IF YOU EVER KNEW THE ESSENTIAL RT HON YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI, YOU WILL ALWAYS LOVE HIM

Many of them had opinions about him: They tell you stories of how or who he (was) is and paint him in the most hateful colours; just so if they can hang him.

Those of them who had formed such opinions may never have known him, in fact; they gave and relied on the opinions some others had painted of him.

They told the world: If that is the Gagdi you want us to support, we would rather change the course of the movement. They have canvassed various positions but with desdain for Gagdi’s.

In fact, they formed an opinion of him as one who is brash, and largely impetuous to the point of regretting to have him represent them. They truly got it wrong!

These are opinions of those who may never have sat on the same table with him; worked together for a day; never have interacted with him nor understood the vision he carries for the people.

If they ever did, most of them would have since understood that his middle name is SIMPLICITY; a man who grew up in the best tradition that HUMILITY is the surest way to service.

If indeed he has succeeded in giving service so that PKK will be counted, it is because they have failed to understand his background and his commitment to the course of humanity.

They however have not accused him of being a failure or that he has abdicated in his legislative assignments. They know, but wouldn’t want to path him on the back for setting a record of being the first legislator; who in one legislative session, three bills he initiated have been passed and assented by Mr. President.

That Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi is humility personified has been misrepresented. That he speaks without squinting, is not a mark of arrogance; rather, it is of a firm believer that truth is the hallmark of commitment to a course. For this and more, truth must be said always.

What more could there be to be said? The Federal Constituency is replete with all manners of interventions; constructions that are changing the course of the people and presenting them as the most prized item of his legislative business.

These are enough to tell all the doubting Thomases that PKK made the right choice. We make bold to add: Another opportunity presents itself in 2023; join in the struggle to get the BEST to represent you in the National Assembly.

The BEST, we must not beat about is the one has not made pretentions of what he has for the people of PKK; after all, would it not serve us better if we travel with the one who is conversant with the road?

We believe Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi knows the ropes and can take us there. We trust in God always!

GAGDI STRATEGIC MEDIA TEAM

August 27, 2022

GOC 1 DIVISION RESCUES KIDNAP VICTIMS IN BIRNIN GWARI

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army Maj Gen Taoreed Lagbaja accompanied by a team of operational commanders and operatives have rescued three kidnap victims, while on an Operational cum inspection tour in Kaduna state on Thursday 25 August 2022.

The GOC and his team rescued the victims from a group of armed kidnappers in Manini village, along Pole Wire – Birnin Gwari road, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

The Kidnappers had abducted the victims and were taking off, when they were confronted by the GOC’s team.

The hot exchange of fire that followed subdued the kidnappers, compelling them to scamper in disarray with gunshot wounds into nearby forest, abandoning their abductees.

The rescued victims, comprising two adult males and an elderly woman have been conveyed to Kaduna, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
25 August 2022

There are fears that the crisis of confidence between former Governor Jonah Jang and Sen. Jeremiah Useni within the Plateau State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may spoil the party’s chances in the next election.

A youth activist and spokesperson for the Useni group, Emmanuel Macham, raised the apprehension when he disclosed that Jang’s continued attacks on the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, would attract negative consequences for the party.

Macham accused Jang’s aides and supporters of hiding under the elder statesman’s integrity to technically launch themselves into the coffers of Rivers State.

He stated, yesterday: “The persistent media war credited to Jang against Atiku and Ayu has great negative implication and can escalate the crises into hostilities capable of crippling daily activities of the party in the state.

“Definitely, the formidable Useni group in Plateau detests injustice, which has recently attracted productive membership capable of undermining any political interest. Surprisingly, on what point and moral ground can they call for Ayu’s resignation, despite what Ayu did for them? Ayu refused to adhere to the constitution of our party in dissolving the state executive and even expressly ignored court judgments against them, which made them to continue to parade themselves as authentic PDP leaders in the state.

“The guerrilla attacks against the party and other respected Nigerians has the tendency of sharply widening the cracks in the state chapter into more interest groups, tribal and religious blocs against their anointed gubernatorial and other candidates across the state.”

While urging Jang to humbly withdraw further membership of Wike’s camp, no matter what benefits that accrues therefrom, Macham said the wider negative repercussions on the fortunes of PDP in Plateau could be far-reaching.

“There could be retaliations across Plateau in the coming days through the same media or through the ballot box, if the continuous attack against the national headquarters and Atiku persists,” he added.

Neither Jang nor his aides were prepared to respond to the claims by Macham, even as one of the former governor’s aides described Macham and his group as bad losers.

