Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial standard bearer in Plateau State, Ambassador Yohana Yilpwan Margif, has warned the party against the activities of political jobbers and desperados in the lead-up to the 2023 polls.
He recalled how the LP presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and his running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Ahmed, were misled into identifying with the wrong person as state LP governorship contender, despite obvious red flags.
National chairman of the party, Mr. Julius Abure, had, however, told eminent stakeholders of the party: “Anything that is not ceremonially done should be disregarded; it may be designed to play the purported candidate.”
On September 28, at a rally inside Jos Township Stadium, political stakeholders of the Middle Belt Forum, led by Dr. Bitrus Pogu, had endorsed the LP presidential candidate for next year’s poll.
But in an interview with The Guardian, yesterday, in Abuja, Margif disclosed that some mischief-makers, who were bent on causing confusion in the polity, decided to present an impostor as LP gubernatorial candidate for Plateau State.
He contended that former governor, Joshua Dariye, who is not a member of LP, was pushing Dr. Patrick Dakum, who lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to Nentawe Yilwatda, through illegal substitution.
Citing alleged instances of forgeries, acts of intimidation and inducement, Margif said he rebuffed attempts by Dakum and his political godfather, Dariye, to cajole him out of the governorship contest.
He stated: “As it is today, we are in court because of the illegal substitution, which they are claiming, through letters of withdrawal. I was arrested on August 4 in Abuja and taken to Jos.
It was on that day, while I was in the cell, that they claimed that I wrote a letter of withdrawal. I can’t explain it; it is laughable. How can somebody be in a cell and he is writing a letter of withdrawal?
“It is obvious that once you are so desperate, God will remove His hands from what you are doing, so that you will use your hand to dig your own grave.
“They forged a document. I cannot even say it is my name. My name is Ambassador Yohana Yilpwan Margif. But they went and wrote Yohanna Yewan Marigif. And that ‘Yewan’ is not my father’s name.
That apart, they forged a letter of withdrawal dated August 5 and submitted it to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). After some days again, they still went back to forge another letter again, dated August 2.
“And that letter of August 2, is the one they attached with a court affidavit in their defence. And all these two letters have been verified by my lawyer that they are all fake.”
Margif said there is need for the Labour Party and its presidential standard bearers to do due diligence and be wary of desperadoes that want to muddle the polity.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) set 28th September, 2022 to kick start political campaigns by political parties. The four frontline political parties in the presidential election are: All Progressive Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Labour Party’s (LP) Peter Obi, New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abubakar Atiku
(In alphabetical order). The PDP presidential candidate stands out as the most prominent of the four. This is because, Atiku is making his 3rd attempt in this dispensation (Fourth Republic). In 2007 he contested under Action Congress (AC). Atiku was the flag-bearer under PDP in 2019. Waziri Atiku was Nigeria’s Vice President between 1999– 2007. Abubakar also attempted a shot at presidency but lost at primary levels in 2011 (PDP) and 2015 (APC). With these landmarks, Atiku stands out as the most conspicuous presidential contestant. This write up is to X-ray the chance(s) of the PDP flag bearer. In the forth coming February 2023 presidential election.
EXPERIENCE: As stated above, among all the 18 presidential hopefuls. Atiku stands out as the most experienced presidential candidate having achieved record of contests. There is this adage, EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER. His numerous electoral battles will come to bear. Atiku, as a veteran will bring the experience to his advantage. However, the PDP presidential flag bearer’s critics view his many battles as a minus. Some people are of the view that he should take a rest. These persons believed that he, (With APC’s Tinubu) are “Tired Legs” that should retire from active politics. This according to them is to give space to the “younger generations”. But the fact is, Atiku’s presidential elections experience stands a big plus to him and the PDP. More so, in some climes, like the United States of America (USA) advanced age is an advantage, not a setback. Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and today’s Joe Biden are relevant examples. In spite of their seniority age wise most of them performed credibly. To this end, advanced age is not a barometer of good leadership performance.
