Plateau – Jang express desire to lead protest over impeachment of Speaker Abok

Former Governor of Plateau state Jonah Jang ,on Wednesday said that he is willing to lead a protest of Plateau people against what he termed the illegal impeachment of the former Speaker of the state House of assembly Hon Abok Ayuba.

Jang in a statement made available to newsmen in Jos reads that “Having fought for democracy, as member of NADECO and later the G38, i am willing to lead a protest of Plateau people against the illegality that has been perpetrated at the Plateau State House of Assembly.

The statement reads that ” the unfortunate happenings in the Plateau State House of Assembly in the last couple of days calls for, not only the intervention of all well-meaning Plateau elders and stakeholders but, people of goodwill who love the State and hold it dear to their hearts.”

He added that “We are indeed witnesses to the drama which has engulfed the State Assembly simply because a section of the Government wants the Speaker out at all costs. While it is unfortunate that these individuals have put their primordial sentiments above reason, and would do anything including making a mockery of the Constitution just to achieve their selfish ends, we cannot fold our arms as the efforts the Plateau people have put to sustain the fragile peace is made nonsense of.”

“The removal of a speaker or change of leadership in legislative houses might not be new, but when the process is abused and goes against the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the people must work together to ensure the stability of the House which, in any case, is made up of those they voted to represent them and work for their welfare and in their best interests.”

Jang further added that the Executive has tried, albeit unconvincingly, to wash its hands off of the disgraceful events in the House of Assembly but the more the Governor and his handlers try to spin a story around the issue, the more glaring it becomes that the six members who staged an impeachment are only acting out a script for the Governor, the hasty nature with which the Governor hurriedly received a ‘new speaker’ knowing full well, being a lawyer, that what happened was an aberration, speak volumes
“Evidence has shown that the numbers required to carry the impeachment is not available to those desperate to remove the speaker, hence they have resorted to using undue force in pushing forth their agenda which is indeed, not only unconstitutional but, shameful.

He also added that Plateau is bigger than any individual, the aspirations of the people must not be trampled upon owing to the selfishness of a few .

The statement also reads that ” This transcends party affiliation, it is a matter of safeguarding the Plateau heritage and guaranteeing the security and welfare of the people which, in all honesty, the government of the day has failed to provide.”

Jang who was also former Senator representing Plateau North in the National Assembly called on Youths to resist the temptation of taking laws into their hands as two wrongs can not make a right.

He said that “The Governor must listen to the voice of reason and restore normalcy in the Plateau State House of Assembly, the crisis bedevilling the Assembly has a way of spiralling to affect the lacklustre performance of the government which has already failed in discharging its responsibility to Plateau citizens. The interests of a few must not, therefore, be allowed to shatter the hopes of millions of Plateau people who deserve better .”

” It is on this premise that I call on Plateau elders to rise up to the occasion by prevailing on the Governor, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, to demonstrate leadership for once by allowing the Honourable Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly to decide who their leaders are and even if the speaker were to be impeached, the members of the House be allowed to so decide; arm twisting the Assembly with a few members will further derail the government of the day as it staggers toward a directionless route.”

No amount of explanation will justify wrongdoing, it is unconstitutional for 8 out of 24 members to effect a change in leadership in the House, no matter how the Government goads them on. The Governor should know better as a lawyer, he must not allow the trappings of power push him to dig deeper into infamy, the prize he has earned for himself, with Plateau people, in seeking personal ambition over the collective welfare of the citizens.
Ordinarily, one would have thought that the Governor, himself, a former Speaker of the House of Assembly who was impeached, would have learned from the mistakes of the past and etched his name in gold but here we are, retrogressively marching beyond the dark days of our past.

Democracy has come of age in Nigeria and those of us who were in the trenches fighting for the return to democratic rule will not fold our arms and watch our labours washed down the drain by the egotistical pursuits of individuals who are only beneficiaries of what we were even jailed for by the military.

I want to use this medium, as I join my voice with those of other well meaning Plateau people, to call on the Governor to salvage the situation and restore normalcy to the House. We have become a laughing stock and we must put an end to the unconstitutionality playing out at the Plateau State House of Assembly.