PKK GROUPS ENDORSE GAGDI FOR A SECOND TERM
-Believe he is genuinely committed to people’s causes

No fewer than 15 interest groups within PKK have endorsed the reelection bid of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, even as they pledged to work assiduously to ensure seamless victory for his 2023 return ticket to the National Assembly.

The groups were earlier separately hosted on courtesy visits on the lawmaker at his Pankshin Constituency Office, on August 19, 2022, where they variously passed vote of confidence on his developmental strides in the constituency.

They remarked that such sterling representation had given them the impetus to identify with him and pledged their individual support to his second term bid.

The groups promised to mobilize maximum support for Gagdi’s reelection and to ensure that he wins with a margin never before witnessed in the election history of the constituency.

They argued that such mobilization by them has been made easy by the avalanche of constituency development projects that permeate the nooks and crannies of PKK courtesy of the lawmaker, positing that PKK has never had it this good since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999.

Speaker after speaker hammered on the Sterling performance of the lawmaker as his selling point in the 2023 election, which have indeed eclipsed every primordial sentiments being bandied against his aspiration.

The group leaders and their members posited that not even the worst enemy of the progress and development of PKK and the people would wish away the indelible mark Gagdi has imprinted in the annals of history of the constituency.

Responding to his guests, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi was never short of appreciation for the various groups for the show of love exhibited in their visits and their kind words towards his leadership style. He therefore pledged to up the ante of people centered representation if given the return mandate in 2023.

As he has always reiterated, Gagdi maintained that the fulcrum of his quest for leadership position is to better the lives of his people beyond personal aggrandizement, a position he took since he began to represent his people.

He prayed God to anoint for PKK a representative in 2023, who has the best interest of the people at heart, even if such a candidate was somebody other than him.

The groups in the courtesy visit included Gagdi Ambassadors Pankshin, Gagdi Youth Vanguard, Forum of immediate Past Deputy Chairmen, Secretaries, Elected and Supervisory Councilors in PKK, Fulani Support Group PKK, National Association of Ngas Students, and National Executives of Mupun Youth Association.

Others included FCE ALUMNI Support Group, Equity and Justice Group, as well as leadership of key youth groups in Pankshin town.

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Gagdi Strategic Media Committee

WE ARE SATISFIED, RT HON GAGDI IS RECOGNIZED FOR WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE, AND RIGHTLY SO, HIS EFFORTS ARE BEING REWARDED

It is possible for a man to receive just an award in his lifetime and yet every where would be filled with the drums of celebration. You may not blame such a person; for awards are meant to be celebrated, no matter the shape, size and colour.

Whereas, for some; on weekly basis, they are being honoured and elevated on account of what they deposit in the lives of individuals and of communities. They become selfless, not minding the cost, so that the people will remain fulfilled.

Therefore, if Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the Azi Nyako Youth Center will be celebrated with an award as THE LEGISLATOR OF THE DECADE by the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), it is because he has proven to be so honoured.

Even for any partisan consideration, his contributions to the education sector can not be wished away. They have continued to be a reference point to many here and indeed outside of the constituency.

Consider for this purpose: Construction of and remodeling of schools, educational scholarships in all cadres of education, payment of school fees and of WAEC/NECO of all graduating students in the Federal Constituency.

What more, did he not, on account of ensuring that the Federal College of Education, Pankshin contribute to the body of knowledge that he helped facilate its upgrade to a Federal University of Education? Even for this, he deserves accolades and appreciation for such a contribution to the society.

If the contributions of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi is quantified, his constituency office will every day be filled with groups falling over one another to give him one award or another.

He would rather not prefer to pay more attention to awards than to his legislative assignments, which have been copiously displayed in the last three years of representing PKK.

His energies are directed to doing what should benefit his constituents. No wonder, it is in the quest to make life better for them that on September 17, 2022; no less a personality than the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila will be in the state to commission some of his projects in the Federal Constituency.

What is greater than that, that the relevance of the projects could draw the attention of the presence of the mighty to PKK? Should this not be a pointer that the accolades are not misplaced?

We believe they are given deservedly. These are some of the reasons why, for Gagdi, being in the 10th National Assembly in 2023 occupies a place in our hearts.

In God we have always trusted!

GAGDI STRATEGIC MEDIA TEAM
August 24, 2022

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali has said criminals take illicit drugs to commit criminality in society. He made this known today 24 August 2022 when the management team from Quintessential Healthcare Center, Jos paid him a courtesy visit at Headquarters 3 Division, Jos Plateau state.

