GOVERNOR LALONG APPOINTED DG TINUBU CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION; RECEIVES ROUSING WELCOME ON RETURN TO JOS.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has been appointed by the APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the Director General of his Campaign Organisation.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu along with APC National Chairman Sen. Abdullahi Adamu presented Governor Lalong to President Muhammadu Buhari at at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu also announced that Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo has been appointed as interim spokesperson for the APC presidential campaign council.

Speaking on how the party arrived at the choice of Governor Lalong as the campaign Director General, he said it was simply based on Lalong’s ability to deliver.

Governor Lalong who immediately departed Abuja for Jos was received by a large crowd of APC supporters at the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang who came out to welcome him and rejoice over the appointment.

Shortly after arrival, the Governor thanked the people of Plateau State for their support to his administration and the APC which has continued to make him identified at the National level and trusted with very critical assignments.

He said his appointment as the DG Tinubu Campaign Organisation is a clear indication that the APC is well accepted in Plateau State and has the capacity to deliver in the forthcoming elections.

According to him, the Campaign Council will work very hard to mobilise the party towards canvassing the votes of Nigerians across all lines.

While answering questions from journalists, the Governor said the APC is sure of victory as it will continue to work towards improving the lives of Nigerians.

On how he intends to manage his campaign for the Plateau South Senatorial District Seat alongside this new responsibility, Lalong said he has capable hands in the State that will continue to work for the party anytime he is away.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
4th August 2022.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, a wanted person.

EFCC in a statement on Wednesday, August 3, called on members of the public with useful information on his whereabouts to contact the anti-graft agency.

“Wanted by the EFCC: Ismaila Mustapha. Anyone with useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the EFCC or the nearest police station,” the brief statement read.

Mompha, alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, is being prosecuted by EFCC, on an eight-count charge bordering on ”conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, laundering of funds obtained through unlawful activity, failure to disclose assets and property, possession of documents containing false pretence and use of property derived from unlawful act.”

One of the counts reads: “Ismaila Mustapha, Ahmadu Mohammed (at large) and Ismalob Global Investment Limited, sometime in 2016, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to conduct financial transactions to the tune of N5,998,884,653.18 ( Five Billion Nine Hundred and Ninety-eight Million Eight Hundred and Eighty-four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty-three Naira Eighteen Kobo) with the intent of promoting the carrying on of specified unlawful activities to wit: obtaining by false pretence.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, prompting the commencement of his trial.

He was remanded in the custody of the EFCC but was later granted bali of N200m which he failed to fulfil. The bail was later reduced to N25 million.

The trial had been stalled on Thursday, June 16, 2022, due to the absence of the defendant.

On June 10, EFCC ac­cused him of flouting the court’s order by travel­ling to Dubai with a new international passport.

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, revoked the N200m bail earlier granted to the suspect and also issued a bench warrant for his arrest due to his absence from trial.

Defence counsel, Mr. Kolawole Salami, prayed the court for an extension of time to bring back the defendant to court.

Dada adjourned the case until September 21, 2022.

3 DIVISION LECTURES TROOPS ON CIVIL- MILITARY COOPERATION… Reiterates Professional Conducts

Troops of 3 Division Nigerian Army Jos have been reminded to conduct themselves professionally while discharging their constitutional roles of defending the country and in aid to civil authority. This was made know today, 3 August 2022, by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, during a monthly lectures titled “Civil – Military Cooperation: A Force Multiplier in Military Operations ” held at Headquarters 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos.

The GOC and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN noted the significance of cordial relationship between the security agencies and the public in enhancing militaryoperations. He revealed that sucesses in contemporary Operations is easier in an environment where citizens voluntarily support troops activities.

Speaking on the topic, the guest lecturer, Dr Plangsat Bitrus Danyil, said continous enlightenment of troops on civil military cooperation activities is necessary to engender trust of the civil populace for enhance military operations. She noted the service rendered by military hospitals, schools and Mammy markets as key to promoting cordial relationship between the military and the populace.

Dr Plangsat further noted the significance of effective communication, Planing, Coordination and assessment for excellent Civil Military cooperation in Nigeria. She also called on the citizens to take possession of their military and divulge useful security information to the security agencies for prompt response.

Delivering his welcome address, the Divisional Training Officer, 3 Division, Brigadier General Suleiman Adamu note the changing nature of conflict from conventional to asymmetric warfare in which the activities of non-state actors is increasing day by day. This he said requires continuous enlightenment of troops on emerging trends.

The event was attended by Principal Staff Officers at Headquarters 3 Division, Commanders and Commanding Officers as well as soldiers of 3 Division related formations and units.

Please disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation.

ISHAKU TAKWA
Major
Military Information Officer OPSH
3 August 2022

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The Commander Special Task Force, Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding (GOC)3 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Ibrahim Ali has said OPSH is guided by the principles of neutrality and fairness in the discharge of its roles. The commander made the disclosure today 3 August 2022, while hosting a delegation from the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue at Headquarters OPSH in Jos.

