10 LIES YOU SHOULD NOT BUY ABOUT THE REBUILDING OF JOS MAIN MARKET

1. The Government is giving Jaiz Bank ownership of the market for 40 years.

THE TRUTH: The lease for 40 years is for those who will buy shops at the market. Jaiz Bank will not own a single shop. It will only build the market, sell its share of 60% shops and leave. The Government owns the market before during and after the construction.

2. Governor Lalong wants to mortgage the heritage of Plateau people.

THE TRUTH: Rebuilding the Jos Main Market is in no way mortgaging the future of Plateau State or removing ownership from the State. The Government is the eternal owner now and after the construction. Remember that the same Governor Lalong acquired the BARC Farms which was sold by previous administration. He is not known for selling the heritage of Plateau.

3. The sharing formula of 60-40 of the shops with State (40%) and Jaiz (60%) is unfair to Plateau State.

TRUTH: The Plateau State Government is not spending one kobo in rebuilding the market. Jaiz will fund the entire project. Considering the high cost of materials and inflation, funding the project may experience varying prices of goods. The 60-40 ratio has been assessed by business experts and relevant government technocrats as a fair deal for both parties.

4. The State Government does not have power to enter into agreement for rebuilding the Jos Main Market because markets are the responsibility of Local Governments according to 1999 Constitution.

TRUTH: The Jos Main Market has never been under the Local Government Authority. Jos Main Market Authority which managed the burnt market is a State Government parastatal under the Ministry of Commerce. There is nothing that stops State Government carrying out market projects especially capital intensive ones. This lie is dead on arrival as no local Government has ever made claim on the market.

5. The law establishing Jos Main Market Authority does not give the State Government right to enter into MOU with Jaiz.

TRUTH: This is turning logic on its head. The State Government established the JMMA to manage the market after it constructed it. Its responsibility is to manage it. As at this moment, the Authority is comatose because of the lack of a market to manage. In any case, if it had the powers above the State Government to enter into MOUs, what has it been waiting for?

6. The Government chose Jaiz Bank give the shops to Muslims only. Plateau people will be schemed out.

TRUTH: The shops will be sold to all willing persons who apply both Christians and Muslims and other religions. Both the Government and Jaiz will sell their allocations to willing off takers irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliations. In fact, all Nigerians and foreigners are welcome to invest. This is business. The more the merrier. However, the Government will monitor to ensure that the citizens of the State are given priority while no one will be allowed to use religion in selling the shops.

7. Who is the contractor for the project and what is the interest of the Government in BUNYAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Ltd?

TRUTH: The Plateau State Government has no interest in the construction company apart from ensuring proper supervision for the quality, specification and timely delivery of the project. Since the cost of the project has been assessed by experts, the funding entity Jaiz Bank is the one to interface with the contractor.

8. The Government excluded other willing investors in favour of Jaiz Bank for the reconstruction of the market.

TRUTH: For many years the Government has been looking for investors to rebuild the market. Several companies came with proposals and presentations but after scrutiny, they backed out simply because they did not have the funds or wanted Bank Guarantee from the State. Others wanted the Government to give them counterpart funds and also buy off all the shops. For others, they wanted control of the market for as long as it takes to recover their money. Jaiz Bank which came later offered a better deal. No one was excluded.

9. Governor Lalong is rushing to sign the MOU at the twilight of his administration which is suspicious.

TRUTH: The tenure of Governor Lalong ends on May 29th 2023. Up till his last day in office, he will carry out business of governance according to the law. Besides, Government is a continuum. Those who take over from him can finish where he stops or stop the project entirely of they wish. After all, he completed many inherited projects from the Jang PDP administration and many others.

10. It is better to leave the market as it is than allow an Islamic Bank to reconstruct it.

TRUTH: The market has been down for 21 years without yielding a dime for the State Government or its citizens. Keeping it at its decomposing state will only deprive the State needed revenue which it needs to address its financial needs. Remember that the market accounted for up to 40% revenue of the State when it was operational. Is there a better time Plateau needs a better cash cow than now when the Federal allocation has dwindled?Besides, the market belongs to the Government before, during and after the construction.

Comrade Iliya Mark, JP
Chairman

Tina Dabak
Secretary

For: RESCUE MONITORING TEAM

PLATEAU, KEBBI, JIGAWA GOVERNORS & PROMINENT NIGERIANS ATTEND THE FUNERAL OF COURT OF APPEAL’S SON

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong, Governors of Niger, Kebbi, Jigawa as well as the Representative of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria were among many sympathisers who attended the funeral of late Prince Paeke Shapnaan Dongban, son of the President, Court of Appeal Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem who died at the age of 38.