LEADERSHIP AND BLUEPRINT : The presidential candidate has martialed a 5 agenda blueprint that’s centers around unifying the country, economic redemption, tackling insecurity, addressing corruption and restructuring. This depicts that the Waziri is prepared for good governance towards rehabilitating the Nigerian state. More so, it could be recalled that Atiku assembled tested technocrats while serving as vice president names like Charles Soludo, Ngozi Okonjoewela, Nasiru Elrufai, among others. The Waziris leadership acumen will come to bear
DEMOCRATIC CREDENTIALS. The former vice president stands out as a democrat. History recalls that when Atiku was elected gov-elect in Adamawa State in 1999, some of the powers that be in state and at the national level in PDP wanted a fresh election for Atiku’s replacement. Some of these powers did not want Boni Haruna his then deputy-gov-elect to replace him as governor. This, after Atiku was elevated to be vice president. But Atiku stood his ground that Boni Haruna is the rightful person to replace him. Some people wanted to bring issues of religious sentiments, and political immaturity to disqualify Boni Haruna. But the Democrat Atiku stood on the side of the popular majority of the people and Boni Haruna governed Adamawa. Atiku it could be recalled has taken every political contest he lost (At a party or national level) in good faith. When he lost presidential primaries to the Late MKO Abiola (Option A4.) in 1993. The same scenario occurred when he lost to Goodluck Jonathan in (PDP) 2010/2011 and Muhammadu Buhari in 2014/2015 in APC. One issue that has rear its head in the current disagreement within the PDP fold is the Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s chairmanship. Those for and against Ayu as chairman. A take home to the imbroglio is the cross Atiku is currently carrying. Those clamoring for the removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as PDP chairman insist that the PDP presidential candidate should extend his voice for Ayu to resign. But the Democrat Waziri Atiku’s disposition is that Senator Ayu could only be removed through due process (Democratically).
LIBERAL DISPOSITION: Abubakar Atiku is known to be a liberal. This could be seen in his private or his public life. He builds relationship and make friends across tribal and religions divide. No wonder, he cultivates friends from all crannies of Nigeria. One will find yorubas, igbos, nupes, ikweres, shekiris, binis, hausas, fulanis, gamai, bachamas, ngas, etc. etc, among his numerous friends. I’m told that he marries his wives to reflect “federal character”. Today, Waziri Atiku’s friends and associates abound in all part of the nation. This as stated above, is a bigger advantage to PDP’s Atiku. Abubakar Atiku as a vast business tycoon builds and run his businesses spread all over Nigeria. He employs people without any religious and or ethnic consideration. People working for him are recruited base on competence and merit. His business concerns like INTEL, FARO Water, ABTI Press, American University in Nigeria (AUN) etc. are glaring examples. Nigerians will surely prefer a leader whose quest is to unify the people as Waziri Abubakar has demonstrated.
FORGIVING SPIRIT: One of Atiku’s attribute is the spirit of forgiveness. Most people Abubakar Atiku has supported in one way or the other, particularly in the areas of politics and business have turned their backs on him. Some have used different media forum to insult him. There is no humiliation he did not receive from Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. OBJ, at any given opportunity showers abuses on Atiku. But on no account has Atiku responded. There is no humiliating treatment he did not get from Nuhu Ribadu, then EFCC (Economic and Financial Crime Commission) chairman. And a lot of other people who betrayed him in the cause of his political or business journies But on no account did Atiku either replied, responded or took such people to the law court for libel. He had always said
FORGIVENESS is of God Almighty and he bears no grudge against any one.
