The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission Rev Yakubu Pam has expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the Government and good people of Gombe state over the death of HRM, Mai Tangale of Biliri, Gombe State, Dr. Abdul Buba Maisharu who passed onto glory on 10th January,2021 at the age of 72 years.
In a condolence letter signed by the NCPC Head of Media & Public Relations, Mr. Celestine Toruka to the Government and good people of Gombe State, Rev. Pam affirmed that Gombe State and Nigeria has lost a rare gem and and a detribalized Nigerian. He noted that the late Mai Tangale would be greatly remembered for his peaceful disposition; and for being an apostle of inter faith harmony.
The NCPC boss further noted that the late 1st Class Traditional Ruler died when his services and wealth of experience were most needed.
He averred that as the former Chairman of the Gombe State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, HRM late Mai Tangale piloted the affairs of the Board with deep sense of service and humanity. He prayed that the Lord would grant his soul eternal rest and grant his family and the Government of Gombe state the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
*Says allegation baseless, intended to discredit the outfit.
Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), an internal military task force in Plateau State, has denied the report linking it to the death of two youths in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The youths identified as Jerry Bitrus, 28, and Joseph Davou, 32, respectively, were reportedly killed last Sunday, by gunmen in the area.
A media report had quoted locals accusing personnel of OPSH of complicity in the act which has drawn condemnations from citizens and politicians alike in the state.
But reacting to the allegation, the military outfit insisted that it has nothing to do with the death of the youths, explaining that rather, its personnel on patrol were drafted to the area on receipt of a distress call about the incident.
To this end, it has advised the general public to disregard the allegation which it described as baseless in its entirety.
The OPSH, while exonerating itself of the development, accused some mischievous persons from the area of trying to discredit the military outfit.
In the response contained in a statement, titled:”Re:Condemnations Trail Killing of Two Youths in Riyom By Gunmen “,signed by its Media Officer, Major Ibrahim Shittu, the OPSH maintained that:”These concocted lies were intended by the authors to set the public, especially citizens of the state against OPSH which has worked assiduously with other stakeholders to ensure peace and security in the state especially during the Yuletide season despite several threats of attacks.
The statement read in full:”The attention of the Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has been drawn to a report on news medium, alleging killing of two youths by gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The report which claimed that more facts have emerged on how the gunmen killed the two young men on Sunday around 7.09pm, quoted some locals accusing men of Operation Safe Haven of been responsible for the attack and killing of the victims, identified as Jerry Bitrus, 28, and Joseph Davou, 32, respectively.
“Having gone through this report and allegations made, we wish to dissociate our men from this act in its entirety. This allegation is not only false, mischievous and baseless but also aimed at discrediting the operation.
“These concocted lies were intended by the authors to set the public, especially citizens of the state against OPSH which has worked with other stakeholders to ensure peace and security in the state.
“To set the records straight, we wish to state that on Sunday,January 10,2021, the Commander Sector 6 of Riyom General Area was called by the youth leader of Ghoss to inform him that two (2) persons were shot by unknown gunmen. Following the information, he swiftly mobilized his troops in conjunction with the Police Riyom Division to the scene. On their arrival, they met the two victims who were incapacitated and bleeding profusely. A close examination by the team showed that one was already dead while the other one was evacuated to K Vom Christian Hospital in company of some youths; unfortunately, he later gave up the ghost.
It is pertinent to state that the Riyom Police Division in the area were duly informed of the development and they recovered the corpses of the victims.
“The Member of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing Riyom Constituency, Hon Timothy Datong, having heard of the development, called the Commander Sector 6 where the incident happened and he was briefed accordingly.
“It is however sad that some mischievous persons are accusing personnel of OPSH of the killings.
” You will recall that based on the threats to that general area during the Yuletide season, OPSH increased its deployment which served as deterrence to those planning to attack the area.
” Troops have also continued to maintain security even after the New Year celebrations. This was appreciated by community leaders and stakeholders. One wonders why same troops will kill anyone who is not a threat to the security of law abiding citizens.
“We wish to say that these baseless allegations will not deter the troops from carrying out their duties. They will continue to be diligent and professional while carrying out their assignments.
“OPSH will continue to operate professionally within its mandate in Plateau State and across its Joint Operational Area.
“Members of the general public are therefore, advised to discountenance the false and baseless allegations in its entirety.”
Much noise is being made about who vies for what in the 2023 general elections.