Failing to do that, the Governor would not only have openly declared tacit support, as we are already sensing, to a breach of the constitution but would have gone ahead to brazenly show he sanctioned the comedy playing out in the House of Assembly.

GOVERNOR LALONG PRAISES GOSA @ 70; SAYS IT HAS IMPACTED SOCIETY

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed deep appreciation to the missionaries who founded the Boys Secondary School (BSS) and Girls High School Gindiri (GHS) for their foresight in building an institution that has raised leaders who have made their mark and influenced society positively.

Governor Lalong was speaking when he  recieved members of the Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA) who were at the Government House Rayfield Jos, to pay him a courtesy visit as part of activities for the 70th Anniversary of the institutions.

Governor Lalong expressed delight that the institution has remained true to its motto of “Light and Truth” by turning out products that have made impact in various fields of endeavour. He said many of them have risen to very high offices in Plateau State, Nigeria and other parts of the world on account of the discipline, godly knowledge and academic training they obtained at Gindiri.

He urged the old students to use the 70th anniversary celebrations to reflect on what they can do to improve the fortunes of the schools and of education in the entire State using the various opportunities available to them.

He assured them of the support of the Plateau State Government in their activities pledging to intervene in the well being of the institutions particularly the School for the blind.

GOSA President Prof. Rotgak Gofwen said they were at the Government House to appreciate the Governor for his support over the years and also intimate him on the activities lined up for the 70th anniversary celebrations.

He said the old students have constructed science laboratories, remodelled the dining hall and rebuilt the Assembly Hall all in a bid to enhance the comfort of students and teachers.

He also said the body has built a befitting GOSA headquarters which will be commissioned during the festivities.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
3rd November 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG RECIEVES ANAN PRESIDENT, PLEDGES TO SUSTAIN TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

President and Chairman of Council, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) Prof. Benjamin Chuka Osisioma, FNCA and other Principal Officers today paid a courtesy visit on Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong at the new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

Prof. Osisioma said they were at the Government House to intimate the Governor on the progress of the body and the new ANAN University which was approved recently by the Federal Government.

He said ANAN has continued to make progress having been given a conducive environment to flourish in Plateau State since establishment. This he said made the body to turn down overtures by other States to relocate ANAN College from Jos.

The ANAN President said the body has embarked upon many social responsibility projects which have been completed. These include school renovation and water provision within the host communities.

He appealed to the Governor to fulfil his promise of assisting the ANAN University in constructing a library as well as the road leading to the institution.

Responding, Governor Lalong said he was proud of the achievements of ANAN which has come a long way in building professionals in the accounting profession and building a solid institution that has metamorphosed into a University.

Plateau State he said will continue to support ANAN in its efforts to develop the nation through producing sound professionals that are capable of managing the resources of the nation in a transparent and open manner.

He commended ANAN members for contributing to the success of the Rescue Administration as they have added a lot of impetus to the transparency and accountability rating of the Government which has earned Plateau State awards at the national level.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
2nd November 2021.

NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi CONDOLES THE FAMILY OF DR JAMES DALOK

The leader of DVD Movement, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi received with shock the news of the sudden demise of Dr. James Dalok, who notably was the running mate of the PDP Gubernatorial candidate General Jeremiah T. Useni at the 2019 General elections.

“The late Dr. James Dalok shall be greatly missed not only by his immediate family, Mwaghavul nation, Plateau State but the nation at large”.

Nde David Victor Dimka fsi urges the family, Mwaghavul nation, The Peoples Democratic Party, friends and associates to take solace in God Almighty who is the author and finisher of our lives.

May his soul rest in perfect peace with the Lord. Amen.


DVD Media Team

ABU 1990 LAW CLASS DONATES RELIEF ITEMS TO PLATEAU STATE.

The Ahmadu Bello University Law Class of 1990  who are coursemates of the Plateau state Governor Simon Bako Lalong, have donated relief materials to assist in addressing the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) affected by the recent crisis in the State.

The classmates were at the Government House, Rayfield-Jos  to make a symbolic presentation of the items to the Governor. Leader of the delegation Sylvanus Tahir said they came to commiserate with the Government and people of Plateau over losses incurred during the attacks which left many survivors stranded and in pains.

