ARMY TROOPS INTERCEPT EXPLOSIVES AMMUNITION IN CROSS RIVER
Troops of 13 Brigade operating under command of 82 Division, Nigerian Army on Tuesday 21 June 2022, intercepted a Toyota Camry car with registration number JAL 492 AA, ladened with assorted munition while enroute Utanga village towards Obudu Mountains in Cross River State.
Troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Amana attempted to stop the vehicle at their checkpoint but the driver evaded the checking and zoomed off. The drivers recalcitrance compelled the troops to open fire on the tyres of the vehicle, thereby immobilizing it.
A thorough search conducted on the vehicle revealed it was conveying 72 Improvised Explosive Device chargers, 121 Dynamite Liquid, 200 rounds of 7.62 mm (NATO) and 82 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition. Other items recovered in the intercepted vehicle are military uniforms and kits.
Members of the public are please urged to continue to support our troops with credible information that will lead to stemming the tide of insecurity across the country.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 22 June 2022
*CDS HOSTS SENEGALESE DEFENCE INSTITUTE PARTICIPANTS, SAYS AFN OPERATIONS GUIDED BY EXTANT LAWS*
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor has reaffirmed that the operations and activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have been guided by extant laws, rules of engagements and standard operating procedures.
The CDS made this known today Tuesday 21 June 2022 during the visit of the participants of Promotion Staff Course 4 of the Institute of Defence, Senegal to Defence Headquarters, (DHQ) Abuja who are on a study tour to Nigeria.
The CDS who was represented by the Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation, Rear Admiral Adeseye Ayobanjo, said the Nigerian Military was created through appropriate constitutional provisions, as such its operations and activities were guided by extant laws as well as regional and global regulations.
Gen Irabor further explained that the AFN as an instrument of the law, would continue to leverage on the same laws in conducting its operations towards securing the Nation’s territory as well as the lives and property of Nigerians and foreign nationals.
The Defence Chief commended the leadership of the Senegalese Defence Institute for visiting Nigeria.
He said beside boosting the existing bilateral and diplomatic relations, the visit would afford the two countries the opportunity to capitalized on their commonalities to further foster the defence collaborations between the armed forces of both countries, particularly in combating transnational security threats occasioned by global terrorism.
Gen Irabor showered encomium on both Nigeria and Senegalese militaries for their contributions towards peace support operations in Africa.
Earlier in his remarks, the Head of the Senegalese delegation, Colonel C Gueye, thanked the CDS for the warm reception.
Col Gueye who is also the Director, Institute of Defence, Senegal said the purpose of the visit was to enable the participants gain firsthand knowledge of the organization and roles of the AFN. According to him, the Institution’s mission is to build the capacity of staff officers in the areas of crisis management and maintenance of global peace.
The Senegalese delegation, which comprises three members of directing staff and 26 students are expected to visit other military establishments, institutions and formations during their stay in Nigeria.
You are kindly requested to use your medium to disseminate this information to the general public. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
JIMMY AKPOR
Major General
Director Defence Information 21 June 2022
*NA WILL CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITIZENS IN SECURING THE NATION – COAS ASSURES OTARU OF AUCHI*
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya has assured that the Nigerian Army(NA) will continue to strengthen its partnership with Nigerians in securing the nation. He gave the assurance when he paid homage to the Otaru of Auchi Sacred Kingdom, His Royal Highness(HRH), Alhaji Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III.
Expressing appreciation to the royal father for his support to the NA, General Yahaya stated that the NA will continue to leverage on partnership with critical stakeholders for the sustenance of peace and security.
While welcoming the COAS to his palace, Alhaji Aliru Momoh assured the COAS of the continuous support of his kingdom to the NA, in pursuit of its constitutional mandate. He prayed for divine guidance for the nation, the COAS and the NA in all its engagements.
While in Auchi, the COAS commissioned the newly constructed Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NASEME) Multipurpose Hall and the student officers’ hostel of the school. He later declared the maiden Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NAEME) Research and Development Seminar 2022 open. Gen Yahaya commended the Corps for the maintenance of NA equipment, despite challenges associated with sourcing of spares. He also extolled the ongoing efforts by the corps to locally produce Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher tubes, Anti-Aircraft guns, as well as fabrication of spare parts for the NA.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 21 June 2022
GOVERNOR LALONG MOURNS FORMER PLATEAU MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR COL. MUSA SHEHU
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described the demise of the late Military Administrator of Plateau and Rivers State Col. Musa Sheikh Shehu rtd as huge loss to the nation and his immediate family.