The funeral service which took place at the St. Peters Claver Catholic Church Demshin, Shendam LGA Plateau State was a sober moment as the friends, associates and family of the deceased payed their last respects to the late Paeke Shapnaan who was described as a kind, jovial, loving and helpful personality.

Speaking at the funeral service, Governor Simon Lalong said the death of Prince Shapnaan is a painful experience for not only the immediate family, but the entire State as he was one of the young professionals that the State groomed for national service.

He commiserated with the parents of the deceased HRH Miskoom David Isa Dongban, the Long Dorok of Dorok Chiefdom and Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem whom he said have had to bear another tragic death of a son having experienced similar loss some years ago.

He urged them to accept the demise of their son as the will of God and take comfort in the time they shared together as well as his contributions to the family, Plateau State and Nigeria during his years on earth.

Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu who represented the Nigerian Governors Forum said the Forum is saddened by the death of the young Prince and commiserates with them at the moment of grief and pain.

Representative of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria Hon. Justice A.A. Sankey said the entire Nigerian Judiciary shares in this moment of pain for the Dongban family and in particular Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem over the loss of their son.

The Long Gamai HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas II who represented the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers said the Council was devastated by the loss of a Prince Paeke Shapnaan of the Dorok Chiefdom who has been called to glory. He condoled their colleague, the Long Dorok and his entire family, assuring him of their support and prayers.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Miapkwap death is inevitable and as such the demise of Prince Shapnaan should not be seen as unusual despite his young age since it has been ordained for all to die one day.

He reminded the people to always consider death in their activities as no one knows the day or hour he will die just like Shapnaan who has gone to be with his maker.

He also consoled the family of the deceased asking them to continue to put their trust in God who is the maker of all humanity and has called home Shapnaan to a better place of rest and comfort where there is no pain and sorrow.

Representative of the Catholic Bishop of Shendam Most Rev. Philip Davou Dung said the demise of Paeke is painful but as believers in Jesus Christ, there should be total submission to the will of God.

He said the church will continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Prince Shapnaan as well as comfort for his family.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th July 2022.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

In an effort to reposition the Nigerian Army (NA) for operational efficiency and proficiency, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has approved the posting and appointment of some senior officers of the Nigerian Army to command, instructional and staff appointments across NA formations and units.

Those affected in the redeployment released on Thursday 28 July 2022, include some Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding, Corps Commanders, Commandants of training institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, amongst others.

Some of the senior officers appointed as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) are Major General UT Musa from Headquarters 81 Division to Headquarters 82 Division and appointed GOC, Major General TA Lagbaja from Headquarters 82 Division to Headquarters 1 Division and appointed GOC, Major General OC Ajunwa from Nigeria Defence Section Brasilia to HQ 81 Division and appointed GOC , while Major General AS Chinade was redeployed from Depot Nigerian Army to Headquarters 2 Division and appointed GOC.

The newly appointed Army Headquarters Principal Staff Officers include, Maj Gen OW Ali, from Headquarters Command Army Records to Army Headquarters Department of Army Administration and appointed Chief of Administration (Army) Maj Gen S Muhammed, from Defence Headquarters to Department of Army Standards and Evaluation and appointed Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation (Army), Major General JA Ataguba from Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to Defence Headquarters and appointed, Director Peace Keeping Operations, Major General AA Adesope from Headquarters Nigerian Army Finance Corps to Defence Headquarters and appointed Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget, Major General US Mohammed from Army Headquarters Department of Administration to Nigerian Army Resource Centre and appointment Senior Research Fellow.

Other senior officers affected in the redeployment are Major General PB Fakrogha, from Defence Headquarters Garrison to Defence Space Agency and appointed Director Policy Plans and Research, Major General MO Enendu, from Nigerian Army College of Logistics to Defence Headquarters and appointed Director Psychological Warfare, Major General AE Attu from Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Training and Operations to Defence Headquarters Garrison and appointed Commander, Major General BE Onyeuko from Defence Headquarters Directorate of Defence Media Operations to Defence Headquarters Department of Logistics and appointed Director Procurement

The newly appointed Corps Commanders are, Major General AM Alabi, from Nigerian Army Ordnance School to Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps and appointed Corps Commander Ordnance, Major General A Mohammed, from Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited and to Headquarters Nigerian Army Electrical Mechanical Engineers and appointed Corps Commander Electrical Mechanical Engineers, Major General E Akerejola from Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Transport and appointed Commander Corps of Supply and Transport, Major General AA Fayemiwo from Nigerian Army Welfare Holdings Limited by Guarantee to Headquarters Finance Corps and appointed Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army).