As much as the present set of elected leaders are not quite halfway into their 4-year mandate, means 2023 elections is farfetched.
However, any discussion regarding the next election becomes more audacious any time the name ‘GAGDI’ is mentioned. This is rightly so for obvious reasons.
The emergence of Gagdi in 2019 had taken a lot of political analysts and gladiators by surprise. Many had written him off as a pretender in the contest. Not because he lacked the capacity to emerge and deliver his mandate as the representative of the good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, but basically due to primordial considerations.
His ethnic group is one of the minorities in the constituency and his religious belief as a Muslim, placed him at a disadvantaged position to win the election, especially with the ethnic and religious sentiments been propagated during the electioneering process and both the entire PKK and within Kanam, his home Local Government.
Though not unmindful of the disadvantages enumerated above, Gagdi was convinced of his electoral victory because of his believe in God as the only Giver of power to whom He pleases, and the dogged electioneering campaign he had embarked upon; touring ALL the electoral wards in the constituency more than twice to meet the electorate and give them convincing reasons why they should vote for him.
The result of that robust electioneering outing is now history, by the grace of God. And the report card of his 19 months of his stewardship as the member representing PKK, has been quite commendable.
He has left even his worst critics in awe of how he has been able to achieve so much in a short time, even as a first term lawmaker at the National Assembly.
Gagdi’s commendable performance has made him a household name in the politics of Plateau state, and a factor in the political permutations for 2023.
There is no denying the fact that Gagdi is the youngest politician in Plateau State with the largest support base that cuts across ethnic and religious divides. Well educated, with his PhD in view in Security and Strategic Studies and cosmopolitan in his nexus of friendship.
This explains why his political detractors are having sleepless nights guessing his 2023 ambition. But what they don’t know about Gagdi is that he is NOT the inordinately ambitious type.
In a meeting with his over 50 aides at his residence in Rayfield few days ago, Gagdi told them in unequivocal terms that he is more interested in participating to choose a better governor for Plateau State from the central zone, than returning to the National Assembly. He said he is willing to lay down any thought of contesting election in 2023 to support a credible gubernatorial candidate from the central zone who would perform commendably well when elected.
This statement was not merely political, but a product of a deep seated patriotic thought.
It is true that nobody was ever elected twice as rep member in PKK. It is also true that 3 different members from Kanam- Rev. Wuyep Labar, Pankshin- Leo Dilkon and recently Golu, from Kanke had vied for second terms, but were defeated.
That is to say, it is within their rights to vie for reelection, subject to the approval of the electorate of PKK.
So, what difference will it make if Gagdi seeks reelection to the House of Representatives and subject himself to the litmus test of the electorate? It is his inalienable right to seek reelection, as much as it is the electorate’s rights to either vote for him or reject him.
Politics is a game of choice, hence nobody must foist his choice and bias on others. Everybody must be allowed to exercise their rights to the extent permissible by extant laws.
If Gagdi decides to seek reelection to the House of Representatives in 2023, he would not have done anything wrong; either to the existing electoral laws or the unwritten zoning arrangement in PKK.
The exigencies of available contestable positions in the PKK in 2023 will determine which local government gets what, and the slot of Kanam local government, if any, or any other Local Government will be determined by the entire people of PKK not by one group, clan, Church or Mosque.
If the people of PKK decide that somebody else, not Gagdi, should gun for the contestable position available in the power equation of PKK in 2023, we know Gagdi as a loyal son of Kanam and PKK, will abide by that decision without ill feeling.
So, those who have busied themselves finding reasons why Gagdi should not contest PKK in 2023, should tell their preferred candidates to be ready to defeat Gagdi at the polls, should the 2023 permutations warrant him to seek reelection.
RT. HON YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI: THE UNPRECEDENTED AND UNEXPECTED QUALITY REPRESENTATION
By Kankimes Alghazali Mohammed
The world is full of aspiring political leaders but sadly, very few live up to the leadership ideals. In fact, many political leaders seem to severely lack some of the most important leadership qualities, such as integrity and accountability. It is no coincidence that for many people, the word “politician” has such negative connotations! However, history – and present day – shows us that there are still a few who come close to the leadership ideals and who are good examples of an effective political leader.
One of the factors that determine growth and development in a democratic government is based on the quality and the commitment representatives elected to coordinate the political affairs of the electorate.