Tahir said the ABU class of 1990 were greatly moved to act and show support to the Governor who is their coursemate because he has  always embraced everyone irrespective of class, social status, religious or ethnic affiliations.

The team leader recalled with nostalgia their days in school where they worked as a team and loved one another. He described the Governor as a humble and accessible personality who is a rallying point for the set, a virtue he has exhibited for many years.

They commended the Governor for his efforts of making Plateau a peaceful state, Tahir called for unity and the spirit of oneness among citizens of the State irrespective of tribe, religion, and other differences praying that the peace being experienced will be consolidated. 

Governor Lalong while appreciating the  gesture said he is very proud of his class for their solidarity, show of love and brotherliness which has been demonstrated in their support to people in need.

He recalled how the class encouraged him to come out and contest the Governorship elections in 2015 by contributing in kind and financially which assisted his campaign.

Lalong disclosed that the set is blessed with many high standing personalities in the society including 5 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), 15 Court Judges among others adding that the gesture done for the people of Plateau will go a long way in relieving those  distressed by the crisis.

Among relief items presented were detergents, wrappers, blankets, vegetable oil, noodles, spaghetti, rice, Semovita among others

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
2nd October 2021.

NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi CONDOLES THE FAMILY OF BABA CAPTAIN DIN RTD

Nde David Victor Dimka fsi received with shock the news of the death of elder statesman Baba Captain Joseph Din rtd who passed on recently at the age of 84.

Nde David Victor Dimka fsi said, “the demise of Baba is a personal loss to me as he has been a great pillar of support to my family and I.”
“Baba was an accomplished soldier who fought for the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria during the civil war with great valour. After retirement he distinguished himself as a great businessman, community leader who was the Mishkagham Dakyil of the Mwaghavul Nation. Baba was passionate about the Plateau Project and was a consummate politician whose Kalwa House was synonymous with politics in Plateau State. He believed in the unity, peace and progress of not only Plateau but Nigeria as a whole and stood tall in the defence of the cause of justice all his life.”

“On behalf of my family, the DVD Movement in Plateau State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Din family, the entire Mwaghavul nation, the Government and people of Plateau State and Nigerians at large over this irreparable loss.

“Baba has paid his dues and excelled in different spheres of human endeavor, leaving indelible footprints in the sands of time. We shall miss his fatherly advice as the Chairman of Plateau APC Elders Forum.”

Nde David Victor Dimka fsi prays for God to grant his soul eternal rest in perfect peace. May God comfort all of us.

DVD Media Team

GOVERNOR LALONG MOURNS ELDERSTATESMAN CAPTAIN DIN

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described as a colossal loss, the death of elder statesman Capt. Joseph Din who passed on recently at the age of 84.

Governor Lalong described the demise of late Capt. Din as a huge loss to Plateau State and Nigeria at large considering his long record of patriotism, hardwork, mentorship and sacrifices to national development.

Lalong said the loss of the elder statesman is a personal loss to him as he has been a great pillar of support to the Rescue Administration since its inception, and continued to be a father to the All Progressives Congress family in the State through his role as the Chairman of the party’s Elders Advisory Council.

He said the deceased was an accomplished soldier, great businessman, and politician who believed in the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.

“Our father was a man of peace who did everything within his power to support the return of peace to Plateau State by embracing people of different faiths, ethnic and political affiliations and also insisted on equity, justice and fairness. Without doubt, his wise counsel would be dearly missed, especially at this time when we are consolidating on the achievements we have recorded within the last six years” he said.

While commiserating with his family and the entire State, Governor Lalong urged that his legacies of love, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and goodwill should be sustained to honour his memory.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
1st November 2021.

Update: in other turn of events Rt Hon. Yakubu Sanda suspends 6 legislative members, in a sitting presided on the 1st November, 2021

HONOURABLE MEMBERS, 

It is with all sense of humility and honour that I address you on this second plenary session of the House since you unanimously elected me as your Speaker. 

Let me once again appreciate you for the confidence reposed in me as a first among equals and also assure you that I will do my utmost best to justify the confidence and trust you have bestowed upon me. 

I also realise that coming at this time, this responsibility is huge and calls for all hands to be on deck to salvage the integrity of this Honourable House and its members. 