General Ali decried the use of hard drugs by criminals to perpetrate evil in society. He called for continuous collaboration between government agencies and civil society organisations to curtail the taking and circulation of illicit substances.

The GOC also commended the Quintessential Healthcare services for its enlightenment programmes on dangers of illicit drugs. He further applauded the organisation for assisting troops on post traumatic disorder and stress.

Speaking earlier, the Director Quintessential Healthcare Center Jos, Professor Moses Audu commended the GOC for his support to the organisation in enabling it to reach out to larger targets. He said the assistance received had impacted positively on people with mental disorder and traumatic stress.

Professor Moses also commended the military for their untiring efforts towards peace on the plateau.

In a similar development, the leadership of the Muslims Community in Jebbu Bassa also paid courtesy call on the GOC and thanked him for supporting Bassa community with basic amenities.

The group led by the Chief Imam, Central Mosque Jebbu Bassa, Mallam Muhammad Sanusi Tahir, said the activities of 3 Division in the area have helped to resolved the lingered water problem and improved the security of the community. He applauded the GOC for assistance rendered to orphans and less privileged in the community.

Responding, the GOC revealed that the visit will spur 3 Division to do more to improve the living conditions of the host communities. He urged the citizens to always support the security agencies to achieve a safe and secured society.

Present during the visits were the Chief of staff 3 Division, Brigadier General DD Kurmi, Principal Staff officers and Commanders of 3 Division related formations and units.

You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation.

*ISHAKU TAKWA*
Major
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division

*GOV SANWO OLU URGES NA TO SUSTAIN EFFICIENT TRAINING TO ENHANCE FIGHT AGAINST SECURITY CHALLENGES… As COAS Inaugurates Welfare projects*


The Governor of Lagos State Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu has urged the Nigerian Army to continue to efficiently train her personnel in order to sustain its combat readiness posture as it fights current security challenges in the country.

The Governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde, gave the words of encouragement during his keynote address at the 23rd Combat Service Support (CSSC) Training Week, held today 22 August 2022 at NEBO Hall, Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Abati Barracks, Lagos.

The training week, with the theme, “Building the capacity of Nigerian Army Combat Service Support Corps (CSSC) in combating contemporary security challenges in joint environment”, is aimed at sharpening the logistics management expertise of Army logisticians.

Speaking further, the Governor stated, that as one conversant with the importance of efficient logistics in organizational operations, he was delighted with the capacity-development efforts of the NA, stressing that it is in consonance with global best practices. He added, that it is plausible for forces to train regularly in order to maintain combat readiness and efficiency. Governor Makinde expressed optimism that the NA Combat Support Services Training Week would evolve more efficient logistical support strategies to enhance NA’s ongoing operational engagements.

In his opening remarks at the event, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya , emphasized, that the role of CSSC of the NA is germane to the execution of NA’s constitutional roles and the attainment of his vision “to have a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria”. Gen Yahaya added, that the training week underscores the critical roles of CSSC in prosecuting ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry. He affirmed that he would continue to ensure that the logistics corps benefit from various interventions in terms of capacity development and service delivery, to provide effective and timely support to all NA operations. The COAS further revealed that in an effort to sustain and improve ongoing operations, the NA has procured requisite combat service support logistics to seamlessly enhance ongoing operations.

The COAS later commissioned several projects including, officers’ transit accommodation at Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, ultra modern Radio Diagnostic Centre at 68 Reference Hospital, Yaba, Regimental Sergeant Majors’ Houses at Headquarters 9 Brigade and Headquarters Nigerian Army Medical Corps, as well as 70 Command Nigerian Army Supply and Transport Safety and Fire Fighting platoon’s accommodation. The event also witnessed exhibition of inventions and innovations by various Combat Service Support Corps and a medical outreach to bring succour to the less privileged.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
22 August 2022

Breaking News: Federal High Court Jos ordered LP, Dr. Dakum and INEC to appear in 96 hours


The Federal High Court sitting in Jos has ordered the Labour Party LP, Dr. Patrick Dakum and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to appear before the Court in Ninety Six (96) hours to show cause why they cannot be restrained from Substituting Amb. Yohanna Margif as the Validity elected candidate of the the Party.