A DISCIPLES OF HUMAN RIGHT AND DIGNITY:
Atiku Abubakar stands out as the only Nigerian who have personally won more than 12 legal battles against the state.(His current book speaks more on this). As vice president, Atiku was frustrated by then Olusegun Obansanjo’s presidency in various ways. (2nd Tenure) All efforts to get Atiku removed through forceful, crude or questionable impeachment suffer setbacks by competent law courts. As a result of his respect for the sanctity of law and order he fought back his cases through the legal means. The Nuhu Ribadu’s EFCC was used as hunting dog to embarrass Atiku. But Alas! Atiku came out scot-free. Waziri prefers to go to the law courts and obtain justice. Abubakar Atiku had once lamented that he was the most persecuted vice president in the world. Abubakar Atiku, with the likes of the Late Sunday Awoniyi, some patriotic senators and members of house of representatives, the media, (prominently the African Independent Television, AIT) worked assiduously to successfully frustrated Obasanjo’s attempt to extend his tenure. Democrat Atiku used constitutional method to frustrate the 3rd Term debacle. Today, Atiku stands out as hero of anti-3rd term concoction.
THE TURN OF NORTHERN NIGERIAN TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PRESIDENT IN 2023: The trajectory of ascension to the office of president federal republic of Nigeria since 1999 (Fourth Republic) favors northerners in this dispensation. This, in spite of the hues and cries by some Nigerians. The Arithmetic: Obasanjo– 8 years, Yar’adua-2 years, Goodluck-6 years, Buhari-8 years (by May 29th 2023).
CLARIFICATION: South: OBJ, 8 years +Goodluck’s, 6 years = 14 years North: Yar’adua’s, 2 years + Buhari’s, 8 years = 10 years. The North has 10 to the South’s 14. Logically, the North (East) stands a better chance. More so, PDPs zoning arrangement was open to all the zones by the Gov. Samuel Ortom zoning committee (that is to continue where Jonathan Goodluck stopped).
The afore mentioned and attributes are basic ingredients consideration that would hopefully give Waziri Abubakar Atiku’s victory come 2023. However, Atiku and his team must nib in the bud the current crisis bedeviling PDP. The former vice president must ensure that the Wike Group returns to the presidential campaign fold. The most convincing thing to do as a matter of urgency is to persuade Senator Iyorchia Ayu to honourably resign as PDP Chairman. This will bring peace and sanity to the party and ensures the victory of Abubakar Atiku as president come 2023.
GOVERNOR LALONG ORDERS SECURITY FORCES TO APPREHEND ATTACKERS IN BOKKOS; PRAISES SECURITY FORCES FOR RESCUING KIDNAPPED VICTIMS IN WASE.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has ordered security forces to immediately confront attackers threatening the lives of people in villages around Bokkos Local Government Area.
Governor Lalong who described the recent spade of attacks on some villages leading to loss of lives as unacceptable, said the attackers must be fished out and not allowed to go unpunished.
On Saturday 8th October 2022, gunmen attacked Kuliyas Village in Butura, Bokkos killing 4 persons including the village head. This is coming after other reported isolated killings in other villages of Follo, Karara, Bokkos, and Mangor as well as the kidnap of some students at All Nation’s Academy who were eventually rescued by security forces.
Meanwhile, the Governor has commended security forces whose combined efforts together with Vigilante and hunter groups ensured the rescue of 10 persons kidnapped by bandits in Bashar, Wase Local Government.
He praised the prompt action of the Police, Operation Safe Haven and community watch groups who gave the hoodlums a hot chase and ensured that all the kidnapped persons and other stolen items were recovered.
The Governor says this level of criminality must be addressed wholistically by the security agencies in collaboration with the traditional and community leaders leveraging on the structures of community policing and vigilante groups.
He warns criminals that his administration will not allow criminals to return the days of darkness to the State under any guise.
Governor Lalong sympathised with the families of the victims and assured them that those behind the attacks will be made to pay for their actions.
He also called for vigilance among the citizens and timely passage of intelligence and information to security agencies to proactively prevent such attacks.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 10th October 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG CELEBRATES SECRETARY TO PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT PROF. DANLADI ATU @63
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has felicitated with Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu on the occasion of his 63rd birthday.