Senior officers newly appointed as Commandants of Nigerian Army Training Institutions are Major General PI Eze, from Defence Headquarters Department of Procurement to Nigerian Army Ordinance School and appointed Commandant, Major General AA Adeyinka from Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics to Nigerian Army College of Logistics and appointed Commandants, Major General PP Malla from Army Headquarters Department of Army Administration to Depot Nigerian Army and appointed Commandant as well as Brigadier General UT Otaru from Defence Headquarters to Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport and appointed Acting Commandant.

The newly appointed Brigade Commanders are, Brigadier General DH Ndahi, from Nigerian Army Resource Centre to Headquarters 4 Brigade and appointed Commander, Brig Gen FS Etim from Amphibious Training School to Headquarters 6 Brigade and appointed Commander, Brigadier General EA Orakwe from Headquarters 6 Division to Headquarters 19 Brigade and appointed Commander, Brigadier General JO Are from Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to Headquarters 3 Brigade and appointed Commander, amongst others.

The Chief of Army Staff has directed all the newly appointed senior officers to redouble their effort and commitment to duty in tackling the security challenges bedeviling the nation, as they assume their new appointments.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
29 July 2022

By Prince Sekat,Jos.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

JOS MAIN MARKET: PLATEAU STATE IS NOT CEDING MARKET TO JAIZ BANK, GOVERNMENT ALLAYS FEARS OF CITIZENS.

BACKGROUND:

It is common knowledge that the Jos Main Market is one of the iconic landmarks of Plateau State and a source of pride to the citizens who hold it dear to their hearts. The destruction of the market in 2002 has therefore remained one of the most tragic incidents to ever befall the State which caused unquantifiable economic loses, emotional trauma and denied the State tourist and business opportunities which prevailed before its destruction.

During the campaign for the Governorship of Plateau State in 2015, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong (then candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC) promised to rebuild the market if elected. Those who watched the gubernatorial election debate would recall that whereas Lalong promised to rebuild the market, his major opponent said otherwise. At the end of the day, the electorate made their choice based upon this promise and many others that the APC candidate offered.

Therefore, upon coming into office in 2015, the Governor began the process of rebuilding the Jos Main Market as one of his key priorities. His Rescue Administration contacted major financial institutions and investors within and outside the country for the project. Many came with huge enthusiasm and promises which appeared promising and prompted the Government to demolish the existing parts of the structure on May 17 2019 in preparation for the reconstruction. It is important to note that at this point that a lot of politically motivated propaganda had started being circulated against the efforts of the Governor where it was alleged that billions were spent to demolish the structure. This was false.

Nevertheless, the Government was not deterred and continued detailed discussions with the investors that indicated interest in rebuilding the market. These discussions got deeper but became stuck upon requests from the intending investors and financial institutions which in summary required that Plateau State:

a.    Gives them a Bank Guarantee

b.   Letter of Comfort to own and manage the market for as long as it takes them to recoup their investment

c.    Guarantee to off-take 70% of the shops (in other words buy them)

d.   Bring 20% of the cost of reconstruction aside the land being its equity etc.

These negotiations which involved many experts and key Government officials continued and the offers did not favour the State but put it at a disadvantage. Moreover, the Government was not in a position to give Bank Guarantee of almost 20 billion naira that some investors submitted. It could not also pledge to off-take the shops when built instead of buyers doing so. Many would remember that the Government was committed to settling backlog of inherited salaries from the previous PDP administration and ensuring paying regularly; completing abandoned projects inherited from the PDP; working to improve IGR among others which meant it could not guarantee such demands made by the prospective investors. The Governor further met with foreign and local investors who did not also provide any better deal for the State in the rebuilding of the Jos Main Market. Looking at other commitments of the Government already tied to its monthly income, it was not possible to enter into another funding that will be a huge burden for the State and nearly impossible to handle.

