Plateau North Serving Senator ID Gyang has lost his Peoples Democratic Party PDP primary elections and may not be returning as Senator for the 10th Assembly.
Senator ID Gyang was unseated in what was a keenly contested Primary Elections by Two-term member House of Representatives representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency at National Assembly, Honorable Simon Mwadkwon PhD
The Upset in Plateau North PDP Senate Primary Elections as Honorable Simon Mwadkwon unseats Serving Senator, ID Gyang.
The Results had Sen. ID Gyang scoring 99 votes while Hon. Simon Mwadkwon Ph.D had 119 to be declared winner in the early hours of Monday 23rd May 2022 with the PDP primary elections holding at Langfield center in Jos Plateau State.
INSECURITY: GOVERNOR LALONG TASKS SECURITY FORCES TO CONFISCATE ILLEGAL WEAPONS
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has decried the wide proliferation of weapons in the hands of non-State actors which is fuelling insecurity and heightening crime in the country.
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) 2022 held at the 3rd Armoured Division Small Arms Range, Miango, Bassa Local Government Area, Lalong said the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in curbing crime are being jeopardised by the prevalence of small and light weapons in the hands of non-State actors who have continued to threaten national security.
He said without doubt, the Nigerian Army boasts of great men and women who possess skills and potentials that are essential in enhancing the national security architecture. They have demonstrated this over and over again by addressing several cases of insecurity where lives and properties are threatened.
He said “Let me also use this opportunity to request that the Nigerian Army and indeed the security agencies in the country do more to ensure that arms are taken away from non-state actors. The level at which un-permitted persons get access to arms and ammunition in the country is very worrying. This has increased the cases of kidnapping, violent crimes and terrorism across the nation. While I urge you to continue in this regard, I wish to also emphasise the need for synergy among security agencies for better results. In a society where criminals are becoming more sophisticated, we need to close ranks and ensure that no one is left behind. This includes the civilian population which also has the duty to provide necessary and timely information to security agencies”.
Lalong said his administration has done a lot to build the capacity of community and traditional systems as well as vigilante watch groups to serve as a support system to the conventional security apparatus at the grassroots. This he said has proven very effective as there is constant information on the criminals, leading to their dislodgement.
He expressed hope that the competition will present a veritable avenue for the participating teams to discover their potentials and sharpen the skills required to enhance kinetic operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces, urging them to bring to fore team work, discipline, commitment and professionalism in the cause of the exercise.
GOC 3rd Armoured Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali said the exercise is a bi-annual event which brings together competitors from various formations of the Nigerian Army who compete for various categories in marksmanship and handling of small weapons.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff Gen. Farouk Yahaya for approving the hosting of the 2022 NASAC by the 3rd Armoured Division and also making funds available for the event to be organised.
Representative of the Chief of Army Staff Major General Stephen Olabamji in an interview with newsmen said the exercise was part of the overall programmes of the Nigerian Army towards ensuring that officers and men are equipped with the right skills in weapon handling that will enable them continue to perform their task of protecting the nation.
The Governor later flagged off the exercise by participating in the ceremonial firing.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State. 23rd May 2022.
APC Releases revised timetable for Election of party candidates at all Levels
The Ruling All Progressives Congress has released a revised timetable of activities leading up to the election of the candidates to fly the Party’s flag during the 2023 Election. This was contained in a Press Release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Felix Morka, in Abuja.
Below is the full Statement:
ABUJA, FCT
MAY 23, 2022
PRESS STATEMENT
REVISED APC TIMETABLE FOR 2023 PRIMARY ELECTIONS
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 23rd of May, 2022, approved a revised Timetable/Schedule of Activities for the Governorship, State House of Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives Primary Elections as follows:
***Thursday, 26th of May, 2022 Governorship – (State Delegates) State House of Assembly – (LGA Delegates)
***Friday, 27th of May, 2022 Senate – (LGA Delegates)
***Saturday, 28th of May, 2022 House of Representatives – (LGA Delegates)
Please Note that the Special Convention for the Presidential Primary will be held as scheduled on Sunday, 29th – Monday, 30th of May, 2022.