Major General Ali applauded the organisation for its role in mitigating conflict in communities. He revealed that OPSH has adopted non-kinetic strategies to eradicate violence-tendency that could create chaos in society. General Ali further maintained that OPSH has zero tolerance for human rights violation and operates to create a secured environment for growth and development to be achieved. He alluded that the meeting would strengthen the relationship between OPSH and the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue in areas of information sharing and quick response to security threats.

In her earlier remarks, the leader of the delegation and Project Associate of the group, Mrs Olufemi Ellison Domkap lauded Operation SAFE HAVEN for always acting on credible information provided by the group in order to respond swiftly to security challenges within its jurisdiction.

The team leader noted the contribution of the group in influencing the lives of troublemakers in society to embrace peaceful living and friendliness among diverse ethnic and religious groups. She highlighted the need to strengthening the capacity of women for the enhancement of back-door conversation during conflict resolution.

While suggesting that traditional rulers should be trained in the areas of mediation and conflict resolution, the team leader urged communities to adopt local method of dispute resolution for permanent peace to be achieved.

Highlight of the event was presentation of plaque and group photograph.

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

*ISHAKU TAKWA*
Major
Military Information Officer OPSH
3 August 2022

GOVERNOR LALONG PAYS LAST RESPECTS TO LATE AREN EGGON DR. BALA ANGBAZO.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was among the thousands of sympathizers who paid their last respects to late Aren Eggon Dr. Bala Angbazo who joined his ancestors recently.

The funeral service which took place at ECWA Church Alushi, Akwanga Local Government Nasarawa State witnessed tributes from various top government officials, religious leaders, captains of Industry and sons and daughters of Eggon nation.

Governor Lalong described the late Aren Eggon as a father who used his knowledge, power and influence to improve the lives of the people of Eggon, Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.

He said the late Royal Father served his people with dignity, honesty and selflessness which brought about rapid development in education, health, agriculture and human capital development.

He particularly appreciated the Royal Father for his role in sustaining peace and stability in his domain and the State as well as offering wise counsel to him in his political career and leadership of Plateau State.

Lalong while praying God to grant the family, Eggon nation and Nasarawa State the fortitude to bear the loss, said the legacies of the Royal will continue to linger in the land.

The Governor of Nasarawa State Engr. Abdullahi Sule, APC Chairman Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, among others were at the funeral.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
2nd August 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS BENUE APC GUBERNOTORIAL CANDIDATE REV. FR. HYACINTH ALIA

Plateau State Governor and Chairman Northern Governors Forum Simon Bako Lalong on Wednesday 3rd August 2022 received the APC Governorship Candidate for Benue State Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

The APC Candidate Rev. Fr. Alia who paid a visit on Governor Lalong at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, said he came to appreciate the Governor for his support and encouragement throughout the process of his emergence as the standard bearer for the APC in Benue State.

He said since emerging as the candidate of the APC, he has continued to engage in consultation with relevant stakeholders within and outside the State towards the success of the party during the forthcoming elections.

They later held discussions behind closed doors with the Governor.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
3rd August 2022.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

In the PDP, post-presidential primaries and nomination of vice presidential candidate crisis has paused efforts to raise a campaign council.

Some PDP governors and supporters of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State have reportedly listed conditions to back Atiku. Wike came second in the presidential primaries; he was the choice of the selection committee for the vice-presidential slot but Atiku chose Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, a development that has been raising dust in the main opposition party.

Thus, barring last-minute changes, reconciliation efforts and the setting up of the Presidential Campaign Council, will top the agenda as members of the PDP Board of Trustees, BoT, and National Working Committee, NWC, meet today.

Vanguard gathered in Abuja yesterday that top members of the party have been holding series of meetings to calm frayed nerves ahead of the meeting.

A member of the party’s BoT who pleaded anonymity so as not to “pre-empt the outcome of the meeting” said so much work had gone into the process.

The source said: “We will be meeting later tomorrow (today) to iron out all of these issues. They are not as serious as some of you in the media are trying to make it look.

“Yes, there are issues as is normal in politics. Our respected governors irrespective of the presidential aspirants they supported during the primaries are interested in the victory of the PDP in 2023 and have resolved to support the party to achieve this goal. Our collective survival as not only politicians but also Nigerians depend on this.

“The process of reconciliation is an ongoing one and will continue. We are all aware of the fact that time is not on our side and we need to expedite action on the setting up of the presidential campaign council.

“We need everybody on board in order to have a robust campaign. That is why we want to bring the aggrieved persons to the table, address their grievances and move on. It is our hope that by the middle of this month at the most, our campaign team will be fully on ground.”

Contacted, Mazi Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, said the candidate and party leaders are working assiduously towards resolving all outstanding issues.