THE JAIZ BANK OFFER:

Despite the setbacks, Governor Lalong kept hope alive and promised to do his best to fulfill his promise to the people of Plateau State who gave him their mandate in 2015 and 2019. This determination yielded positive results when the Governor upon learning of other huge market projects in various Northern, Eastern and South South States funded by Jaiz Bank Plc, decided to engage them on the idea of rebuilding the burnt Jos Main Market. Talks started in 2021 between the State Government and Jaiz Bank. Series of deliberations were held which brought up the following offer by the investing bank.

1.   The Bank will finance the reconstruction of the market 100% with the Plateau State Government not required to pay a kobo.

2.   The Land (over 7.4 hectares) is the equity of the Plateau State Government which it is contributing to the project.

3.   The project will be done in three phases yielding a total of 4,321 shops which will be shared in the ratio of 60% (Jaiz Bank) 40% (Plateau Government).

4.   The 60-40% ratio is for the purpose of leasing out the shops only. The entire market still belongs to the Plateau State Government.

5.   Those who lease the shops from either Plateau State Government or Jaiz bank will own it for a period of 40 years after which ownership returns to the Government. At this point, new investors can purchase from the State Government or the existing buyers renew their leases.

6.   As soon as Jaiz Bank finishes selling its 60%, it will cease to have any interest in the market as those holding the lease will deal only with the Plateau State Government through the management of the Market (Jos Main Market Authority) and the Ministry of Commerce which is a parastatal of the Government.

7.   The entire shops will be sold to interested buyers without prejudice to faith, ethnicity or political affiliations. It is open for the public to invest in.

8.   The first phase will be delivered and commissioned before the end of the tenure of Governor Lalong.

Having gone through the offer by Jaiz Bank, the State Executive Council further subjected the proposal to extensive deliberations and scrutiny and came to the conclusion that the deal was good for the State and the investor, hence its approval. Besides, the Government carried out its due diligence to study the track record of Jaiz Bank in delivering such projects. It found that the bank in partnership with Kano State government and private investors, is constructing a multi-million world-class drug-only wholesale market, the first of its type in Nigeria, at the Kano Economic City. In a similar arrangement, the bank in partnership with the Niger State Government, is developing three hectares in the Minna City Centre to provide for a shopping complex, modern underground parks, modern filling station, warehouses,  corner shops,  restaurants and a recreational centre. It is also doing so in Kaduna and Enugu States among others.  Based on above examples of performance profile and experience the Plateau State Government is optimistic of the bank’s capacity to handle the Jos market project and deliver.

Therefore, the Government has also engaged the leadership of the Plateau State House of Assembly and its relevant Committees on the benefits of the project to the State.

SENSITIZATION AND AWARENESS:

Thereafter, the State EXCO mandated its relevant MDAs to carry out sensitization and awareness by engaging various stakeholders ahead of the signing of the MOU for Rebuilding the Jos Main Market. The Governor also personally engaged top religious, traditional, elders and other leaders of thought on the project knowing fully the passion that they have on the market which is a great heritage of the State. As part of the engagement and sensitization, the Hon. Commissioners for Commerce, Information and Communication and other Government officials met with stakeholders representing various groups in the State to breakdown the content of the proposed MOU between Plateau State Government and Jaiz Bank. This was successfully done with questions being raised by those in attendance and answers provided.

Regrettably, the outcome of this engagement has been twisted, politicised and reported under the caption “Governor Lalong cedes Jos Main Market to Islamic Bank”. This has unnecessarily invoked passions and emotions portraying a false narrative that the State was parting with its cherished heritage to an “Islamic Bank”. While the Government respects the rights of its citizens to raise questions on every decision and make their observations and displeasure known, the Rescue Administration wishes to allay the fears being raised as the deal will not work against the State. Rather, it is an opportunity to once again raise the sleeping giant heritage of the famous Jos Main Market which has not added any value to the Government and its people since it was burnt down 21 years ago.
Government assures the citizens of Plateau State that sensitization and enlightenment will continue before, during and after the reconstruction in order to address genuine concerns which require answers and clarifications.

BENEFITS OF THE DEAL TO PLATEAU STATE AND ITS CITIZENS

While Jaiz Bank hopes to make profit from the partnership for its shareholders, the Government and people of Plateau State also stands to gain a lot from the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market. Here are some expected benefits for the State and its citizens.

1.   The State will generate more revenue from the operations of the market and be able to carry out other projects and programmes for the good of the people.