Lalong in a message said Prof. Atu, a teacher, administrator and politician has continued to serve the State and Nigeria with total commitment and loyalty, giving the best of his talent and training.
He described him as a reliable and committed person who has continued to organise the engine room of Government and ensure that the Rescue Administration delivers on its mandate. He also celebrates Prof. Atu for continuously mentoring the younger generation in the act of service and politics thereby making it possible for them to aspire to serve in various capacities and also contribute to the development of the State.
Lalong while wishing him God’s blessings, protection and good health urged him to remain committed to serving the State and Nigeria at all times.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 10th October 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG ORDERS SECURITY FORCES TO APPREHEND ATTACKERS IN BOKKOS; PRAISES SECURITY FORCES FOR RESCUING KIDNAPPED VICTIMS IN WASE.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has ordered security forces to immediately confront attackers threatening the lives of people in villages around Bokkos Local Government Area.
Governor Lalong who described the recent spade of attacks on some villages leading to loss of lives as unacceptable, said the attackers must be fished out and not allowed to go unpunished.
On Saturday 8th October 2022, gunmen attacked Kuliyas Village in Butura, Bokkos killing 4 persons including the village head. This is coming after other reported isolated killings in other villages of Follo, Karara, Bokkos, and Mangor as well as the kidnap of some students at All Nation’s Academy who were eventually rescued by security forces.
Meanwhile, the Governor has commended security forces whose combined efforts together with Vigilante and hunter groups ensured the rescue of 10 persons kidnapped by bandits in Bashar, Wase Local Government.
He praised the prompt action of the Police, Operation Safe Haven and community watch groups who gave the hoodlums a hot chase and ensured that all the kidnapped persons and other stolen items were recovered.
The Governor says this level of criminality must be addressed wholistically by the security agencies in collaboration with the traditional and community leaders leveraging on the structures of community policing and vigilante groups.
He warns criminals that his administration will not allow criminals to return the days of darkness to the State under any guise.
Governor Lalong sympathised with the families of the victims and assured them that those behind the attacks will be made to pay for their actions.
He also called for vigilance among the citizens and timely passage of intelligence and information to security agencies to proactively prevent such attacks.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 10th October 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG PRAISES PLATEAU UNITED FOR VICTORY OVER ESPERANCE OF TUNISIA
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has praised Plateau United Football Club for beating Esperance of Tunisia 2-1 in the CAF Champions league match played at the National Stadium Abuja on Sunday 9th October 2022.
Lalong who was at the stadium to cheer the team to victory, said he was impressed by the quality of play and team work which saw Plateau United coming from one goal behind to beat Esperance 2-1.
Speaking with journalists after the match, the Governor said the Government will give all support needed by the team to continue the good work in the return leg in Tunis.
He also commended the coach and management of the club for ensuring that the team continues to make the State and Nigeria proud.
Minister of Sports Sunday Dare and NFF President, Plateau State Commissioner for sports Daniel Dung Dalyop, Commissioner for Works Victor Lapan and Chief of Staff to DG APC Presidential Campaign Council Yakubu Dati were among guests that watched the football encounter.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 9th October 2022.
GAGDI FELICITATES WITH NURSE DANLAMI SAMBO OVER HIS APPOINTMENT AS ACTING PROVOST, COLLEGE OF NURSING, VOM
The reward for hard work and dedication is to get higher responsibility and more feathers to the cap.
The appointment of Nurse DANLAMI SAMBO as the Acting Provost of the prestigious Plateau State College of Nursing, Vom is a confirmation of his commitment to the service of his fatherland and a beacon to serve at the echelon of your career to continually mentor young brains to make flourishing career in nursing services.
Danlami Sambo is a refined gentleman and one of the best brains Kanam is blessed with, and by extension, Plateau State. I am optimistic that you will make Kanam proud and merit a confirmation as a substantive Provost of the college soonest.