SIGNED Barr. Felix Morka National Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress (APC)
Nigeria’s retired general and politician, Jeremiah Useni, has forfeited 1.9 million British pounds hidden in bank accounts on the Island of Jersey, a court in that country ruled on Thursday, according to a local newspaper.
Bailiwick Express reported that the Royal Court of Jersey seized the funds kept in four accounts at the Standard Chartered Bank over a period of 15 years begining in 1986 when the old soldier first opened an account in the name of “Tim Shani.”
It has since turned out Tim Shani is a fake name the former minister used in concealing his loot.
Mr Useni, 79, was a Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army and close ally of late kleptocrat Sani Abacha under whom he served as Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. He later represented Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate between 2015 and 2019.
Former Head of State, Sani Abacha Former Head of State, Sani Abacha In 2006, a probe by the Office of the National Security Adviser under President Olusegun Obasanjo indicted Mr Useni. The probe report exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES said Mr Useni acquired real estate, hospitality, petrol service, and farm assets from illicit sources.
Two of the assets identified in the probe report – Tim Tali Motels, Langtang, and Tim Tali Farms, Gwagwalada – have names similar to the fictitious name he used in Jersey.
In 2001, the Standard Chartered Bank in Jersey wrote Mr Useni – who was then known to the bank as “Tim Shani” – that newly enacted stricter anti-money regulations required him to submit a certifified copy of his passport.
Responding six months later, he continued to present himself falsely as “Mr Shani” and then requested that the funds in his accounts be transferred to a Nigerian bank account. His request was rejected, and in 2003, the matter triggered law enforcement actions, leading to the freezing of the suspicious accounts.
After four years of repeated attempts by Mr Useni’s lawyer to unfreeze the accounts, he finally disclosed his true identity and his ownership of the accounts in 2007.
While making that disclosure, he claimed to have derived his wealth from multiple businesses including transportation, hospitality, petrol stations, property investment, and personal savings. He said he decided to hide his wealth offshore for “security” because of the instability in Nigeria.
The businesses he cited as sources of his wealth were similar to those listed by the Obasanjo era probe as having been illegally acquired in Nigeria.
He was said to have provided no information about his income in the 1980s and 1990s to explain the provenance of his wealth but he said he had used the non existent “Tim Shani” to open the accounts based on advice from his agent to use a “coded password name”
Jersey’s Attorney General concluded that he had done so to hide his connection with the funds and conceal their likely criminal source.
“The Attorney General believes that the Shani accounts were created to hold, hide and conceal bribes or other proceeds of corruption received by Useni during the period he held office,” Bailiwick Express quoted the court as saying before ordering the forfeited funds be transferred to Jersey’s Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund.
“The payments into the Shani accounts were more likely than not for the purposes or on account of exercising political influence over the award of lucrative contracts to foreign and Nigerian companies for the supply of industrial or commercial services in Nigeria.”
Mr Useni’s Jersey lawyer had reportedly tried to explain the source of the funds as cash gifts from friends and well-wishers during festive seasons in accordance with Nigerian culture. In addition, the lawyer claimed there was no Code of Conduct for public officers in Nigeria at the time the purported gifts were received.
The court rejected the explanations as absurd and incredible.
“The affidavits of [Gen Useni] have not satisfied the Court that the property held in the bank accounts is not tainted property and on the application of the Attorney General, we will make a Forfeiture Order in relation to that property,” the court concluded, according to Bailiwick Express.
Between 2003 and 2020, at least $470 million – stolen and laundered through the U.S. by late Mr Abacha and family and associates such as Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu – was repatriated to Nigeria from Jersey.
However, the court did not rule that the 1.9 million pounds recovered from Mr Useni be transferred to Nigeria.
Mr Useni did not answer calls or reply a text message seeking his comment on Friday.
He harbours no grudges and has no intention to be a Governor of a divided house nor does he nurse ill feelings against any soul whatsoever.
If only because of his experience in public service, stable character,knowledge in security,/skills in revenue generation,and that he contributed to the building of his community and his people,then he is unblemished.