2.   The moribund Jos Main Market Authority (JMMA) will be brought back to life as it is saddled with the responsibility of managing the market.

3.   All willing and able Plateau citizens will be given an opportunity to buy and own shops in the market either from the State Government (40%) or Jaiz Bank (60%).

4. Priority will be given to those who lost shops in the burnt market to in the sales of the new shops.

5. Government will monitor the sale of the market to ensure that no individuals or groups are given unfair treatment over others in the sale of the market on basis of faith, ethnicity, political affiliation or other considerations. There will be equity, fairness and justice to all.

6.   Property around the Jos Main Market area will appreciate in value

7.   More jobs will be created during and after the construction.

8.   More people will visit Plateau State for trading activities and tourism thereby generating more economic activities and revenue.

9.   The market will further promote the efforts of the Rescue Administration in restoring the peace and harmony of the past since the market embraces people with different faiths, ethnicity and origins.

10.   The success of this partnership will boost the confidence of other investors to come into the State and establish their presence and partner with the Government in other projects and programmes.

CONCLUSION:

From the foregoing, it is very clear that the intentions of the Plateau State Government is pure and well thought out as they are for the benefit of the State and its citizens. The terms of the MOU between the Government and Jaiz Bank are clear and be be scrutinised and can be verified. The Rescue Administration under the leadership of Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong will never do anything to mortgage the heritage, rights and privileges of its people. On the contrary, the Lalong administration is buying back sold assets such as the BARC Farms which has been acquired. In the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market, Government has weighed all the options and found that this deal is the most favourable considering the lack of funds for the Government to carry out direct intervention or take a loan with astronomical interest rates. Leaving the market at its current state does not do anyone good because it is not generating anything for the State and its citizens. Rather, the land remains wasted and a hideout for criminals.

The Government wishes to assure the citizens that everything is being done to ensure that interested Plateau people benefit from the shops and also participate in the economic activities that will come up once the market is delivered.

Therefore, the Government appeals to all citizens to carefully peruse the project and avoid being deceived by politicians who are bent on ensuring that the market is not reconstructed so as to score cheap political point against Governor Lalong and the APC particularly at the eve of the general elections.

Bottom line is that Jos Main Market is the property of Plateau State and shall remain so for ever. However, it makes no economic sense for the property to remain at its current state of decomposition when it can be revived and put to use in a win- win situation for the benefit of the citizens. If any citizen has a better and genuine offer for the reconstruction of the market than the one on the table right now, the Lalong Government is a listening one and would pay attention. As at today, there has not been such offer. What is needed is the unity of purpose and the will to make this project a reality for posterity and the good of the people of Plateau State. Not everything needs to be politicised.

There is no need for anxiety, sentiments, misgivings, misconceptions and misrepresentation which is being pushed out by political forces that has resulted in name-calling, insults and hatred of both Government and individuals in the social media and otherwise. As a matter of fact as Government is aware of planned demonstrations being sponsored by the opposition against this noble gesture initiative between Plateau State Government and Jaiz Bank.

Let us always THINK and ACT Plateau.    

Hon. Dan Manjang, anipr
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Plateau State.
28th July 2022.

CHIEF JUDGE PLATEAU STATE COMMEND TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN

The Chief Judge Plateau State, Honourable Justice David G Mann has today 28 July 2022 showered encomium on troops of Operation SAFE for their efforts in ensuring peace flourish on the plateau. The Chief Judge made the commendation when the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali paid a courtesy visit to his office at High Court of Justice Complex, Aliyu Makama Street, Jos.

Justice Mann noted the continues peace enjoyed recently on the Plateau was as a result of the concerted efforts of the troops deployed on Operation SAFE HAVEN under the command of a hardworking leader. He said individuals, groups and organisations have felt the positive impact of the strategies employed recently by the Commander to consolidate on the peaceful coexistence on the Plateau.

The Chief Judge further noted the significance of synergy among officials involved in the Criminal Justice System. He said all must work together towards achieving a peaceful and united society devoid of criminalities.

Earlier in his remarks, the GOC 3 Div and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, noted the significance of stiffer punishment to deter criminal minded persons from breaking the law. He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation SAFE HAVEN to the rule of law and professional discharge of its responsibilities devoid of any sentiment.

The GOC/ Commander also condoled with Judiciary and the family of the President Customary Court of Nigeria Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem over the unfortunate denise of her son.