Earlier this morning, we woke up to yet another attempt by some disgruntled members who in desperation to perpetuate the former speaker of the House broke into the chambers and took the House hostage to stage an illegal sitting and make an address aimed at ridiculing this Honourable House. This is another sad day in the life of this House. 

In the light of the above, I call on the Honourable members to remain resolute and determined to resist any attempt to take us back to needless rancour, crises and instability orchestrated by a few members who clearly do not have the interest of the people of Plateau at heart. 

Having convened an illegal sitting in an event hall in Zawan last week where they announced a sham and baseless suspension of the authentic leaders and members of this house, as well as breaking into the hallowed chambers of this Honourable House this morning 1st November 2021 to further denigrate the House. This house must take firm measures to forestall such occurrences from happening again. 

Accordingly, this House hereby suspends the following members with effect from today 1st November 2021 till further notice. 

1. Hon Nuhu Abok Ayuba – Jos East

2. Hon Henry Longs – Pankshine South

3. Hon Dangtong Timothy – Riyom

4. Hon Musa Agah – Rukuba/Iregwe

5. Hon Bala Fwanje – Mangu South 

6. Hon Nambol Listic – Langtang North 

We hereby declare the former Speaker wanted for conduct inimical to the interest of the House and call on the security agencies to arrest him for parading a fake mace. 

Furthermore, the House has set up two committees to investigate the former Speaker financial embezzlement and misappropriation. 

Similarly, the security agencies have been directed to take charge of the House and ensure that the suspended members are not allowed access to this Honourable House while their suspension persists. 

Thank you. 

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda 

Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly,

1st November 2021.

FORMER PLATEAU SPEAKER PRAISES GOVERNOR LALONG, BEGS HIM TO RECOGNISE HIM AND RESTORE HIM TO OFFICE

Former impeached Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Abok Nuhu Ayuba and some PDP legislators have been seen in a video on social media begging Governor Lalong and President Muhammadu Buhari to help return him to office after he was impeached last week.

In the 2:51 video believed to have been recorded when the impeached former Speaker Abok Nuhu and members of the opposition broke into the House under the cover of darkness in the early hours of Monday, 1st November 2021, an ally of the embattled former Speaker Philip Dasun was seen begging the Governor and the President to intervene and bring the former Speaker back.

He thanked Governor Lalong for being a hero of democracy who does not interfere in the business of the House.

They also claimed that that they were not in the chambers to fight anyone, but only appealing to  Governor Lalong and President Buhari to restore the impeached Speaker.

Although the video was trending around 8am, their ploy to fool the public into believing that they came into the chambers during official sitting hours of the House backfired as they were thanking their supporters who were outside at 10 and 11am.

More details soon…..

SECURITY TEARGASS IMPEACHED PLATEAU SPEAKER AND OPPOSITION MEMBERS FOR BREAKING INTO HOUSE.

There was pandemonium at the Plateau State House of Assembly as security personnel dispersed members of the House sympathetic to the impeached former Speaker Abok Nuhu who broke into the House under the cover of darkness in the early hours of Monday, 1st November 2021 claiming to still be in charge.

Trouble started when the PDP lawmakers accompanied by the former Speaker allegedly scaled the fence to gain access to the chambers to record a vidoe appealing for intervention. All of them were totalling 11 including the Speaker.

However, other members of the House in support of the new Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda soon stormed the House to challenge the illegal meeting but a fracas ensued among the two camps.

Soon afterwards, the security agencies moved in to forestall the breakdown of law and order as they ordered everyone out of the complex.

Those who resisted were tear gassed as they scampered for safety. The hired youths of the opposition party who were also demonstrating outside the Assembly complex were equally ordered to leave the scene and those who resisted were tear gassed.

Reports say that the members who sneaked into the House in the cover of the night destroyed the doors to gain access to the Chambers for their illegal activity without any staff of the assembly in attendance.

There is suspicion that they were aided by compromised security personnel who failed to maintain security in the House after recent developments.

In a short video being circulated, the former Speaker and his group were seen appealing to Governor Lalong and the President to intervene and help him get restored to office, a call many say is dead on arrival because the house is autonomous.

More details soon…..