An ideal democracy thrives with quality representation of the people at all levels of government. This is reflected through the level of interaction in the representations and the electorate as well as the impact the legislature has on the quality of life of the people.
In countries where democratic government is obtainable, the feelings, desires and needs of the people are transmitted to the executive through elected representatives.The representatives are most often men and women with proven integrity and who have the interest of the masses at heart.
In Nigeria there are elected representatives who serve as Councillors at the Local Government level, House of Assembly members at the State level, House of representatives members and Senators at the Federal level.
If these representatives perform like their counterparts in better democratic climes there would be massive development in the country and the people would complain less. In most advanced countries, where democratic government is driving force to growth and development, quality representation either in the parliament or congress, is always a significant factor on which the electorates take seriously in assessing those seeking political offices.
In life’s amazing symphony, the story of Rt. Hon.Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, by his sweet chords and actions, gives a meaning that is both mythical and sublime. His streaks in contemporary PKK and Plateau state are no less profound by whatever definition and often likened to different interpretations of an elephant by the six Hindustan blind men which show how limited human faculties can be when describing enigmas that defy rationality.
This is why he has been typecast aptly as the “The Detribalized Emancipator” who has not lost touch with home for the liberation of the downtrodden from underdevelopment, poverty, unemployment and insecurity. Essentially, Gagdi is both an enigma and a role model for aspiring development enthusiasts, the youths, politicians, businessmen and women.
In the public sphere, not limited to Nigeria alone, perception plays a crucial role in the way we react to issues or do things daily. The image we portray either of ourselves or the environment is therefore very important to the response we get from others within social contexts. In other words, it is imperative to portray oneself in a certain light for others to take one’s actions seriously. This is what is referred to as branding in political cycles.
One man who by his dance of fate and training understands the underpinning principle of being in public glare selflessly and who premises his actions towards the ideals of effective leadership and good governance is Rt. Hon. Gagdi, former Deputy Speaker of the 8th State Assembly on the Plateau and now member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, chairman house committee on navy and member of 18 other committees in the national assembly; the voice of the people from Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam to represent them on a fast lane to greatness.
His rise to prominence is not by sudden flight. He has really crossed the Rubicon: as a student unionist, State party exco and personal assistant to political office holders born to a humble family of late Mallam Adamu Gagdi, he held several responsibilities before venturing into politics. The man is simply a technocrat in leadership to do the needful as his contributions to the development aspirations of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal constituency are unexpected, unquantifiable and unprecedented.
In his calling, he has made unquenchable history by challenging a status quo that allegedly brought underdevelopment to the doorsteps of his people shamelessly as a fashion. When he made bold to confront the mess, it was a case which his opponents who were used to the recklessness considered as “dead on arrival”. But Gagdi armed with his resilience and determination changed the narrative and today, PKK is heading to greatness.
So intrinsic are Gagdi’s offerings. More like well-tuned harps, or the nice pitch of violins in listening ears, his strides call people’s attention to the hope they inspire in the collective psyche. His caper over Plateau State’s sphere has left enduring cadences. The very reason he was elected for the first time by the electorates in 2019, the summation of which has been variously described as unexpected ‘quality governance like never before’.
The desire to be an outstanding breed, quite distinct from others, inspired his super-curiosity and love for new challenges. This undergirds his stance to always give back to the society where his roots are traceable. The desire to contribute his quota to the development of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam in Plateau State and Nigeria has since become enduring covenant between him and the Almighty God.
Rt.Hon. Gagdi is a selfless politician who doesn’t only take stock of the needs of the populace but also find means of putting smiles on their faces with uttermost satisfaction and praises to Allah. He set the right example for those coming after him and it is clear to see that he takes responsibility for his position of a role model.
He is now widely acknowledged as a steady contributor to the socio-economic and political development of Plateau State and struggling to find a convenient space for the state on the political map of Nigeria in such an unprecedented manner never experienced before.
This is why the people are rising in larger numbers to receive him everywhere he goes with interest and such interaction affords the people an opportunity to shower praises on their illustrious son. In most of the communities he visits, the people become so excited and express their unalloyed support to have him re-elected in 2023 now that he has been adjudged an icon and garrison commander in Plateau Central politics.
His actions and deeds in government in just less than two years and practical unbroken connection to his root clearly describe his quality of leadership never witnessed before and little wonder even people from other climes are yearning for continuity of the unprecedented leadership beyond just PKK.