Highlight of the visit was Prayers offered for peace and unity on the Plateau and a 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
28 July 2022

By Prince Sekat, Jos

APC PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER,
KALWA HOUSE,
YAKUBU GOWON WAY,
JOS.

DR NENTAWE YILWATDA REMAINS APC’S
BONA FIDE GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE.

The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State has read and watched with keen interest all the hullabaloo about its gubernatorial candidate, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe who without mincing words remains the party’s credible candidate of the 2023 general elections.
The claims and counter claims about his candidature are distraction which the party seriously frowns at.
Some of the claims and comments against his candidature are products of absurdity while others are mischievous and diversionary.
Before now, the issue had been the laughable claim that the gubernatorial candidate had not been issued a certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. This is base ignorance as INEC issues certificate of return only to candidates who have won an election conducted by it.
Perhaps based on the morbid fear of the APC gubernatorial candidate by the opposition parties based on his intimidating credentials, which have given them sleepless night, they have conceded defeat ahead the 2023 gubernatorial election.
The most ridiculous issue which is trending in the media is the one by some pseudo forces and fifth columnists led by the trio of Jacob Gyang, Elder Victor Useni and Musa Ardo who call themselves Progressive Foundation Movement (PFM).
Our checks reveal that these characters are strange and unknown to any available records of our party.
We therefore challenge them to unmask their true identity by publishing their membership details i.e. ward of registration and registration numbers.
The fictitious group which is being used by some forces who are desperately seeking for acceptance by one the opposition parties in the state want to cause confusion and inflict some damage to the party before they leave.
The APC is fully aware of the nocturnal meetings being held whose outcome is this vain attacks and attention seeking.
Exactly two months after the primary election which Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe emerged as the undisputable winner of the primary election after beating three other aspirants out of the eight aspirants who bought the party’s form but which four withdrew before the contest, these so- called stakeholders are asking the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee of the party to substitute the gubernatorial candidate.
If we may ask, substitute him for what reason(s) and with who?
They claimed that the gubernatorial candidate did not meet the guidelines for membership of the party and was not duly elected at the gubernatorial primary election duly conducted by electoral committee from the National Secretariat of the Party.
The self-styled Progressive Foundation Movement claimed Dr Yilwatda is not a duly registered member of the party as he joined the APC on 6th January, 2022 after resigning as INEC Commissioner in charge of Benue state in December 2021 and had not been granted waiver before the contest.
These claims are as spurious as they are totally based on ignorance of the party’s new guidelines and the amended constitution.
Asking the National Working Committee of the party which is the implementing organ of NEC to replace the APC gubernatorial candidate is invariably telling it to reverse itself for no cogent reason.
Dr Nentawe Yilwatda duly met all the set conditions and provisions of the guidelines and constitution of the APC before contesting the primary election on June 5th, 2022.
Article 9.1 of the amended constitution which deals with eligibility/registration states; Membership of the party shall be open to any citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has attained the age of 18 years and who accepts the aims and objectives of the party, and is willing to abide by the provisions of the constitution, provided such a person is not a member of any other political party, a condition which the candidate is more than qualified.
Sub section ii. of the same Article states; Application for membership shall be made to and cleared by the Ward Executive Committee of the party in the ward of the Local Government Area where the person was born,resides, works or originates. On-line registration shall also be acceptable provided it is acceptable by the National Working Committee.
The candidate more than passed this process like any other aspirant before he could qualify to contest as the party has many checks from the state to the national levels so as not to stand the risk of disqualification of its candidates.
On the issue of resigning as INEC Commissioner in December 2021, clear six months before the primary election, he needed only 30 days required for an employee of the public service preceding the date of electionas as provided in section E. of the APC guidelines for the nomination of candidates for the 2023 General Elections.
The candidate is of sound mind, has never been convicted for any offence nor adjudged to be bankrupt or a member of a secret cult which are issues that would disqualify an aspirant from contesting an election.
He was duly sponsored and screened by the party’s appropriate organs before contesting.
On the allegation that the delegate list was concocted in Jos and not in the 207 wards of the state,this allegation cannot stand any integrity test.
All congresses of the party to elect five delegates for the State House of Assembly, Gubernatorial and National Assembly primary elections took place in all the 207 federal wards of Plateau state supervised by officials from the national secretariat of the party and witnessed by INEC and security agencies as provided in the party’s guidelines.
If not the height of mischief and the desperate attempts to demarket our gubernatorial candidate who is the candidate to beat in the 2023 general elections, why the selection of only delegates for the gubernatorial primary to vent their adrenalin?
What Plateau State needs in 2023 is the best and that best is found in the combination of the youthful and most capable duo of Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe and his running mate, Honourable Pam Bot Mang.
No amount of blackmail, subterfuge or denigration would stop this winning team.
No doubt, the party has its challenges like in other states which are normal fallout of any contest, moreso in fierce contest at gubernatorial levels where aspirants put in their energy and resources.
Those who lost at the primary election are definitely aggrieved but this must not lead to throwing away the baby with the bath water.
The party in the state is not sleeping over these fallouts. It has begun the process of reconciliation across board as the primary elections remain a family contest.
Moreover there is only one position for each seat contested for. The party does not believe in a winner and loser syndrome in a win win situation.
There are different ways the aggrieved aspirants would be accommodated as losing election do not mean the an end to the loser.
Those who are ambivalent or double- minded should reconsider their stand whether to move to another party at this point to add to their number and remain irrelevant as we have seen in the case of those who made such grievous mistakes in the past.
The accusation of the Governor Simon Lalong who is the leader of the party but who himself like his colleagues in other states was not a delegate at the gubernatorial primary election need to cease in order to allow the party concentrate on the elections ahead.
There is the need to demonstrate sportsmanship and without necessarily sermonising, God gives power to who he desires and no one’s destiny can be stopped by a mortal that we all are.