Governor Lalong who personally attended the funeral rites of the late Military Administrator at the Apo Cemetery in Abuja said the late Col. Shehu was a fine officer and gentleman who served the nation with dignity and honour.
He said as Military Administrator of Plateau State between 1998 and 1999, Col. Shehu demonstrated enermous passion for peace, justice and development by carrying all segments of the society along in governance.
Lalong acknowledged his efforts in implementing projects and programmes that impacted the lives of the people across the entire 17 Local Government Areas of the State.
The Governor also praised his contributions to the political development of the country and his efforts towards consolidating democracy where he served as the Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).
While commiserating with his family, Lalong urged them to accept his death as the will of God and continue to pray for the repose of his soul.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 19th June 2022.
Plateau 2023 – Group drums support for APC’s candidate Dr Nentawe Yilwatda
By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
Plateau Regeneration Group on Sunday called on the people of the State to support the All Progressives Congress APC gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming general elections Dr Nentawe Yilwatda ,because he would deliver dividends of democracy to the people of the state .
In a statement issued in Jos immediately after a meeting of the group , which was made available to newsmen by its spokesman Pam Datiri , they stressed that Nentawe would take the state to greater heights if elected .
In his words ,Plateau needs a honest person with focus like Nentawe Yilwatda .
“We are also confident that Nentawe who is an ICT expert would use technology to tackle the insecurity confronting Plateau state as well as boost the economy of the state ,he would also revamp the education ,health and tourism sector of the state if elected .”
The group further said it had monitored Dr Nentawe’s advocacy for good governance for close to a decade, emphasising that a man with such virtues had something in the offing, which was what the State needed for now.
“Nentawe Yilwatda remains the candidate to beat and is the best among those who are coming out to vie for the position at this moment.”
“The APC candidate Dr Nentawe is ready to make Plateau State a better home for us. He is a man who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the vital ones; He is a man that always wants the success of others.
According to the statement: “The Human and mineral resources of the state remained untapped for so long and that has created unemployment which eventually gave rise to criminality across the three Senatorial districts”,we are confident that Nentawe would revamp this sector and provide jobs for the people of the state .
Dr Nentawe Yilwatda understands the challenges facing Plateau State and is ready to confront those wired challenges using his wealth of experience .
The group also called on other APC aspirants to come together and work for the victory of the party in the forthcoming elections .
“We as a group are calling on Nentawe Yilwatda to reach out to other aspirants who contested the Primaries with him and ensure that they work for the party in the forthcoming elections .”
Why Yusuf Babayo Gagdi Remains The People’s Choice
Hon. Yusuf Babayo Adamu Gagdi, Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal House Of Assembly Abuja. An amazingly simple man guided by sound ethical principles. He has deep respect for people, processes, and rules.
With unblemished leadership qualities, clear vision on the right direction for the society and extraordinary courage to go against the status quo and make positive change possible.
The people of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam have witneseds unprecedented developmental strides since he took over the mantle of leadership of the Pkk. Pkk before now was run based on family business without any legal framework to be called a Constituency, until he came on board and restored the lost values of the Constituency.
This youthful and resourceful Rep Member within just three (3) years in office has recorded achievements in various sectors including security, health, agriculture, education, infrastructure development like roads and schools, amongst others across the 3 Local Goverment Area’s of the Plateau Central Zone.
Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi has positively touched almost all the Local Government in terms of Social Amenities.
Even in the holy book, God says we should reward good with good, Yusuf Babayo has done well, destiny choose him as one. Let’s shun sentiments and reelect Danmajen Jhar to consolidate on his first term achievement.
Taru Salim Dugub Writes from Dugub Pada Central Primary School Polling Unit, Dugub Federal Ward Of Kanam LGC.
UPDATE ON CONSTRUCTION OF BRITISH-AMERICAN FLYOVER AND DUALIZATION
Work continues steadily at the construction site of the British-American Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Roundabout Junction as the management and staff of the construction company Craneburg Construction Ltd, have shown uncommon determination to keep to the dateline of delivering the project.
Recall that some months ago, some of the staff raised concerns over welfare matters and threatened to down tools which led to immediate intervention of His Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong who directed the Commissioner for Works, Pam Bot-Mang to ensure that the matters are addressed.
Following that intervention, the workers put behind them the setback and continued work with commitment and vigour.