For he served Nigeria meritoriously with good records in customs. He will only need to consolidate on the noble policies of the Rescue Mission of Governor Simon Bako Lalong,and he will make decisions that will unite the party and the state for a SECURED, PROSPEROUS,AND UNITED PLATEAU ANCHORED ON THE FEAR OF GOD.
For posterity sake, let’s not be carried away by those who sing praises during election, provide us with mere seat, inelastic relationship, perishable food items with corrupt intention to put us on our feets tomorrow.
Tell me that man you consider most perfect.I will tell you that Nde.Victor Dimka fsi is far better. He is Better than those pretending to be generous and disguising as the BEST ever.
GOVERNOR LALONG RECEIVES REPORT ON CREATION OF DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN PLATEAU STATE
The Executive Governor of Plateau State Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong has received the Report of the Committee set up to review the establishment of Development Areas in Plateau State.
Members of the Committee were received on behalf of the Governor by Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS) Prof Danladi Abok Atu who appreciated the Chairman and Members of the Committee for the successful execution of their assignment.
Prof. Atu said the creation of Development Areas in Plateau State is of great importance to the Governor as it constitutes part of his philosophy of inclusive governance which presents the grassroots with an opportunity to directly be involved in governing process.
Prof Atu informed the committee about the recent release of reports on the newly created Districts and Chiefdoms were announced during the week. He said both Districts and Development Areas are very critical as they will help in improving security as well as promoting development in the rural areas.
The SGS then assured the committee that the report will not just rest on the shelf, as the Government will study it and implement its recommendations.
Chairman of the Committee, Mr Litta Dafan Shindai expressed the appreciation of the committee to the Executive Governor of Plateau State for finding them worthy to carry out the very crucial assignment.
Mr. Shindai stated that bringing development nearer to the people and the people nearer to Government as well as the provision of social services that will have a direct bearing on the lives of the citizens of the state will be possible with the creation of the Development Areas.
The Committee was set up on the 23rd of April 2021 by Governor Simon Lalong and was inaugurated on the 7th of May 2021 by the SGS.
Among other things, the Committe made the following recommendations:
1. The creation of an additional three (3) Development Areas to be added to the Fifty-two (52) earlier set aside by the previous administration, bringing the total to Fifty-five (55).
2. That a sustainable fiscal policy is adopted thus:
i. 10% of the State Gross Statutory Allocation be allocated to Development Areas on monthly basis for capital projects.
ii. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) realized by the Development areas should be shared on an agreed determinable ratio between the Local Government Councils and Development Areas.
iii. The Local Government Council Law 2018 should be amended to accommodate suggestions 1&2 above.
3. The appointment of people with reputable character to manage the affairs of Local Government Development Areas.
The process for the creation of Development Areas is in compliance with provisions of the Local Government law, 2018 particularly sections 60 & 61.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 21st May 2022.
Dr Nentawe Yilwatda was adjudged the people’s favourite when he came tops among 43 governorship aspirants, scoring 70 per cent in the survey organised by the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN). Dr Yilwatda score total of 193 in the survey across the political parties, making him number one of the people’s choice. PIDAN is development initiative organization that aims to entrench democracy, encourage investment and economic development in Plateau state. The second highest score behind Yilwatda was Prof Dakas C Dallas who scored 186. Following that is Dr Patrick Dakum who scored 154; Prof Sonni G Tyoden, 138, Mr. Sunday Biggs, 113; Mr. Later Dabang, 103 and others. Dr Yilwatda excelled in all the criteria and won across the different parts of the state, cutting across ethnic and religious lines, as Plateau is desirable of a patriotic, competent and visionary citizen that would succeed Governor Simon Lalong to continue with the development trajectory in the state. The survey carried out by PIDAN included inputs from the 53 nationalities in Plateau State. Recall that the position of PIDAN in 2014 against the sitting government of Governor Jona Jang’s government led to the sacking of the government and his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). PIDAN is a neutral body that does not lean on any political party, hence the credibility of its surveys and that is why this survey includes aspirants of APC, PDP and other political parties that indicated interest to vie for the governorship of Plateau State irrespective of whether they purchased form or not. Statement from PIDAN’s secretariat, signed by its National President, Prof Aboi Madaki urged community development association leaders to use the survey as a guide, as it reflects the choice of the people of the state. “The survey represents the complete and collective opinion of the Community Development Associations (CDAs) Leadership. This ranking report, which is meant to help Community Development Associations Leadership, should advise their subjects with respect to their engagement in the political process. It will also help the national PIDAN leadership and its related supporting organisations in deciding the direction to follow in both primary and the general elections. The leadership will use this ranking report to advise political parties and key stakeholders on the need to bring in stronger rather than weak candidates as their flag bearers. We hope to be active partners with the political parties in bringing in strong flag bearers and by extension a better person as the Governor of the State,” the group said.