A call that no doubt is achievable if quality representation, hardwork, integrity, doggedness, selflessness and determination counts in our democracy.
Gagdi is scoring high goals as a Federal legislator in manners that even his fiercest detractors and critics cannot wish away.
The funniest thing about Gagdi’s political detractors, critics and power mongers is that most of them are already sinking and failing with gross incapacity to discharge their current duties.
Those who belong to the clan of achievers live the idea that inspires them to dedicate their existence, efforts and souls to its execution. Success in life is not for those who run fast, but for those who keep running and always on the move.
Kankimes Alghazali Mohd writes from Kanam L.G.A of Plateau State(Princekam75@gmail.com)
NORTHERN GOVERNORS CELEBRATE SENATE PRESIDENT, AHMAD LAWAN AT 62
The Northern Governors Forum has rejoiced with President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, on his 62nd birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message described Senator Lawan as an erudite legislator and scholar who has brought his experience to bear on the Nigerian parliament.
Lalong said since stepping into the National Assembly, Senator Lawan has remained consistent in pursuing the enactment of quality legislations and conduct of robust oversight that have gone a long way to strengthen the nation’s democracy.
He commended Senator Lawan for galvanising his colleagues at the 9th Senate and the National Assembly as a whole towards supporting the Buhari Administration in fulfilling its promises to Nigerians.
Lalong also described the Senate President as a worthy partner in the development of the Northern Region, assuring him that the Northern Governors Forum will continue to work with him in addressing the challenges of the region.
He wished Senator Lawan God’s guidance, wisdom, protection, and good health.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum. 11th January 2021.
NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION SCORE GOVERNOR LALONG HIGH ON HEALTHCARE
National President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Innocent Ujah on Monday 11th January 2021 led Executive Members of the body on a courtesy call to Governor Simon Bako Lalong where he scored the Governor high on development of healthcare in the State. Prof. Ujah who has spent many years in Plateau State teaching and practicing medicine said the Rescue of Administration of Governor Simon Lalong has done what is unique by not only focusing on healthcare infrastructure, but developing manpower. He commended the Governor for initiating the construction of mega health facilities in the three senatorial districts as well as continuing with inherited work on others which have been moribund for many years. He said “We are very excited that you recently approved the employment of over 40 doctors and many other health personnel to boost the manpower of the sector. This is inspite of the economic situation of the country and the State. It is also on record that your administration has procured medical equipment for health facilities across the State and ensured that the Plateau Contributory Health Insurance Scheme and the Plateau Primary Healthcare Development Agency were established. This demonstrates your passion for healthcare delivery. We commend you and ask that you do more”. Prof. Ujah also appealed to the Governor to look into other areas such as the implementation of the CONMESS which is at 83 percent at the moment. He also solicited the support of the Government towards the development of the National NMA Headquarters in Abuja as well as the training of more medical doctors from Plateau State to fill the gap that has continued to widen with the exodus of doctors from the country. Governor Lalong while responding said he was delighted to have the NMA visit him under the leadership of Prof. Ujah who though originally from Benue State, is now the son of Plateau as he has spent most part of his professional life in the State. He congratulated the NMA leadership and assured them that the Rescue Administration was committed to providing qualitative and affordable healthcare to the citizens particularly at the grassroots level. Governor Lalong disclosed that apart from ensuring that health takes priority in the Lalong Legacy project, his administration also ensured that the abandoned hospitals in Riyom, Mabudi and Kanke and others are completed so as to give the people more access to healthcare. The Governor further explained that his administration also worked for the establishment of the Faculty of health sciences at the Plateau State University Bokkos as a way of ensuring that more health personnel are trained to increase manpower. He disclosed that the construction of the new faculty has gone far as the teaching hospital is also being constructed in Shendam. Lalong appreciated the medical professionals for sacrificing themselves in the fight against COVID-19 which has seen some of them infected and others losing their lives. A minute silence was observed for those who lost their lives, even as he again called for more sensitization among members of the public advising them to take precaution in the face of the second wave of the pandemic. He assured them that the State Government was doing everything possible to ensure that the Plateau Health Research team led by Prof. Noel Wannang comes up with home grown solution to COVID-19 and other diseases. The three drugs developed by the team he said have passed pre-clinical stage and undergoing clinical trials before approval by relevant authorities. The Governor also invited the doctors to invest in the State by establishing medical services as the State if focusing on becoming Nigeria’s headquarters for medical tourism giving its unique weather and hospitality.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 11th January 2021.