As I identify with your lofty attainment, let me use this medium to appreciate your recent visit to Gagdi Foundation Headquarters in Jos, to thank me for MY EFFORT IN YOUR R APPOINTMENT and to also identify with the organization, shortly after your appointment as acting Provost of the institution.
You can always count on my support, anytime the need arises to offer other assistance, as I wish more strength to your elbows to lead the institution to higher heights.
Let me use to opportunity to thank the Executive Governor of Plateau State for finding you worthy to be appointed and for listening to me whenever I present the request of my people. And this is the reason why I shall continue to be LALONG BOY!
Once more, congratulations and best wishes in the daunting task of revolutionizing Plateau State College of Nursing, Vom.
Signed: Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, (Dan Malikin Kanam), Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Navy
GOVERNOR LALONG PRAISES IRIGWE NATION FOR PROMOTING PEACE AND RECONCILIATION; SUPPORTS FUND FOR REBUILDING DESTROYED IRIGWE COMMUNITIES
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has promised support for the rebuilding of communities destroyed in Irigwe land of Bassa LGA as a result of attacks and violence that bedevilled the area in recent past.
Governor Lalong while speaking at the Otu Rigwe Cultural Festival held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos, said the event which encapsulates the celebration of the culture and traditions of the Irigwe nation, brings to fore the resilience, hardwork and peaceful nature of the Irigwe people.
He said “My happiness is that by holding this event today, it is clearly being demonstrated that efforts of the Rescue Administration and the sacrifices of the Irigwe nation are yielding fruits that everyone can see. From the array of cultural displays here and the excitement on the faces of the people, it is evident that there is no alternative to peace. Let me therefore specially congratulate the Brra Ngwe Irigwe Rev. Ronku Aka (Rtd) for his doggedness towards pursuing the path of peace and reconciliation despite the enormous pressure and setbacks his people have passed through. Similarly, I wish to appreciate the President and leaders of the Irigwe Development Association for also sustaining the search for peace and encouraging the people to look forward to a greater future despite the turbulence and losses of the past”.
The Governor said for him, the event is a vindication of his commitment to ensuring that the people of Irigwe land get back to their life which is reputed for harmony, peace, love and productivity. It is also an affirmation of the significance of the signing of symbolic Expression of Commitment to Peace between the Irigwe and Fulani which took place on 13th July this year.
“Today’s event which also features fund raising for the rebuilding of ravaged communities is yet another right step towards consolidating the peace that is gradually returning to Irigwe nation. Let me assure you that apart from the Government playing its role, it will work with other non-governmental institutions and donor agencies to ensure that the restoration of livelihoods and healing of past challenges is accelerated. Just as I have always emphasized, no development can take place in an atmosphere of violence, acrimony, mistrust and agitation. That is why as you would recall, development which had been stalled for a long time started returning to Irigwe nation when we laid the foundation for a massive Housing Estate for workers in Irigwe land sometime this year. We are optimistic of continuing in this direction and also ensuring that government projects which were stalled because of insecurity resume without delay”.
Chairman of the occasion and former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Martin Luther Agwai said the Otu Irigwe Cultural Festival provides a window of hope for the people to put behind the agony they have gone through in recent years of attacks and violence.
He commended them for embracing peace and cooperating with the Governor to find solutions to the lingering crises. He also said their efforts to rebuild destroyed communities through community efforts is worthy of emulation and sustainance.
President Irigwe Development Association Prince Robert Ashi said the Otu Irigwe Cultural Festival could not hold over some years because of the level of insecurity in Irigwe land. However, the efforts of the Governor of Plateau State have brought back substantial peace to the area leading to the organisation of the event.
He said the funds to be raised will be used to assist displaced persons whose houses, farmlands and other means of livelihood were destroyed by terrorists. Orphans, widows, and other displaced persons he explained will be taken care of from the proceeds of the fund raising.