Plateau State APC National delegates on Thursday 19th May 2022 hosted former Transport Minister and Presidential Aspirant Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi as he stormed the State in search of votes ahead of the National primaries.
Rt. Hon. Amaechi who was accompanied by a large delegation paid a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at his residence at Rayfield Jos, before meeting with the delegates at the Victoria Gowon Hall of the New Government House.
Amaechi told the delegates that he was in the State to seek their support and mandate to fly the flag of the party in 2023 because he has the competence and capacity to tackle the challenges of the nation.
He referred the delegates to his records of service as two-term Speaker and Governor of Rivers State, Former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Minister of Transport and former Chairman, Conference of Speakers in Nigeria.
He said his relationship with Plateau State runs deep as he has worked with major stakeholders of the State over the years and promoted the interests of the State particularly during the administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong with whom he shares close friendship.
Amaechi assured the people of Plateau State that the security and development issues of the State will be given priority when he becomes President of Nigeria.
Governor Lalong while welcoming Rt. Hon. Amaechi said the State was ripe for him to harvest the investment he has made over the years especially the support and encouragement he gave during the registration of the APC in Plateau State as well as the hurdles it had to cross to dislodge a sitting Government in 2015. He also did same in 2019 when the APC was reelected.
Lalong said “Rt. Hon. Amaechi believed in us even when many did not have confidence in us and refused to support us. He stood by us and saw to our victory. Even at the Federal Executive Council, we always received the assistance of Amaechi who protected the interests of Plateau State because we had no voice from those that were supposed to represent us. In fact, I am one Governor in Nigeria that has not been lucky with Ministers in the last 7 years. We thank Rt. Hon. Amaechi who ensured that the Inland Container Depot, North Central HUB of the Shippers Council and the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line passing through Jos were approved”.
Chairman of the APC Hon. Rufus Bature said the coming of Rt. Hon. Amaechi to Plateau State was a mere formality because his good works have been registered in the minds of the people and delegates who are determined to give him their votes.
Former Minister of Aviation in Second Republic Chief Samuel Mafuyai, Former Member Plateau House of Assembly Alice Dimlong, and Algon Chairman Plateau State Hon. Alex Naantuam reiterated that the delegates will make good their commitment to deliver Amaechi during the Presidential primaries.
In a session conducted by the Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda, Majority leader of the House Hon. Naanlong Daniel moved a motion that the delegates adopt Rt. Hon. Amaechi as the aspirant to be supported by Plateau delegation. Hon. Baba Hassan seconded the motion which was unanimously carried.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 20th May 2022.
DR. NENTAWE YILWATDA STORMS NZEM BEROM; EXTOLS THE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE BEROM PEOPLE ON THE PLATEAU
20.05.2022
Crowd of supporters thronged out to welcome Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda at the Rwang Pam Township stadium, venue of the 2022 Nzem Berom Cultural event, with a theme “Celebrating the Berom in politics”. The ICT Guru acknowledged the crowds by waving back before taking his seat.
Speaking at the event, the leading APC gubernatorial Aspirant on the Plateau, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, took time to highly score the uncommon unity of the Berom people which has translated into visible growth and development in education, agriculture and entrepreneurship. He promised to ensure this type of unity is broadly replicated across the over 50 ethnic groups on the Plateau, assuring that the State will witness prosperity when he is elected Governor in 2023.
Dr. Yilwatda solicited the support of Berom people in his quest to govern Plateau State, reiterating that the #GenerationNext Movement will revolutionize governance and usher in a new era of Security, Unity and Prosperity which are the most daring tripod of challenges confronting Plateau State.