Signed:
Hon. Sylvanus Namang,
APC State Publicity Secretary

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has raised the alarm over a planned attack on the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s (retd.) state, Katsina, as well as Lagos, Federal Capital Territory, among others.

The NSCDC stated that Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province terrorists, from the intelligence it gathered, have mobilised their fighters and had equipped themselves with dangerous weapons like Anti-aircraft guns, general purpose machine guns, among others, in preparation for the attack on the state which the president of the country hails from.

These were contained in a leaked report addressed to all commands dated July 25 and sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday.

The report titled, “Re: Heightened plots by terrorists to stage coordinated attacks in parts of the country” was signed by the Deputy Commandant General Controller in charge of Operations, DD Mungadi.

It read, “We have received credible intelligence that Boko-Haram and the ISWAP terrorist groups have mobilised fighters and high calibre weapons particularly Rocket-propelled Grenade launchers, Anti-Aircraft guns, and General Purpose Machine Guns which they intend to deploy for the offensive in Katsina State.”

The report also hinted at other attacks by bandits groups in Lagos, Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, and Zamfara states.


It added that the Commandant General had directed the state Commandants to put up measures to avert the attacks.

“In another development, two separate bandits groups are plotting coordinated attacks on North-West, North Central and South West (Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi, FCT and Lagos respectively).

“Consequently, the Commandant General has directed you to scale up deployment in all strategic places including Schools, Worship Centres, and Critical National Assets in your respective states, to checkmate any possible threats by these criminal elements. Please treat as urgent,” the report added.

When contacted for reactions, the spokesperson of the NSDC, Shola Odumosu, promised to get back to our correspondent but he was yet to do so at the time of filing this report.

The PUNCH reports that the president’s state has not been spared by the bloodthirsty terrorists who have attacked the state. Recently, his advanced team was attacked, and two policemen were killed.

Nigerian Army Captain, 13 Soldiers have been Kidnapped By Terrorists In Abuja. A Captain of the Nigerian Army and 13 other soldiers who responded to a distress call were reportedly kidnapped by terrorists who attempted to attack the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The Nigerian Army has sent a search party in search of the Captain, who served as the 13 soldiers’ commanding officer, ABUJAPRESS r learned on Tuesday

On Monday, ABUJAPRESS had reported that the Elite Guards Brigade had stopped terrorists from attacking the Nigerian Law School in Bwari.

According to a military signal that SaharaReporters was able to obtain, the gunmen ambushed the soldiers who were conducting a routine patrol of the area on Sunday.

The soldiers were reported to have defeated the terrorists.

On Tuesday morning, a military source said that the Commanding Officer, Captain Samuel, and 13 other soldiers were still missing after the operation and that a search party had been organised for them.

He said, “Thirteen soldiers are missing after responding to a distress call about the kidnapping of some locals by suspected Ansanru terrorist group last Sunday. They were with their Commanding Officer, Capt. Samuel, who manned the military checkpoint at Bwari, Abuja.