The Brra Ngwe Rigwe Rev Ronku Aka expressed gratitude to Governor Lalong for his personal commitment and passion for the restoration of peace in Irigwe land which led to the signing of a peace agreement between the Irigwe and Fulani.
He said without the personal commitment and resilience of the Governor and security agencies, the attainment of substantial peace in Irigwe land that has began to attract development to the area.
In appreciation of the Governor’s efforts, the Brra Ngwe Irigwe bestowed the title of Neche Srarina Rigwe (Ambassador of Peace) on Governor Lalong.
The GOC 3rd Armoured Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven Maj. Gen. Ali received an award of recognition for his determination to tackle insecurity and for being impartial to all citizens irrespective of tribe, religion and other considerations.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 8th October 2022.
APC VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE & DG PCC RECIEVE EU AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the APC Senator Kashim Shettima and Director General of the PCC and Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong on Thursday 6th October, met with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria Ms. Samuela Isopi at the Tinubu Campaign Headquarters in Abuja.
Ambassador Isopi said she was at the Headquarters of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office as part of her routine engagement with various stakeholders including political parties ahead of the 2023 general elections.
She said although the EU Mission to Nigeria has no role to play in terms of supporting any candidate or party, it has been working closely with those involved to ensure that the general elections go smoothly and the citizens exercise their franchise freely.
Both the APC Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Kashim Shettima and Director General of PCC Governor Simon Bako Lalong assured her that the APC as the ruling party is doing all possible to work within the guidelines of INEC especially with the commencement of campaigns.
They welcomed the Ambassador to the Headquarters of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign and expressed the readiness of the APC Presidential Campaign Council to support any initiative that will ensure that the elections go without any challenges. The meeting which continued behind closed doors was also attended by the Deputy DG Operations Adams Oshiomole, Deputy DG Administration Hadiza Bala Usman, Secretary of the PCC Hon. James Faleke, and Chief of Staff to the DG PCC Hon. Yakubu Dati, Mr Wale Edun, Director of Finance, Mr. Christopher Tarka, Deputy Secretary.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau and DG, APC Presidential Campaign Council. 7th October 2022.
The APC Gida-Gida, a political group in Plateau state,has approved the appointment of some of its members into various positions for the purpose of coordinating the activities of the Organization throughout the State.
The appointments followed the submission of a report of a Committee which was unanimously adopted by Congress.
A statement from the Convener of the Support Group Hon. Helen Henniet Wapmuk gave the names of the following as those appointed :
1–CHAIRPERSON; Mrs Regina Naantuam 2–SECRETARY; Hon. Victoria Dalap 3–ORG-SEC./MEDIA CONSULTANT; Golepji David Wambutda 4–WELFARE; Nanko Bigun 5–TREASURER; Hajiya Farida Usman Bala 6–PRO 1; Julcit Moses 7-PRO 2; Hon. Jessica Izang
The following appointments for various zonal coordinators were also approved;
NORTHERN ZONE Hon Mrs Naomi Agwon CENTRAL ZONE Hon Mrs Lucy Joel Gompil SOUTHERN ZONE Hon. Haj. Safiya .A. Saidu
In the same vein, the appointment of those to pilot the activities of the support group for various local government areas as Coordinators and Co-Coordinators were also made as follows:
While congratulating them for the various appointments, Hon Helen Wapmuk urged them to utilize their wealth of experiences and expertise in discharging their responsibilities judiciously, assuring that the party will wax stronger beyond 2023.
She said the APC GIDA-GIDA will commit its effort in ensuring that the Candidates of the All Progressive Congress, APC, are successful at the polls in the forthcoming elections.
She further called on all Women and Youths across the state to join the winning train of the APC in order to boost the rising fortunes of the Party.
Signed ;
Hon. Helen Wapmuk Henniet Convener APC Gida-Gida Plateau State Chapter.
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