He said: “His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, as you already know is a committed party man who is interested in the unity of the party ahead of the 2023 elections and beyond. Discussions are ongoing and we are confident that we will put all of this behind us and make progress. “

By Prince Sekat, Jos


Subject to ratification by President Muhammadu Buhari, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, will co-ordinate the presidential campaign council of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, as director-general.

His deputy will be former Edo State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

In the opposition PDP, crises stemming from the presidential primaries and nomination of running mate has paused efforts to raise a campaign council.

Sources told Vanguard, yesterday, that APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima; and APC governors settled for the duo after a meeting in Abuja on Monday.

Indeed, Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, after the meeting told journalists that a director-general had been picked for the APC presidential campaign council but refused to disclose the person.

The governor said President Buhari and National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Adamu, would be briefed before a formal announcement.

“This is a delegation of the Progressive Governors Forum, led by our chairman, Dr Atiku Bagudu, and the party represented by the national secretary.

“We came to report on an assignment given to us by our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his running mate to begin the broad consultations and develop a structure for the presidential campaign council. We have done some work on it.

“We have briefed the candidate and his running mate and inputs have been taken and our hope is that in the shortest possible time, the candidate will consult more with the party leadership and brief Mr President and get his input and then we formally unveil the presidential campaign council.

“A decision has been taken on the director-general but other positions in the campaign council are still being discussed. The president and the national chairman and National Working Committee will be briefed before a formal announcement,” el-Rufai said.

Adams Oshiomhole, who attended the meeting, was reported to be the director-general of the APC presidential campaign council but he denied it.

A top party source told Vanguard yesterday that Governor Simon Lalong is the choice of the governors for campaign council D-G, with Oshiomhole as his deputy.

Sources said the choice of Director-General initially oscillated between Oshiomhole and Lalong.

Those pushing for Lalong argued that the APC needs a Northern Christian as D-G to assuage the feelings of Northern Christians in the party, following the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the party.

One of those earlier mentioned in connection with the D-G position was Governor el-Rufai.

Party insiders said the APC resolved to appoint a Christian as D-G of the campaign council against the backdrop of misgivings trailing the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. Governor el-Rufai is a Muslim.

Keyamo, Alake, Onanuga head media team

Meanwhile, the media department of the APC campaign council has taken shape.

“The media department of the APC campaign council will be run by a triumvirate of directors, made up of Dele Alake as director of strategic communications, Bayo Onanuga, director of media and publicity, and Festus Keyamo, director of public affairs and chief spokesman,” a top member of the Tinubu team told Vanguard, yesterday.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos has secured a court injunction at the Plateau State High Court, restraining Plateau State Government from signing MOU with Jaiz Bank on the reconstruction of Jos Main Market.

The Injunction which was granted on Tuesday 2 August, 2022 by Hon. Justice S. P Gang restraint the Governor of Plateau State, Plateau State Government and Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Plateau State from signing any MOU with Jaiz Bank pending hearing of the substantive suit.

The court order which was obtained by Journalists in Jos reads, “Court order upon the consideration of motion exparte date 1 August, 2022 and filed 2 August, 2022 supported by 20 paragraph affidavit deposed by Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos as well as counsel written address praying the court for reliefs sought after hearing Tyang Jugu Esq For the applicant.
Justice Gang granted the court order as follows, ” An order of this Honourable court for interim injunction restraining the defendant/respondents by themselves, their agents representatives or privies from entering into any Public Private Partnership or any agreement whatsoever regarding the Jos Main Market pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory Injunction.”

PRESS RELEASED
2ND, AUGUST 2022.

SEN JEREMIAH USEINI GROUP TO GIVE CONDITIONS FOR SUPPORTING PDP CANDIDATES ACROSS PLATEAU AND WITHDRAWAL OF COURT CASES SOON.

In the last few days several stakeholders and some candidates of the People’s Democratic Party in Plateau State have been struggling to secure the support of the group members loyal to General Useini RTD with numerous visits to the elder stateman’s Jos/Abuja residence.

The leadership of the group sat and deliberate on the issues surrounding the party and decided to issue this statement and to clearly states that members of this group will reconvent soon to take decisive decision regarding the following:
– STATUSCO of the leadership of the party after several court Judgements.
– Conditions to support the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate and others.
– Conditions to withdraw the (6) ongoing cases from the lower and appeal courts.
– Refunds expected to be made to (15) Gubernatorial Aspirants belonging to the group.
– Enforce the judgement delivered by Justice Gang on 26th,Nov 2020 and subsequently dimised by court of appeal.
– Withdraw group members who were lured into kangaroo Commitees across the state.
– To write final letter to the NWC of the party regarding unresolved issues within the state Chapter.

We wish to assure our followers and members across the state that at NO time did our group consider abandoning PDP or our Presidential Candidate,urging you to remain calm,patriotic and loyal to the party NWC and await further correspondences regarding future activities.

Emmanuel Macham JP.
Spokesperson
Integrity/Useini Group Plateau State.