified the hotspot local government areas.
“Mostly, the areas affected are the urban local governments in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Plateau. Even in most other states, it is the urban areas that are involved. So, if we are going to have any restriction, it will be in these areas.
“The urban areas are the most affected and that is why we have these superspreaders and that is where we are going to target. We have analysed that and we are advising the states based on the data that these are the focused areas where these transmissions are more than the others,” he added.
The Sourcenews.24 had earlier reported that the Federal Government in March 2020 locked down Abuja Lagos and Ogun for over five weeks as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic.
The lockdown had a tremendous effect on economic activities with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry putting the loss at about N3bn in the period under review.
Many jobs were also lost as airlines, hotels, banks, amongst others cut their workforce due to the crushing effect of the lockdown.
Freelance Reporters 