Highlights of the event included various cultural display by different groups, donations into an endowment fund and goodwill messages from distinguished guests, including His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Simon Bako Lalong, Executive Governor of Plateau State.
GOVERNOR LALONG INAUGURATES PLATEAU STATE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION; SIGNS VAAP ACT INTO LAW
Governor Simon Bako Lalong inaugurated Members of the Plateau State Judicial Service Commission with a charge for them to ensure that there is transparency, discipline and efficiency in the operations of the Judiciary in Plateau State.
Governor Lalong who inaugurated Chairman and members of the Commission at the New Government House Little Rayfield Jos said the body is saddled with the duty of advising the National Judicial Council on the Appointment and discipline of Judicial Officers including the Chief Judge; Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal; President of the Customary Court of Appeal; Judges of the State High Court; as well as Khadis and Judges of the Sharia and Customary Courts of Appeal.
He said the Constitution powers them to also appoint, dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over the Registrars, Deputy Registrars of the Courts mentioned above as well as Magistrates, Judges and members of Area and Customary Courts. All other members of the Staff of the Judicial Service of Plateau State are expected to be supervised by this Commission.
Lalong said “Because our people deserve justice and fairness in Temple of Justice, it goes without saying that every process and bureaucracy of the Judiciary must be occupied by qualified and competent persons who will ensure smooth operations of the system. Any break in the chain of the Judiciary will have negative consequences on the society. It is therefore expected that you will work hard to ensure that the right persons are appointed into any office while such persons are guided and supervised to operate within the guidelines of the Judiciary. The era of misconduct, corruption, indiscipline, unnecessary delay of cases and other infractions should be over as you come on board”.
Members of the Commission include the Chief Judge of Plateau State Hon. Justice David Mann (Chairman), Mrs. Zipporah Mang, (Member), Mr. Henry Lankwap (Member), Barr. Tony Agaga (Member), Barr. Stephen Abah (Member).
Meanwhile the Governor has signed into law the Violence Against Persons Act (VAPP) passed by the Plateau State House of Assembly.
The Governor said the signing of the law was very important because it will curb the menace of violence against women and children which is on the increase in the country. He said even men will receive protection against violence from the new law.
Lalong said the State Government will give all necessary support to the relevant agencies towards implementing the provisions of the VAAP Law in order to safeguard the safety of the citizens particularly the most vulnerable.
Giving the synopsis of the law, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Plateau State Chrysanthus Ahmadu said the VAAP law which is the domestication of the law passed by the National Assembly is very comprehensive and deals with all areas of violence and rights of the citizens particularly women and children who are mostly affected by cultural practices and harmful traditions.
He said it is a specialised piece of Legislation that seeks to prevent violence against persons (VAP), by prohibiting certain acts and prescribing penalties for violation. While some of the offences are known to our Criminal Statutes such as the Penal Code Law of Plateau State many of the violent acts against persons sought to be contained are new.
Among some of the major acts of violence against persons which the Law prohibits and which are to be found in Clauses 3 to 26 of the Bill are offences such as rape which upon conviction attracts the punishment of life imprisonment and a person who aids, abets or conceals an offender also commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for a minimum of 12 years imprisonment.
Gang Rape also attracts imprisonment for a minimum of 20 years without an option of fine as well as award appropriate compensation to the victim as it may deem fit in the circumstance.
A marriage partner who forcefully evicts his/her partner from his/her home or refuses him/her access commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years or to a fine of not less than N300,000 or to both such fine and imprisonment.
Anyone who incites, aids, or abets another to commit the offence of forceful ejection such as relatives/in-laws who eject widows or persons with disability is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year or a fine of not less than N200,000 or both such fine and imprisonment.
On the Abandonment of spouse, children and other dependents – Clause 17(1) of the VAAP Law prescribes that any person who abandons a wife/husband, children or other dependents without any means of sustenance commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than three years or to fine of not less than N500,000 or to both.
The law also prohibits Spousal/Partner battery in Clause 20 which states that any person who stalks another commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than 2 years or a fine of not less than N500,000 or to both.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 19th May 2022
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