It would be recalled that Amb. Yohanna Margif who is the Governorship Candidate of the Party ahead of the 2023 elections had approach the Court through his Counsel M. B. Abdullah Esq. In a Motion exparte dated the 15th August 2022 and filled on the same 15th August, 2022, prays the court for the following orders:

“An order for interim injunction restraining the 1st Defendant whether by itself, its agents, privies or assigns or any other person acting through it, or howsoever from taking any action or process or further action or process for the purpose of changing or substituting the plaintiff as the validly nominated candidate of the 1st defendant for the seat of Governor of Plateau State based on the purported letter of withdrawal, notice affidavit or any other document whatsoever not written or signed by the plaintiff or personally delivered by the plaintiff to the 1st defendant pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiff’s motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

Justice D. V. Agishi however ordered as follows:” That parties have Ninety six (96) hours to come and show cause why they cannot be restrained from substituting the plaintiff/ Applicant as the Validity elected candidate.

“That Parties (Defendant) are to appear in court on the 24th Day of August, 2022. That the matter is adjourned to 24th August 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG ADDRESSES 2022 NBA NATIONAL CONFERENCE; SAYS ILLEGAL MINING DANGEROUS AS OIL BUNKERING.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako says urgent steps need to be taken to tackle illegal mining which has continued to cause economic and security challenges to the nation and most parts of the North just as oil bunkering is doing to the country.

Lalong who spoke during his intervention on Getting Nigeria’s Administration out of oil at the ongoing Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association holding in Lagos, said the losses resulting from illegal mining and carting away of precious solid minerals constitute a huge loss to Governments at all levels.

He however observed that due to the focus on crude oil, not much attention is devoted to the solid minerals theft thereby leaving illegal miners from within and outside the country to have a field day in ripping off the country and devastating local communities.

Lalong said that is why he has remained an advocate of the inclusion of solid minerals in both the exclusive and concurrent list in order to enable States properly assert control over mining activities which in many cases result into criminality and provide funding for bandits, terrorists and their collaborators.

Also speaking about the issue of enhancing security of lives and properties, Lalong said the issue of State police was germaine and crucial but needs to be guaranteed by factors including the capacity to train, deploy, monitor, and regularly pay the personnel in order to avoid a situation where people with arms are owed salaries and turn out to constitute another security problem.

On the issue of unity and progress of Nigeria, Lalong said there must be a deliberate effort to address the manipulation of religion and ethnicity which according to him have been exploited to the detriment of the diversity and variety they represent.

The Governor also disclosed that under his leadership, Plateau State has made progress is diversifying from dependence on oil proceeds with the empowering of citizens to engage in commercial agriculture, value addition, extention services and leveraging on crops of comparive advantage such as exotic fruits, potatoes, flowers among others which are unique to Plateau State.

He also said the Government has acquired the Inland Container Terminal and also received approval for the upgrade of the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang into an International Cargo Airport for export of agricultural and other commodities.

Lalong also disclosed that so much has been done to restore peace in Plateau State which has brought back tourism and investors as well as enhanced the creative industry and sports which are synonymous with Jos and contributing significantly to the economy.

He also spoke about the training of thousands of youths in various entrepreneurial skills which have made Plateau State a household name at the national MSME competition organised by the office of the Vice President among others.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
22nd August 2022.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya has charged Army Cadets of Regular Course 69 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to deploy their newly acquired combat skills and competences to surmount security challenges in the country. Gen Yahaya gave the charge as the Special Guest of Honour at the Battle Inoculation phase of Exercise Camp Highland, which wrapped up final exercises for the Army cadets, before their passing out of the prestigious Academy later in October this year.
The COAS, who expressed satisfaction over the level of training received by the Cadets, noted, that with the recent review of training curriculum in the academy, there has been remarkable improvement in the quality of cadets’ combat training, in tune with NA’s deliberate capacity development effort towards tackling contemporary security challenges. He expressed optimism, that as junior commanders, they will add value to ongoing operational efforts to restore peace and security in troubled parts of the country.

While pointing out that a lot of resources have been invested in training the cadets, the COAS expressed appreciation to the Commander – in- Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari for the confidence reposed in the NA, as well as his support and strategic guidance.
He assured the President and all Nigerians that the NA in synergy with other services and security agencies will “speak to the insurgents and bandits in the language they understand”.

Describing Exercise Camp Highland Battle Inoculation as a “baptism of the Army Cadets into battle”, the Commandant NDA, Maj Gen Ibrahim Yusuf disclosed that the exercise is a culmination of five years of training for the Cadets before their graduation.

The exercise featured a combat assault on a simulated objective with live firing by a combat team of cadets, supported from the air by the Nigerian Air force to inject realism into the exercise.

Senior officers who witnessed the exercise include the Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders and General Officer Commanding 1 Division.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
20 August 2022