Today, the workers are full of joy that most of their concerns have been addressed and the project is going on as planned. Most of the pillars have been erected while the cross beams are being cast and will soon be ready for mounting.
The accompanying bridges have also attained significant progress.
Governor Simon Lalong who paid an unscheduled visit to the project site on 2nd June 2022, expressed delight on the progress so far and urged the contractors to sustain the level of work which he observed was done with high quality and at a good pace.
He was assured by the Commissioner for Works, Pam Bot-Mang and the site Engineer Mr. Dani that the project will be done according to plans and delivered on schedule, all things being equal.
Also, the relocation and reconnection of water pipes and power lines have substantially been completed and water and light are being gradually restored to affected communities.
Recently when the Governor inspected the Polo roundabout where a fuel tanker crashed and resulted in huge damage to property around the area, the Governor said the permanent solution to the incessant accidents along the Polo roundabout was the completion of the British-American Flyover which will provide alternative route for heavy duty trucks passing through the city.
We continue to appreciate and commend residents and motorists affected by the construction directly or indirectly, for their patience, support and understanding thus far as we continue to THINK PLATEAU and ACT PLATEAU!!
Engr Alex Plangnan Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Plateau State. 18th June 2022.
“PLATEAU DEBT PROFILE: REPORT ATTRIBUTED TO ME IS FAKE” – PLATEAU ACCOUNTANT GENERAL.
My attention has been drawn to a report making the rounds on social media purporting that I granted an interview wherein I allegedly said that Plateau State spends 1billion naira monthly to service loans incured by the administration of former Governor Jonah Jang.
The said report also claimed that I said that the former Governor left a debt of 222 billion naira.
Without giving this fake report any undue attention, it is imperative for me to refute this fake and concocted story, lest my silence is taken for consent.
I wish to state categorically that I never granted any interview to anyone (journalist or otherwise) on the said subject matter, talk more of being quoted verbatim.
Members of the public will notice that this fabrication is clearly the work of mischief makers as there is no name of the author, or the place, time, and occasion where I allegedly granted the said interview.
I therefore urge right thinking Members of society especially the people of Plateau State to ignore the said report which is fake, untrue and an imagination of those who aim to bring myself and the Government that I serve into needless controversy and disrepute.
I advise those behind this mischief to desist from engaging in this falsehood because it will do them no good.
Cyril Tsenyil, Ph.D Accountant General, Plateau State. 16th June 2022.
THE LEGISLATURE IS LIKE A FINE WINE, THE OLDER THE MEMBER, THE BETTER.
A case of Hon. Na’anlong Gapyil Daniel of Mikang Constituency of Plateau State.
16th June. 2022..
BY S.S-MANI-WAZIRI
As we approach election year, diverse political interest have started playing up. Most of these interests are hardly altruistic but self serving and pecuniary.
Many hold on to uncodified collective gentleman’s political arrangements such as zoning, sharing of political power among blocs, chapters and so on, to advance their personal political pursuit.
Such people deliberately scorn the importance of mastery, experience and knowledge garnered over the years as a member of the legislative institution or any other critical component of government.
They refused to acknowledge the fact that the purpose for whatever political arrangements agreed between blocs, chapters etc, is to encourage even spread of dividends of democracy, rather than just mere power shift of superfluous and inconsequential significance.
They are willing to sacrificed experts for rookies even when the blind can see the overwhelming spread of influence, empowerment, sectoral development and infrastructural growth across all blocs by the incumbent who has become a legislative expert owing to years of experience, Which is Hon. Na’anlong Gapyil Daniel of Mikang Constituency.
The situation becomes more worrisome when such political myopism is carried to a non tenured political position such as the legislature. It is a settled constitutional matter in Nigeria and most developed democracies, that a legislator may return to the hallow chamber as many times as he wins election.
Unlike the President, Governors and their Deputies, who are constitutionally limited only to two tenures.
Events have however shown, that constituents benefit more as the lawmaker returns to the House/Chamber many times as he solidifies, gains deep experiences, contacts, control and juicy House position that will enable him to be well positioned and empower his constituents/constituency.
And this brought me to say that The Legislature is like an old wine that taste better. The older a legislator becomes, the better for the constituents. And that’s the case of Hon. Na’anlong Gapyil Daniel Majority Leader, Plateau State House of Assembly & Member Representing Mikang State Constituency.
IMAGINE THE STATE OF LAGOS…
Why would anyone ever imagine why the elders of Agege constituency in Lagos State did a strong worded communique that their son, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the incumbent Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, should be returned. Such act is statementing, a true show of love by the elders for their people.