Dear Lord, I lift up all those that are in leadership position in our government, both locally and nationally. May they be endowed with wisdom, strength and justice to administer their duties in a manner that is right and pleasing in Your sight. May you lead them with your pillar of cloud in the day and pillar of light in the night Exodus 13:21-22 and crown their year with goodness Psalm 65:11. Give them the wisdom to rightly and justly administer the law and to carry out their judgements and decisions in the fear of the Lord. Keep our leaders from adopting humanistic laws, which are so contrary to Your truth. Guard their consciences from being seared by so much that is flooding the corridors of world power today and give each one wisdom, insight and integrity in the decisions they have to reach, and may we live peaceably in this land as we wait for the any day return of the Lord Jesus Christ to take His church to be with Him into heaven. In Jesus’ name we pray,
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the removal of the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd).
He was appointed on January 12, 2016 by the former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachair Lawal, via a letter with reference number SGF.35/S.5/11/272.
In another letter dated January 7, 2021 and signed by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha, Abdallah was mandated to handover to the Secretary of the agency, Mr. Shadrach Haruna, on or before January 10, 2021 (today).
It was gathered that Haruna, who was in the United Kingdom during the notice, had to cut short his trip as he hurriedly returned to Nigeria at the weekend.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong says he is shocked by the sudden death of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Mr. Dan Bature who died at the age of 58.
Lalong while commiserating with his family and the people of Plateau State said the nation has lost a committed and dutiful personality who served the country throughout his career in the Nigeria police force with dignity, courage and zeal.
He said even in retirement, AIG Bature continued to serve the nation and Plateau State by offering his wealth of experience and also impacting his immediate community tremendously.
The Governor also praised the contributions of the late AIG Bature to the restoration of peace and security in Plateau State through his consistent engagement in peace building and capacity building for crime fighting.
Lalong said that the late police officer also did a lot to empower youths in his community and within the State as well as engaged in entrepreneurial activities that created employment opportunities for many youths and added value to the economy.
He prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and comfort the family.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 10th January 2021.
Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Sunday said his adminstration would continue to pay attention to the security of lives and property by adopting various measures to foster peaceful coexistence and also deal with crime and criminality.
Lalong made this known while speaking at the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance day church service held at the COCIN headquarters church in Jos .
“I am aware of the incidences of kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes in some parts of Plateau State. The Government is working hard with the security agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the ugly incidences are tackled. “
Last month, I signed the Anti-kidnapping, Land grabbing, Cultism and Violence-related matters bill passed by the State House of Assembly into law. By that law, anyone convicted of kidnapping in Plateau State will be sentenced to death while cultism and other violent crimes attract various terms of imprisonment.
The Governor who said that he remains a firm believer in Community Policing stressed that he is convinced this can enable the state to tackle the challenges of insecurity in Nigeria more effectively.
“We have to be proactive in preventing crimes through intelligence gathering and ensuring rapid response to any distress.”
In his words ” This is why even before the Federal Government decided to implement the Community Policing Initiative, we engaged stakeholders in the State towards strengthening our Operation Rainbow to provide grassroots policing. “
He said that” In December last year, we inaugurated 595 Community Police constables who were trained and deployed to the 17 Local Government Areas to assist law enforcement agencies, particularly the police in intelligence gathering and other security operations. “
” Since security is everybody’s business, I appeal to all citizens to always be security conscious and participate in protecting themselves against criminals before security agencies respond to their distress calls. Let us not live care-free and expect the security personnel to do everything. “
Lalong further said that “The security agencies as we all know have challenges of manpower, logistics and equipment as well as training which most times delay their response and effectiveness. We need to join hands with them by doing our part and also passing accurate and timely information to them.”
He called on the people of the state to support security agencies at all times .
“Rather than use the bad conduct of a few to condemn all of them, let us isolate the bad ones and ensure that they are removed. We cannot afford to demoralize our gallant men and women at this time of insecurity in our country. We saw what happened during the ENSARS protests when they came under attack physically and morally. “
He further said ” On the issue of our brother Rev. Polycarp Zongo who has been in captivity for months now, I want us to keep hope alive and never give up. The State and Federal Government is working with the Church to ensure that he regains his freedom. We cannot disclose everything here, but I urge you not to cease praying for him and all others who are in captivity.
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