“Earlier on Friday, the terrorists abducted numerous residents of the Zuma neighbourhood near Veritas University, a Catholic university in Bwari, and demanded N500,000 in ransom from each of their victims. The issue began when a local vigilante who was later killed yesterday by the terrorist group informed the soldiers of this development.

“The military responded quickly, but their response proved fatal as we saw many soldiers being evacuated from the scene of the attack with bullet wounds, and heavy movement of military equipment like MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) Armoured Tanks and the military response team around Bwari for the past three days for a suspected cleanup operation.”

The source continued, “As of the time of this report, the military is still actively looking for the Captain and his 13 additional soldiers in the rugged terrain of Bwari; they have not discovered either them or their dead bodies.

“Some top military officers persuaded the heavily pregnant wife of the military officer, Capt. Samuel, that her husband was on a special duty and he is safe when she checked on him yesterday because she couldn’t reach him on the phone.

“It is important to note that Bwari suburb had witnessed large movements of over hundreds of people last year who were thought to be Fulani herdsmen on more than 300 motorbikes a day. Alarm was raised, but the authority said there was no reason to fear because those people were on a legitimate movement. Kidnappings, murders, and other violent crimes have reached an all-time high in Bwari and its surroundings since last year. Pray for Bwari! Pray for the soldiers who are missing!

Source; Abuja Press

*COAS VISITS OPERATION HADIN KAI… CONDUCTS ASSESSMENT, COMMISSIONS SERIES OF PROJECTS*

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has concluded a two-day operational assessment visit to Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Maiduguri, where he conducted evaluation of operational strategies and troops’ proficiency in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East theater.

The COAS, who was briefed on arrival by the Theatre Commander, Maj Gen Christopher Musa on the ongoing simultaneous Operations (Op DESERT SANITY and Op LAKE SANITY), noted that it was crucial to regularly review troops’ counter terrorism efforts in order to sustain the operational gains so far made and reinvigorate the operations.

During the visit, Gen Yahaya commissioned newly constructed block of 36 flats, to mitigate the challenge of acute accommodation shortage experienced by soldiers in Maimalari Barracks. He also commissioned newly built 7 Division Garrison Regimental Sergeant Major’s residence and later embarked on an inspection of Women and Child Care Centre under construction at the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, as well as the Theatre Command Training School. An ultra modern Operations briefing and conference Hall was equally inaugurated by the COAS. While commissioning the projects, the Army Chief emphasised, that the Nigerian Army under his leadership will continue to place high premium on the welfare of troops and the provision of necessary logistics to effectively deal with security challenges.

The COAS and his team later witnessed a Fire Power Demonstration at the 7 Division shooting Range, to test fire some newly acquired platforms, as well as those refurbished within the theatre.

In his remarks during the briefing, the Theatre Commander expressed appreciation to the COAS for his
commitment to delivering on his pledge to ensure troops are provided with requisite combat equipment and logistics to effectively conduct their operations. He averred that the COAS’ visit to the North East theatre is a morale booster to the troops and assured that they will continue to give their best as they strive to bring an end to insurgency in the North East.

The COAS was accompanied during the visit by the Chief of Logistics Maj Gen Omotomilola Akintade, the Chief of Operations Maj Gen Olufemi Akinjobi, Chief of Accounts and Budget Maj Gen Adekunle Adesope, the Provost Marshal (Army), Maj Gen Robert Aiyenigba and the Chief of Military Intelligence Maj Gen Ibrahim Salisu.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
25 July 2022

NORTHERN GOVERNORS COMMISERATE WITH PRESIDENT, COURT OF APPEAL OVER SON’S DEATH

The Northern Governors Forum has commissetared with the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem over the death of her son Prince Paeke Shapnaan Dongban who died on Saturday 22nd July 2022.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement on behalf of his colleagues described as very sad the death of Prince Shapnaan who was 38 years before his sudden death.

He said the Northern Governors received the news with shock and are devastated by the loss of a vibrant youth who has been working hard to prepare himself towards national service in his chosen career.

Lalong while sharing in the grief of the Appeal Court President Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said the Forum stands with her at this difficult moment where she is passing through the pains of loosing another son.

He urged her to accept the demise of her son as the will of God and remain faithful to him to comfort her and heal her pains of such tragic loss of a loved one.

The Governor prayed God to forgive the sins of the deceased and grant him eternal rest while comforting the entire family.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
25th July 2022.