There are replete of examples where constituencies that returned their performing members achieved more legislatively. The litany of such list spread even across the shores of this country.
For instance, in United States of America, Nancy Pelosi, A Member of the Democratic Party, who is the representative of California has remained a parliamentarian since 1987. Through experience and proficiency, she is the incumbent Speaker of United States of America House of Representative.
Back home in our Nigerian State of Enugu Rt. Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi, Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly and member representing Enugu East Urban Constituency, has been in the House since 2011. He was the Speaker in the last dispensation. Having experienced the enormous benefit of having a Speaker, his constituents rallied round him to ensure he returned to the House, when returned, he was elected again as Speaker to continue the good work he started, all these are to the benefit of the people of Enugu East Urban.
The same story goes for Cross River State.
The incumbent Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rr. Hon Eteng Jonah William who represents Yakurr 2 constituency, is already serving his third term. It is on record that he used his position as a Speaker to empower his people so much that they request his re-election.
What about Ibrahim Ingobere of Brass constituency, Bayelsa State? Like his Cross River’s counterpart, he is serving his 3rd term and has been enforced by his constituency for another term. This is owing to his sterling performance.
I can go on and on too
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim, Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly has done well for his people and has been serving his constituency since 2007.
Abdullahi Bawa Wuse of Tafa constituency Niger State has been a lawmaker since 2007.He has the support of his constituents to also seek for re-election.
These are constituents who truly understand the true meaning of
The older of a legislator in the hallow chamber the better”
It is important to mention that even at the National Assembly, constituencies with focus at the bigger picture allow performing Senators and House of Representatives members from their constituencies to return and continue.
For example, Distinguish Senator, David Mark, represented Benue South between 1999 and 2019 (20years). He became the Senate President of 6th and 7th Assembly. Record has it that what he attracted for his people within the period he was Senate President far outnumbered cumulatively what he got for his constituency and indeed his state, Benue, in all his years as a mere senator.
Also, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila, a lawyer, who is representing Surulere Federal Constituency, Lagos State, came to the House in 2003. He became the Speaker of the 9th House, of House of Representatives after 19 year. Today, the people of Surulere and the entire Lagos State can attest to the difference between a House member and A Speaker.
The list are so long with even Sen. Ahmed Lawan came to the red chamber in 2007, in 2019 he became President of the Senate.
Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, has been the Senator representing Enugu West District since 2003 till date. He became Deputy Senate President of the 8th House. While a Deputy Senate President, his people knew they had principal officer in the N/A.
Hon. Nicholas Mutu, 1999-2023 representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State. He is foundly Called the Landlord of the House of Representatives since 1999. Eventually he occupied a juicy position with which he empowered thousands of his people. He became Chairman of House Committee on Niger Delta and which he recently won his primary election for yet another term in office which will serve him till 2027.
It is dangerous to hold on unconstitutional political arrangement such as zoning, to change the course of progress.
It is retrogressive and disastrous for upward bound people.
And coming back to our dear home Plateau State, the likes of Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan and Hon. Muhammad Nababa Abubakar {Balo} are also 4th and 3rd termer’s respectively, having been presented with 3 & 4 certificates of return by The Independent Electoral Commission {INEC}.
Why won’t Mikang Constituency get it right with Hon. Na’anlong Gapyil Daniel this time??
Better things awaits Us with Hon. Na’anlong Daniel in Mikang Comes 2023
MIKANG DESERVE HON. NA’ANLONG GAPYIL DANIEL TO REPRESENT THEM IN THE 10TH ASSEMBLY.
GOVERNOR LALONG GREETS ARCHITECT JOHN ALKALI AT 70
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has extended warm greetings to former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Architect John Alkali on his 70th birthday.
Governor Lalong while celebrating the former Permanent Secretary described him as a thorough bred professional who distinguished himself in his career and rose to the pinnacle of the civil service.
He said Architect Alkali contributed a lot to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria at various times when he held positions of responsibility in the areas of public building, town planning and city management where he brought in innovations and ideas and worked with other stakeholders to actualize government initiatives.
Lalong also highlighted the contributions of Alkali to the growth of democracy particularly through his active participation at various times when he contested elections and assisted in building party structures.
While wishing him more years of God’s blessings, good health and divine protection, the Governor urged him to continue to be patriotic and selfless as he mentors the younger generation.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 15th June 2022
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